Visiting Ventura-Oxnard areas and upcoming Fall Festivities- October 2014
We recently went for a 2 day visit to the Ventura-Oxnard area for a getaway trip. We started at the annual California Beer Festival, September 21st which was lots of fun full of beer, bbq and music.. It ended with the kickoff to the Ventura Comedy Festival, September 22nd with a performance by comedian Craig Shoemaker.
One of my favorite things of the whole visit was Painted Cabernet in Ventura.
Discover the inner artist in you! No experience necessary. Sipping wine during the process makes painting a lot easier. Check this activity our as it was a blast even if you have never painted before like myself.
http://www.paintedcabernet.com/
Other highlights included the following and our hotel Residence Inn Oxnard River Ridge was just fantastic. http://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/oxrri-residence-inn-oxnard-river-ridge/
–An easy three-mile round trip hike to Grant Park to take in the panoramic view of the ocean and coastline. A tour guide from Ventura Botanical Gardens was our host.
–Wine Tasting and Lunch at award-winning Herzog Wine Cellars in Oxnard where we saw the state-of-the-art wine fermentation and bottling process in action. We tasted a few wines in a beautiful setting before enjoying Mediterranean-influenced cuisine by Chef Todd Aarons at Tierra Sur Restaurant inside the winery. The Herzog Winery is a Jewish and was one of the few that was open on Mondays. We paired some of their great food and fish with some of their tasty wines.
After lunch we tried a couple fun activities—footgolf at River Ridge in Oxnard which is soccer on a golf course as you kick soccer balls into a man-made smaller course with big holes to fit the ball situated on the golf course.
FootGolf at River Ridge in Oxnard is a very ‘addictive’ sport that combines the best of the popular sport of soccer with an elite sport like golf. FootGolf originated in the Netherlands and has spread to over 16 countries throughout the world. Similar to golf, the players’ intent is to kick a ball into the hole with the least amount of strokes possible. FootGolf uses the basic model of golf, with a tee box, a green, bunkers, hazards and 18 holes of play. There is par for each hole, mimicking golf’s scorecard, and you still play as a twosome, threesome or foursome. The main differences are the cups, which are 21 inches in diameter, shorter holes (most people cannot kick a soccer ball further than 50 yards) and the lack of equipment needed (no need to carry around heavy golf clubs in FootGolf!). River Ridge is the first FootGolf course in California and has aligned itself with the American FootGolf League (AFGL) which is the governing body for the sport of FootGolf in the United States.
Then we took out a kayak at the kayak/paddle board/paddle boat in Ventura Harbor before having a bite to eat at Brophy Brothers for some appetizers and delicious clam chowder.
–A visit to the Commemorative Air Force Museum in Camarillo filled with vintage aircraft and an extensive collection of memorabilia was another option the last day.
Only an hour north of Los Angeles, VenturaCountyWest has something for everyone–beach lovers, history buffs, brew and wine fans and outdoor types. We invite you to experience a few of the area’s not-to-be-missed gems.
Fall Fun in VenturaCountyWest
Ventura County, Calif.—Fall is the perfect time to start thinking about weekend or even midweek getaways. Whether it is picking pumpkins from local farms or celebrating the grape harvest with area wineries, fall is special time in VenturaCountyWest.
Agriculture is big in VenturaCountyWest (the cities of Camarillo, Oxnard and Ventura) so it is no wonder that the area has a multitude of farms offering locally grown pumpkins during October. For a total farming experience, go to McGrath Brothers Great Pacific Pumpkins in Ventura (hayrides, a hay maze and farm animals too). This fifth generation family farm, has been serving southern and central California for decades.
Pete’s Pumpkin Patch in Camarillo is also family run and operated. An entire hillside turns orange in October as it is covered with ripe pumpkins. Hop on Pete’s Pumpkin Express for a hayride, hike the hill to find the prefect pumpkin and try some of Pete’s famous pumpkin soda.
