Ventura Attractions

Nestled between sprawling foothills and coveted Pacific waves, Ventura is home to on and off shore sports, chill wine bars, historic homes and missions, and eccentric finds at the city's slew of antique shops. Trips to Channel Islands National Park kick off from the Ventura Harbor, where daily ferries shuttle adventurers across the channel to Anacapa, Santa Cruz, Santa Rosa, San Miguel, and Santa Barbara Islands. Upon landing on shore of one of the five islands, you'll find a wealth of wildlife, remote hiking trails, pristine campsites, hidden ocean caves, water sports, tide pools, and world-renowned whale watching. If the mainland is more your style, strolls along the Ventura Pier are a favorite pastime, and a scenic drive on Highway 33 takes you to the charming Ojai Valley—where back country hikes beckon, and local wines are poured along gallery lined streets. Whether on terra firma or afloat in the sea, there's never a dull moment in this breezy California beach town.