Explore Beaches, Hiking Trails, Coastal Towns, Wineries, Shopping, Family Attractions, and Outdoor Adventures in Ventura County
Looking for the best things to do in Ventura County, California? Located between Los Angeles and Santa Barbara along Southern California’s scenic coastline, Ventura County offers an incredible mix of beaches, outdoor adventures, wineries, hiking trails, shopping destinations, family-friendly attractions, and charming coastal towns.
Whether you're planning a weekend getaway, California road trip, family vacation, or day trip from Los Angeles, Ventura County delivers unforgettable experiences for every type of traveler. From Channel Islands National Park and Ventura Harbor Village to Ojai wineries and Oxnard beaches, there are countless attractions to explore year-round.
This guide highlights the top attractions and best places to visit in Ventura County, including Ventura, Oxnard, Ojai, Camarillo, Thousand Oaks, Santa Paula, and Simi Valley.
Top 20 Things to Do in Ventura County
1. Visit Channel Islands National Park
One of the top attractions in Ventura County, Channel Islands National Park features five stunning islands filled with wildlife, sea caves, hiking trails, snorkeling spots, and pristine beaches. Often called the “Galapagos of North America,” the park is ideal for kayaking, camping, whale watching, and outdoor adventures.
Visitors can take boat tours from Ventura Harbor to explore Santa Cruz Island, Anacapa Island, and other breathtaking destinations.
Why Visit
- Hiking and camping
- Wildlife viewing
- Sea cave kayaking
- Snorkeling and diving
- Whale watching tours
2. Walk the Ventura Pier and Promenade
The historic Ventura Pier is one of Southern California’s most iconic coastal landmarks. Stretching into the Pacific Ocean, the pier offers panoramic ocean views, fishing, sunset walks, and easy access to the Ventura Promenade.
Nearby, visitors can enjoy beachfront restaurants, bike paths, surf shops, and family-friendly activities.
Popular Activities
- Fishing
- Beach biking
- Oceanfront dining
- Sunset photography
- Surfing nearby beaches
3. Tour the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum
Located in Simi Valley, the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library is one of the most visited museums in California. Guests can explore interactive exhibits, Air Force One, presidential memorabilia, and a replica Oval Office.
The library also offers incredible panoramic views of Ventura County and the Conejo Valley.
Highlights
- Walk aboard Air Force One
- Cold War exhibits
- Presidential archives
- Scenic gardens
- Family educational experiences
4. Explore Ventura Botanical Gardens
The Ventura Botanical Gardens features more than 100 acres of scenic hillside gardens overlooking the Pacific Ocean. This peaceful outdoor destination combines native California plants, walking trails, and breathtaking coastal views.
It’s one of the best outdoor activities in Ventura for nature lovers and photographers.
Best For
- Hiking
- Photography
- Native plants
- Coastal views
- Relaxation
5. Hike or Bike the Ojai Valley Trail
The Ojai Valley Trail connects Ventura and Ojai with approximately nine miles of scenic pathways perfect for biking, hiking, jogging, and outdoor recreation.
Surrounded by mountains, citrus groves, and rolling hills, this trail is one of the best free things to do in Ventura County.
Outdoor Activities
- Cycling
- Hiking
- Running
- Nature photography
- Family recreation
6. Spend the Day at Ventura Harbor Village
Ventura Harbor Village is one of the county’s top waterfront destinations featuring restaurants, boutiques, whale watching tours, paddleboard rentals, kayaking, and harbor cruises.
The harbor also hosts seasonal festivals, live entertainment, seafood dining, and family attractions throughout the year.
Things to Do
- Whale watching
- Harbor cruises
- Waterfront dining
- Shopping
- Kayaking and paddleboarding
7. Shop at Camarillo Premium Outlets
Known as one of the best outlet shopping destinations in Southern California, Camarillo Premium Outlets features more than 160 designer and brand-name stores with major discounts year-round.
Popular brands include Nike, Coach, Michael Kors, Adidas, and Ralph Lauren.
Shopping Highlights
- Luxury outlet shopping
- Designer brands
- Family-friendly dining
- Outdoor shopping experience
- Seasonal sales events
8. Relax at Oxnard Beaches
Oxnard offers some of the most beautiful and less crowded beaches in Southern California. Oxnard Beach Park is perfect for picnics, beach walks, volleyball, biking, and oceanfront relaxation.
Nearby Silver Strand Beach and Hollywood Beach are also popular destinations for surfing and coastal vacations.
