26 Best Things To Do In Ventura, California (By a Local)

26 Best Things To Do In Ventura, California:

1. San Buenaventura State Beach

Spending a couple of hours at the San Buenaventura State Beach is one of the top things to do in Ventura for both locals and out-of-town visitors alike. This State Beach is a great spot for outdoor sports such as surfing, swimming, volleyball or just laying out on the sandy shoreline.

San Buenaventura State Beach is also the beginning point of the Ventura Beach Bike Trail which you can take down to the Ventura Pier and past it. Along the way, you can see scenic sand dunes and unique futuristic-looking restrooms (yep, you read that right!).

For day visitors there are plenty of picnic tables where you can enjoy a lunch with a view. If you don’t want to bring your own food, I highly recommend stopping by The Jolly Oyster Ventura seafood truck that’s situated within the State Beach parking lot.

I usually order the grilled oysters along with fried oyster tacos. For something a bit more unique try the Uni Ceviche Tostada made with Santa Barbara Sea Urchin.

Do note that dogs are allowed along the bike path and within The Jolly Oyster Ventura food truck area but not on the beach itself.

Location: San Buenaventura State Beach

2. Marina Park

One of the first places that I visited after moving to Ventura was Marina Park. This is one of the most popular Ventura attractions so you’ll see it popping up on Google Maps as one of the top things to do in the area.

Marina Park is situated right next to the ocean and consists of 15 acres of walking paths and a grassy area where you can enjoy a beachfront picnic. It’s a great place to come for families with kids or if you’re looking for somewhere to take your dog for a walk.

Marina Park has a beachfront playground and a large ship in the sand for kids to play in. The park is situated right next to the ocean and Ventura Harbor providing easy access to the water.

Location: Marina Park

3. Ventura Harbor Village

Ventura Harbor Village is one of the top places to go in Ventura, especially for out-of-town visitors. Ventura Harbor Village is an outdoor shopping center situated between the ocean and Ventura Marina.

Take a walk along the harbor and check out local shops, seafood restaurants, cafes, and dessert spots. A few of the most popular seafood restaurants include Brophy Bros., Andria’s Seafood, and Baja Bay Surf n Taco.

If you have a sweet tooth, be sure to stop by Coastal Cone & Parlor for a cone of soft-serve ice cream! They offer lots of unique flavor choices such as Fishzookies and Mermaid Yaki Fish Cone.

From Ventura Harbor, you can also go on a boat ride to Channel Islands National Park which can be arranged through Island Packers Cruises.

Location: Ventura Harbor Village

4. Ventura Botanical Gardens

Ventura Botanical Gardens is a beautiful outdoor space just north of downtown Ventura. If you’re looking for a relaxing activity to do on your visit, put Ventura Botanical Garden on top of your list!

As a local, I come to Ventura Botanical Gardens quite often for the beautiful nature and excellent ocean views. This outdoor garden offers several miles of hiking trails that climb up to the top of a hill with unobstructed ocean views along the way. The trails are very easy so it’s a great place to visit for families with little kids.

The entrance costs $7 per person, but they do offer free entrance on Fridays. This location also allows leashed dogs, but only on Wednesdays and Fridays. On all other days, dogs are not allowed.

There is a small visitor parking lot next to the Ventura Botanical Gardens Welcome Center where you can park your car and pay for the entrance fee before heading into the trails.

Location: Ventura Botanical Gardens

Hiking Tip: Before heading out hiking, I like to download an offline map from the AllTrails hiking app. This way I always have access to the trail map, even if I lose reception or get lost!

5. Take a Surfing Lesson

If you’ve never tried surfing before, but it’s always been on top of your bucket list, you’re in luck! Ventura has some of the best surfing conditions on the Central Coast making it a wonderful place to learn surfing for beginners.

I recommend booking this Ventura Surf Lesson which takes place on Mondo’s Beach, just 10 minutes north of Ventura. During the surfing lesson, the experienced instructors will teach you how to stand up on the surfboard, find your balance, and ride waves all the way to the shore.

