Food scene
Lively downtown area restaurants, bars and shopping. Lots of thrift shops too
52 locals recommend
Downtown Ventura
Lively downtown area restaurants, bars and shopping. Lots of thrift shops too
Lots of restaurants, kayak, sup and boat rentals and shops
109 locals recommend
Ventura Harbor Village
1583 Spinnaker DrLots of restaurants, kayak, sup and boat rentals and shops
Pierpont Tacos
1125 S Seaward AveQueso tacos and breakfast burritos.
SPASSO Cucina Italiana
1140 S Seaward AveA fave with our guests. Pizza and a full bar.
Social Tap Ventura
1105 S Seaward AveSports bar with great food. Try the Ahi tacos.
Aloha Steakhouse
364 S California StThe steak is amazing.
In-N-Out Burger
2070 E Harbor BlvdGreat breakfast, veggie skillets, homemade banana bread. One near Channel Islands Harbor and one on Main Street Ventura
6 locals recommend
Golden Egg Cafe
1651 S Victoria AveGreat breakfast, veggie skillets, homemade banana bread. One near Channel Islands Harbor and one on Main Street Ventura
Cafe Nouveau
1497 E Thompson BlvdAmazing Breakfast. Go early to avoid a wait.
Happy Hour 7 days a week 3 to 6pm on the Harbor. Solid Brunch menu. Reservations recommended.
7 locals recommend
Water's Edge Restaurant and Bar
1510 Anchors Way DrHappy Hour 7 days a week 3 to 6pm on the Harbor. Solid Brunch menu. Reservations recommended.
Juiceswell
1052 South Seaward AvenueNew to the neighborhood is the juice place! Juices, açaí bowls and coffees
Best Thai in Ventura. You can try the place across the street but I recommend this one. But you will have to go downtown Ventura.
27 locals recommend
Rice by Mama
419 E Main StBest Thai in Ventura. You can try the place across the street but I recommend this one. But you will have to go downtown Ventura.
Casa De Soria
1961 E Thompson BlvdGood sit down Mexican Restaurant
Nice harbor views with outdoor patio and indoor seating. Full Bar.
38 locals recommend
Yolanda's Mexican Cafe
1601 S Victoria AveNice harbor views with outdoor patio and indoor seating. Full Bar.
Neighborhoods
Cute area with many restaurants and local amenities including yogurt shop and liquor store.
6 locals recommend
Pierpont Boulevard
Pierpont BoulevardCute area with many restaurants and local amenities including yogurt shop and liquor store.
Sightseeing
Island Packers Day Trip to Santa Cruz Island. Also whale watching tours seasonally
20 locals recommend
Island Packers- Oxnard
3600 Harbor BlvdIsland Packers Day Trip to Santa Cruz Island. Also whale watching tours seasonally
Great day trip for kids to see the animals. A small train runs around the zoo.
169 locals recommend
Santa Barbara Zoo
500 Ninos DrGreat day trip for kids to see the animals. A small train runs around the zoo.
It’s a 30 minute walk to Ventura pier.  Explore pier, watch surfers and enjoy local restaurants. Another 10 minutes to get to downtown Ventura.
99 locals recommend
Ventura Pier
750 E Harbor BlvdIt’s a 30 minute walk to Ventura pier.  Explore pier, watch surfers and enjoy local restaurants. Another 10 minutes to get to downtown Ventura.
Bike and trolley rentals from the Ventura Pier. Explore the coastline, Beach Parks or Downtown Ventura
10 locals recommend
Wheel Fun Rentals
901 San Pedro StBike and trolley rentals from the Ventura Pier. Explore the coastline, Beach Parks or Downtown Ventura
Sunday morning favorite. Get organic veggies, fruits, baked goods, etc. then explore downtown ojai and grab coffee or lunch
46 locals recommend
Ojai Certified Farmers' Market
300 E Matilija StSunday morning favorite. Get organic veggies, fruits, baked goods, etc. then explore downtown ojai and grab coffee or lunch
Take the train along the coast to Carpinteria, Santa Barbara or book onto the Coast Starlight to see San Luis Obispo as a longer day trip and extraordinary views of the coast
37 locals recommend
Santa Barbara station
209 State StTake the train along the coast to Carpinteria, Santa Barbara or book onto the Coast Starlight to see San Luis Obispo as a longer day trip and extraordinary views of the coast
Check out the Dinosaur or Butterfly exhibit in the summer on these beautiful grounds near the SB Mission. Bring lunch and eat at the Rose Garden across from the Mission. https://www.sbnature.org/visit/exhibitions/
118 locals recommend
Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History
2559 Puesta Del SolCheck out the Dinosaur or Butterfly exhibit in the summer on these beautiful grounds near the SB Mission. Bring lunch and eat at the Rose Garden across from the Mission. https://www.sbnature.org/visit/exhibitions/
Traveler advice
What to pack
Beach Weather. Pack for sun and fog.
Pack sun hats and sunscreens for hot days and windbreaker or jackets and beanies for wind or fog.
Getting around
Uber, Lyft or walk. Train for sightseeing
Walking is the best way to get around. Even the supermarket is walking distance and the local liquor store is another nearby option for sundry items. Uber and Lyft are good options to downtown especially if you plan to drink. Train is a great option for a day trip to Santa Barbara for shopping or San Luis Obispo to see the coastline with spectacular views (which are unavailable by car. )