From Breweries and Speakeasies to Historic Home Tours, We’re Unlocking the Best of This Ventura County Destination

Whether you’re ready to shop until you drop at the Camarillo Premium Outlets or simply need a quiet and laid-back escape from LA, Camarillo is an understated town with a big personality. From killer food and drink deals to affordable but charming hotels, this is the ideal destination for travelers in need of a nearby vacay that won’t break the bank. Though the outlets are what Camarillo is best known for, there is also a charming art scene in Old Town Camarillo, cute coffee shops, tasty eateries and scenic hiking trails. Even if you’re just passing through on the way to Santa Barbara or somewhere up north, Camarillo is worth getting acquainted with. That said, follow our itinerary for the ultimate way to spend 48 hours in this charming enclave of California!

 

PLACES TO STAY:

Bella Capri Inn & Suites 

Bella Capri Inn & Suites is a boutique hotel situated in the heart of Old Town Camarillo. The walkability to Camarillo’s cutest coffee shops and restaurants is unbeatable, and guests also get prime access to Highway 101. 

 

Hampton Inn & Suites Camarillo

Between the spacious rooms and free daily breakfast, Hampton Inn & Suites Camarillo is the ultimate place for a family getaway. This hotel is also pet-friendly and features an outdoor swimming pool for when you need to beat the heat.

 

Sonesta Select Camarillo

Centrally located, Sonesta Select Camarillo offers a comfortable and cozy stay without the fuss and frills. Grab a beer or bottle of wine from The Commons at Sonesta Select before heading to the pool for a little fun in the sun.

 

DAY 1

7 a.m.

Hike Hill Canyon Trail

Start your day on the right foot with a scenic hike along the Hill Canyon Trail. The trail is about 3.6 miles long and is considered suitable for all levels. Whether you’re seeking a leisurely workout or are hiking with the kids, this trail is ideal for all ages and energy levels. It can get pretty busy, but if you go at 7 a.m., you might be able to beat some of the crowd. Take a water break in the shady areas while admiring the surrounding mountain views and blooming wildflowers. 

 

9 a.m.

Breakfast at Waypoint Café

If it’s a nice day, snag a spot on the spacious patio at Waypoint Café. While the food is classic and comforting, the coolest thing about dining at Waypoint Café is the constant air traffic from the adjacent airport. The café’s location allows guests to sit under the soaring planes taking off and landing at the Camarillo Airport, providing breakfast and a show. Sip on a cup of Italian roast coffee before digging into the homemade biscuits and gravy. The breakfast burrito is also a local favorite, but if you prefer sweet over savory, opt for the cinnamon roll French toast. 

 

10:30 a.m. 

Shopping at Camarillo Premium Outlets

The Camarillo Premium Outlets are the star of the show in this Ventura County town. Whether you’re building an entirely new wardrobe or simply looking to shop without splurging, there are more than 160 shops to explore, all offering quality, name brand clothing at a discounted rate. Up your sporty wear when you stop by Nike and The North Face or secure a solid pair of jeans from 7 For All Mankind. More high-end outlets include Armani, Coach, Jimmy Choo, Kate Spade and even Gucci.

 

1 p.m. 

Authentic Colombian Lunch at Azafran Restaurant 

Once you’ve worked up an appetite, sit down for lunch at Azafran Restaurant. This homey and laid-back eatery features tables tucked up against a red brick wall, but the food is what truly shines in this simple setting. From pan-seared octopus to Peruvian ceviche, the menu is seafood-heavy but features plenty of variety for every kind of diet and diner. Some can’t-miss dishes include the locally-caught crudo, chicharrón bites, and chaufa with steak. If you’re vegetarian, consider ordering the burrata salad with seasonal fruits and the patatas bravas. 

 

2 p.m.

Pick Produce and Tour McGrath Family Farm

Grow your green thumb by taking a tour of McGrath Family Farm and taking advantage of their U-pick season! Pick up a season pass for $10 at The STORE, and spend an afternoon harvesting your own produce! Each year, the season typically begins in April, so now is the prime time to visit.

If you prefer to shop rather than harvest, everything sold at The STORE is organic and sustainably and locally grown, giving you the chance to support local farmers and purveyors with your purchase. From carrots to tomatoes to sweet strawberries, the produce is always bright, colorful and clean. Standard tours cost $20 a person and last around one hour, but if you’re with a large group, you can also book a private tour for up to 20 people!

 

4 p.m.

Drinks at The Local Camarillo 

Quench your thirst with pre-dinner drinks at The Local Camarillo. This lively bar is always buzzing with locals (hence the name), and on Wednesdays, you can enjoy $10 cocktails all day long. If you’re a whiskey fan, you’ll love the mystery whiskey program which brings a rotating collection of world-renowned whiskeys for patrons to try. There’s always something going on at The Local Camarillo, and it’s the perfect place to mix and mingle while getting a true feel for the local community.

 

6 p.m.

Dinner at Latitude 34 Restaurant & Bar 

After a long day of hiking, shopping and sipping, sit down at Latitude 34 Restaurant & Bar for an elevated meal and local craft beers. The menu focuses on California-fresh cuisine like blackened ahi tuna, refreshing salads and tasty tacos. Though Latitude 34 Restaurant & Bar is known for serving up beloved and locally-brewed beers, the craft cocktails are also stellar, with the raspberry lemon drop martini being a fruity and fresh favorite. When it comes to food, start with the filet mignon bites and truffle arancini before enjoying the Chilean sea bass or the sea scallops for your main course. 

 

DAY 2

10 a.m.

