Ventura, California is a beautiful seaside community that has done much in recent years to draw in more tourism. Located in Southern California just of the 101 Freeway, Ventura is approximately 90 miles north of Los Angeles. Despite it’s growth over the years, the city of San Buena Ventura, with it’s intriguing history, retains an irresistible charm. Home to several attractive hotels, inns, and bed and breakfasts, Ventura is the perfect destination for a couple’s only weekend, or a family vacation retreat.
Founded in 1782, as the site for the third of the twenty-one California missions, Ventura has many wonderful historical buildings and landmarks to visit. At the top of this list, is the mission itself. Located in beautiful downtown Ventura, the mission draws in constant visitors. You can step inside the church, walk the grounds, and even visit the attached gift shop.
Within very close proximity to the mission, you will find two more historical buildings. The Ortega Adobe, located at 215 W. Main St., is about a 15 minute walk from the mission. If you walk straight towards the ocean from the mission, down the walkway where the fountains are located, you’ll find when you reach Santa Clara St., immediately on your left, the Landmark No. 78 Restaurant. This restaurant has a interesting history, and is even rumored to be haunted! Haunted or not, it’s a beautiful structure, both inside and out.
Part of the charm of Ventura, is that it’s downtown district is so fun to explore. From the mission all the way up to the library, you’ll find historical buildings, restaurants not to be missed, and little walkways and alleys lined with wonderful unique shops. Despite all of the new, you can still definitely “feel” the old Ventura throughout it’s downtown district.
As you venture up Main Street, through the downtown district, be sure to get a glimpse of the Majestic Ventura Theatre at 26 Chestnut St. The Ventura Theatre is the original and oldest theatre in Ventura.
Make your way down to the beach (that’s the wonderful thing about Ventura, you can walk everywhere!), and visit the Ventura Pier, built the same year as the city was founded, 1782. The pier underwent significant restoration in 1993, and serves as the location to Erik Erikson’s, a premier Ventura seafood restaurant.
An approximate 15 minute drive from the downtown district, close to the Ventura Harbor, you will find another impressive historical structure, the Olivas Adobe. Located at 4200 Olivas Park Drive, the Olivas Adobe was constructed in the mid 1800’s, and is also rumored to be haunted! (Did we mention that Ventura has a lot of ghosts?)
BEST PLACES TO VISIT
The beach, of course! Ventura has great beaches. If you want to watch surfers, make your way up the promenade to the northern-most beach in Ventura, known locally as Surfer’s Point. No matter what beach you visit in Ventura, you’ll love what you find.
The Ventura Harbor is also a favorite of both locals and tourists. With many fantastic little shops, great restaurants, and even an arcade with a carousel, the Ventura Harbor has something for everyone.
The downtown district of Ventura is a must for any visitor of the city. Lined with original shops, restaurants that you won’t want to miss, and the Century Downtown 10 Movie Theatre, the downtown district is inarguably Ventura’s most alluring destination. Don’t miss it.
DINING
One of the best things about Ventura, particularly for visitors, is it’s vast variety of restaurants. There is no shortage of great food in this city, and just about any location you choose will not disappoint. Particularly good, are the Mexican food restaurants. However, there are also excellent choices for Chinese Food, Seafood, Steak, and even Pizza. Ventura is just one of those places that has very good food, all the way around. Some local favorites are Andria’s Seafood at the Ventura Harbor, Corrales Mexican Restaurant on Thompson Blvd. (ask anybody, they’ll point you in the right direction), and Just BBQ (formerly Buster’s BBQ – a Ventura legend in tri-tip), located at the end of Johnson Drive, in the shopping plaza in the Century Theatre parking lot.
ENTERTAINMENT
Ventura is also city with no shortage of great entertainment. Catch a rock concert at the Majestic Ventura Theatre, enjoy a night of comedy at Comedy Esquire’s (especially convenient if you are going to try Andria’s Seafood, they are located right across the parking lot from each other!), or the Bombay Bar & Grill.
If family-oriented entertainment is what you’re looking for, you can catch a movie, go roller skating at Skating Plus, bowl at Buena Lanes, or try your hand at miniature golf at Golf’n”Stuff. Ventura also has entertainment suitable for very small children, including several very nice parks, Chuck E. Cheese, and Pump It Up.
SHOPPING
The downtown district is by far, the most fun place to shop in Ventura. However, the Ventura Harbor is an excellent shopping destination as well. If you need a mall, Ventura’s Pacific View Mall is extremely nice.
WHERE TO STAY
For the hotels offering the the closest location to the beach, try the Cliff House Inn, the Pierpont Inn, or the Holiday Inn. If you’re looking for a Bed & Breakfast experience, The Brakey House overlooks the ocean, and Ancient Aromatics Sea Spa is in the downtown district, located at 50 N. Oak Street.
No matter where you stay, or what you decide to do while there, Ventura is a wonderful place to visit.
