Things to do & places to visit in Ventura, California, United States

Ventura city in California, United States. Timezone: America/Los_Angeles, current date and time: Friday, May 03, 2024, 15:24.

Top things to do (26)

Top places to visit (30 attractions) view more »

5.0 Calboat Diving - Spectre Dive Boat (956 reviews)
- Spectre Dive Boat
Scuba & Snorkelling

June 2, 2022 - Enjoyed another great day of diving with my friends on Spectre Dive Boat, based in Ventura, CA. Overcast "June Gloom" sky is the norm for this time of year, but ocean was calm all day and water was clear blue at all three dive sites. Highly recommend the Thursday dive trip as there were less than a full load of divers and we all had ample space to spread out. Caprain Nathan has made a lot of nice improvements on Spectre over the winter, upgrading the benches and the new dive stations on the bow are much nicer than the previous offering. The crew remains top notch, making sure all divers are checked off and back onto the boat for each dive and that air fills are handled quickly . I've been diving with this team since getting scuba certified in 1986 and Spectre looks better than ever, we visit great dive sites and the crew is always top notch. See more..
5.0 Ventura Food Tours (94 reviews)
- Ventura Food Adventure
Friday: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM Historical & Heritage Tours • Walking Tours • Private Tours • Food Tours • Wine Tours & Tastings

This was a delightful tour that allowed us to not only taste great food, but also learn about the city of Ventura. Manuel was a knowledgeable, charming host who knows the area well. Great way to spend part of a day, and we didn’t need to eat dinner that night because we were so full! See more..
5.0 Four Brix Winery (65 reviews)
- Wine and More
Friday: 12:00 PM - 4:00 PM Wineries & Vineyards

Four Brix Winery - an craft winery located in the heart of Ventura - specializes in internationally-inspired wine blends. We produce wines based upon our four favorite grape growing regions: Italy, France, Spain and California. The word "Brix" is a term for measurement of sugar in grapes; therefore Four Brix equals four sweets spots for great wine! With a total production of around 2,500 cases, these wines are very limited and in high demand. It takes strength, creativity and patience to make great wine, kind of like raising children. In fact, our wine is like our children, so we gave them names: Smitten, Zeductive (Zinfandel and Petite Sirah), Temptress, Rhondezvous (Grenache, Mourvedre and Syrah) and Scosso (Sangiovese, Cabernet and Merlot) are a few of our kids. Once you taste the wines, you realize how apropos the names are. When we aren't making wine, we like to hang out with a glass of wine, listening to music and eating great food. Our favorite place to hang out is at the BrixHouse- our tasting room. But we don't like to hang out alone, so we make sure there is always something going on at the BrixHouse. For Club members, affectionately referred to as "BrixHeads", there are exciting Pick Up Parties at least twice annually. Depending on the time of year, you might be able to attend a Concert in the Cellar, Foodie Friday, Dinner in the Tasting Lounge, BBQ Pizza Nights, a Blending Party or maybe just relax in the BrixHouse with a glass of wine, listening to a smooth sax player. Be sure to get on the email list for up-to-date announcements and events. Visit the BrixHouse- it's 1200 square feet with inviting rich, deep colors, high ceilings, couch area and several table and chairs arrangements. We invite guests to relax and stay; enjoy a tasting or maybe a glass or bottle of wine to share with friends. The Barrel & Production rooms are on-site and typically used for special events. But when you stop by, don't be surprised if you are invited to take a tour with... See more..
5.0 Leashless Brewing (9 reviews)
- Excellent beer, nice vibe, friendly staff
Friday: 3:00 PM - 11:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Breweries

Leashless Brewing is the tri-counties only certified organic brewery. This artisanal brewery is nestled in downtown Ventura, near beaches, hotels, motels and all that downtown Ventura has to offer. With live music and rotating food trucks, Leashless should be a stop on any travels itinerary. See more..
5.0 Antique Adventures (6 reviews)
- Wonderful place to shop!
Friday: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Antique Shops

Tons of cool and unique items at this place, lots of different vendors so there are a wide variety of things both vintage and new. See more..
5.0 Ventura County Wine Trail (6 reviews)
- Ventura Wine Trail Tour
Hiking Trails

