Ventura Travel Information


Ventura, named in Spanish as good fortune, is a beautiful seaside city with spectacular beaches and beach hotels such as Crowne Plaza Hotel Ventura Beach and Four Points by Sheraton in the Ventura Harbor. While some are captured by the historic charm of Pierpont hotel, sitting atop a hill overlooking the bay, others opt for Ventura's affordable accommodations when attending concerts, plays, weddings and special events. We like to go to Ventura for overnight and weekend escapes for two reasons. It is close to Los Angeles, and its cultural offerings and cuisine make this beach city a true escape from the rat race.

Booking a hotel room and getting settled in, then you begin to contemplate the countless options for dining. One that I never tire of is the Greek at the Harbor, billed as Ventura's only waterfront restaurant. The views of the boats in the harbor are restfull, but the action inside the place sizzles. Many nights you'll see the handsome Greek gents do some fancy tricks balancing wine glasses on their heads while they dance. Bellydancers often make an appearance as well. The entertainment is fun, but I go for the food. Though it is huge, the Family Style Five Course Lunch offers everything you miss if you don't live near a quality Greek restaurant such as this. Cold Sampler (six cold dips) with pita, flaming Saganaki cheese, Greek Salad, Calamari, Chicken Kebobs on rice, Lamb Chops on Macedonia Garlic Pasta, and more food means you'll be taking some back to the hotel. After getting my fill of Greek, I always like to stop by and get a soda and home cooking at the Busy Bee Cafe, a roll back to the 60's with red checkered accents and vinyl booths, a cafe counter, and jukebox tunes. Then there's J's Tapas and rose infused martinis. There are many more options for dining, so don't be shy about getting out of your love nest and exploring when you stay in Ventura.

For outdoor activities and sports, you can surf, swim, and take a trip the Channel Islands. Just off shore of the Ventura harbor within view, and an hour by boat, you'll see a series of islands called the Channel Islands. Each island is a gem to visit and enjoy for its rugged, natural state. The day trips are booked through islandpackers.com, and offer a chance to see several of the rustic islands. If you don't like bugs, stay away from Anacapa. There are lots of small bugs that land on you, and you have to keep moving.

In town and dressed to kill, attend a performing arts event such as a concert or play. Cultural and city endeavors include an impressive art scene with cutting edge art from locals who find inspiration near the sea. Even at the Ventura Mission you'll find the Spanish style architecture and touches offer a unique, artistic look at the past, which can also be evidenced in the Ventura Court House. This is where the famed writer of mystery novels got inspiration. You can almost feel it as you wander the halls of the pristine, well-preserved building. Beware of the parking meter cops, however! Parking meters that abound run out, and you'll have a ticket it less than 10 minutes. The city is extremely agressive in its ticketing efforts, or at least it was on my visit. You don't feel like such good fortunue after you're issued a fine of over $30 for letting time slip as you spend your money in town. That's just the down side of a perfect trip for those who don't pay attention.

It's hard not to fall under the spell of this charming, alluring city of good fortune. Once you visit you'll discover a little bit of cosmopolitan L.A., combined with the country ways. Business leaders, celebrities and vacationers come to Ventura to slow down a bit, to sample boutique wines, enjoy the gourmet or mom & pop diners, and to enjoy all of it to the backdrop of the Pacific.

In addition to beautiful beaches, surfing, the famed Yellow Umbrellas you can rent on the sand in the summer, the Ventura pier with is laid back style and great restaurant offers the true flavor of a local hangout. Surfboards hang on walls that measure time by the tides. Seafood dining downstairs and a mellow bar that still serves drink specials such as mai tais with sunset views, make for a great way to unwind from a hard day of sunbathing.

If you zip by on Highway 101 and don't stop in Ventura, you're missing so much!