If picking pumpkins on Sunday, October 26, stop by Adolfo Camarillo’s 150 Birthday Celebrationbetween noon and 4:00 p.m. at the Camarillo Ranch.Adolfo Camarillo was one of the founding fathers of the City of Camarillo. The celebration will include Folklorico dancers, mariachi music, old time fiddlers, renowned Camarillo white horses, tours of Camarillo’s historic 1892 Queen Anne Victorian house, authentic Mexican food and birthday cake. Admission is free.
When wine takes preference over pumpkins, there is no better time to visit wineries than fall. Grape harvest is just finishing up and production and processing is in full swing. Flying under the radar for many years, Ventura County has now become a bona fide wine tasting destination. The Ventura County Winery Associationis offering a 2014 harvest wine tasting passport. Present your passport at 10 participating wineries of your choice through December 30 to taste test their fine, artisan wines.
Participating VenturaCountyWest wineries include Cantara Cellars, Camarillo Custom Crush Winery and San Vicente Cellars in Camarillo, Magnavino Cellars and Herzog Wine Cellars in Oxnard and Four Brix Winery, Panaro Brothers Winery and Plan B Wine Cellars in Ventura.
If you plan to make a weekend of your adventure to VenturaCountyWest, there are many lodging choices in all price ranges. For a list of options, as well as other fun things to do in the area, go to www.VenturaCountyWest.com.
Holiday Schedule for December 2014
RE-DISCOVER THE MAGIC OF THE HOLIDAYS WITH
VENTURA HARBOR VILLAGE’S WINTER WONDERLAND & HOLIDAY MARKETPLACE
FOLLOWED BY 38th ANNUAL HOLIDAY PARADE OF LIGHTS & FIREWORKS
Faux Snow, Santa & Mrs. Claus, Live Reindeer & Dickenson Carolers Headline Annual Festivities
VENTURA, Calif. –The sounds of traditionally clad costumed Dickenson carolers, amid a festively decorated village
setting with Santa and Mrs. Claus, live reindeer, and faux snow flurries throughout the pedestrian-friendly
promenade every 15 minutes is the backdrop for Ventura Harbor Village’s Winter Wonderland & Holiday
Marketplace, followed by the 38thAnnualHoliday Parade of Lights& Fireworks “Holidays Around the World.” These
events and more make the magic of the holidays come alive in December 2014 at Ventura Harbor Village,
California’s seaside playground boasting year round fun and sun in true nautical style.
The destination, set in a scenic harbor and fishing marina surrounded by a picturesque walking promenade with
stunning coastal views of the Pacific Ocean and the Channel Islands National Park, is home to 35seaside boutiques,
waterfront restaurants, attractions, and a variety of year-round festivals and events, including live entertainment.
Here’s what’s on tap for the holidays ahead:
California Sleigh Rides
December 1 – December 31, 2014, Departs 6- 7:30 p.m. and 8:00-9:30 p.m.
A ONE HORSE OPEN SLEIGH California-style! Take a California Sleigh Ride through the Ventura Harbor and Ventura
Keys with Ventura Boat Rentals! Holiday lights dazzle as they reflect upon the water from boats in the Ventura
Harbor, Ventura Harbor Village, and the decked out homes in the Ventura Keys neighborhood along the
canals.Complimentary hot cocoa & holiday cookies or wintery drinks such as famous “Reindeer Milk” from the
onboard bar.Choose between 6:00 p.m. or 8p.m. departure times for a one and a half hour boat tour.
Reservations Required. Call: 805-642-7753. www.CaliforniaSleighRides.com; www.VenturaHarborVillage.com
Winter Wonderland & Holiday Marketplace – Ventura Harbor Village
Saturday, December 13, 2014,Noon -5p.m.
Rediscover the joy of holiday shopping while wandering through a festive holiday village at the popular Ventura
Harbor’s Winter Wonderland & Holiday Marketplace. Come early for fun and festivities including faux snowfall every
15 minutes, visits with Santa & Mrs. Claus, two live reindeer, Dickenson Carolers, and more! The 38th Annual Parade
of Lights & Fireworks to follow!www.VenturaHarborVillage.com
Ventura Harbor Holiday Parade of Lights & Fireworks – Ventura Harbor
Friday & Saturday, December 12-13, 2014, Parade at 6:30 p.m., Fireworks at 8:00 p.m.
