Posted: Thursday, Dec 14th, 2023
The Ultimate Guide to Large Group Activities in Ventura
There are plenty of things to do in Ventura solo, but let’s face it, it’s always a bit more fun with company. Whether it’s your family in Ventura for a family reunion, your crew in town for a bachelor/ette party, or you are a meeting planner hosting your group meetings in Ventura, we know how important it is to find activities, venues, and restaurants that will fit your group’s size, interests, and tastes.
We’ve got you covered. These are some of the best large group activities to do in Ventura that will be sure to bring a smile to everyone’s faces and bring everyone closer together. There are tons of fun things to do in Ventura with large groups so keep reading!
Large Group Activities
If you’re looking to make the most of your time with your crew, Ventura has a plethora of large group activities that promise laughter, memories, and adventure. Whether your group wants to spend time on the water, hike and bike with ocean views, or take a fun food tour, Ventura’s got you covered.
1. Channel Islands National Park
Looking for a group outing to an island just off the coast of Ventura? Getting there is a breeze — hop on an Island Packers boat (about 90 minutes) and land on Santa Cruz Island for a full spread of outdoor adventure; it’s a perfect landscape for team building or an amazing group outdoor activity. Hike, camp, kayak, snorkel, say hello to the cutest island foxes you’ve ever seen…the list goes on and on. The possibilities are truly endless at the Channel Islands National Park and Marine Sanctuary. Any size group can enjoy the Channel Islands — just make sure you book in advance to secure your ferry ride out to the islands and any kayaking or snorkeling tours you’d like to go on. You can learn more about visiting the Channel Islands National Park here.
2. Ventura Botanical Gardens
Perfect for a short nature walk with your crew, head up to the Ventura Botanical Gardens for views of the ocean and the cityscape below. With 107 acres and approximately two miles of walking trails, the botanical gardens offer an accessible way to spend the afternoon outdoors and under the sunshine year-round.
Plus, get more out of your trip to the Ventura Botanical Gardens by requesting a free tour for your group and learning more about the botany at the gardens, wildlife, geology, technology, and water.
3. Wildlife/Whale Watching Cruises
Ventura’s waters are teeming with life beneath the surface — all you need is a little curiosity and passion to discover it yourself! Island Packers offers year-round wildlife cruises where you’ll ooh and ahh as dozens of dolphins swim alongside your boat. See the hundreds of birds on the cliffs of Anacapa Island, where 90% of sea birds in all of Southern California are hatched.
Summer and Winter Whale Watching (mid-June to mid-September and end of December to mid-April, respectively) is another incredible group tour in Ventura. The upwelling our piece of the Pacific Ocean experiences during these two seasons attracts gray, humpback, and blue whales creating the perfect opportunity to see these guys in real life! And you never know what else you might see on an Island Packers boat. Consider a whale-watching cruise for a unique group experience.
4. Harmon Canyon
Ventura isn’t the ultimate outdoor playground for nothing! Mountain biking, hiking, and trail running at Harmon Canyon is like exploring Old California, where larger-than-life oak trees, streams, and rugged coastlines surround you like a cozy blanket. Wide open spaces make an outdoor excursion at Harmon Canyon perfect for any size group big or small.
5. Electric Boat Rentals at the Ventura Harbor
Spend the day out on the water in an electric boat at the Ventura Harbor Village. The perfect spot in town to grab fresh seafood and take in harborside views, you can rent an electric boat at Ventura Boat Rentals or Vision Electric Boats Rental in Portside Ventura.
6. Food Classes and Tours in Ventura
If your group is full of foodies, take the Downtown Ventura Tasting Tour where you’ll get to sample dishes from local favorites and some restaurants off the beaten path. Sugar Lab Bake Shop also offers monthly cookie decorating classes, a fun way to get creative with food.
For the wine and spirits lovers in your life, grab your crew and head over to Ventura Spirits for a tasting and tour. You’ll get to sample spirits, made from local botanicals, and learn more about the process behind distilling in this fun tasting tour. Four Brix Winery, Wildflower Winery, and so many other local wineries in Ventura for various types of wine-tasting opportunities in Ventura.
7. Outdoor Tours and Classes
Get out into the great outdoors and check out these awesome large group activities in Ventura! If your group is into adventure and sunshine, you have to rent an electric bike and cruise around town in style. Head up the coast along the Rincon Bike Trail for beautiful views of the ocean or stay around town.
Want something a little more hands-on? Book a private surf lesson in Ventura for the ultimate team-building experience (and a great way to live out your classic California dreams).
Lean into your creativity and book a private class at the Clay Parlor for wheel-throwing classes and other fun pottery-creating lessons. Always free, head over to our Ventura Breweries for trivia night and get your brains together to win it all.
Restaurants for Large Groups in Ventura
We can’t think of anything better than laughing over a warm meal and making memories, surrounded by friends, family, or colleagues, can you? Many restaurants in Ventura have outdoor seating areas, the perfect place to soak up the warm California sunshine year-round.
For great restaurant options with the availability to host large groups, or, at some locations reserve a private room, check out Finney’s Crafthouse, Lure Fish House, Cafe Fiore, Yolanda’s Mexican Cafe, Peirano’s, and the Greek Mediterranean Steak & Seafood.
Don’t count breweries out either! Bright Spark Brewing has a full kitchen and space to rent out the room for your special event. Transmission Brewing has a local favorite pizza restaurant, Toppers Pizza Place, attached and a killer brew deck with incredible ocean views.
Meeting Spaces and Venues in Ventura
Our beach town offers various meeting spaces and venues perfect for large groups. Whether you’re planning a corporate event, conference, or any other gathering, here are some options for meeting spaces in Ventura.
The Victorian House and White House Beach Club both make for a beautiful meeting space and venue in Ventura for weddings, special events, and ceremonies. Surround yourself with Ventura’s culture and history at the Museum of Ventura County. Or, rent an evening out at sunset at Grant Park where your guests, colleagues, friends, and family will be wowed by a Ventura sunset atop the hill.
The Poinsettia Pavillion and Ventura City Hall are classic venues in town that can adapt to whichever vibes you’re looking for.
Ventura has a ton of different hotel properties at all price ranges. For a full list of hotel properties, more meeting spaces, and venues in Ventura, click here.
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