Father’s Day in Ventura 2013
We already know everyday is holiday in Ventura every day of the year, so the Father’s Day weekend outdoor activities prepared by area VenturaCountyWest (the cities of Camarillo, Oxnard and Ventura) especially for dads will make it even more special.
Known for a century by Hollywood celebrities and Southern Californians alike, the fresh sea air and beach areas are pristine in Oxnard and Ventura. Dads and the entire family can go bicycling, kayaking and paddle boating (rentals are available), sports fishing outings and whale watching. We’ve visited many times and the folks who do the rentals and help plan trips are always enthusiastic and friendly.
The Channel Islands National Park, five islands 11 miles from shore, is for dads who appreciate nature. Island Packers, with tour boats sailing out of Ventura and Channel Islands harbors, brings visitors up close to dolphins, bald eagles, seals and sea lions. The excursion company also stops on the islands for hiking and water sports activities.
This is one outing that is relatively close to home but takes everyone back thousands of years to when the islands were uninhabited by people and will be a trip the whole family will talk about for years to come.
Because kids are usually in tow, a good family outing is to Golf N Stuff in Ventura. The kids can beat dad in a game of miniature golf or join forces in an intense game of laser tag. There are bumper cars, bumper boats and an arcade. For something more adventurous, the family can enroll dad in a class at Jim Hall Kart Racing in Ventura where students suit up and learn to drive ultra-condensed formula karts.
For dads who love airplanes and history, the Commemorative Air Force Museum at the Camarillo Airport features vintage aircraft and an extensive collection of World War II memorabilia–from guns and ammo to military uniforms. The museum offers flights in its vintage aircraft.
Here are some dining ideas. Spencer Makenzie’s is a family-friendly restaurant in Ventura known for its enormous selection of fish tacos including shrimp, calamari, ahi and ceviche tacos. Wood Ranch BBQ in Camarillo is always consistent and along with its reasonably priced BBQ, the kitchen creates novel dishes such as the peanut coleslaw.
We always stop for a bite and a tequila at Yolanda’s for old school reminiscing and then its off to the new Coastal Grill on the beach at Embassy Suites Mandalay Beach Hotel & Resort in Oxnard. The hotel seafood dishes have always been fresh and perfectly prepared in a simple manner. So we can’t wait to try the new cheeseburger consisting of a special blend of short rib, tri tip and New York steak with two cheeses served on a brioche bun. In Ventura, stroll through Ventura Harbor Village and select from a variety of tastes–from fresh seafood, to American, Italian, Greek and French cuisine.
If dad wants to spend part of his Father’s Day weekend on the golf course, VenturaCountyWest cities have five public courses with ocean or mountain views. In Ventura, there is Olivas Links, an 18-hole championship golf facility designed by Forrest Richardson and the adjoining course, Buenaventura.
River Ridge in Oxnard offers panoramic ocean views and unique water features, bent/poa grass greens and Greg Norman hybrid Bermuda tees and fairways. Camarillo’s Sterling Hills is surrounded by avocado and citrus groves while Camarillo Springs, at the base of Conejo Mountain just off the 101 freeway, includes towering rock formations and natural springs.
For more inspiring Father’s Day weekend adventures in Camarillo, Oxnard and Ventura including where to stay, please go to www.VenturaCountyWest.
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