Camarillo Ranch Historic Home Tour

Only bookable on Saturdays and Sundays, historic house tours are a true treat for history lovers. Between the antique decor and vintage furnishings, walking through the Camarillo family’s 1892 Queen Anne Victorian home offers a true step back in time. The tours are super affordable, costing only $5 per person (but children under 12 gain entry for free). During the tour, attendees can access all 15 rooms of the house, including the family’s bedrooms, ranch office and more.

Local Insight: Be sure to venture outside on the home’s wraparound porch for beautiful views of the front lawn and gardens!

 

11 a.m.

Explore Old Town Camarillo, Grab Coffee from Tree Lounge Coffee and See Local Art

Old Town Camarillo is home to some of the coolest shops, cafes and local vendors, so you’ll want to spend some time window shopping and exploring. Start by grabbing a brown sugar and cinnamon latte from Tree Lounge Coffee while admiring the local artwork that covers the walls. Next, stroll the streets as you pop into a variety of stores, like Green Goddess Boutique for a vintage dress and American Pie Records for some new tunes. Thrift one-of-a-kind antiques from Window Box Antiques or find your new favorite tarot card deck at Malone’s Metaphysical & More. After you’ve browsed, pop over to Studio Channel Islands Art Center in the heart of Old Town, where you’ll find an impressive gallery and a gift shop with handmade items.

 

1 p.m.

Boba and Vietnamese Lunch at Kraft Vermicelli

Kraft Vermicelli specializes in modern Vietnamese cuisine, serving up boba tea, fruit sandos and savory bowls in a modern and minimalist setting. The eggless fried egg rolls have the perfect crunch and come with tangy dipping sauce, while the customizable steamed bao buns can be filled with everything from chicken to shrimp to pork. However, the vermicelli bowls are a menu highlight and come with unlimited toppings and a fresh side green salad. That said, no visit to Kraft Vermicelli is complete without a strawberry matcha latte and a strawberry sando. 

 

2 p.m.

Flight lesson with Skyrider Ultralights

Ever dreamed of being the pilot of your own aircraft? Skyrider Ultralights offers introductory flight lessons and operates out of the Camarillo Airport. The Skyrider Extreme Ocean Lesson is the ultimate way to get your blood pumping as you soar two feet above the Pacific. This lesson costs $245, but if you prefer a shorter and less intense experience, you can book the 15-minute Skyrider Discovery for $135, or the 30-minute Skyrider Awesome which costs $185.

 

4 p.m.

Afternoon Tea at All Things Tea

Need an afternoon pick-me-up following your adrenaline rush? All Things Tea has been a Camarillo staple since it first opened in 2001. The English tea service is exactly what you’d find in the UK and All Things Tea carries more than 135 specialty leaf teas for you to try. The Windsor Afternoon Tea costs $34.50 a person and comes with savory tea sandwiches, a scone and a sweet treat. Of course, if you don’t have time for a full tea service, simply order a pot of your favorite brew with a traditional cucumber sandwich for good measure. 

 

6 p.m.

Dinner at SLATE Steak, Sushi and Cocktails

Treat yourself to a steak and sushi dinner at SLATE Steak, Sushi and Cocktails. Request a table on the cozy patio around the fire pit and kick things off with the Cadillac Margarita or Grey Goose martini. For starters, you can’t go wrong with the calamari and shrimp duet and tempura cauliflower. Though the cooked dishes are delicious, SLATE is best known for its sushi, all of which is incredibly fresh and high-quality. Order an array of nigiri and sashimi hamachi, along with the Malibu roll and crispy tuna. Those who like a little spice should also order the firecracker roll.

 

8 p.m.

Explore The Mark Food Hall + Get Ice Cream at Rori’s Artisanal Creamery

Still have room after your steak and sushi dinner? Head to The Mark food hall and enjoy an array of bites from different vendors. Freda’s serves some of the best pizza in the area, but nothing pairs better with a pepperoni pie than an ice-cold beer, which you can grab from Topa Topa Brewing Company. Freda’s also serves sandwiches and salads if you prefer something lighter, but dessert at Rori’s Artisanal Creamery is non-negotiable. Enjoy a scoop of black pepper pistachio ice cream or cool off with the vegan passion fruit sorbet. 

 

9 p.m. 

Nightcap at The Amendment By Basil & Mint 

What better way to close out your trip than with a nightcap at a sultry speakeasy in Camarillo? The Amendment is home to candlelit booths, exposed brick walls and killer cocktails. It is perhaps the best place for a craft libation in town, and we always like to save the best for last. The cocktails are timeless and classic, and you can rest easy knowing that your Old Fashioned or Sidecar will be prepared perfectly. Keep in mind that The Amendment is only open from Thursday to Saturday, so be sure to plan your visit accordingly. 

 

And… Don’t Miss These Upcoming Events!

Heritage Days Midsummer Fiesta (July 10-14) 

Located in Old Town Camarillo, the Heritage Days Midsummer Fiesta will feature carnival rides, local art vendors, live music, food trucks and more.

 

Friday Night Car Cruise (April 26, May 24, June 28, July 26, Aug. 23, Sept. 27, Oct. 25) 

Step into the world of classic cars at the Friday Night Car Cruise. Along with more than 200 classic cars, there will be face painting, food trucks and craft vendors. 

 

Camarillo Certified Farmers Market (Every Saturday) 

Stock up on fresh fruits and veggies while exploring a variety of local vendors every Saturday at the Camarillo Certified Farmers Market. 

 

3rd Annual Camarillo Pride (June 2)

Celebrate love as you partake in raffles, games and arts and crafts at the family-friendly Pride event at Bob Kildee Park. 

 

National Outlet Shopping Day (June 8-9)

What better way to celebrate National Outlet Shopping Day than in Camarillo? Shop ‘til you drop at your favorite stores for the fairest prices.