I’ve taken numerous surfing lessons myself and it’s the fastest way to catch a wave without previous surfing experience. This Ventura surfing lesson includes all the necessary gear so you don’t have to worry about a thing!

6. Spencer Makenzie’s Seafood Restaurant

Spencer Makenzie’s is one of the most iconic seafood eateries in all of Ventura. While there are some fancier seafood restaurants in town (such as Brophy Bros. and Lure Fish House), Spencer Makenzie’s remains my favorite.

Spencer Makenzie’s is known for their world-famous fish tacos that are a must-try! This family-operated restaurant is affordable yet creates food only using the best, freshest ingredients.

Because of this, you can always expect to see a long line of customers waiting to order at the outdoor counter. There is some seating outdoors as well, but we love to sit outdoors to enjoy the ocean breeze and fresh air.

Besides the fish tacos, a few of my other favorites include the calamari tacos, Fish & Chips, and clam chowder.

• Location: Spencer Makenzie’s
• Website: Spencermakenzies.com

Read More: 15 Best Places To Eat In Ventura, California

7. Stay At Waypoint Ventura

If you’re planning a trip to Ventura from out of town and are looking for a memorable place to stay overnight, be sure to check out Waypoint Ventura! This property is located near the beach and features unique accommodations in luxurious vintage trailers.

Waypoint Ventura is a great choice for couples or groups that want to enjoy a bit of privacy, but still be close to each other. The property offers excellent amenities such as BBQ areas, cornhole games, and complimentary bikes that you can ride around downtown Ventura and to the beach.

Each of the trailers comes with modern upgrades including air conditioning, flat-screen TV, a shower, and a fridge. This property is also a short walking distance of popular local eateries such as Spencer Makenzie’s, Toppers Pizza Place, and Frontside Cafe.

Read Next: 15 Best Places To Stay In Ventura Near The Beach

8. Ventura Pier

A visit to Ventura would not be complete without stopping by the Ventura Pier. This is the oldest pier in California where you can come for an evening stroll, go fishing, or watch surfers catch waves in the ocean.

At the beginning of the pier, you can stop by Eric Ericsson’s Fish Co. and MadeWest Brewing Co. to enjoy fresh seafood and craft beer overlooking the water. If you’re looking for something a bit more budget-friendly, Beach House Tacos is a popular outdoor taco stand in the same location.  

From the pier, you can walk down the Ventura Promenade which offers excellent ocean views. If you have little kids, be sure to check out the Ventura Promenade Beach Playground that’s situated right on the sandy beach.

Location: Ventura Pier

9. Surfers Point At Seaside Park

Surfers Point At Seaside Park is one of the most popular beaches in Ventura that’s great for surfing, windsurfing, and bird watching. We like to come here on the weekends to go for a walk along the ocean and bring our dog for a bit of play on the beach.

Parking for Surfers Point can be a bit challenging, especially on the weekends. We usually park along Shoreline Drive which has 30-minute free visitor parking. You can also pay a small fee and park in the Public Parking @ Surfers Point.  

From Surfers Point you can walk along the Ventura Promenade which turns into a bike path. If you’re looking to get away from the busy tourist crowds, Surfers Point Dunes is a quiet beach just a short walk west.

Location: Surfers Point at Seaside Park

10. Emma Wood State Beach

If you keep going along the bike path past Surfers Point Dunes, you will eventually reach Emma Wood State Beach. This is a popular location for RV camping with campsites situated right next to the sandy beach.

This campground offers primitive campsites meant for self-contained vehicles like RVs and campervans. Here we often spot wildlife in the ocean like dolphins swimming along the shoreline.

Emma Wood State Beach is tucked away in a secluded location so you’ll rarely encounter many people here. Overall, this is one of the things to do in Ventura Beach if you want to get away from the crowds.

Location: Emma Wood State Beach

11. Walk Around Downtown Ventura

Downtown Ventura’s Main Street is one of the top places to visit in Ventura. This area consists of a pedestrian walking area that is closed off to car traffic.

