Ventura: Coast, Pier and Culture

Ventura brings together beaches, a harbor, history and art in several clearly distinct travel themes. If you’re looking for a hotel in Ventura, a simple decision can help: Should your trip focus mainly on time by the water, activities around the harbor, mission history, or exhibitions and events? The places and activities below bring these themes to life and offer ideas for planning your trip.

Beach, Pier and Routes into Downtown

San Buenaventura State Beach features two miles of sandy shoreline, a small lagoon and a wide variety of wildlife. You can swim, surf, picnic, play beach volleyball and toss a Frisbee there. Depending on your interests, you can spend your days on the coast enjoying activities in the water or on the beach.

Ventura Pier is California’s oldest pier and is designated Ventura Historic Landmark No. 20. You can fish, picnic and take sunset walks on the pier; it also offers views of the Ventura County coastline and the Channel Islands. Here, a long history comes together with several ways to spend time by the water.

Bike paths at San Buenaventura State Beach connect to other nearby beaches and Ventura Pier, and continue into downtown Ventura. So, in addition to beach activities, you can explore downtown as part of your bike ride.

Harbor and the Channel Islands

The mainland visitor center for Channel Islands National Park is located in Ventura Harbor. From there, you can explore the park without taking a boat. The islands themselves are different: They are accessible only by boats operated by concessionaires, by plane or by private boat. Check the transportation requirements before traveling to the islands.

Ventura Harbor Village offers watersports and boat and kayak rentals. It also hosts two annual events: Pirate Days in July and the Parade of Lights and Fireworks in December. If you’re planning your trip around one of these events, check the exact dates before you make plans.

Mission History and Museums

Mission San Buenaventura Historic Park includes historical and archaeological sites, both public and private, alongside Mission San Buenaventura in downtown Ventura. The mission was founded on March 31, 1782, and was the last mission personally founded by Saint Junípero Serra. The Mission Museum displays mission artifacts, including Chumash basketry and wooden bells. Together, these places reveal different aspects of mission history: the historic site, its archaeological sites and specific museum objects.

The Museum of Ventura County features exhibitions of regional and local fine art, as well as history; exhibitions change every two to three months. The program includes lectures, panel discussions, author talks and gallery talks with artists. The museum also offers Free First Sundays and hosts Munch every Thursday from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. as a music-and-lunch program. Since schedules may change, check the current program before visiting. The rotating exhibitions and different event formats highlight art, history and conversations with artists in their own ways.

Explore more destinations: Somis, Oak View, Santa Paula, Fillmore, Port Hueneme, Oxnard, Simi Valley, Ojai

For the broader travel overview: Ventura.