Just North of LA, This is Why We Love This Less-Crowded Beach Town
Just an hour north of LA is the less-crowded but equally pristine beach town of Ventura. Not given the credit it deserves (or maybe just our best-kept secret), Ventura is a charming coastal county bustling with a lively downtown scene and nature reserves out of a Tahitian dream! Head up the coast ASAP to discover what Ventura is all about. Beach days without the crowds, electric boat rides along the bay and a mile-long stretch of taquerias? We’re there! Grab your besties and visit Ventura to get a taste of the local scene.
Cruise the Harbor on Your Own Electric Boat
Ventura Harbor boasts breathtaking views of the five Channel Islands on one side and the quaint shopping district of Ventura Village on the other. Choose your adventure and explore the stunning coastline or docks and dining options in the marina. At Vision Electric Boat Rentals in Portside Harbor, sleek and chic electric vessels are available for hourly rentals every day of the week. No experience is needed to enjoy the ride along the waters on these easy-to-operate electric boats. It’s the perfect Sunday pastime! Pour the wine and spill the tea as you enjoy a picturesque private space afloat on the water. If your pup is your best friend, they are welcome too! Show up 20 minutes before your reservation to get checked in and make sure to pack the wine cooler and charcuterie fixings.
Explore the Channel Islands National Park
Just off the Ventura coastline are the five Channel Islands referred to as the “American Galapagos.” Seemingly untouched by man, the Channel Islands are a wildlife sanctuary only accessible by boat. Once you’re there, dive into the turquoise waters to catch a glimpse of colorful schools of fish. Set up camp for the night and stargaze the Milky Way with epic views from the island! If you are looking to learn about the heritage of each island, hop aboard an Island Packers Cruise for a close look at all the islands.
Visit Ventura’s Taco District
Ventura Ave is known for its walkability and local shops, especially the 14 Mexican eateries organically lined up along the avenue. Spanning one mile in length, this one-of-a-kind taco walk is known as Ventura’s Taco District. Each taqueria is owned by Mexican immigrants and has its own specialty dish. Decide for yourself what the best taco in town is! Try the hard-shell shredded beef tacos at Johnny’s Mexican Food and the chicharron tacos at Taqueria Tepatitlan. For quintessential California fish tacos, visit Taqueria Ventura Dona Raquels.
Go on a Beer Crawl at Ventura’s Best Craft Breweries
Ventura Coast Brewing is a new spot off Main St that’s perfect for milling away the afternoon. Sunlight floods into the open-front space as well as on the picnic-style patio. Ventura Coast Brewing has a wide selection of beers, so order a taster tray for a nice sampler! Just 10 minutes from stop No. 1 is Topa Topa. Their lineup changes frequently with seasonal beers and seltzers! Try their newest batch brew, then head to Rincon Brewery just right up the way. Rincon’s modern and mellow vibe is the perfect way to finish out the day.
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Bike to Ojai
Bike from the shore to the rolling hills of Ojai on a 90-minute ride along the Ventura River Trail. This 15-mile long scenic pathway gradually climbs towards Ojai, passing through lush parks and quaint bridges that line the pathway. Once in Ojai, stop at Bart’s Books, Ojai’s charming outdoor literature library, and get reenergized with a caffeine boost for the trip back to Ojai Coffee Roasters. Need a pit stop? Keep an eye out for Ventura Spirits, a craft distillery right off the bike path. Be sure to pack lots of water for the ride.
Shuck ‘Em
The Jolly Oyster is a family-owned business that brings oysters from their farm to your table. Oysters are grown in the Baja waters, so their sustainable farming methods maintain the “full ocean experience” without depleting the national oyster population. Their all-outdoor Ventura location is open on the weekends from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Order a dozen fresh oysters and shuck them with your friends as a fun happy-hour activity! Pair the coastal cuisine with on-tap local beers or bottles of wine to wash it all down.