Along both sides of Main Street, you’ll find many restaurants, bars, cafes, yoga studios, and antique shops. We like to come here to go on a stroll, stop by for a drink at one of the local restaurants, and browse through the boutique stores.

On the weekends Ventura’s downtown is buzzing full of out-of-town visitors and tourists seeking a getaway on the coast. This area often hosts fun events like Ventura Wine Walks, St. Patrick’s Day Parade, and Holiday Tree Lighting.

12. Mission Basilica San Buenaventura

The Old Mission Basilica San Buenaventura is one of the most notable locations to visit in downtown Ventura. This historic building is located along Main Street so it’s a great place to stop by as you’re walking around downtown to learn more about Ventura’s history.

Mission San Buenaventura is open to visitors from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm every day. There is a small fee of $5 to enter the Mission with discounts for seniors, active military, and youth.

With the admission, you can explore the church, garden, the interior, and see various artwork and sculptures. It takes about an hour to walk through the mission grounds which makes it a great little stop!

Location: Mission Basilica San Buenaventura 1782

13. Serra Cross At Grant Park

Serra Cross is an iconic Ventura landmark that can be seen from afar! This oceanfront park features a giant cross and sweeping panoramic views overlooking the Ventura coast.

Serra Cross is located at the summit of Grant Park which you can reach by foot or by car. At the top, there is a small parking lot and walkways that lead to a viewpoint of the Serra Cross.

This historic monument was originally built by a Spanish missionary in 1782 to guide people traveling to Mission Basilica San Buenaventura. Over the years the wooden cross has been replaced several times and remains a major Ventura attraction.

Location: Serra Cross

14. Dinner & Drinks At Rumfish y Vino

Whenever my friends & family come to visit me in Ventura, I always take them for dinner at Rumfish y Vino restaurant in downtown Ventura. This is also a great spot to dine if you’re looking for romantic things to do in Ventura as a couple.

This gastropub-style restaurant has a beautiful modern interior with a relaxed, beachy vibe. Their dinner menu is limited but features delicious choices such as Caribbean Fish Stew, Cochinita Pibil Tacos, Belize BBQ, and many seafood options.

For starters, we usually pick a few appetizers to share. Some of my favorites include mussels in mustard crema sauce, Peruvian ceviche, and garlic fries.

If you’re looking for a fun spot where you can enjoy a few cocktails and delicious food, this is where you’ll want to go!

• Location: Rumfish y Vino
• Website: Rumfishyvinoventura.com

15. Ice Cream At McConnell’s

Have a bit of a sweet tooth? Ventura is home to McConnell’s Fine Ice Creams which has been serving delicious treats to locals for over 70 years. The original store was established in Santa Barbara in 1934 with a newer location in Ventura that opened 14 years ago.

McConnell’s motto is to ‘Leave the world just a little sweeter than we found it’. And that is exactly what they strive to do!

The staff at Ventura McConnell’s is always so welcoming and friendly whenever we come in. They have two ice cream stations displaying the various flavors that you can pick from. I usually go for the Santa Barbara Strawberry and Toasted Coconut Almond Chip combo.

• Location: McConnell’s Fine Ice Cream
• Website: Mcconnells.com

16. Channel Islands National Park

Located a short boat ride from Ventura Harbor, Channel Islands is a popular outdoor getaway for California locals.

Channel Islands National Park consists of five islands:

• Anacapa Island
• Santa Cruz Island
• San Miguel Island
• Santa Barbara Island
• Santa Rosa Island

Within these islands, you can enjoy plenty of fun outdoor activities like camping, kayaking, snorkeling, and hiking amongst untouched landscapes. To reach the islands you will need to reserve a boat ride with Island Packers Cruises that depart from Ventura Harbor.

Some of the islands like Anacapa and Santa Cruz can be visited year-round while other islands have limited seasons. You can also reserve wildlife and whale-watching cruises that travel next to the islands without departing the boat.

17. Go Biking Along Ventura – Ojai Bike Path

The Ventura – Ojai Bike Path is a long, paved pathway that travels for 15 miles from Ojai to downtown Ventura. This is a great route to bike, trail run or walk if you’re looking for a longer place to stretch your legs.

