12 Things to do in Ventura: Beaches, Restaurants & More

[@evslone]

Last time I visited Ventura I stayed at a hotel by the harbor to spend the next day out at the Channel Islands. While walking the beach adjacent to the harbor at sunset I came upon a woman being pulled by her Golden Retriever down to the water's edge. She told me he was so excited because he visits his friend, a dolphin, most evenings. Right, I thought. Rendezvous with a dolphin. So of course I had to hang around to see if she was just pulling my leg. Within 15 minutes three dolphins appeared and one of them came over to the surf near us, and her dog went bounding in. If I hadn't seen it with my own eyes I never would have believed it. Just made that beautiful place even more special.

[@californiathroughmylens]

Wow, that is incredible! What a fun thing to experience! Thanks for sharing it with us

[@grandbaycentral5741]

Are people really leaving California?👍🙌

[@kennyt8730]

Along Rincon, 6 miles of beach just north on Ventura, my lab swims with the seals. They come right up to the beach.

[@grandbaycentral5741]

@@kennyt8730 Good stuff

[@grandbaycentral5741]

@@cherie4868 What happen in California stay in California😂

[@ivyyoung521]

Born and raised in Ventura, and still here. This is my paradise.

[@rockyzrockyx917]

Ventura, California is not accessible from the Cross Bronx Expressway.

[@ivyyoung521]

@@rockyzrockyx917 No it's not. But my family is from the Bronx. I'm first generation born in California. I hope one day you can visit Ventura, CA.

[@robbrown4621]

@@rockyzrockyx917 Get to the Washington Bridge and head south in NJ to Route 80 and then west to California. I did it from Brooklyn., You can do it from the Bronx! :)

[@lawrencekniser8555]

How is the surfing?

[@Janet-k5x]

Yes!!! My kids loved it!!

[@dixienormous8772]

I used to live in Ventura. It’s quiet there and life moves slow, but Downtown Ventura is fun. The worst thing about Ventura is the hard water.

[@californiathroughmylens]

Fun that you used to live there!

[@TravelSmallLiveBig]

Dixie - are you Audie / Legacy Crane?

[@lisastabfurth5448]

Yeah been here for 23 years and the water is still hard. I hate it.

[@kittysofdoom6968]

That slow pace is going away with the outsiders moving in from The Bigger cities. They forget to leave that attitude behind.

[@joansessa8447]

@@californiathroughmylens 0

[@ashlynweatherford5127]

Pete's is awesome, check out Allison's too! Allison's has the absolute best jam!!

[@elizabethcurtis8546]

And homemade bicuits!

[@ostile920]

Big Johns breakfast my favorite!

[@brennaw.3345]

Allison’s Biscuits and Jam = the best breakfast

[@TravelSmallLiveBig]

My hometown! My parents got married in The Mission. There are so many excellent restaurants Aloha, Cafe Fiore, Cafe Zack, Lure and so many more. Ventura is also known for its thrift stores. Nice list Josh!

[@californiathroughmylens]

Thanks for the comment, I will have to check out those restaurants!

[@The_bunny_team]

Thrift stores have slowly disappeared, only a couple left

[@brennaw.3345]

Not Aloha, i don’t wanna get stabbed 😬

[@michaelrexrode3759]

I greatly appreciate the way you have improved your delivery. Public speaking, even for online audiences, is not as easy as people think.

[@californiathroughmylens]

Thank you, that is very kind of you to say! I try my hardest with it!

[@davidm.5286]

Moved to Venture11years ago from Napa CA hated not looked back since. Without a doubt everything you said and then some.

[@delphinenyirahabimanam.d.8510]

CA always! My favourite state❤

[@CaloNord]

Waypoint in Ventura is great too!! You stay in Airstrips. Super fun experience

[@SouthwestSasquatch]

The “Top Hat” had the best burgers in Ventura.

[@Bigfig7977]

I love Ventura grew up there and enjoy going back.

