By Visit Ventura

Posted: Thursday, Jan 23rd, 2025

10 Things to Do on Your Galentine’s Trip in Ventura

Trying to plan the perfect Galentine’s getaway? Picture it by the beach with a fish taco in hand and your toes in the sand. Ventura is the perfect lowkey beach trip that you and your gals are dreaming of. Whether you’re shopping, brunching, or enjoying the great outdoors, this list will help you create memories with your besties that will last a lifetime.

The best part? A Galentine’s Trip in Ventura won’t break the bank for you and your friends. Book your stay in the hotel that matches your vibe; from budget-friendly hotels to unique boutique stays, you’ll be able to make it a memorable weekend you don’t have to stress over.

1. Sip & Shop at The Livery

Ventura’s newest unique sip and shop experience at the Livery is a great way to start your Galentine’s trip in Ventura. This stylish shopping experience pairs vintage and artisan finds with wine tastings and cocktail drinks. Grab your gals and stroll through curated local vendors while sipping on a glass of wine, and let the laughter flow as you try on outfits or hunt for the perfect home goods. 

When you’re done head across the way to Rumfish Y Vino for a California cool dinner out on the patio. 

2. Brunch at Little Lion or Cafe Nouveau

No Galentine’s trip is complete without brunch! Head to Little Lion, a cozy brunch bar known for its fresh, locally sourced menu and yes, Taylor Swift-inspired drinks. Check their monthly wine pairing dinner too for the ultimate experience. 

Or, opt for Cafe Nouveau, where you can share plates of their famous powder-sugared beignets or indulge in a full breakfast. The cafe was once a home, adding to the charm and quaint atmosphere. Sit outside in the garden for a memorable Galentine’s brunch! 

3. Create Custom Jewelry at Brooklyn Charm

Take your friends to a unique experience in Ventura. You can design custom jewelry at Brooklyn Charm, picking from hundreds of different charms laid out in front of you. From dainty necklaces to statement pieces, you and your friends can create matching jewelry or design a necklace for each other right from the heart. Plus, every time you wear your creations, you’ll be reminded of your fun Galentine’s adventure in Ventura. 

Brooklyn Charm Ventura
dusk candles, make your own candles in Ventura

4. Find Your Signature Scent Candle-Making

Another unique and custom experience perfect for your fun Galentine’s trip in Ventura, head over to Dusk for a custom candle-making day. Have fun with your friends picking from scents like plumeria, lavender, and so many more. When you go home and light your candle, you’ll always remember your time with your besties in Ventura!

5. Cruise the Harbor on an electric boat

Gather your squad for a scenic boat ride through the Ventura Harbor. Ventura Electric Boat Rentals and Ventura Boat Rentals both offer a fleet of electric boats. Book a few hours out on the water and pack a picnic. Bring some snacks or order a charcuterie board from Peiranos, pop a bottle of bubbly, and soak in stunning views of Ventura Harbor. Bonus: The boats are cozy and ideal for snapping Instagram-worthy photos.

And there’s plenty of fun to be had on land too. If you’re craving a full meal after snacking on the boat, head over to Brophy Bros. for dinner and try their popular clam chowder for a real taste of fresh seafood with a gorgeous view of the harbor. Or challenge your friends to a friendly game of foosball at Loose Cannon while grabbing some pizza and watching the sunset.

Don’t miss out on shopping boutique stores at the Ventura Harbor Village like Barefoot Boutique, Ventura Pottery Gallery, and more!

Rent electric boat at the Ventura Harbor

6. Snap Photos at Ventura Botanical Gardens

If you and your crew are looking for an outdoor adventure, the Ventura Botanical Gardens offer breathtaking views and a gorgeous heart-shaped art installation that’s perfect for a group photo op. Take your time walking along paths lined with thousands of colorful botanicals and snap plenty of selfies with your girlfriends. The views alone are well worth it! 

7. Stock Up on Gourmet Goodies at Paradise Pantry

Super cute and quaint, swing by Paradise Pantry’s market to browse an incredible selection of artisanal cheeses, gourmet chocolates, and carefully crafted local wines. Create a custom Galentine’s charcuterie board or pick up unique snacks for later. 

Because we know shopping can get you hungry, you may want to stay for lunch or dinner — Paradise Pantry has a delicious farm-to-table menu with rotating seasonal plates. 

Paradise Pantry interior counter ventura ca
Thrifting in Ventura, Goodwill

8. Treasure Hunt While Thrifting

While you’re in town, you have to have an afternoon shopping Ventura’s vintage and antique stores for some thrifting fun. Start at Poppies,  filled with curated, bohemian and vintage finds. Then, head to Findings Flea, where you can uncover everything from vintage clothing to one-of-a-kind home decor. Main Street is lined with tons of thrift stores to find your hidden gem outfit. 

9. Savor a Stylish Dinner at Ten Tigers or Jaguar Moon

End your day with an indulgent dinner at one of Ventura’s trendiest spots. Ten Tigers offers Asian-inspired dishes served in a sleek, modern setting (tip: sit out on the patio in front of the fireplace), while Jaguar Moon is a mezcal and tequila-forward cocktail bar and restaurant serving elevated Mexican dishes. Either choice is perfect for a relaxed, sophisticated evening with your besties to fill up on delicious food before heading out on the town. 

Finney's Crafthouse
By Josiah Roe

10. Toast to Friendship with a Night Out and Live Music

Ventura’s nightlife scene is just the right mix of lively and laid-back. Start at VenTiki for tropical cocktails with a tiki twist, then hop over to Strange Beast, a Japanese izakaya inspired cocktail bar. Finish your night at Rocks & Drams, and lounge inside on their forest green couches while sipping on a delicious artisanal cocktail. Raise your glasses and toast to friendship, laughter, and an amazing Galentine’s trip.

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