Ventura Harbor celebrates the season with its 38th Annual Holiday Parade of Lights & Fireworks, Friday and Saturday,
December 12-13, 2014. The theme for 2014 is “Holidays Around the World.” Join in the annual fun with visits with
Santa, a seaside Carnival, and many seaside dining options. Make your dinner reservations early. Public boat
cruises are also available to view the parade so be sure to get your tickets early. Ride the trolley or stay at the
waterfront Four Point by Sheraton or Holiday Inn Express and Suites for easy viewing and access to the festivities.
www.VenturaHarborVillage.com
Holly Trolley – Ventura Harbor Saturday & Sunday, December 20-21, 2014 – Noon – 3:00 p.m.Take the free Holly
Trolley with Santa Claus from Ventura Harbor Village to Downtown Ventura (California & Santa Clara). During the
Holly Trolley on Saturday, December 20, 2104 live holiday Caribbean music “Unkle Monkey” will be featured while
you shop. On the Sunday of Holly Trolley, enjoy the festivities of the Chanukah Festival. Bring your family and take
FREE photos with Santa.The trolley runs every 45 minutes. Due to limited space, guests are encouraged to make
one exit at either Downtown or Harbor Village on the route before returning to back to starting
point.www.VenturaHarborVillage.com
Cool California Caroling Cruises
Tuesday, Wednesday, & Thursday – December 9 and 11, December 16-20 and December 22, 2014, Departs 6:30
p.m.FA LA LALALALALALALA! Warm up your pipes with family and friends on a one-hour Island Packers Caroling
Cruise on select weekday evenings in December. Start a unique holiday tradition and make new friends aboard a 64’
catamaran. Laugh and enjoy serenading the families in the Ventura Harbor and Ventura Keys waterfront
neighborhood with joyful holiday favorite tunes (singing not required). Advance reservations recommended and
bring a scarf! Call for tickets 805.642.1393. www.IslandPackers.com or www.VenturaHarborVillage.com
Chanukah Festival
Sunday, December 21, 2014 2:00-4:30
Enjoy live music, Judaica boutiques, hot Latkes, and more. Presented by Chabad of Oxnard and held at the Ventura
Harbor Village Main Lawn. For more information visit www.ChabadofOxnard.com or call 805-382-4770
Pacific Gray Whale Watching
December 26, 2014 – Mid April 2015
Whale Watching Season is here and it’s a great time to catch a glimpse of nature up close and personal! Island
Packers, Ventura County’s official concessionaire to the Channel Islands National Park, is now offering ½-day whale
watching excursions to view these magnificent mammals. www.IslandPackers.com
For annual event details and updates visit VenturaHarborVillage.com, Facebook/Ventura Harbor, join the Ventura
Harbor Beach Club ENewsletter, or call (805) 477-0470, ext. 5.
Ventura Harbor Village is located just minutes off the Historic 101 and Highway 1 along California’s Central Coast.
Take the Seaward Ave. exit, left on Harbor Blvd., and right on Spinnaker Drive.
1583 Spinnaker Drive, Ventura, CA 93001
For more information call the Ventura Harbor Event Line: (805) 477–0470, ext. 5, or
visitwww.VenturaHarborVillage.com
About Ventura Harbor Village:
Located on scenic Highway 101, Ventura Harbor Village is 30 minutes South of Santa Barbara and one hour North of
Los Angeles. Ventura Harbor Village is a vibrant, working harbor village and fishing marina boasting 35 shops,
galleries; restaurants, many with fresh seafood; and waterfront activities including a Village Carousel & Arcade,
Comedy Club, Harbor Cove Beach and Surfer’s Knoll Beach, dive and fishing boats, harbor tours, boat, kayak and
peddle boat rentals, and a beautiful walking Promenade. The Village offers visitors an escape to a sun-kissed,
seaside playground with transportation to and from the Harbor via the new Ventura-Downtown Harbor Trolley,
annual specials events, live weekend entertainment, dog-friendly facilities, soft adventure, and spectacular sunset
views of the Pacific coastline. Home to the Channel Islands National Park Visitor Center,(open seven days a week
with free admission and parking and within walking distance to the Village), this coastal playground features its own
viewing tower, exhibits and bookstore, it is easy for travelers to visit the five islands right off the Ventura coast. It is
here that visitors can experience world-class island diving, snorkeling, hiking, kayaking, sea cave exploration,
photography, camping and wildlife viewing.
