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Camarillo lies in Ventura County on the Oxnard Plain, at the foot of the Conejo Grade and the Santa Monica Mountains, a few miles from the Pacific coast. It is named for Adolfo Camarillo, a prominent rancher whose family owned Rancho Calleguas, and it grew around farming of lima beans, walnuts and citrus before incorporating as a city in 1964.
The Camarillo family left a lasting mark. Adolfo's Victorian ranch house is now the Camarillo Ranch museum, and the family built St. Mary Magdalen Chapel. The former Camarillo State Hospital has become the Mission-style campus of California State University Channel Islands, with its tall bell tower.
Old Town Camarillo along Ventura Boulevard keeps historic storefronts such as Fulkerson Hardware, and the Camarillo Premium Outlets draw shoppers from across Southern California. Camarillo Grove Park offers trails on the Conejo Grade, and Point Mugu State Park and the beaches lie a short drive away.
Camarillo Ranch preserves the 1892 Queen Anne Victorian house of Adolfo Camarillo, the rancher who gave the city its name and bred the famous Camarillo White Horses. Docent-led tours show the house, a red barn and gardens. Tours run on limited days, so check times, and enjoy the grounds' old trees and views of the valley.
St. Mary Magdalen Chapel is a Spanish Mission style chapel built in 1914 by the Camarillo family, with a bell tower, stained glass and a cemetery where family members rest. It is a historic landmark on Ventura Boulevard in Old Town. It is used for services, so visit respectfully and check when the doors are open.
CSU Channel Islands occupies the former Camarillo State Hospital in the hills south of town, with Spanish Revival buildings, arcades, courtyards and a bell tower set against rocky slopes. The campus is pleasant to walk around. Visitors need a parking permit on weekdays, and the campus calendar lists public lectures and events.
The Camarillo Public Library is a striking modern library building opened in the late 2000s, with large windows, a children's area, study spaces and a local history collection. It hosts talks, story times and exhibits. Visitors can explore the reading rooms freely, and the building sits next to a park with paths.
Old Town Camarillo along Ventura Boulevard holds the city's original shops, restaurants and historic buildings, with Dizdar Park, a weekly farmers market and seasonal events. It has a relaxed small-town feel. Visit on Saturday morning for the market, then stop at one of the cafes or family-run restaurants nearby.
Camarillo Premium Outlets is a large outlet center off Highway 101 with more than 150 brand-name stores selling clothing, shoes, accessories and home goods at discount prices. It is a popular stop between Los Angeles and Santa Barbara. Weekday mornings are calmest, and the center's website lists current deals.
Camarillo Grove Park sits at the foot of the Conejo Grade with oak trees, picnic areas, a playground, a dog park and trailheads into the Santa Monica Mountains foothills. It is a good starting point for hikes with valley views. Trails get hot in summer, so start early and bring water and sun protection.
Dizdar Park is a small green in Old Town Camarillo on Ventura Boulevard, used for the Saturday farmers market, summer concerts and community events. It has lawns, shade trees and benches. Bring a picnic on concert evenings, and check the city events list for performance dates during summer.
The Commemorative Air Force Southern California Wing at Camarillo Airport runs an aviation museum with World War II aircraft, including flying warbirds such as a Spitfire and Zero, plus engines and memorabilia. Volunteers restore and fly the planes. Visit on weekends for the best chance to see aircraft out of the hangars.
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California, United States
California, United States
California, United States
California, United States
California, United States
California, United States
California, United States
California, United States
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