Page 62 - 2024/2025 Travel Guide to CALIFORNIA

VENTURA COAST LANDSCAPE, above; surfing in Ventura, below.
With miles of scenic beaches, count- less surf-town getaways, and more than 249,000 acres of national parks to explore, the Ventura County Coast makes the perfect road trip destination.
Situated along the legendary Pacific Coast Highway, the cities of Camarillo, Oxnard, Port Hueneme, and Ventura invite you to experience good vibes, family fun, and endless adventure in an epic four-day visit.
Road Trip to Adventure
Start your trip in Camarillo and stock up on surfwear, outdoor gear, and luxury items at the Camarillo Premium Outlets’ 160 stores. Afterward, toast your shopping success with a jalapeño apricot margarita or a pear lavender martini at one of the nearby restaurants and spend your first night at one of the affordable hotels in the heart of beautiful Camarillo.
Splurge a little on your second day, and treat yourself to an oceanfront stay just up the coast in Oxnard. To make your visit even more enjoyable, multiple lodging locations offer beach cruisers, longboards, and beach games. And no matter what, do not miss the town’s epic taco scene. On the famous Oxnard Taco Trail, 15 locations will
BY ILONA KAUREMSZKY
guide you through barbacoa plates, red mulitas, birria pizzadillas, torta titanics, and more.
The following morning, cruise over to the Port Hueneme Beach Park and Pier for another day in the iconic California sun. Later, warm up around Surfside Seafood’s fire pits before dining on fresh-caught seafood as an orange sunset sinks into the Pacific. At night, fall asleep in one of several lodging options just minutes from the sand.
To immerse yourself in the region’s beauty, schedule a surfing lesson in Ven- tura and take in epic views of the Channel Islands from the Ventura Pier. Known as the “Galápagos of North America,” Channel Islands National Park, comprising five islands, offers hiking, bird watching, snor- keling, diving, and more. Best of all, the islands are accessible from Ventura Harbor or Channel Islands Harbor in Oxnard. After a full day of adventure, grab a drink at a beachfront bar before dining on local fare. Similar to the other destinations, Ventura features several types of lodging, including historic properties and a luxury restored vintage trailer hotel where you can drift off to sleep, thinking about the coastal memo- ries you’ll take home with you.
60 2024-25 TRAVEL GUIDE TO CALIFORNIA
VENTURA COUNTY COAST
The Gateway to California’s Central Coast
SURF, TACOS, SEAFOOD, SUNSETS
VENTURA COUNTY COAST VenturaCountyCoast.com
VENTURA COUNTY COAST