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

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.

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

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

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.

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

CA always! My favourite state❤

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

Ventura...always beautiful 🇺🇸

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

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!

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

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

I love Ventura grew up there and enjoy going back.

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

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

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!!!

My hometown this was so beautiful made

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

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

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