Beach Activities
- Swimming
- Surfing
- Picnics
- Beach biking
- Family outings
9. Discover Ojai Wine Tasting and Wineries
Ojai and the Ventura County Wine Trail feature boutique wineries, tasting rooms, and scenic vineyard experiences. Wine lovers can enjoy local reds, whites, sparkling wines, and relaxing countryside views.
The region is known for its laid-back atmosphere and beautiful mountain scenery.
Popular Experiences
- Wine tasting
- Vineyard tours
- Outdoor patios
- Weekend getaways
- Live music events
10. Visit Surfers Point in Ventura
Surfers Point is one of California’s premier surf destinations and a favorite gathering place for surfers, cyclists, and beachgoers.
Located near downtown Ventura, this scenic park offers incredible ocean views and direct access to the Ventura beachfront bike path.
Best Activities
- Surfing
- Walking trails
- Ocean photography
- Beach relaxation
- Watching sunsets
11. Explore Historic Downtown Ventura
Downtown Ventura combines historic charm with modern coastal culture. Visitors can browse local boutiques, coffee shops, breweries, art galleries, and restaurants along Main Street.
The area frequently hosts farmers markets, festivals, concerts, and nightlife events.
Popular Downtown Attractions
- Ventura restaurants
- Local breweries
- Art galleries
- Boutique shopping
- Live entertainment
12. Tour Camarillo Ranch House
Camarillo Ranch House is a beautifully preserved Victorian estate showcasing Ventura County’s agricultural history and ranching heritage.
The property includes guided tours, gardens, historic architecture, and seasonal community events.
Visitor Highlights
- Historic tours
- Victorian architecture
- Photography
- Community events
- Wedding venue
13. See the Santa Paula Murals
Santa Paula’s vibrant murals celebrate the city’s agricultural, cultural, and entertainment history. The downtown walking tour is one of Ventura County’s hidden gems.
Great For
- Walking tours
- Local history
- Public art
- Photography
- Family outings
14. Visit the Ventura County Fairgrounds
The Ventura County Fairgrounds hosts concerts, trade shows, festivals, sporting events, and the annual Ventura County Fair.
Located directly on the beach, it’s one of the county’s largest entertainment venues.
Annual Events
- Ventura County Fair
- Concerts
- Car shows
- Festivals
- Community events
Photo courtesy of Ventura County Fairgrounds
15. Explore Conejo Valley Botanic Garden
Located in Thousand Oaks, the Conejo Valley Botanic Garden offers peaceful walking trails, drought-tolerant gardens, scenic overlooks, and birdwatching opportunities.
Top Experiences
- Nature walks
- Photography
- Native plants
- Family-friendly outings
- Relaxation
16. Visit the California Oil Museum
Located in Santa Paula, the California Oil Museum tells the story of California’s petroleum industry through interactive exhibits and historic artifacts.
It’s a unique educational attraction for history buffs and families.
17. Discover the Ventura County Maritime Museum
The Ventura County Maritime Museum in Oxnard showcases maritime history, ship models, naval exhibits, and nautical art collections.
Popular Exhibits
- Tall ship displays
- Maritime history
- Ship models
- Naval artifacts
- Ocean exploration exhibits
18. Shop and Dine at The Oaks Mall
The Oaks Mall in Thousand Oaks is one of Ventura County’s premier shopping and dining destinations featuring major retailers, restaurants, and entertainment options.
Shopping and Entertainment
- Fashion retailers
- Restaurants
- Movie theater
- Family shopping
- Indoor entertainment
19. Experience Coastal Dining in Ventura County
Ventura County’s food scene features fresh seafood, farm-to-table dining, wineries, breweries, and oceanfront restaurants.
Popular dining destinations include Ventura Harbor, downtown Ventura, Ojai, Oxnard, and Thousand Oaks.
Culinary Highlights
- Seafood restaurants
- Craft breweries
- Wine tasting
- Outdoor patios
- Local farmers markets
20. Plan a Ventura County Weekend Getaway
Whether you're visiting for beaches, hiking, wine tasting, shopping, or family activities, Ventura County is one of California’s best hidden gems for travel and tourism.
With year-round sunshine, beautiful coastlines, and countless attractions, Ventura County offers something for everyone.
Why Visit Ventura County?
Ventura County combines the best of Southern California travel without the crowds of Los Angeles or Santa Barbara. Visitors can enjoy:
- Beautiful beaches
- Outdoor adventures
- Scenic coastal towns
- Wineries and breweries
- Family-friendly attractions
- Shopping and dining
- Hiking and biking trails
- Cultural museums and events
From surfing in Ventura and wine tasting in Ojai to shopping in Camarillo and exploring Channel Islands National Park, Ventura County is one of California’s top travel destinations.
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Published (Updated) September 25, 2026, In 805 Media (in805.com)