[@sarahfogo9196]

Born and raised in Ventura and there is so much to do around here its great. Park downtown and you can walk to all the shops, the pier, botanical gardens, and more in one day. Palermo is a great coffee house and rocket fizz next door is a great candy spot for kids. If you like tai food Rice by Mama is top notch! Great video so cool to see my hometown through your lens!

[@shannonfitzgerald8909]

I’m convinced this needs to be my hometown very soon!!

[@cmichaelhaugh8517]

I rented an AirBnB house in Ventura with my children several years ago. It’s still one of my fondest memories!

[@californiathroughmylens]

That's awesome, I am glad you have good memories of it!

[@danielribeiro6099]

Ventura...always beautiful 🇺🇸

[@californiathroughmylens]

Agreed!

[@nicolletteashtiani]

Yes love this! Ventura is my favorite little gem, and I feel so lucky to have grown up here. A few things I also think are great in the marina are: Andria’s Seafood. Honestly the best fish & chips you’ll ever have. And they make other yummy goodies too. I also love the retro arcade the marina has. As a kid, I was obsessed! Definitely great for kids. You can also rent paddle boats or kayaks around the marina and that’s always a fun thing to do. Sometimes you’ll see fishermen with their catch of the day, sea lions, or other fun things. And lastly, downtown Ventura has amazing thrift stores! A few even work with some great organizations. Anyways thanks for capturing all the amazing things that Ventura offers. ☺️

[@nancymaltez7725]

Ventura has so much to offer! Amazing restaurants. Johnny’s mexican Food, Lalos, Cuernavaca, Great Central Steak and Hoagie, and all of the restaurants mentioned by others. I miss Ventura!!!

[@CC40831]

Ventura is my moms hometown. This place is beautiful. Your food suggestions were point..

[@californiathroughmylens]

So glad you agree!

[@victorsolano1097]

How grateful I am to be able to say I was born in Ventura 🙌🏼

[@RecyclingMama]

anyone remember the zip line on the ship at Marina Park!

[@Wolfpup748]

Omg yes

[@Janet-k5x]

My kids loved it!!!!

[@Pixics]

That's a nice hike on the ventura botanical garden.

[@scottcriss7329]

Will be in the Ventura area this coming 3-day weekend, including Santa Barbara.....you're making my travels here in California easy for me...great coverage and reviews! I'm retired military and travel for the Veteran's Admin as their Travel Nurse and get to see a lot of the places you review in your videos--love it! Am here in the Redondo area for the next 9 weeks, and would be really neat to meet you all sometime over lunch if possible....again, thanks for the videos! Scott

[@californiathroughmylens]

Thanks for the message and I am so glad the videos have been helpful for your travels. California really is an amazing spot with so much to explore!

[@kellyjohnson3617]

You are finally in my home town. Ok what you left out ( though I agree with everything you said wholeheartedly) was the beach trail from the state beach toward Santa Barbara. It’s a gorgeous ride along the beach. For restaurants, have you ever been to cafe nouveau? If you like pancakes I don’t think there are better. It’s an experience in itself. It’s a fusion restaurant that defies description and everything is good but seriously try their pancakes. Also in the marina the best fish and chips I’ve ever had is andrias seafood. It’s simple, the fish is angel fish. Nothing else compares now that I had it made their way. Always a line around the block. Any restaurant downtown is great, but for a mix of Mac and cheese and wine tasting, paradise pantry rocks. Bring the twins for the killer Mac and they have probably the best wine flights in the county, and I’m pretty much lumping in Santa Barbara county too. The owners have great taste when it comes to their wines. And their Mac and cheese is truly killer. Bring mom and dad if they like a good wine and Mac. They have other food too that’s really good. But nothing like their Mac and cheese. Just some ideas next time you’re here. Also for a hike check out the newly opened Harmon Canyon trail

[@californiathroughmylens]

Thanks for the tips! I will have to do that beach trail next time, it sounds amazing! Thanks for the restaurant tip as well, that is for sure on the list now as it sounds amazing! Pancakes in the morning and fish and chips for lunch and mac and cheese for dinner, you rock!

