Things To Do
Downtown Ventura
Ventura's Main Street is the heart of the city! Now a pedestrian-only street, the eclectic downtown has some of our favorite restaurants, shops, and bars. Check out the Farmers' Market Saturday from 8:30a-12p, and make sure to venture to the end where you'll find the beautiful San Buenaventura Mission.
Ventura Pier & Playground
Great spot to bring the family for a beach day.
Surfers Point at Seaside Park
Ventura is known for its surfing, and this is Matt's go-to spot for it (just steps away from the Ventura Pier).
Emma Wood State Beach
One of our favorite beaches ~5 miles from downtown. It's small but lovely with lots of character.
Hiking & Mountain Biking
Ventura has a number hiking and mountain biking trails with expansive views of the Pacific and Santa Ynez Mountains. Here's Matt enjoying one! In all transparency, we are still learning about the long list of trails ourselves, but here are some suggestions from ChatGPT: Arroyo Verde Park, Ventura Botanical Gardens, Sycamore Canyon Trail, Harmon Canyon Preserve, and Ventura River Preserve.
Ojai Valley Trail
Nine mile trail following a former railroad route, weaving its way from Ventura to Ojai offering views of the Santa Ynez Mountains and sprawling farmlands. Perfect for a leisurely bike ride!
Ojai
Ojai means "nest" in Chumash, and this name couldn't capture it better. This cozy bohemian town offers quintessential California lushness, artistry, and shopping. (This is also where the celebration will be held!) Here we are enjoying a glass of wine after making plans to get married.
Santa Barbara
Ventura's fancier sister, Santa Barbara is known for its beaches, architecture, and cultural vibrancy. Head to State Street for shopping, dining (seafood!), and drinking (all types). Santa Barbara Zoo is a fun stop for families!
Immigrant Son Caffe
One of our most frequented brunch spots where the outdoor seating on Main Street is just as good as the airy coffee shop aura inside. Matt likes the breakfast lasagna (it's exactly what it sounds like), and I like the "secret" cookies they bring you with your bill. Some of our other favorite breakfast/brunch spots: Café Nouveau: Arguably the best brunch in town in a charming neighborhood space with hidden tables and lush greenery. This spot doesn't take reservations, but make sure to get on the waitlist via Yelp! Frontside Cafe: For Anna (growing up in coastal Maine), this brunch spot embodies coastal California. Even when we eat too much (which is most times we go here), we still feel healthy when we leave.
Spencer Makenzie's
If you are looking for fish tacos, GO HERE. Make sure to get them "Brooklyn Style" and to use their homemade sauces. Other lunch favorites: Peirano's: Go here for sandwiches, salads, and afternoon wine! Sit outside along Main Street and the San Buenaventura Mission. Taqueria Cuernavaca Express: Heading downtown for the afternoon? Stop here at the top of Main Street for *delicious* tacos!
Rumfish y Vino
This place is meant for celebration. Beautiful wine bar (but the cocktails are equally as good) with courtyard patio tucked away just off Main Street. Our additional dinner recommendations: Lure Fish House, Finney's Crafthouse.
Bank of Italy Cocktail Trust
Ok, we haven't been here. But, we already know it will be a favorite. Old bank converted into a bar? Yep! Looking for breweries? Try Ventura Coast Brewing Company downtown or Transmission Brewing for a rooftop beers and pizza.