The tour was great!! We visited several tasting rooms, met the wine makers and enjoyed shopping at the farmers markets! We will be back! Thanks Ventura Visitors Center! See more..
5.0 Vino V Wines (5 reviews)
- An Amazing Wine Tasting Experience
Friday: 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM Wineries & Vineyards

Vino V Wines is a small winery sharing space with Old Creek Ranch Winery located in the beautiful Ojai Valley. Come visit with a picnic and enjoy the setting. See more..
4.5 Island Packers (610 reviews)
- Great ride to Channel Islands!
Friday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Sightseeing Tours

We had a great experience! Staff was very helpful. The boats left on time and the Captain was great about stopping to let us watch a pod of dolphins swim by! Definitely dress in layers (we were hot on shore, but cold when the wind hit) and bring a water proof outer layer if you plan to ride on the outside of the boat. The inside was nice and we appreciated the snacks, food & drinks available for purchase at extremely reasonable prices! See more..
4.5 Mission San Buenaventura (348 reviews)
- Peaceful
Friday: 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM Religious Sites

This was one of the top places I wanted to visit on my vacation to Thousand Oaks. It did not disappoint. The mission is beautiful and peaceful. The interior of the chapel is well-maintained. The altar, Stations of the Cross and statues are beautiful. The courtyard is peaceful. It is a nice place to sit and rest. There are candles to light for special intentions in the courtyard. A small gift shop is located on the street level with the museum a flight of stairs above which can be accessed through the shop or from the upper level. This is a place well worth visiting. See more..
4.5 Ventura to Ojai Paved Bike Path (220 reviews)
- Gorgeous, moderate biking trail!
Spent 1-2 hours Biking Trails

We rented bikes from the Crowne Plaza on the Ventura pier and rode the trail from the Pier into Ojai, about 34 miles round trip. Absolutely stunning!!! Easy ride, very gradual ascent so you don’t realize that most of the way is actually uphill. We went slowly on the way up to Ojai, taking in the scenery and even got some nice photos with the gorgeous sunlight! We ate our sandwiches in Ojai and then began the trek back, made it in half the time it took on the way up bec of the easy descent, and caught the beautiful sunset at the Ventura beach at around 530p! There are a couple road crossings; otherwise the bike trail is modestly trafficked with walkers, bikers, children alike and paved all the way up. It seemed like there are more trails to catch in Ojai if you want a longer trek and have time. I would absolutely do this trail again. Go for it if you’re thinking about it! Any level of biking skills can make this journey, just allow yourself enough time. See more..
4.5 Serra Cross Park (185 reviews)
- Top of Sightseeing List
Spent < 1 hour Points of Interest & Landmarks • Parks

A short drive up some steep slope led us to this summit attraction. The simple, solemn wooden cross was a spiritual, thought-provoking sight. The informative signage provided good background history of this famous landmark, most interestingly the 2010 stonework project. Of course, the breathtakingly gorgeous panoramic view of Ventura old town down below, the distant beaches and ocean stole the show. A group yoga session just finished on the lawn surrounding the cross. See more..
4.5 The Robert J. Lagomarsino Visitor Center at Channel Islands National Park (182 reviews)
- The Best of the State Park Visitor's Center's That We Have Visited!
Friday: 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM Visitor Centers

Have been visiting Ventura for such a long time, and absolutely love coming to the Harbor/Marina, but this was the first time that we have visited the visitor's center. Such an interesting and informative center with so many great displays and even live video feeds of an underwater algae field and a bald eagle's nest. The theatre and video presentation are top notch, and is narrated by Kevin Costner. There is a cool tide pool display as well. Visit the 2nd deck, you can look at an almost 360 degree view of the marina and utilize the viewfinders to look around. the State of California did a great job with this one! See more..
4.5 Ventura City Hall (96 reviews)
- Beautiful,, Vintage and Well Maintained.
Friday: 7:30 AM - 5:30 PM Government Buildings

When I moved to Ventura 6 years ago, I didn't realized they had such a beautiful city hall. There are quaint and lovely things about Ventura that I keep discovering. Kudos to the people who treasure this city and keep it looking great for locals and visitors. See more..
4.5 Rubicon Theatre Company (69 reviews)
- A First Class Playhouse!!
Friday: 12:00 PM - 6:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Theaters

