15 Best Central California Coast Resorts To Book In 2026
Planning a vacation along the California Coast? From luxurious 5-star resorts to boutique beachfront getaways, I cover all the best Central California Coast resorts for an unforgettable stay! As a California local, I love a beachy holiday where I can pamper myself at a health spa, sip on a glass of wine overlooking the Pacific Ocean, and dine at top-rated seafood restaurants. Whether you are planning a romantic getaway for two, a family vacation, or a fun trip with close friends, there are so many incredible resorts along the Central California Coast to choose from! To make your trip planning easier, I have compiled a list of all the top…
25 Best Beaches On The Central California Coast
California has one of the most beautiful coastlines in the world, offering endless adventures for beach lovers. As a California local, I have traveled up and down the California coast many times, finding incredible beach destinations along the way. Whether you’re looking for a place to soak up the sunshine in the summer or somewhere to escape during the colder winter months, here are all of the top beaches along the Central California Coast! I cover these top-rated beaches in order, starting in the south by Malibu and heading north to Santa Cruz. Let’s dive in! 25 Best Beaches On The Central California Coast: 1. El Matador State Beach If…
15 Best Things To Do On A Trip To Ojai, California
Ojai is a small town north of Ventura known for its thriving arts scene, charming local businesses, and all things relaxation. Living in Ventura County, Ojai is one of my favorite quick getaways. Sometimes I stay for a night at one of the cozy boutique hotels, other times I come for lunch in the downtown area or to do an art class. Every time I visit, there is something new that I discover in town! Whether you are looking for a chill escape with a spa day or an active vacation with lots of outdoor activities, Ojai has something that appeals to everyone. Here are 15 of the best things…
10 Best Hiking Trails In Ventura, California
Craving a fun outdoor adventure on the Central Coast? Look no further as I share all of my favorite hiking trails in Ventura, California! I have lived in Ventura County for a couple of years now and have done quite a bit of hiking in the area. There is no better way to relax after work or to start the weekend than heading out on a wilderness trail. From rugged mountains to stunning coastal views, my post covers all of the best Ventura hiking trails (along with some hidden gems)! The trails that I share in this post are beginner-friendly, and many of them allow dogs, so you can bring…
Arroyo Verde Park Loop Trail In Ventura
Arroyo Verde Park Loop is a short and beautiful hike in Ventura that travels through rolling foothills. Along this trail, you can enjoy views of the Ventura coastline and the Pacific Ocean in the distance. The Arroyo Verde Park Loop is only 2.3 miles long, so it’s a great option for a quick morning workout or to take your dogs for a hike in Ventura County. In this post, I cover where the Arroyo Verde Park Loop Trail is located, what you can expect from this hike, and other visitor tips! Quick Trail Highlights Here are a few quick trail highlights before I go into more details: Location & Parking…
Ventura Botanical Gardens Trail In Ventura
The Ventura Botanical Gardens is a scenic outdoor garden in downtown Ventura with easily accessible trails and excellent ocean views. If you’re looking for a relatively short and beautiful place to go for a quick hike in Ventura, this is it! The Ventura Botanical Gardens allows dogs on select days. The trails are very family-friendly, so it’s the perfect place to go for parents with little kids. As a Ventura County local, I like to come here to enjoy the scenery, bring my toddler for some fresh air, and learn more about their preservation efforts. In this hiking guide, I cover where the garden is located, what you can expect…
13 Best Pet Friendly Hotels In Ventura, California
From spending the day at a dog-friendly beach to kayaking in the harbor and taking a stroll along Main Street, Ventura is the perfect destination for those wanting to enjoy fun adventures on the coast with their furry friends. Ventura County is very welcoming to dogs, so it’s no surprise that you can find plenty of pet-friendly hotels in Ventura to choose from for your visit! My pick for the top dog-friendly hotel in Ventura: Crowne Plaza Hotel Ventura Beach, which is located just steps from dog-friendly beaches! Many local Ventura hotels give out Pooch Pouches upon check-in that include dog treats, a bandana, and coupons for free doggie meals…
15 Top Dog Friendly Activities In Ventura, California
Tucked away on the Central California Coast, Ventura is the perfect weekend getaway. And the best part – there are tons of dog-friendly activities in Ventura, so you can bring your furry friend along! Spend the day hanging out on the beach, go for a hike at the nearby wilderness trails, rent a boat in the harbor, and sip on a beer at a local brewery at the end of the day. With a fun beachy vibe and welcoming atmosphere, there are so many fun things to do in Ventura with a dog. As a Ventura County local, I try to bring my pup Quito with me whenever I can.…
15 Best Hikes On The California Central Coast
As a Ventura County local, I have spent my fair share of time exploring the California coastline. From beachfront trails to serene redwood forests and scenic boardwalks, there are so many incredible hikes on the California Central Coast! Whether you are an experienced outdoor enthusiast or looking for your first, easy hike, this list covers something for everyone. No matter which trail you choose, you’ll be hiking in one of the most beautiful parts of the world – the California coast. Psst! Be sure to check out my interactive Google map with trail locations at the end of this post! I cover these trails starting in the south and going…
26 Best Things To Do In Ventura, California (By a Local)
Ventura is the perfect California coastal destination for those looking to spend a few days near the beach, enjoy outdoor activities like surfing and hiking, and indulge in fresh, drool-worthy seafood. As a local living in Ventura County for the past several years, I have discovered so many incredible things to do in the area. Whether you’re heading on a weekend trip from out of town, just moved here, or planning a pit stop on a road trip from LA to San Francisco, my Ventura guide is here to help! In this post, I cover some of my favorite things to do in Ventura for a fun coastal trip. I…
