Explore the Charm of Ventura County: A Perfect Day Trip

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Ventura County is easily accessible for day trips from Los Angeles and Orange County. The county offers a range of attractions, from the artistic and musical culture of Ojai, surrounded by mountains, to the relaxed and historic beach town of Ventura. The city of Ventura is an ideal starting point for exploring the county, with its beautiful natural surroundings between the Ventura River and Santa Clara River valleys and the dramatic backdrop of Mount Pinos.

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Ventura’s Downtown is a great place to take a stroll.

Ventura’s downtown beach area features a wonderful promenade that runs along the shoreline from Surfer’s Point, past the pier, and to the southern end of Buenaventura State Beach. It’s an ideal location for taking a leisurely walk, biking, rollerblading, or enjoying the sunset over the Pacific Ocean. The pier is a popular attraction for tourists who fish and take in the views of the Channel Islands. Additionally, visitors can rent bikes, beach chairs, and bodyboards at the beach daily during the summer and on weekends in the winter. Visit Venture’s website.

Road Trip  to the Ojai Valley-City of Ojai

Take a picturesque road trip through Ventura County to reach the City of Ojai, one of the smallest towns in the county with just over 8,000 residents. Ojai is located a few miles up Highway 33, about 12 miles inland from Ventura. If you’re a wine lover, you’ll be pleased to know that Ojai has a thriving wine scene. There are several wineries in the area, like the Ojai Vineyard and Casa Barranca, where you can sample some local vintages. And if you’re more of a foodie, you’ll find plenty of farm-to-table restaurants serving delicious, locally sourced fare. While you’re here, stay for the “Pink Moment,” Ojai’s renowned sunsets that feature a striking pink hue. Ojai Valley website.

Visit Oxnard Gateway to the Channel Islands

Oxnard is a popular destination known for its expansive agricultural pastures, stunning ocean vistas, and refreshing Pacific breezes. It offers a unique combination of maritime exploration and natural beauty. Just 11 miles from the sandy shoreline, Oxnard is the gateway to the Channel Islands. Outdoor enthusiasts will find plenty of activities to enjoy, such as kayaking, boat tours to the Channel Islands, and whale watching. Additionally, Oxnard has a rich boxing history and has earned the nickname “Boxnard” due to the numerous world champions trained in the area—Oxnard Tourism website.

Heritage Valley Highway 126 Road Trip

Highway 126 runs through the heart of Ventura County. Along this route, you can explore the towns of Piru, Fillmore, and Santa Paula, as well as the historic Spanish Rancho Camulos. These areas are known for their citrus and avocado orchards, roadside stands, and rich railroad history. The Heritage Valley has a lot to offer for those who love food. Santa Paula proudly calls itself the Citrus Capital of the World, and you can still visit farm stands selling lemons, oranges, and avocados along Highway 126. If you’re interested in camping, visit the Lake Piru Recreation Area, which offers fishing and water sports, or try glamping at the Ventura Ranch KOA, where you can stay in teepees or Conestoga wagons. Heritage Valley Tourism Bureau

Go Shopping at Camarillo Outlets

A trip to Ventura County is incomplete without a stop at the Camarillo Outlets. This enormous mall boasts 160 stores where you can find discounts on your favorite brands. It’s like a treasure hunt, but instead of gold, you’ll find designer clothes, shoes, and accessories at a fraction of the price. If you’re into high-end brands, you’ll be pleased to know that there are luxury brands like Armani, Michael Kors, and Versace. When you need a break from all the shopping, you can grab a bite to eat at one of the many excellent onsite restaurants. From Johnny Rockets to Panera Bread, there’s something for everyone. And if you need a caffeine fix, you can head to Starbucks to recharge—Camarillo Outlets website.

Channel Islands National Park

The Channel Islands Visitor Center is just a short stroll past Ventura’s Harbor Village. It features a museum, a living tide pool, educational films, and more, giving visitors the chance to learn about the long history of these impressive islands. The Channel Islands National Park is like a hidden gem off the coast of Southern California, consisting of five remarkable islands: Santa Cruz, Anacapa, Santa Rosa, San Miguel, and Santa Barbara. It’s like a mini Galapagos in the U.S., with unique animals, plants, and archaeological resources found nowhere else on Earth. If you’d like to visit the islands, you can see Channel Islands National Park through the Island Packers—Channel Islands website.

Enjoy Outdoor Adventures at Point Mugu State Park

If you’re up for a hike, Point Mugu State Park, located on the county’s southern end and about a 30-minute drive from Oxnard in the Santa Monica Mountains, offers over 70 miles of hiking trails. The park is also a paradise for beach lovers, featuring sandy beaches, dunes, and rocky bluffs. It’s home to various wildlife, including dolphins, seals, pelicans, and whales, which can often be spotted on the Pacific Coast Highway. Additionally, the park is a significant cultural site, preserving a large outcropping of marbleized limestone with some 1,185 mortar holes, the largest collection of bedrock mortars in North America. Park website

San Buenaventura Mission Downtown Ventura

If you’re interested in history, you should visit this mission founded in 1749 to convert the native Chumash people to Catholicism and the Spanish way of life. Located in downtown Ventura, it has a rich and turbulent historical past. The mission was burned to the ground and rebuilt in 1809, hit with earthquakes, and even threatened by pirates. The beautiful gardens and exciting museum make it well worth a visit. The mission has faced many challenges, from earthquakes to pirate attacks. In 1812, the church was beautifully restored after a series of earthquakes and an accompanying tidal wave. It contains a 400-year-old crucifix from the Philippines, a pretty impressive piece of history—mission website.

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