FACT SHEET
VENTURA HARBOR VILLAGE, VENTURA,CALIFORNIA
LOCATION
Situated along the picturesque California Central Coast, endowed with breathtaking views, Ventura County’s Ventura Harbor Village is celebrating its 50th anniversary. The Village is bordered by the City of Ventura on three sides and the Pacific Ocean on the west, the site of one of the largest squid offloading harbors in North America. Its Marina has more than1,359 slips, 35 unique shops and dockside restaurants, two waterfront hotels, beaches, green spaces, water sports, and boating and cruising options, all part of an affordable, multigenerational vacation destination. Ventura Harbor Village is 20 miles from Santa Barbara, within 15 miles of Oxnard and is 67 miles from Los Angeles International Airport. It is accessible in just minutes from scenic US Highway 101.
ANNUAL VISITOR COUNT
The annual visitor count to Ventura Harbor Village is over 100,000.
LAND AREA
Other than the 2.74 acre site owned by the Department of the Interior, National Park Service, the Ventura Port District manages the land within this multiple use harbor, with current property holdings of approximately 152 acres of land and 122 acres of water area. The site was initially developed in the 1960s, and approximately 23 acres of land area is still available for development.
CLIMATE
Ventura Harbor Village enjoys a year-round balmy climate with fresh sea breezes and frequent sunny skies. Average winter temperatures are 43ºF (6ºC) to 69ºF (21ºC), while summertime highs often reach and rarely exceed 83ºF.
THE MARINA
From 6-foot dinghies to 88-foot commercial fishing seiner boats, scores of pleasure boats call Ventura Harbor home. Ventura Harbor Village marina is the number one off-loading squid harbor on the Pacific Coast and is in the top 10 of offloading fish harbors in the nation. Ventura Harbor Village marina is home to some of the largest fishery companies. Ventura’s Marina has two yacht clubs, two boat yards, and numerous boat rental and charter companies. In addition, ever-popular electric boats can be rented, as can kayaks, paddleboats, paddleboards, stand up kayaks and surf bikes. Boating instruction at all levels is readily available, through the Ventura Power Squadron, the City of Ventura, and private companies. Within the harbor, Ventura Harbor Village boasts many international eateries, from full service trendy restaurants to charming beachside cafés, fresh seafood favorites, and coffee house and French bakery along the vibrant pet friendly promenade. Other boats docked at the Ventura Harbor include Dive Boats, 64‘Catamarans (concessioner for the Channel Islands), National Park Service Vessels, and two oil recovery vessels.
BEACHES
Sun worshippers can enjoy Ventura Harbor’s Harbor Cove Beach locally nicknamed “Mother’s Beach,” a jetty-protected surf-free lagoon that invites solo sunning or a day with the family. Village restaurants and a scenic bicycle path are located nearby. In the interest of safety, the Ventura Port District has funded summer lifeguards for the past two years, and for the convenience of those with limited mobility, a wheelchair aisle is available. Surfer’s Knoll Beach is located one eighth-mile (.2 km) south of Harbor Cove Beach. Adjacent Harbor Wetlands Ecological Reserve has a bird sanctuary, wide sandy beaches on the Pacific Ocean, and mountain views in the background.