[@elizabethcurtis8546]

Yes Paradise Pantry! Also a women-owned business!

[@rebeccawhite8459]

The caprese sandwich at paradise pantry is out of this world delicious

[@seancameron2136]

Don't encourage these videos. They bring kooks here to crowd up our town, and surf breaks. Not to mention real estate investors that destroy neighborhoods with Airbnb, and drive up rent for locals. KEEP LA 100 MILES AWAY!

[@BreakThroughTessTimmons]

Do u have a Santa Barbara video? I'm hitting Death Valley, Mammoth, Santa Barbara and now...Ventura this summer

[@californiathroughmylens]

I don't have a video on Santa Barbara unfortunately, but here is a blog post I wrote on some of my favorite spots. californiathroughmylens.com/santa-barbara-guide

[@BreakThroughTessTimmons]

@@californiathroughmylens thank you! Really enjoy your channel. I moved to CA 9 years ago - ticking off the state one tree at a time 😉🙂. Your channel helps!

[@pjbear8656]

Death Valley is not a place you want to go without checking the weather in the summer, Mammoth and June Lake would be a better choice.

[@AMS-my3ec]

Thanks for the fun video on my hometown. I've been gone for 18 years now, and not been back for a visit in nearly 5. Worked for the City for just shy of 13 years. I have many fond memories of Ventura. I enjoy your videos. Keep them coming!

[@katrinamaynez6465]

My hometown this was so beautiful made

[@liztury1434]

Such beautiful scenery. Looks like a fun day trip and the food looks good as usual.

[@805IS]

Awesome video! I've lived in Ventura my entire life and your video is spot on! Spencer Mackenzies and Petes for the win! Cheers man!

[@californiathroughmylens]

Thanks for the comment, I am glad you enjoyed it and that it represented the city well!

[@jeanettewaverly2590]

Ventura is a great little city with a small town vibe. I’d recommend a visit to the Olivas Adobe while you’re there.

[@trubadorphotography2541]

You were in my backyard! 🤣 I live a few blocks away from the Jolly Oyster. 🏖 All of those recommendations are very good, and all are from downtown, the beach and the harbor. The Serra Cross, if you notice, is singed on it’s one arm. ✝️🔥 It was damaged by the huge and devastating Thomas Wildfire in late 2017, but survived.

[@californiathroughmylens]

That's awesome, it must be a nice place to live! I didn't notice that on the Serra Cross but I will have to look next time I am there!

[@trubadorphotography2541]

@@californiathroughmylens If you look at the cross in your video you can see the burnt end of the one arm of the cross.

[@mwleisure]

✌❤😁🙏

[@skysurfer5cva]

We lived in Ventura for five years in the early 1980s. One thing we learned right away about visiting the beach: bring fingernail polish remover! There are oil seeps in the Santa Barbara Channel which results in small blobs of tar scattered on the beach. While getting tar on your feet is not guaranteed, if you do get some use the fingernail polish remover to remove the tar.

[@californiathroughmylens]

Interesting, I had no idea!

[@JennaFam]

true

[@kittysofdoom6968]

I grew up in Carpinteria. you want to talk about oil and Tar. It is Carpinteria. Ventura is Mild compared.

[@baygladney1261]

My next beach trip. I went a couple of years back and I think we went to the beach on the other side of the harbor since I remember there being a lot of boats and restaurants on the other side of the street within walking distance. I'm looking forward to going back for Memorial day because the beach was not crowded and very well taken care of with white sand and a glorious view of the mountains in the distance. Great video as usual. Thank you, you were reading my mind. 👍🏾💯

[@californiathroughmylens]

Happy to help! Glad you enjoy Ventura like I do!

