Every day is Valentine’s Day in Ventura

by Debbie Cvijanovich

top photo by Jack Burleigh

Breathtaking sunsets. Stretches of empty shoreline. Balmy weather. The best places to kiss… All perfect ingredients in the recipe for romance…every day of the year! Picturesque Ventura is the quintessential romantic backdrop to woo your special someone. Let our natural beauty lure you outdoors. Get physical (pun intended) with these playful activities suited for couples:

BEACHCOMB

Stroll barefoot on Ventura’s pristine beaches while collecting nature’s treasures (sea glass, shells, driftwood). Seek out heart shaped rock mementos which are plentiful on our sunny coast.

A post shared by Juan Manuel Cisneros (@juanmanuelcg800) on Feb 10, 2018 at 6:57pm PST

STOP AND SMELL THE OCEAN AIR

Stride hand in hand with your sweetie on our historic pier. Hop on a pair of rental bikes. Savor the salty ocean air along the promenade. Stop and watch pods of dolphins play in the surf. Bask in the warmth of Ventura’s sunshine. Ahhhh…

SWING AWAY

Be a kid at heart and swing! Best swings are located by the pier and at Marina Park.

ISLAND VIEWS

Whisk your mate to the idyllic Channel Islands by day tripping aboard Island Packers. Take a guided kayak tour exploring the sea caves. For a true adventure, pitch a tent and camp under the dark starlit sky.

A post shared by Stefanie Payne (@istefpayne) on Jan 27, 2018 at 2:16pm PST

HARBOR

Wander the shops and eateries at the Ventura Harbor while taking in our prime mountain views in the distance. Glide along the calm waters with a rented paddle board, kayak or electric boat.

AL FRESCO

Take it al fresco (Italian for “outdoors”). Pack a delectable picnic or grab a burrito to go. Don’t forget a blanket! Load up on provisions at Paradise Pantry or visit our bountiful local Farmers’ Market for seasonal ingredients.

FLOWERS, CHOCOLATES, BLING…OH MY

Spoil your mate with Cupid’s signature gifts. Florists: The Growing Company, Passion Flowers and designer Branch & Blooms “pop-up shop” at Lilarae Boutique in MK Salon. Sweets: Ex Voto artisan chocolates. Adorn your darling with sparkling bling from downtown’s Fox Fine Jewelry.

A post shared by Ex Voto Chocolates (@exvotochocolates) on Feb 3, 2018 at 10:35am PST

OUT ON THE TOWN

Our charming city touts a variety of special occasion (fancy) and casual dining options to tantalize your sweetheart’s taste buds. Local favorites: Aloha Steakhouse, Cafe Zack, Lure, Rhumbline at the harbor or Austen’s at the Pierpont Inn. Ventura’s eclectic live music scene is guaranteed to make you both swoon. Check out downtown hot spots: Grapes & Hops, Cafe Fiore.

SUNRISE/SUNSET

Start and end your day watching the sun rise/set on the sensational island studded horizon in Ventura’s “backyard”. Celebrate Valentine’s everyday…when spending it under Ventura’s magical spell!