ANNUAL EVENTS
Ventura Harbor Village is home to a number of annual events, including such favorites such as the Ventura Harbor Pirate Days, Kinetic Sculpture Race, and the Parade of Lights Boat Parade and Fireworks. Holiday fireworks burst over the Harbor’s public boat launch ramp, and the best views of the Parade can be had from Village restaurants. Visitors return early each year to visit the Tall Ships — Lady Washington and Hawaiian Chieftain. Cottontail Dayin the spring is a family-fun community event featuring egg hunts, petting zoo, kid’s crafts, entertainment, and more. During July and August the harbor resounds with Steel Drum Saturdays and Summer Sunday Concert Series, both free outdoor live music.
ACCOMMODATIONS
Four Points by Sheraton, Ventura Harbor Resort(106 rooms),
with access to such amenities as bicycle rentals, and Spa by
Diane Loring, Inc., open 7 days, and offering a wide array of treatments,
including top quality massage, skincare, and Reiki.
1050 Schooner Dr.
Ventura, CA 93001
(805) 658-1212 Reservation Line: 800-368-7764 www.fourpoints.com/venturaharbor
Holiday Inn Express & Suites (69 rooms)
1080 Navigator Dr.
Ventura, CA 93001
(805) 856-9533
Reservation Line: 877-834-3613
www.holidayinnexpress.com/venturaca
EVENT FACILITIES
Ventura Harbor Village’s Harbor Cove Beach and Surfers Knoll Beach are perfect venues for wedding ceremonies as are Four Points by Sheraton and Ventura Harbor Resort, which also offer facilities for meetings, and receptions. A new waterfront location in the Village is available for event rental with indoor and outdoor space. Ideal for executive meetings is The Greek at the Harbor, which accommodates up to 250guests with indoor and outdoor harbor side seating.
DINING
The epicenter of waterfront dining and savory seafood in Ventura, Ventura Harbor boasts 13 restaurants and cafés many with harbor views and all serving a range of deliciously prepared cuisines from French, Italian, Greek, Mexican, Sushi, American, and popular seafood dishes. The French Le Petit Café & Bakery offers gustatory delights from its pastry showcase, as people travel miles to line up for Andria’s Seafood Restaurant & Market famous Fish N’ Chips. Fish tacos are the surfers delight at Baja Bay Fish N’ Taco as is the fresh sushi prepared by Harbor Sushi as you sit by the water. Wednesday night lobster dinner specials draw crowds at Milano’s Italian Restaurant, while grilled cheese comfort food prepared in exciting varieties at 805 Bar & Grilled Cheese offer you stunning views with a glass of wine. Warm days or after dinner is not complete without a homemade waffle cone ice cream from Coastal Cone. Delicious coffee and tea drinks and smoothies from Coffee Dock& Post provide refreshment. Meanwhile, summertime sunset taste cruises with Island Packers add an element of sophistication to an evening out.
NIGHTLIFE
After viewing a brilliant sunset, light up the night with stellar happy hour menus and live entertainment ranging from traditional Greek Belly Dancing at The Greek at the Harbor to stand-up comics, or up and coming new bands that show the Harbor to be part of the thriving Ventura music scene. On any given weekend multiple bands play originals and sing-along favorites at one of the Harbor’s many restaurants or at the center Carousel Stage. Ventura Harbor Comedy Club features celebrity stand-up comedians and is producer of the annual Fall Ventura Comedy Festival. The new Comedy Club Green Room offers guests karaoke 5 nights a week. Top picks are Brophy Brother’s Restaurant & Clam Bar, Margarita Villa Mexican Restaurant, Rhumb LineThe Sunset Restaurant, 805 Bar & Grilled Cheese, and Ventura Harbor Comedy Club and Green Room.