[@mixeddrinks8100]

the botanical garden never heard of it, will have to check it out looks rather interesting with the view of the ocean, but a bit barren? The cross on top of the hill looks pretty cool too. Our favorite food spot is Andria's by the harbor, our go to spot when we hit up channel island or go to the Outlets at Camarillo, the fish is just so fresh and the walk around the harbor is pretty nice too.

[@californiathroughmylens]

Some sections are barren, some have lots of plants. I will have to check that food spot out, thanks for the tip!

[@trubadorphotography2541]

You access the entrance to the gardens from behind City Hall. And Andria’s at the harbor has EXCELLENT calamari and clam chowder in a sour dough bowl. 😋👍🏻

[@jerequallio9052]

Was there several years ago. We had dinner at an Italian place at the marina . I forget what it was called . The beach was very nice and the people were friendly. The race track at the fairgrounds is pretty sweet as well if you like dirt track racing. 😀

[@californiathroughmylens]

I haven't been to the race track, I will have to check that out.

[@trubadorphotography2541]

That Italian restaurant was Milano’s which unfortunately has since closed.

[@josephsolis6824]

Love it , killed everything to do ! Also if in California ! Don’t forget to make way to solvang ! Only 30-45 from Santa Barbra !

[@Californianball]

I live in Oxnard and I go to Ventura all the time because it’s so close to my house. Also the place my mom used to work at is in the video.

[@oconde01]

Great video, I’m going to go with my family soon so this video is all I need for my trip, thanks!

[@Kruz_kontrolld805]

Cool to see home on the channel 💫

[@Ostrom38]

Thanks for the video! We plan on going to Channel Islands National Park in March and love your videos!

[@vickiesweitzer8625]

That was beautiful and very informative! I’ve lived in Ventura for 11 years and have not visited all of these places yet. The only thing I would add is the visitor’s center downtown. It has great information, friendly staff, and Ventura branded merchandise.

[@marthagcantos5969]

Im so glad you made this video with a wealth of information! Thank you!!

[@delorespeterson8251]

My brother and family are visiting this Saturday looking forward to a Ventura FUN SAY WITH FAMILY

[@lovelylyssette]

Madewest is a good stop to enjoy some cold beers 🍻

[@californiathroughmylens]

Agreed, I love that spot!

[@Trash.baby.2004]

As someone who was raised in Ventura I agree!! Beautiful video. I will definitely have to try Pete’s breakfast House! I don’t like the clam chowder at Spencer Makenzie‘s and their fish and chips or mediocre in my opinion, but I’ll have to try some other stuff there.

[@brennaw.3345]

Gotta get the clam chowder from Andrea’s in the harbor

[@zackmooretalks]

Thank you! I thought Spencer Makenzie’s was so overrated and everyone thought I was crazy lmao. I can vouch that Andrea’s is indeed fantastic!

[@markt2002]

McConnells ice cream !! When I ever I pass thru there it's a must have. Churros con leche !!

[@brennaw.3345]

It’s good, but too expensive

[@SharingtheRoad]

Such an informative video on such a beautiful part of the country! Thanks so much for sharing! 😊

[@DoACarl]

Nice! Thank you for sharing.

[@JasmineApple]

This is great! I'm heading up that way to go kayaking & snorkling at Channel Islands for my birthday next month, but I didn't have anything else planned for my visit. This gives me some great options!!

[@californiathroughmylens]

So awesome, I love the Channel Islands and I am sure you will have a great time!

[@sunnykim9917]

I really appreciated your video. I will visit the Ventura county! Thanks ♡♡♡

[@californiathroughmylens]

Glad it was helpful!

[@ekointhavong4771]

when to the channel island and in Ventura. City was amazing

[@teresaglass4504]

Mention more about Ventura H arbor. It has great restaurants and events during the year.

[@ZumaAyriyan]

Love this!! Never been to Channel Islands, definitely would love to explore, and my husband is now eyeing the bike path between Ojai and Ventura. 🚴‍♂️

[@debragodinez6349]

A biggest local favorite for seafood is Andreas in the Ventura Harbour.

