Car-Free Ventura: Exploring like a local

By Chanhee Kang

One of the ways to enjoy Ventura is to follow what locals do in Ventura. It is pretty simple. First, have breakfast. Locals strongly recommend Cafe Nouveau (try the beignets!), a short stroll from the Pierpont Inn. Then, walk down Sanjon Rd to the beach and take a left to stroll along the promenade. The beach at the end of San Pedro Street where the volleyball courts are is a popular local hangout. Keep strolling along the beach to Marina Park or lay a towel down and take in some sun. When you get hungry, walk over to Social Tap on South Seward Avenue for awesome tacos or burgers or nachos or, well you get the point. Then it’s time for locals’ favorite place to cool off: Century 10 Downtown. With reclining seats, alcoholic beverages, and affordable prices, which movie is playing will be the least of your worries. If you fall in Ventura, you’ll also have to know Two Trees. These are beautiful icons in Ventura. The trees are in a protected area so if you want to hike to them, you’ll have to make a reservation. If hiking is not your thing, look up to the hills around sunset to see the silhouettes of Two Trees atop Ventura. Image by West Cooke