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Ventura, officially San Buenaventura, is a relaxed beach city on the Southern California coast between Los Angeles and Santa Barbara, with hills rising behind a long sandy shoreline. It grew around Mission San Buenaventura, founded in 1782 as the last mission established by Junipero Serra, and the mission church still stands at the heart of downtown. The city was incorporated in 1866.
Downtown Ventura along Main Street is known for historic buildings, vintage and thrift shops, cafes and restaurants, and the grand City Hall, a former courthouse, looks out over the town. Above it, Grant Park has the Serra Cross and the Ventura Botanical Gardens, with sweeping views of the ocean and the Channel Islands.
The Ventura Pier and the beaches at Surfers Point draw walkers and surfers, while Ventura Harbor Village has shops, restaurants and the visitor center for Channel Islands National Park, where boats leave for the islands.
The ninth of California's 21 Spanish missions, founded by Junipero Serra in 1782, with a church, small museum and garden in the heart of downtown. The church is still an active parish with historic paintings and wooden bells. A small fee covers the museum and garden; avoid Mass times for touring.
A two-story adobe built in 1847 by rancher Raymundo Olivas, now a city historic park with restored rooms, gardens and an exhibit building. It shows ranch life in Mexican and early American California. The grounds are open on many days, while house tours are offered on weekends; check the city site.
A downtown museum across from the mission covering county history and art, with Native Chumash objects, ranch and oil history, and the George Stuart historical figures. The museum also runs an agriculture museum in Santa Paula. Check current exhibitions, and allow about an hour for a visit.
A small free museum next to the mission, built over an archaeological dig site that revealed 3,500 years of history, from Chumash settlements to the mission period and Chinese residents. Artifacts are displayed above the excavation. It keeps limited weekend hours, so check before visiting.
A grand neoclassical building from 1913 on a hill above downtown, built as the Ventura County courthouse, with a copper dome and carved friar heads along the facade. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The statue of Father Serra stands in front; enjoy the view over Main Street.
A hilltop park above downtown Ventura with a large wooden cross marking where an early mission cross stood. The lookout gives wide views of the city, pier, coast and Channel Islands on clear days. Drive up Ferro Drive or walk up from downtown, and visit at sunset for the best light.
Ventura's historic downtown along Main Street, with restaurants, coffee shops, breweries, many thrift and vintage stores, galleries and the mission. It hosts a farmers market and an art walk. Walk the blocks between the mission and California Street, and use the free parking structures.
A hillside garden in Grant Park with trails through plants from Mediterranean climates around the world, including Chile, South Africa and Australia, and ocean views. It was replanted after the Thomas Fire in 2017. There is an entry fee; wear good walking shoes for the hilly paths.
A long wooden pier first built in 1872, one of the longest on the California coast, with fishing, a restaurant and great views of surfers and sunsets. The beach and promenade next to it are good for walking and biking. Fishing from the pier needs no license; parking lots nearby charge a fee.
A famous surf break at the mouth of the Ventura River, near the fairgrounds, with long rolling waves that draw longboarders. The restored shoreline has a bike path and dune plants. It is fun to watch surfers from the path; beginners should take lessons, as rocks lie under the surface.
A seaside village at Ventura Harbor with restaurants, shops, a carousel, fishing charters and whale watching tours. The Island Packers boats to the Channel Islands leave from here. Walk the harbor path to watch sea lions and boats, and enjoy free summer concerts on weekends.
A national park of five islands off the coast, with wild landscapes, sea caves, endemic wildlife and great snorkeling and kayaking. The visitor center in Ventura Harbor has exhibits and a tide pool. Book Island Packers boat trips early, and bring all food and water, as there are no services on the islands.
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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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