SHOPPING
Boutique shopping is found seaside with Ventura Harbor Village’s more than 18 shops, boutiques, and art galleries. Visitors can pay a visit to the Ventura County Potters’ Guild, Cory Tile Art, or Tina O’Brien Gallery & Studio for hand-made pottery, tiles and fine art, purchase a kite at Harbor Wind & Kite Company, or shop for someone special at Treasure Cove, Casa de Regalos, or Windrose. Boutiques, such as Barefoot Boutique, Ventura Swimwear, and Beach Break Surf Shop, offer trendy clothing that speaks to the California lifestyle. Ventura Dive & Sport has everything for dive and underwater adventures along with instruction. Hats Unlimited Shades Shack stocks over 1,000 styles, making it nearly impossible to leave the store without the perfect hat; Harbor Village Gallery & Artisan Store has an enchanting array of original jewelry, greeting cards, fabric arts, and unframed originals and prints. Visitor services include a Village Market, Silhouettes Salon, and Cruzin’ Unique Boutique for travel and cruise wear clothing and accessories. Two of the most distinctive shops in the Village and Harbor are Island Packers Gift Shop, the perfect outfitter for a trip to the Channel Islands and the Channel Islands National Park Gift Store.
RECREATION ACTIVITIES
Ventura Harbor Boat Rentals offers the largest fleet of pedal boats –from which passengers often see seals and wildlife in the placid waters of the Harbor. Kayak, sail, snorkel, rent stand up kayaks and electric boats, which are a fun way to see the Harbor and the Ventura Keys. Check out the Channel Islands Visitor Center complete with its new aquarium tank, viewing tower, gifts and bookshop, where visitors can view the iconic A Treasure in the Sea, narrated by Actor Kevin Costner, and the Jr. Ranger program.
Channel Island Excursion: The five islands of the Channel Islands National Park are nicknamed “the North American Galapagos” because of the unique wildlife, which has evolved on the uninhabited island. Anacapa, Santa Cruz, Santa Rosa, San Miguel and Santa Barbara welcome visitors through Island Packers catamaran boats out of the Ventura Harbor. Island Packers, the national concessionaire to the islands, runs half day, all day and overnight trips to the islands. The Channel Islands and surrounding waters are home to over 2,000 plants and animals, including the island fox, of which 145 are found nowhere else in the world. Experience crystal clear waters, ancient kelp beds, and tide pools, while enjoying world class diving, hiking, kayaking, sea cave exploration, photography, snorkeling, camping, wildlife and wildflower viewing. Island Packers, 805-642-1393, www.islandpackers.com
Dive & Sport Fishing: Ventura Harbor offers several dive charters with great amenities, from Peace and Spectre Dive Boats (both with hot tubs onboard), to the Raptor Dive Boat. The Raptor is the charter boat for Ventura Dive and Sport in Ventura Harbor Village. Ventura Dive and Sport is the only dive shop in the state of California to offer all levels of diver-training (from beginner to instructor), an on-site heated pool and the added bonus of a state-of-the-art dive boat docked right outside the shop and pool, standing by for divers to load up. Ventura Dive & Sport, 805-650-6500, www.venturadive.com Ventura Sport Fishing has three boats, Pacific Dawn, Pacific Eagle, and the Island Spirit, and charters ½ day to full day (with bunks) events. Ventura Sport Fishing, 805-676-3474, www.venturasportfishing.com
Whale Watching: Sighting of the magnificent marine mammals is an experience of a lifetime as gray whales migrate annually through the Santa Barbara Channel off the coast of Ventura. The Channel, also flush with wildlife and food resources, has large numbers of blue and humpback whales returning to feed. Island Packers, 805-642-1393, www.islandpackers.com
Wildlife Cruises: Visitors can discover the natural environment of the island shores during non-landing trips to the Channel Islands aboard Island Packers 64’ Catamarans. A highlight of the three hour narrated tour is the opportunity to spot sea lions, seals, and marine and island birds in their habitats. A variety of marine animals and birds can often be spotted as they cross the channel. Island Packers, 805-642-1393, www.islandpackers.com
POINTS OF INTEREST
Ventura Harbor Village, offering free parking, is a sun-kissed seaside playground with more than30 international restaurants, water activities and boutiques. It features a host of attractions, including Village Carousel& Arcade, with a 32 animal carousel, fudge and candy counter, and Coastal Cone Ice Cream with homemade waffle cones and the popular flavors of “Thrifty” ice cream.
