15 Fun Things to Do in Ventura, CA: Local’s Guide

Welcome to Ventura, a beautiful coastal city with lots to offer! Here’s a list of 15 fun activities, including some perfect for couples. Let’s explore what makes Ventura special.

Key Takeaways

Category	Highlights
Outdoor Activities	Surfing at Surfers Point, Hiking at Serra Cross Park
Cultural Experiences	Mission San Buenaventura, Museum of Ventura County
Romantic Options	Sunset Dinner Cruise, Wine Tasting in Downtown
Family-Friendly	Ventura Botanical Gardens, Channel Islands National Park Visitor Center
Local Experiences	Ventura Harbor Village, Ventura Pier and Promenade

Beach and Outdoor Activities

1. Catch Waves at Surfers Point

Surfers Point is great for surfing or watching others ride the waves. It’s popular with surfers of all skill levels. The consistent waves and pretty scenery make it fun for both surfing and watching.

Address: Shoreline Drive, Ventura, CA 93001
Cost for 2: About $50 for board rentals
Best time: Early morning for the best waves

2. Hike at Serra Cross Park (Great for Couples!)

Take a walk up to Serra Cross Park. You’ll see amazing views of the city and ocean. It’s perfect for watching the sunset together. The park has easy trails for all fitness levels, good for a relaxed walk or a more challenging hike.

Address: Park Access Rd, Ventura, CA 93001
Cost for 2: Free
Best time: Sunset for a romantic atmosphere

Capture your love story with our engagement photography sessions at this beautiful spot!

Cultural and Historical Experiences

3. Visit Mission San Buenaventura

Explore this historic Spanish mission. You can see the beautiful gardens and learn about Ventura’s past. The mission, built in 1782, offers tours that teach about California’s history and how missions shaped the area.

Address: 211 E Main St, Ventura, CA 93001
Cost for 2: $10
Best time: Weekday mornings to avoid crowds

4. Discover the Museum of Ventura County

Learn about Ventura’s history and art at this museum. They often have special exhibits on weekends. The museum has artifacts, photos, and artwork that show Ventura County’s rich culture and history.

Address: 100 E Main St, Ventura, CA 93001
Cost for 2: $20
Best time: Saturday afternoons for special exhibits

Romantic Experiences for Couples

5. Enjoy a Sunset Dinner Cruise

Take your special someone on a romantic dinner while sailing around Ventura Harbor. It’s a nice way to see the coast and enjoy good food. These cruises usually have a fancy meal, music, and beautiful views of the coast as the sun sets.

Address: 1583 Spinnaker Dr, Ventura, CA 93001
Cost for 2: Around $150
Best time: Summer evenings

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6. Go Wine Tasting in Downtown Ventura

Walk down Main Street and try some local wines. It’s a fun way to spend an afternoon and maybe find a new favorite wine. Downtown Ventura has several places where you can taste wines from nearby vineyards and small wineries.

Address: Various locations on Main Street
Cost for 2: About $60
Best time: Saturday afternoons

Family-Friendly Activities

7. Explore Ventura Botanical Gardens

Walk through 107 acres of beautiful plants and flowers. It’s great for a family outing or a peaceful walk. The gardens have plants from warm places around the world and offer great views of the coast.

Address: 567 S Poli St, Ventura, CA 93001
Cost for 2: $10
Best time: Spring for blooming flowers

8. Visit the Channel Islands National Park Visitor Center

Learn about the amazing Channel Islands through fun, hands-on exhibits. It’s free and great for all ages! The center teaches about the unique plants and animals on the Channel Islands and offers virtual tours and educational programs.

Address: 1901 Spinnaker Dr, Ventura, CA 93001
Cost for 2: Free
Best time: Any time, open year-round

Unique Local Experiences

9. Shop at Ventura Harbor Village

Spend a day exploring this waterfront shopping area. You’ll find lots of cute shops and tasty restaurants with great views. The village also has regular events, like live music and seasonal festivals, which make it even more fun to visit.

Address: 1583 Spinnaker Dr, Ventura, CA 93001
Cost for 2: Varies
Best time: Weekends for a lively atmosphere

10. Walk on Ventura Pier and Promenade

Take a stroll on this historic pier. You can fish (with a license) or just enjoy the amazing ocean views. The pier, built in 1872, is one of the oldest wooden piers in California and shows a bit of Ventura’s sea history.

Address: 750 Harbor Blvd, Ventura, CA 93001
Cost for 2: Free (fishing license required for fishing)
Best time: Early evening for sunset views

Adventure Activities

11. Go Kayaking in Ventura Harbor

Rent a kayak and paddle around the harbor. It’s a fun way to exercise and see Ventura from the water. Kayaking lets you explore hidden spots in the harbor, see local wildlife, and enjoy a different view of the coast.

Address: 1575 Spinnaker Dr #105B, Ventura, CA 93001
Cost for 2: About $60 (rentals)
Best time: Calm mornings

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12. Bike the Ventura to Ojai Trail

Enjoy a 15-mile bike ride on this scenic trail. You’ll see beautiful views of the mountains and countryside. The paved trail follows an old railroad route, making it easy for riders of all skill levels.

Address: Starts at Foster Park, 438 Casitas Vista Rd, Ventura, CA 93001
Cost for 2: About $60 (bike rentals)
Best time: Weekday mornings for less traffic

Relaxation and Wellness

13. Enjoy a Spa Day (Perfect for Couples!)

Treat yourselves to a relaxing spa day. Many local resorts offer great packages for couples. These spa experiences often include massages, facials, and use of hot tubs and saunas, giving you a perfect chance to relax and feel refreshed.

Address: Various locations
Cost for 2: $300+
Best time: Weekdays for better rates

Complement your spa day with a boudoir photo session

14. Try Yoga on the Beach

Join a yoga class right on the sand. It’s a great way to relax and enjoy the beach at the same time. Beach yoga is special because you get to do yoga while hearing the ocean and feeling the beach breeze.

Address: San Buenaventura State Beach
Cost for 2: About $30
Best time: Early morning weekends

Culinary Experiences

15. Take a Food Tour of Downtown Ventura (Great for Couples!)

Taste your way through downtown Ventura. You’ll try local foods and learn about the city’s food history. These tours often stop at popular restaurants, hidden gems, and local food markets, letting you try many different Ventura foods.

Address: Starts in Downtown Ventura
Cost for 2: Around $150
Best time: Saturday afternoons

Wrapping Up Your Ventura Adventure

Ventura has so much to offer, from beach fun to historical sites and tasty food. Whether you’re looking for a romantic getaway or a family adventure, you’ll find plenty to do here. Don’t forget to bring your camera to capture all the great memories!

Let us help you capture your Ventura adventures with our photography services