Rubicon Theatre Company is a non-profit regional theatre based in Ventura, California. True to the name and the vision of founders Karyl Lynn Burns and James O’Neil, the company is committed to providing a nurturing environment for artists where exploration and experimentation are encouraged and supported. Now in its 19th Season, Rubicon has earned a reputation for innovative, reinvigorated productions of classics; and for the development of new works. The company has presented more than 115 diverse mainstage productions to more than 420,000 audience members. Described by critics as “the rising star of the Southern California cultural scene” and the “best theatre between Los Angeles and San Francisco,” the company has won a New York Drama Desk Award (four nominations), the L.A. Drama Critics Circle Award for “Sustained Excellence,” 14 Ovation Awards, a NAACP Award, and multiple Indy, Garland and Robby Awards. Luminaries such as Susan Clark, Dana Delaney, Bonnie Franklin, Joel Grey, Gregory Harrison, Bill Irwin, Harold Gould, Larry Hagman, Stacy Keach, Michael Learned, Ted Neeley, Paul Provenza, Linda Purl, Joe Spano, Bruce Weitz, Efrem Zimbalist, Jr. and Stephanie Zimbalist have graced the Rubicon stage. Jack Lemmon and John Ritter made their final stage appearances with Rubicon. See more..
4.5 Surfers Point Park (63 reviews)
- Best walk in town!
Spent 1-2 hours Parks

I have lived nearby for over 20 years and I never tire of walking from the free parking at San Jon Road to the Point and back. It's about 3 miles and takes me about an hour. You can also walk out the Pier and back along the way or walk up the Ventura River to Art City to explore and back or make a loop through downtown. See more..
4.5 Ventura Visitors Center (60 reviews)
- Must stop here!
Friday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent < 1 hour Visitor Centers

Located in Historic Downtown Ventura, the Ventura Visitors Center is a great place to stop for information, souvenirs, and friendly assistance! Stop on by with any questions you have, then take a short walk up to Main Street for eclectic shopping and eateries or walk down to the Ventura Pier and the never-ending beachfront. See more..
4.5 Ventura County Museum of History & Art (54 reviews)
- Nice introduction to Chumash Indians
History Museums

Had a nice visit to learn about the Chumash Indians and other things in the area. They have an excellent collection of Chumash baskets inside. Outside you get to go in a Chumash ap hut. Quite a change from those familiar with southwest Indian dwellings. Makes a nice compliment to a visit to the Albinger Archaeological Museum which is located across the street. See more..
4.5 Olivas Adobe (50 reviews)
- A vist to the Olivas Adobe
Friday: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM Historic Sites

This is a historical place in Ventura County - one of the original homes. The docent will give you a interesting tour and explain the interesting history of this structure and the surrounding grounds. Free parking. I found the gardens to a interesting - the various plants used for different purposes and medicine. Don't miss the garden tour. See more..
4.5 Old Creek Ranch Winery (42 reviews)
- Great local winery
Friday: 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Wineries & Vineyards • Ranches

Ventura County's only rural winery in scenic Ojai Valley with extensive outdoor lounging areas for enjoying wine and picnics. Shaded guest areas for sunny days, as well as fire pits during cooler weather. A short 10 minute drive from downtown Ventura or downtown Ojai. Rustic elegance on an 800 acre cattle ranch with vineyards, orchards and premium wine. No reservations required for wine tastings. Wine tasting available Thursday, Friday, Saturday & Sunday, 11 am to 5 pm. No children over 2 yrs. No dogs. See more..
4.5 Marina Park (36 reviews)
- Great Beach Park
Spent 2-3 hours Parks

Everyone can hang out here from small children to grandparents. The sandy beach is awesome along with play areas and lots of grass. Worth checking out. See more..
4.5 Surf Brewery (30 reviews)
- Just Beer, Just Perfect
Breweries

My husband and I always stop at breweries when on vacation to taste beer we can't get in our state. We had two types of beer here due to time. The 1916-2016 is an American amber and celebrates 100 years of the National Parks. My husband had the Oil Piers Porter. Both were very nice. It's a tasting room, so no food, but you can have food delivered and a food truck is there every night. Seemed like a lot of locals were there. A nice place to hang out ample space. See more..
4.5 Topa Topa Brewing Company (28 reviews)
- Don’t miss
Spent 1-2 hours Breweries

