{"id":118233,"date":"2024-02-22T23:33:04","date_gmt":"2024-02-22T23:33:04","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/entertainment.runfyers.com\/index.php\/2024\/02\/22\/things-to-do-in-ventura-county-honeytrek-couples-adventure-travel\/"},"modified":"2024-02-22T23:33:04","modified_gmt":"2024-02-22T23:33:04","slug":"things-to-do-in-ventura-county-honeytrek-couples-adventure-travel","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/entertainment.runfyers.com\/index.php\/2024\/02\/22\/things-to-do-in-ventura-county-honeytrek-couples-adventure-travel\/","title":{"rendered":"Things to do in Ventura County – HoneyTrek – Couples Adventure Travel"},"content":{"rendered":"


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I grew up just 50 miles south of Ventura County, California and have so many fond memories of this retreat from LA\u2026Mission San Buenaventura was my 4th-grade project, Oxnard was our spot for strawberry picking, Ventura Beach is where I had my 17th birthday party, Camarillo Outlets got me decked out for prom, and the Channel Islands was home to my summer camp for years. With so many awesome childhood experiences and things to do in Ventura County, it was time to see what new wonders were in store!<\/p>\n

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While there are numerous towns in Ventura County, we honed in on their coastal cities of Oxnard, Camarillo, Ventura, and Port Hueneme, plus the Channel Islands National Park and Marine Sanctuary for a proper sand and sea getaway. We spent nine days road-tripping and sailing between these destinations to pinpoint the best things to do in Ventura County for beach lovers! From surfing their epic breaks to whale watching in the \u201cGalapagos of the North\u201d to taking the wildest scenic flight of our entire lives, our time on the Ventura County Coast was packed with adventures.<\/p>\n

Check out our Ventura County Coast travel guide and start planning your own trip to one of Southern California\u2019s best beach destinations!<\/strong><\/p>\n

THINGS TO DO IN VENTURA<\/h2>\n
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We kicked off our trip in the county\u2019s namesake town of Ventura. With its roots as an 18th-century Spanish Mission town, it has nearly 250 years of history, yet its rugged location at the foot of the Los Padres National Forest and the Pacific Ocean kept it hidden from travelers for the better part of the 20th century. Until the Ventura Freeway came in 1969, it was a working-class town and a mecca for surfers in the know. What we love about Ventura is that, even though it\u2019s become a popular beach destination, it\u2019s remained down to earth, preserving its natural beauty and small-town vibe.\u00a0<\/p>\n

With a lively Main Street, just three blocks off the beach and the mountains, the day flows between cultural offerings to outdoor fun and a nightlife that pulses. Below you will find our favorite things to do in Ventura<\/a>, including the best places to eat, drink, and sleep!<\/p>\n

Tour Mission San Buenaventura<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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To get your bearings on this historic city, start at Mission San Buenaventura right on Main Street. I\u2019ve long had a connection to this mission\u2026we share the same birthday of March 31st (exactly 200 years apart) and I made a model of this colonial beauty for my 4th-grade project on California\u2019s Mission History\u2026so I know and love every inch of this place. With a nominal entrance fee, you can explore the museum to learn about the mission\u2019s founding by (recently canonized) Franciscan Father Junipero Serra, the impressive aqueduct work by the Chumash Indians that allowed the town to thrive, and the beautiful church still in use today. We wandered the lush courtyard and caught the tail end of a service to soak up this city oasis.<\/p>\n

Shop Main Street Ventura<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Forget traffic and parked cars, Ventura has turned five blocks of its Main Street into a pedestrian-only zone with tons of outdoor cafes, artisan pop-ups, vintage shops, and one of the most pleasant places to stroll, shop, and dine. Better yet, 90% of their businesses are locally owned\u2026including Patagonia (this is where the eco-conscious gear company opened its first shop and is still headquartered). The thrill of the strip is popping in and out of stores that call to you, but here is our must-shop list:\u00a0<\/p>\n