A scenic walk-able promenade links two harbor side hotels with the Ventura Harbor Village and continues to the Channel Islands National Park Visitor Center, open 7 days; admission is free. The Village is a vibrant destination with live music most weekends at various eateries, many with pet friendly patios, and beach access across Spinnaker Drive. Enjoy outdoor activities, including kite flying, piloting one’s own electric boat, paddle boarding, harbor cruising and more.
Rhumb Line Restaurant recently voted by Open Table Diners as among the Top 100 Scenic View Restaurants. Rhumb Line The Sunset Restaurant has extensive menus featuring steak, seafood, salads, raw bar, and gourmet burgers enhanced by a view of the Pacific Ocean and scenic entrance to the Ventura Harbor.
The newly renovated Channel Islands National Park Visitor Center at Ventura Harbor has knowledgeable rangers and volunteers to educate visitors about the five- island chain off the Ventura Coast. Features include relief maps of the islands, a marine aquatic pool, bookstore, and “A Treasure in the Sea,” a 25-minute reel narrated by well-known actor Kevin Costner. Just a 10-minute walk to the Village, visitors can also see the storefront for the national concessionaire to the Channel Islands National Park, Island Packers. Tourists can stop in for island bookings, view the “Marine Sightings” daily counts of whale and dolphin encounters, and explore the Island Packers Gift Shop. The Center features new interactive displays and a tidal pool exhibit with lobsters and sand sharks.
Harbor Cove Café is located just outside the Channel Islands National Park Visitor Center offering inside and patio casual dining with mouth-watering buckets of seafood, burgers, handcrafted chowder, and breakfast entrees. Open for breakfast and lunch, it’s the perfect spot to take in the view of the boats in the Harbor. Pet friendly, with a kid menu. Across the street from Harbor Cove Café.
PUBLIC AND PRIVATE BOAT CHARTERS, CRUISES & RENTAL
Rentals are available from kayaks to surf bikes, as are aquatic adventures such as sunset cruises, snorkeling, scuba and fishing expeditions and harbor tours, Ventura Harbor is a Central Coast destination for water activities.
Explorer Dive Boat offers single and multi-day scuba diving trips to the Channel Islands, with food available. 3,000lb. air fills and hot tubs.
2419 Harbor Blvd., 131
Ventura, CA 93001
805-650-3483
Harbor Tours 805.642.7753 Cruise the beautiful Ventura Harbor on a 40-minute narrated harbor tour, and get up close and personal with some of our local sea life. Saturdays, Sundays, and select holidays. Cost $11 and under. See website for details and price list.
1575 Spinnaker Dr., 105B
Ventura, CA 93001
805-642-7753
Spectre Dive Boat
Single and multi-day scuba diving trips to Channel Islands, with food available. 3,000 lb. air fills and hot tubs.
1567 Spinnaker Dr.
Ventura, CA 93001
805-483-6612
|
Raptor Dive Boat Fast, comfortable and spacious, the Raptor is only 40 minutes from Ventura Harbor to spectacular Channel Island dive sites. The Raptor is built from the keel up specifically as a dive charter boat, for the Eastern Pacific Coastal Waters. Come out and get the resort experience right here at home. Diving is supposed to be fun and convenient and that’s what it is on the Raptor. 1559 Spinnaker Dr., 108 Ventura, CA 93001 805-650-7700 |
|
|
Island Packers Cruising the California Channel Islands for education, recreation, and research since 1968. Let your island adventure begin with the experienced crew from Island Packers, which provide first-rate transportation services for island hiking, camping, kayaking, whale watching, school field trips, sightseeing and harbor cruises. Island Packers takes visitors to all five islands in the Channel Islands National Park. 1691 Spinnaker Dr. 805-642-1393 |
|
|
Pacific Sailing Lessons & Charters Established in 1997, Pacific Sailing’s goal is to offer sailing value without the expense and worry of boat ownership. In addition to the bare-boat sailing club they also offer private sailing lessons and skippered charters. 1575 Spinnaker Dr., 105B-131 805-658-6508
Ventura County Stand Up Paddle Board School Ventura County Standup Paddleboard School offers guided group and private lessons, rentals, demos, kids’ camps and boot camp / workout, and SUP classes at the beautiful Harbor Cove beach, within the Ventura Harbor. To schedule your paddleboard experiences, call or visit the official site. 805-415-7674
|
|
NEARBY ATTRACTIONS
Olivas Adobe Historical Park
4200 Olivas Park Drive, Ventura, CA
Ventura County’s only remaining Monterey-style adobe home from the Rancho era – California Historical Landmark No. 115 was placed on the National Register of Historic
Places in 1979. It celebrates Ventura’s Rancho and Latino heritage through weekend tours, seasonal school educational outreach programs and year round special events.