[@erichinkle7891]

The biggest thing you left out were the corn burritos and one of my favorite is the bean, rice and cheese burrito from Corrales(don’t forget the hot sauce) . Also best donuts hands down in the USA is K D Village Donuts off telegraph near Anacapa middle school

[@marciac7026]

Beautiful place! I've seen a lot of California and there's lots I haven't seen. Hopefully, I can visit somewhere there in the near future. Thank you for sharing.

[@californiathroughmylens]

No problem, I hope you enjoy it!

[@marciac7026]

@@californiathroughmylens Thank you.

[@stephjones4727]

Please add in Cajun Kitchen Cafe they have amazing food we always go there..I need to find that Oyster spot..

[@eddiegere]

I love Ventura!!!

[@2011woodlands]

"It took thirteen beaches to find one empty, But finally I'm fine, Past Ventura and lenses plenty, In the white sunshine." ~ Lana Del Rey . Great suggestions for the Pacific Coast Highway, i could see a person spending 2 weeks at least checking out the parks, attractions and museums withing a few miles of the coast.

[@californiathroughmylens]

For sure! Always so much to explore, especially along the coast!

[@joshakaoger69]

You can go to the national park via Ventura harbor- island packers 👍 parking costs some places and downtown too ...there is free parking areas though ✌️ marina park is nice great views and free parking ...for food down the street is " social tap"

[@californiathroughmylens]

Yep, that is where I usually leave from for Channel Islands. Thanks for the tip on free parking!

[@Corgis175]

Catching up on your vlogs.

[@michellerunyen]

You forgot to mention "Corrales" and their AMAZING burritos 🌯

[@livinginmontgomeryalabama]

I love Ventura 👍🏼

[@snoopie51]

Nice review! Your videos be the best.

[@foxkill2500]

You should try the steak and hoggie on Thompson and Figueroa super good

[@ying0129]

I miss going there

[@joedelacruz4865]

You didn't feature the Ventura Harbor. But loved the video. Thanks brother. 🙏

[@timloveless5193]

Restaurants! Only two? Cafe Nouveau (best breakfast), Brophy Bros in the Marina (great food and views), Busters BBQ (best sauces in the County), and Wood Ranch BBQ (amazing beef ribs).

[@bobvandersluis2503]

I live here and you nailed it. Check out Ventura spirits next time you are doing your bike ride to Ojai.

[@californiathroughmylens]

Will do, sounds awesome!

[@plmbrjfl]

Try Lalo's on Ventura Avenue. The seafood/shrimp cocktail is to die for

[@Nocksmoth]

The Main Street from Pete’s is my go to dish! Open face breakfast quesadilla

[@aaroneaton583]

Ventura is a nice Beach I have visited all of these areas I like them all

[@rickmagana5949]

Baja Bay Surf n Taco has the best fish tacos in Ventura and they’re in the gateway to the channel Islands national Park

[@ramzy-6566]

please turn on subtitles cc on this video. and make sure on for next videos. great video. Thank you.

[@californiathroughmylens]

Hey, I do have the auto generated subtitles on but I think it takes a little while for KZbin to process and add them

[@ramzy-6566]

@@californiathroughmylens Great thank you.

[@aldomartinez421]

Wow it's so weird to see a city that isn't talked about a lot in a video like this and I really appreciate it. I live near Ventura btw and you should've included some Mexican restaurants like Taqueria Vallarta it's great

[@karleenwattserialsongwrite1992]

Is there any kind of live music scene in Ventura?

[@jaylen6625]

anyone from ventura will tell you to go to toppers pizza while you’re here, best pizza in the game

[@PetsNPatients]

Is the USCG nearby?

[@mommygarcia9137]

Serra cross park ! The lovers lane of Ventura calif ! I’m from Oxnard but always thought Ventura is way more beautiful !!

