10 Reasons Why You Should Visit Ventura During the Winter

Walk along the beach in flip-flops, embrace the warm sunshine, and jump into tons of small-town holiday festivities — this is winter in Ventura! Instead of bundling up inside during the holiday season, plan a getaway by the beach. Here’s what you can look forward to in Ventura during the winter.

Watch Surfers Catch Incredible Waves

When you mix incredible sunsets, crisp air, and soft winds you get the perfect recipe for epic surfing in Ventura. Grab a fish taco from Beach House Tacos on the historic Ventura Pier and watch as surfers catch the ride of their lives right at the iconic C-Street surf point.

learn about ventura beaches

Watching surfers catch a wave is a fun activity in Ventura during the winter

Enjoy Warmer Weather Even in the Winter

You can swap your heavy winter coats for shorts and t-shirts in Ventura. Plan a getaway from snowy streets and instead dip your feet in the water as you lounge on the warm sand. Leave the umbrellas at home, shop, and stroll safely in our downtown area, which is closed to vehicular traffic. From morning to night, you won’t have to worry about freezing temperatures changing your plans.

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Have Fun Outdoors

Trail running, mountain biking, surfing, swimming, hiking — Ventura is an outdoor lover’s dream! Speaking of warmer weather, while other places are holed up inside during the winter months, here in our slice of the California coast our temperatures average 65 degrees, making it easy to go out and explore our outdoor playground. Plan a beach day under the warm golden Ventura rays at San Buenaventura State Beach or put on your hiking boots and head to Harmon Canyon. Whatever adventure is calling your name, you can do it even in the middle of December.

Best outdoor activities in Ventura

Two girls hiking at Harmon Canyon, a popular activity in Ventura during the fall

Visit Cozy and Unique Restaurants

After an afternoon in the sunshine, head to a cozy restaurant in Ventura to warm up. Soak in the sunshine by the fire at Ten Tigers, grab an Irish coffee at Dargans, or take a seat inside Rocks and Drams while sipping on a holiday-themed cocktail. Bank of Italy Cocktail Trust is always a great spot to start your evening. Ventura’s eateries perfectly mix our small beach town charm with a cozy and intimate atmosphere. The best part? You don’t have to worry about booking a reservation months in advance. So whether you’re looking for a romantic date night spot or a place to gather with your friends and family, there’s a table in Ventura waiting for you!

10 cozy restaurants to visit in ventura

See Incredible Winter Sunsets

The winter months bring some of the most incredible sunsets you’ve ever seen. Grab a picnic blanket and find a place on the sand at Emma Wood State Beach or take an evening stroll along the Ventura Pier for some great views of the sunset in Ventura. No ticket purchase is necessary to see one of nature’s greatest shows in the sky right here in town.

where to watch the sunset in ventura

Enjoy incredible winter sunsets at Grant Park in Ventura

Whale breaching Ventura California — Lotti Keenan

Go on a Winter Whale Watching Cruise

See the ocean’s gentle giants up close and personal on an Island Packers winter whale-watching cruise! Your adventure begins the moment you step foot on deck: see harbor seals as you make your way through the marina and watch as hundreds of dolphins dance along the bow of the boat as you cruise through the water. You never know what you’ll see out on an Island Packers cruise but the chance to see Pacific Gray Whales on their 10,000-mile migration is something you won’t want to miss! Make sure to wear layers as the ride out can get windy and chilly. If you’re looking to get wet, stand at the front of the boat, otherwise find a spot towards the back of the boat for a smoother ride. Most of all, keep your eyes open and scan the horizon, you never know what you’ll see!

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Enjoy Fewer Crowds

Gift shop without the stress of lines, grab dinner without making a reservation, and spread out on the sand without the crowds. Visiting Ventura during the winter is one of the best times to explore what our beach town offers at your own pace. Make your own charm necklace at Brooklyn Charm, dine at Paradise Pantry, or dig for vintage and thrifted finds at Coalition Thrift Store. If you’re looking for a relaxed, stress-free getaway, plan a vacation in Ventura now!

explore ventura’s thrift scene

There are fewer crowds in Downtown Ventura during the winter

Findings Market Holiday Market — Photo By Summer Staeb

Celebrate the Holidays at Downtown Ventura Events

Come to the state’s largest wine walk to play in the snow just blocks from the beach. The Ventura Winter Wine Walk is the best way to sample local wine and shop for holiday gifts at the free street fair. Downtown Ventura is bustling with small-town festivities from the Findings Market Holiday Fair to the annual Christmas Tree Lighting at the historic Mission Basilica San Buenaventura where two great pine trees light up the night sky. Feel like a local and visit Ventura to experience the magic of the season!

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Get in the Spirit at Ventura Harbor Holiday Events

Sailboats get decked out for the holiday season at the Ventura Harbor Village. A hub of all holiday happenings, visit the Ventura Harbor Village for plenty of family-friendly fun all month long. From the beloved Santa Paddle to real-life reindeer (!), you won’t want to miss seeing the Ventura Harbor Parade of Lights as fireworks light up the sky. Grab dinner at the cozy seaside Water’s Edge Restaurant & Bar as your watch boats float by, warm up with a bowl of chowder at Andria’s, or cheers to a wonderful holiday evening spent by the water at Deep Sea Wine Tasting.

what to do at the ventura harbor village

10 Reasons Why You Should Visit Ventura During the Winter

Bang for your Buck: More Affordable Room Rates

We know that traveling can sometimes mean a big price tag, but in Ventura, you can plan a beach getaway without breaking the bank, especially in the wintertime. Visit Ventura during the shoulder season, where you’ll be able to book an epic beach vacation right by the water. From budget-friendly hotels to unique boutique stays, Ventura has plenty of different accommodation options for whatever you’re looking for. Pro tip: book during midweek for even more bang for your buck!

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