A must for brewery tours. The management is local and very much into sustainability. They give back to the community. All 3 sites are great new one coming to Camarillo soon. AD, Haley and Erin are the best. Don’t miss it See more..
4.5 Arroyo Verde Park (20 reviews)
- Great park with tons of trails!
Friday: 6:00 AM - 9:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Hiking Trails

Had a fantastic morning hike today! There are so many different off-shoots and little side trails! It makes for a great day of spontaneity bc you can just go all over the place. And all the little trials seem to just kinda circle around back to the parking areas (which were ample btw) so we never got lost lol! There are some steep inclines so you can get a decent workout. There’s also a very large, green park that seemed to be a dog park and everyone was having fun! The views from the top take you all the way over to Ventura and the ocean so it was really lovely. And we had a breezy morning that helped cool us down since there isn’t much shade on the trails. It’s very sunny and dusty so be sure to wear sunscreen and hats and bring some good hiking boots with good traction or you could slide down the steep inclines. See more..
4.5 Labyrinth Winery (13 reviews)
- Very good wine and wonderful and knowledgable staff
Friday: 3:00 PM - 8:00 PM Wineries & Vineyards

Very good wine . Wonderful and knowledgable staff. Mostly reds. A must when visiting Downtown Ventura. See more..
4.5 MadeWest Brewing Company (12 reviews)
- Didn't let me down!
Spent 1-2 hours Breweries

After flying from the East Coast to the west coast, I just wanted to relax and eat some good fresh seafood. This restaurant was located very close to the hotel I stayed at so I walked to it. I ordered the fresh blackened grilled halibut with broccoli and rice. I topped it off with a spicy-salted rim mango-jalapeno margarita. The food was delicious. The price was not bad at $25. That's about normal. The margarita was a bit pricy at $15 but... See more..
4.5 Camino Real Park (9 reviews)
- Fun for all
Spent 1-2 hours Parks
This park has something for everybody. From playgrounds to softball diamonds, dog park to walking path. With all the big trees there is plenty of shade and areas to enjoy yourself. During the proper season, Monarch butterflies congregate on some of the trees. See more..
4.5 Panaro Brothers Winery (9 reviews)
- My 50th Birthday
Friday: 3:00 PM - 7:00 PM Spent < 1 hour Wineries & Vineyards

Small artisan winery in midtown Ventura, CA. We feature over 20 varietals in both red and white wines, with an Italian flair. Our wines are created by 4th generation southern Italian traditions. See more..
4.5 Gone West Cellars (6 reviews)
- Industrial park on the outside, super cute wine tasting room on the inside
Friday: 12:00 PM - 7:00 PM Wineries & Vineyards

Such a cute place for wine tasting! Had a Groupon for flights for two with a cheese plate and a hummus plate and two glasses of wine. Totally impressed by the wines, the food, and the staff. Highly recommend if you're in Ventura. See more..
4.0 Ventura Pier and Promenade (739 reviews)
- Wonderful relaxing area to wander and wonder
Piers & Boardwalks

Enjoyable Pier area, great at sunset and wonderful views and so close to the downtown Ventura area. Quite enjoyable. one thing though the Public Bathrooms here are disgraceful, flooded and disgustingly dirty, that's kinda a shame and embarrassment for the city and people in general. Despite that quite enjoyed the actual Pier area. See more..
4.0 Ventura Harbor Village (373 reviews)
- COVID-19 isn't stopping anyone
Friday: 10:00 AM - 9:00 PM Speciality & Gift Shops

We love our Harbor! Our Facebook page is a place for our local community, as well as welcome tourists stopping through, to enjoy our views, to post and share what's happening at our Harbor: from a day on the beach, a beautiful sunset, whale spotting, bird and seal pictures, to restaurant, nightlife or new water excursions taking place at Ventura Harbor Village! Ventura Harbor Village is California’s seaside playground brimming with fresh seafood and a wide variety of cuisines to tantalize your palette, boutique shops and art galleries around every corner, SUP, kayak, pedal and electric boat rentals to get on the water and see the seals, family fun at the arcade, kite flying, or playing in the sand at one of the safest beaches in the County “Mother’s Beach” (Harbor Cove Beach), daily boat trips, as well as sailing and dive charters to explore the Channel Islands National Park, coastal fashion and décor, a beautiful walking promenade with daily Happy Hours overlooking the boats, and a comedy club boasting top celebrity names to put a smile on your face. Now you can see why we Love our Harbor! See more..