I’ve walked parts of the Ventura Ojai bike path when looking for a quick escape into nature with my dog. I’ve also run the entire length as part of the annual Ventura Marathon. The pathway is fairly flat with a little bit of downslope (if you start in Ojai).

With plenty of trees, lush vegetation, and views of the mountains, the Ventura Ojai bike path is one of the best places to take a bike out for a spin in Ventura!

Location: Ventura River Bike Trail

18. Grab a Beer At a Local Brewery

Despite being a small beach town, Ventura is known for having quite a few local breweries! No matter where you end up staying, the chances are that there is a brewery within a few blocks from your hotel or vacation rental.

A few of my favorite Ventura breweries include:

• Transmission Brewing. This brewery is situated next to Toppers Pizza Place. There is an adjacent door and shared seating area so you can grab a beer and pizza at the same time.
• Ventura Coast Brewing Company. One of my favorites in downtown Ventura for its overall vibe and modern setting. VCBC often features food trucks on their outdoor patio.
• MadeWest Brewing Co. MadeWest arguably has one of the best locations situated right on the Ventura Pier! This is where you’ll want to go if you want to enjoy views of the Pacific Ocean as you sip on your craft beer.
• Topa Topa Brewing Co. Topa Topa is one of the most popular breweries with several locations on the Central Coast including Ventura, Santa Barbara, Ojai, and Camarillo.
• Rincon Brewery-Ventura. This brewery is a great choice for larger parties or if you want to enjoy a laid-back setting with plenty of food options.

Read Next: 5 Great Breweries In Ventura For Amazing Local Beers

19. Go On a Hike At Arroyo Verde Park

Arroyo Verde Park is a local park in Ventura where you can spend time outdoors surrounded by green hills and beautiful views. There are several miles of trails that you can enjoy here with plenty of visitor parking.

On your first visit, I recommend following the Arroyo Verde Park Loop route from the AllTrails hiking app. The higher you climb, the better the views will get!

I especially enjoy visiting Arroyo Verde Park in spring when the entire area is full of blooming flowers. This park is also very dog-friendly, so it’s the perfect place to bring your four-legged friend for exercise and play.

Location: Arroyo Verde Park

Visitor Tip: In the summer months, keep an eye out for rattlesnakes, especially when the weather starts getting hot. I like to carry a snake venom extractor kit when going on hiking adventures in California, especially in dry coastal areas.

20. Pete’s Breakfast House

Pete’s Breakfast House is an iconic Ventura breakfast spot that is a must-try at least once! This casual breakfast joint was featured on Food Network’s famous Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives show which created quite the buzz.

Pete’s Breakfast House takes pride in serving delicious food at affordable prices that won’t break the bank. Not sure what to try? Order the Chorizo Burger or Pancake Roll with yogurt and berries that Guy Fieri himself called ‘righteous’.

This breakfast restaurant is open from 7:30 am to 2:00 pm and fills up quickly, especially on the weekends. Be sure to come early in the morning to get a spot on their charming outdoor patio.

• Location: Pete’s Breakfast House
• Website: Petesbreakfasthouse.com

21. Grab Coffee At Prospect Coffee Roasters

If you’re looking to grab a cup of coffee in the morning before exploring Ventura, I recommend stopping by my favorite coffee shop in town – Prospect Coffee Roasters.

This inviting coffee shop boasts a beautiful modern interior complimented by some of the best coffee on the Central Coast. I usually go for the Batch Brew drip coffee but they sell plenty of drink choices such as Americano, Latte, Cold Brew, Hand Pour, and Matcha Latte, along with others.

Prospect Coffee Roasters sources coffee from small farms around the world such as Peru, Mexico, Colombia, and Ethiopia. The coffee sold at Prospect is very strong with notes of sweetness and acidity.

