Ventura County Travel Guide

Trek Zone

Locality

Facts and practical information

Welcome to Ventura County, a stunning destination located in the sunny state of California. Nestled between the Santa Barbara Channel and the Los Padres National Forest, this picturesque county is a haven for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike.

One of the highlights of Ventura County is its breathtaking coastline. With miles of pristine sandy beaches, it is the perfect place to soak up the sun or take a refreshing dip in the Pacific Ocean. Surfers flock to popular spots such as Rincon Point and Silver Strand Beach to catch some of the best waves in California.

For those who prefer a more tranquil experience, the Channel Islands National Park is a must-visit. Just off the coast, this protected area is composed of five islands, each with its unique charm. Take a boat trip to Santa Cruz Island and explore its rugged beauty, hike through the lush forests of Santa Rosa Island, or snorkel in the crystal-clear waters surrounding Anacapa Island.

Ventura County is also known for its vibrant arts and culture scene. The city of Ojai, with its charming downtown area, is a hub for artists and musicians. Explore the local art galleries, catch a live performance at the Ojai Playhouse, or indulge in a spa treatment at one of the town's renowned wellness retreats.

Foodies will find themselves in gastronomic heaven in Ventura County. With its fertile farmlands and proximity to the ocean, the county boasts an abundance of fresh produce and seafood. Visit the Ventura Farmers Market to sample local delights or dine at one of the many farm-to-table restaurants that dot the region.

Nature enthusiasts will be spoilt for choice with the county's numerous hiking trails. Lace up your boots and embark on a journey through the Los Padres National Forest, home to towering redwood trees and cascading waterfalls. Don't forget to keep an eye out for the diverse wildlife that calls this area home, including black bears, mountain lions, and California condors.

Alternative names: Area: 2208.11 mi²Maximum elevation: 8835 ftCoordinates: 34°16'41"N, 119°17'6"W

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CaliforniaUnited States

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Ventura County Top Attractions

Ventura County Attractions - What to See and Explore

Ventura County offers many attractions and places to visit. Here are the most important ones: Mission Basilica San Buenaventura, Serra Cross, Ventura Botanical Gardens, Olivas Adobe. Below you will find a complete list of places worth visiting.

Sacred and religious sites • Church • Historical place
Mission Basilica San Buenaventura
Mission San Buenaventura, formally known as the Mission Basilica of San Buenaventura, is a Catholic parish and basilica in the Archdiocese of Los Angeles. The parish church in the city of Ventura, California, United States, is a Spanish mission founded by the Order of Friars Minor.
Park • Downtown Ventura
Serra Cross
The Serra Cross, sometimes also known as the Cross on the Hill or the Grant Park Cross, is a Christian cross on a hill known as "La Loma de la Cruz" in Ventura, California.
Park • Downtown Ventura
Ventura Botanical Gardens
The Ventura Botanical Gardens re-opened November 3, 2018 after widespread damage caused by the Thomas Fire, is located at 567 S. Poli Street in Ventura, California, United States.

