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Discover the city of good fortune, a seaside community located between Malibu and Santa Barbara. The casual and unpretentious place is welcoming, tranquil, and rich in culture and history. Follow me for an immersive visit!

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A pinch of history

• Originally, the area was inhabited by the Chumash people.
• Ventura official name is San Buenaventura which means Good fortune in Spanish.
• Mission San Buenaventura is the last mission founded personally by Father Junipero Serra.
• Ventura was the first place to produce lima beans outside of Peru.
• Student John Lennon played on Ventura Beach in 1968.

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8 AM – Stretch your legs at Grant Park

Start your day at Grant Park. This 107-acre park offers panoramic sight over the city, the Pier, the coast, and the Channel Islands. There are also numerous trails for hikers and runners if you are up for some exercises.

Father Junipero Serra erected a cross on this hilltop when he created the mission. This massive wooden cross served religious purposes and helped seafarers navigating the peninsula. Since 1782, four crosses have been erected.

9 AM – Visit San Buenaventura Mission

On Easter day, March 31th, 1782, Father Junipero Serra founded the Mission San Buenaventura. Named after Saint Bonaventure, this is the ninth mission along the Californian coast.

Tour the Mission grounds and gift shop for more information and artifacts

Location : San Buenaventura Mission, 211 E. Main St.&Figueroa St.

10 AM – Glance at  A.J Comstock Fire Department Museum

Look through the window of this one-room museum to discover the history and development of the Fire Department. There are numerous artifacts and photographs. Ventura City’s Fire Department has operated since 1875.

Did you know?

The Ventura City Fire Department is one of the oldest departments in the State of California.

Location : Figueroa Plaza, Figueroa and Santa Clara Streets

10:15 AM – Stroll Main street to explore additional Historic Landmarks

Downtown Ventura abounds with historic landmarks from the late 1800s to the early 1900s. These “First” buildings include many residential homes, the Ventura County Courthouse, saloon, banks, theater, and hotels. For more details, grab (or download on your phone) the historic walking tour guide edited by the city.

Did you know?

By 1813, 587 women, 582 men, 126 children, and 28 non-native Americans lived in Ventura.

11 :30 AM – Promenade to the Ventura Pier

For an ocean breeze and surfer-chill, continue your walk on the Promenade.  Located at Seaside Park, this paved path is connected to the Pier. 

Noon – Eat and shop in Ventura Harbor Village

Direction Ventura Harbor Village for lunch with a view. The marina includes a variety of restaurants and shops. Bon appetit!

2 PM – Sea the day: Beaches and Channel Island

You can make an afternoon of vitamin Sea, beautiful coastline, and dunes. There are many sandy beaches in Ventura, especially next to Downtown, Pierpont, and Ventura Harbor Village.

Experience protected and remarkable islands at Channel Islands National Park. Daily excursions sail from the Harbor to one of the five islands: Anacapa, Santa Cruz, Santa Rosa, San Miguel, and San Barbara. Nature lovers, hikers, and campers, these islands are natural jewels to explore.

7 PM – Wrap the day with a sunset

A perfect day in Ventura will end with a sunset. At the beach, on the Pier, at a restaurant, enjoy vibrant colors to conclude a fun day in San Buenaventura.

Ready to explore Ventura?

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Tips:

• Location: Ventura, CA
• More information available at https://visitventuraca.com/

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