• Location: Prospect Coffee Roasters
• Website: Prospectcoffee.com

Read Next: 12 Best Coffee Shops In Ventura, California

22. Go On a Day Trip To Ojai

To switch things up, plan to spend a day in the nearby city of Ojai! Ojai is a small town 30 minutes north of Ventura where you can find lots of wine-tasting venues, spas, yoga studios, and restaurants.

A few of the most popular wineries and tasting rooms in this area include:

• Old Creek Ranch & Winery
• The Ojai Vineyard Tasting Room
• Majestic Oak Vineyard and Wine Tasting

Surrounded by lush trees and mountains, Ojai is the perfect place to spend an afternoon. Nearby you can find excellent hiking trails such as the Ventura River Preserve Trail.

Ojai is also known for its thriving art scene. If you’re looking for something creative to do on your visit, I highly recommend this 2-Hour Pottery Workshop and Studio Tour. I took this workshop with my friend and we had such a great time making clay pots that we later glazed and took home.

Read Next: 15 Best Things To Do On A Trip To Ojai, California

23. Four Brix Winery And Tasting Room

Don’t want to go all the way to Ojai for wine tasting? You’re in luck as Ventura has its own wine-tasting room at the center of the town.

At the Four Brix Winery and Tasting Room, you can try a selection of high-quality wines sourced from Paso Robles, Santa Ynez, and Ojai. This tasting room is open with limited hours Friday to Sunday from 12:00 pm to 4:00 pm.

On the weekend evenings, they often host specialty events with live music, wine and cheese pairings, paint & sip, and many others! For details be sure to check out the Four Brix Winery event calendar here.

Location: Four Brix Winery and Tasting Room

24. Harmon Canyon Preserve

Harmon Canyon is one of my favorite places to spend time outdoors. This preserve covers over 2100 acres of land with hiking and mountain biking trails.

Within minutes of entering Harmon Canyon, you’ll feel fully submerged in nature. This location is especially beautiful in spring when all of the mountains are covered in green grass and there is water flowing through the creeks.

For a longer hike follow the Harmon Canyon to Overlook Bench route from the AllTrails hiking app. For a shorter option, take the main Harmon Canyon Road or head into one of the narrow side trails to explore various scenery.

Location: Harmon Canyon Preserve

25. The Collection Riverpark

Many people come to Ventura for its beautiful beaches, seafood, and outdoor activities. But while that sounds fun for some, retail therapy is a relaxing way to spend an afternoon for others. Thankfully within this small beach town, you can do both!

The Collection Riverpark is a great shopping mall just a few minutes’ drive east of Ventura on the border of Ventura and Oxnard. A few of the most popular stores here include REI, H&M, Whole Foods, Victoria’s Secret, and Ulta Beauty amongst many others.

This outdoor shopping center also has a lot of great restaurants that we like to frequent for dinner such as Gen Korean BBQ House, Yardhouse, and Kabuki Japanese Restaurant.

Location: The Collection at RiverPark

26. Museum Of Ventura County

The Museum of Ventura County is a small museum in downtown Ventura near Mission Basilica San Buenaventura 1782. This museum features artwork and exhibits along with an outdoor play area for kids with straw huts and musical instruments.

Within the museum, you can learn more about Ventura’s history, Chumash native people, and their culture. Admission to the museum is free and it only takes about an hour to walk through the entire museum and see the exhibits on display.

Location: Museum of Ventura County

Ready for a trip to Ventura? I hope this list has helped you find a few new places to explore on your next trip to the Central Coast!

Looking for more things to do in the area? Be sure to check out these posts next:

• 10 Best Hiking Trails In Ventura, California
• 15 Top Dog Friendly Activities In Ventura, California
• 13 Best Pet Friendly Hotels In Ventura, California
• 12 Of The Best Beach Towns In Central California
• 15 Best Santa Barbara Wine Tasting Tours

This post is written by Laura Sausina. Hi, I’m a California local and the founder of the California Wanderland travel blog. I currently live in Ventura County and help 50,000 readers a month discover things to do in Central California! Read more about me here.

Some of the links used in this blog may be affiliate links. At no extra cost to you, I may earn a small commission when you book through these links for which I am very thankful!