Museum • Historical place • History museum
Olivas Adobe
The Olivas Adobe in Ventura, California is an adobe structure built in 1841 by Raymundo Olivas on the north bank of the Santa Clara River about a mile from the estuary where it flows into the Santa Barbara Channel.
Park • Downtown Ventura
Seaside Park
Seaside Park is an event venue in Ventura, California, United States. The 62-acre site is the home of the Ventura County Fair. Trade shows, concerts, and other events are held throughout the year at the fairgrounds.
34°16'50"N • 119°17'51"W
Peirano Market
The Peirano Market, also known as Peirano's Grocery and Peirano Store, is a historic building in Ventura, California. Located across the street from the Mission San Buenaventura, the red brick structure was built in 1877 and has ornamental relief brickwork and a mansard, Spanish revival tile roof.
Park • Beach • Outdoor activities
San Buenaventura State Beach
San Buenaventura State Beach is a beach located in Ventura, California. The primary entrance is located at 901 Pedro Street, off the 101 Freeway. This beach consists of a 1,700-foot pier that has a snack bar, restaurant, and bait shop. People often come to this beach to surf, swim, and picnic.
34°16'54"N • 119°18'15"W
Ortega Adobe
Ortega Adobe is a historic adobe house built in 1857 and located on Main Street on the west side of Ventura, California, not far from the mouth of the Ventura River. It was designated in 1974 as the City of Ventura's Historic Landmark No. 2. It is owned by the City and operated as a self-guided historical site.
Museum • History museum
Dudley House
Dudley House in Ventura, California is a historic house museum built in 1891 in a Late Victorian-style. Designed and built by local architect and builder Selwyn Shaw, it was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1977.
Village • Area
Ventura
Ventura, formally known as San Buenaventura, is a city on the Central Coast of California and the county seat of Ventura County. The population was 110,763 at the 2020 census. Ventura is a popular tourist destination, owing to its historic landmarks, beaches, and resorts.
34°14'38"N • 119°14'36"W
City of Ventura Historic Landmarks and Districts
The City of Ventura Historic Landmarks and Districts consist of buildings, sites, and neighborhoods designated by the City of Ventura, California, as historic landmarks and districts.
Piers and boardwalks • Downtown Ventura
Ventura Pier
The Ventura Pier, formerly known as the Ventura Wharf and the San Buenaventura Wharf, is a wooden pier located on the Pacific Ocean in Ventura, California. The pier has been designated as Ventura Historic Landmark No. 20. It is the oldest pier in California.
Museum • Art museum • Modern art museum
Baxter Art Gallery
Baxter Art Gallery was an art exhibition space at the California Institute of Technology, founded by Professor of Literature David R. Smith in 1971, and David Smith became the first gallery director. The little gallery nationally known for its daring exhibits of contemporary art.
34°16'52"N • 119°17'56"W
Albinger Archaeological Museum
Museum • Downtown Ventura
34°16'57"N • 119°17'35"W
Ventura County Courthouse
The Ventura County Courthouse, known since 1974 as Ventura City Hall, is a historic building in Ventura, California. It is located on a hill at the top of California Street, overlooking the city's downtown district with views of the Santa Barbara Channel and Channel Islands.
34°14'27"N • 119°15'54"W
Harbor Village Gallery & Gifts
Museum • Shopping
Church • Downtown Ventura
First Baptist Church of Ventura
First Baptist Church of Ventura is a historic church at 101 S. Laurel Street in Ventura, California. It was built in 1926 and renovated extensively into the Mayan Revival style in 1932.
34°16'51"N • 119°18'4"W
Feraud General Merchandise Store
Feraud General Merchandise Store, also known as 1903 Building, was built in 1903 in Ventura, California. Jules Feraud opened the Feraud Bakery and Grocery Store and the bakery stayed in the family until 1944.
Beach • Taylor Ranch
Emma Wood State Beach
Emma Wood State Beach is a California State Beach in Ventura, California. It is located on the Santa Barbara Channel on the west side of the Ventura River estuary and south of the railroad tracks of the Coast Line and the US Highway 101 freeway.

Day trips

Ventura County – popular in the area (distance from the center)

In the vicinity of Ventura County, it's worth seeing attractions such as: Getty Villa (Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area), Pacific Park (Santa Monica), Santa Monica Pier Aquarium (Santa Monica).

44 milesE
Manor on bluff with artifact collection
Getty Villa, Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area
Nestled in the picturesque Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area, the Getty Villa is a unique museum dedicated to the study of the arts and cultures of ancient Greece, Rome, and Etruria. This Los Angeles gem offers a glimpse into the past through its...
49 milesE
Seaside amusement park with rides and eats
Pacific Park, Santa Monica
Pacific Park is a vibrant amusement park located on the Santa Monica Pier in Santa Monica, California. This classic seaside park offers a wide range of attractions suitable for all ages, making it a perfect family destination.
49 milesE
Local marine life and interactive exhibits
Santa Monica Pier Aquarium, Santa Monica
Nestled on the iconic Santa Monica Pier in California, the Santa Monica Pier Aquarium offers an intimate glimpse into the marine life of the Pacific Ocean. This compact yet captivating facility is a hub of marine education and conservation, providing visitors with the...
25 milesW
Museum, Children's museum, Specialty museum
Maritime Museum, Santa Barbara
Nestled along the picturesque waterfront of Santa Barbara, the Maritime Museum is a treasure trove for those captivated by the allure of the sea and its history. This museum in Santa Barbara, California, offers a deep dive into the maritime heritage of the region...
27 milesE
Museum, Library, Specialty museum
Reagan crypt, Simi Valley
The Reagan Crypt, nestled within the peaceful grounds of the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum in Simi Valley, Ventura County, California, serves as the final resting place of the 40th President of the United States, Ronald Reagan.