[@perteopiz]

Loveee this

[@mariescott9625]

Last I heard La Trattoria is no longer there. Best Italian food ever! Yolanda’s, the shops at The Harbor...

[@youtube-ventura]

best salad dressing ever

[@sirgalahad1470]

Well, it's really not in Ventura, but in Oxnard down the road is the Dallas Cowboys training camp in July every year.

[@malakangel9322]

Another great itinerary i will follow :)

[@californiathroughmylens]

Awesome, glad you enjoyed it

[@leesadoe2440]

i dont get it. did you pick a time of the day when no one was up yet? why is it so uncrowded? I live in the bay area Ca and it is crazy here with too much traffic and too many people. Overboard crowded. Ventura looks nice

[@fredd3243]

You nailed it. Good job. I'd add getting Mexican takeout from either Johnny's or Corrales and taking it up to Grant Park / The Cross to eat overlooking the city and ocean.

[@rupman27isback]

Awesome video as always. BTW I've always thought it was pronounced "Ven-chur-a" lol

[@babeudoo]

Love your videos! Can you suggest places to stay while in Ventura?

[@californiathroughmylens]

I don't have any great recommendations myself as I stayed with family while I was there but hopefully someone can leave one in the comments!

[@sovereigncosmicwildman]

There at least a couple good hotels near or around Ventura Harbor

[@TheOldMadeira]

Do Oxnard next - CI harbor, Silverstrand, Seabridge, collection, Downtown legit food, lots of great finds!

[@R-abl]

Ventiki is a great spot.

[@alonsoaguilar6969]

I'd like to request a video I don't know if you have been there... but I'd love to see Los Gatos California I know it's a small town but I have a small love for small towns.

[@shawnesgate9599]

Ventura is the raddest town ever. Laid back and Hardcore with no pretentions at same time. . Go to Corrales and take it down to Surfers Point or up to The Cross and put on that Lucinda Williams song. That is what living is.

[@IMJAFO2]

Nice to see your wife back in the videos again, Josh. Or, was her appearance from a previous video? By the way, it's time for one of your live video chats with your fans. It's been awhile.

[@californiathroughmylens]

Yep, we are finally getting out and traveling more as a family! Great idea on the video chat. I am going to Alaska soon so when I get back from that I will have to set one up!

[@jamespurcer3730]

The ship replica used to have a short zip line down to the sand, but I guess that it has been removed as protection of liability to the city for possible injury to users. Governments are never motivated by concern toward it's citizens, but by money.

[@brennaw.3345]

I miss that zipline....

[@sawyerjr3028]

True

[@robpace881]

Ventiki, Harbor Cove Cafe, Le Petit Cafe & Bakery, Snapper Jack's, Tony's Pizza.

[@alisonpaulson5564]

Corrales Mexican Food! Yummy!!!

[@willykane]

Love these videos, thanks!

[@californiathroughmylens]

Glad you like them!

[@Wolfpup748]

Born and raised in Ventura and I say that you did an excellent job but you forgot BarrelHouse 101 an excellent restaurant/brewery, DW’s Country Cafe, Marshall’s Bodacious BBQ

[@youtube-ventura]

Top Hat burgers for the win!

[@DaliaTutoring]

Next time check out Tatiana’s Coffee. This might be sacrilege but their guava and cheese is better than Porto’s 😏

[@californiathroughmylens]

Oh man, now I have to try it!

[@miahmarieeeeee]

Nothing is better than Porto’s

[@drej6216]

Having spent time in Florida with some BOMB Cuban, I was so disappointed with Porto’s 😟 maybe it was a one-off experience? What do you recommend getting?

[@DaliaTutoring]

@@drej6216 I pretty always get the same stuff but I love the chicken empanadas, the potato cheese pepper balls, and the feta sandwich. The beef/pork eaters in my life love the potato balls. Oh also their tres leches is the only tres leches I like. :)

[@Sbannmarie]

What about Hogies?!? They have excellent steak sandwiches.

[@luzzavala9331]

Love it♥️