Page 62 - 2024-2025 Travel Guide to California

VENTURA COUNTY COAST
The Gateway to California’s Central Coast
B Y I L O N A K A U R E M S Z K Y
SURF, TACOS,
SEAFOOD,
SUNSETS
VENTURA COUNTY
COAST
VenturaCountyCoast.com
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
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