Spending the winter in California surely has its benefits. There is plenty to do outdoors to enjoy. There is no better location than western Ventura County (the cities of Camarillo, Oxnard and Ventura, about an hour’s drive north of Los Angeles). Even if you’ve been to California before, VenturaCountyWest offers places you’ve never been, beaches you’ve never walked on, and breathtaking scenery you’ve never experienced, all while enjoying near-ideal weather. Here are some activities for the whole family.
The area is full of bike paths. Rent bikes on Main Street in Ventura at the Ventura Bike Depot. The roads are mostly flat. Here’s a tip: After picking up your bikes, head down to the Ventura River. You’ll pass the Ventura County Fairgrounds, a bird sanctuary, and then come across magnificent ocean views. Choose to stop at the 1,700-foot Ventura Pier for lunch at Beach House Tacos or travel a little further afield and have a picnic on a quiet grassy area at San Buenaventura State Beach. Never crowded, the beach offers two miles of wonderful biking.
Western Ventura County is served by two ports. Rowboats and electric boats for rent are also available at Ventura Harbor Village. While you’re there, be sure to check out the 32-animal indoor carousel in the village gallery. There are plenty of video and pinball games to keep the kids busy and homemade candy and other goodies to munch on. Since the town is located right on the Ventura Harbor, you can watch the fishing boats come in with their fresh daily catch.
For an indoor adventure (and when the kids have too much energy), check out Sky High Sports in Camarillo. It is full of trampolines with super cushioned floors and walls. Kids can play dodge ball trampoline and other organized games or…just jump around. Sky High also has arcade and laser tag games.
It’s whale watching season. Now through mid-April, the whales migrate between Alaskan and Mexican waters, passing through the Channel Islands off the coast of Ventura County. Book whale watching tours with Island Packers from Ventura or Oxnard. While whale watching, you’re also likely to see seals and dolphins along the way. Another ocean excursion to consider is the nearby Channel Islands National Park. Just 11 miles offshore, these five islands are an all-natural playground for those who love to hike, camp, scuba dive, kayak, nature hike, or just breathe in the fresh ocean air. First timers can take an excursion to one or all five islands, also through Island Packers.
For a more leisurely family outing, pack a picnic lunch and take the family on a leisurely tour of Oxnard’s Channel Islands Harbor on an electric boat from Hopper Boat Rentals. Hopper also offers paddleboards, kayaks, and pedal boats. All are great ways to get a closer look at harbor life.
Where to stay:
Embassy Suites Mandalay Beach Hotel & Resort in Oxnard is the only oceanfront all-suite resort in Southern California.
Four Points by Sheraton Ventura Harbor Resort is within walking distance of Ventura Harbor Village with views of the harbor’s marine life and fishing boats.
Residence Inn Camarillo with complimentary breakfasts, free Internet access and kitchens in all rooms.
Crowne Plaza – Ventura Beach is the only hotel in VenturaCountyWest directly on the beach and is just two blocks from historic downtown Ventura.