Visitors may experience the expansive adobe home and courtyard built between 1847-49, Grounds are open daily, free to the public, and the home is open for tours Saturdays andSundays, 11 am-4 pm or by arrangement. $5/adult, $3/child/ senior. 805-658-4728
Olivas Links is an award-winning 18-hold championship golf facility, owned by the City of Ventura that offers a natural golf experience unique to the County. It is a stunningly scenic course with beautiful views of Ventura Harbor, the Ventura hillside, and Channel Islands. It provides golfers with the opportunity to play in a temperate climate with coastal beauty on four distinct sets of tees. Olivas Links, voted by Golfweek in 2013 as one of the best municipal courses, challenges players of all abilities. More information is available by visitingwww.Olivaslinks.comfor rates and tee times. 805-677-6770
Farm Fresh Produce Stands
The colorful display and tantalizing smell of California’s most famous and delectable fruits and vegetables emanate from Ventura’s farm fresh produce stands that practically beg visitors to take juicy bites right there on the spot. They include:
A & F Country Market 4550 Olivas Park Dr.,Ventura, CA 93003. 805-644-5470. Located up the road from the Ventura Harbor where Telephone Rd. ends at Olivas Park Dr., brothers Anthony and Frank keep fresh produce year round. 8:30am-6:30 pm daily.
Aguila Produce 4542 Olivas Park Dr. Ventura, CA 93003, 805-658-8588, features some of the best Avocado prices in town.
Fernando’s Produce, a diminutive, sign-less produce stand, is located catty-corner from A&F Market, and along with other delectable fruits and vegetables it, too, has some of the best Avocado prices in town.4800 Olivas Park Dr., Ventura, CA 93003,805-612-7247.
ACCESSIBLITY AND TRANSPORTATION
NEAREST AIRPORTS
Los Angeles International Airport is 67 miles (107.83 km) south of the Marina, and is served by national and international airlines. Contact the airport at 310-646-5252. Other airports include Burbank-Glendale-Pasadena Airport, and Santa Barbara Airport. Oxnard Airport is 6 miles (10.19 km) from Ventura and is classified as a non-hub commercial service airport.
Airporter Shuttle Service runs daily round trips between the Holiday Inn Express, Ventura Harbor, the Oxnard Airport, and Los Angeles International Airport. In addition, Taxis, Limousines and other shuttle services from LAX are available.
Train transportation is available via Amtrak downtown Ventura platform, where the FREE Downtown Harbor Trolley picks up and travels loops with additional stops at waterfront hotels before the Ventura Harbor stop. The trolley is available Wednesdays – Sundays and holidays 11 am – 11 pm.
The Ventura Port District has made it easy for motorists to “go green” with two electric vehicle charging stations at the Ventura Harbor, located in parking stalls at 1691 Spinnaker Drive, by Island Packers.
VISITOR INFORMATION
For visitor information, visit www.VenturaHarborVillage.com or contact the Ventura Harbor Marketing Department at 805-477-0470. For event information/listings: 805-477-0470, ext. 5 or Facebook Ventura Harbor Village, Marketing Contact: Jennifer Talt Lundin via e-mail at [email protected], via fax at 805-644-1684. For general Ventura information stop by the Ventura Visitor & Convention Bureau Visitor Center, 101 S. California Street, Ventura, CA 93001, Open Daily or visit www.Ventura-USA.com.