Posted: Thursday, Jul 11th, 2024
10 Things to Do in Ventura This Summer
It’s summertime and that means no school for the kids and the perfect opportunity for a little R&R. If you’re looking for the perfect summer getaway, Ventura should be at the top of your list. A real deal beach town, you’ll feel comfortable walking around town with flip flops and sandy feet, chowing down on a fish taco as the sunsets, and exploring the green hills and blue ocean in Ventura.
Whether you’re looking for a chilled weekend lounging on the beach, want to climb to new heights hiking around in the mountains, or are looking to shop until you drop, there’s a little something for everyone here in Ventura. The best part? Visit Ventura won’t break the bank compared to some of our neighbors to the north and south of Ventura. After all, some of the best things in life are free!
To kickstart your summer planning here in town, here are 10 things to do in Ventura this summer that will make your vacation unforgettable.
1. Surf Lesson at Mondo’s Beach
Kick off your Ventura adventure by riding the waves at Mondo’s Beach. Known for its gentle waves, Mondo’s is the perfect spot for beginners to try their skills on the waves. Several local surf schools offer lessons, catering to all skill levels (and we mean all skill levels). Even if you’ve never stepped foot in the ocean, surfing in Ventura is one of those California bucket list items you just have to do. And that’s why it’s at the top of our things to do in Ventura this summer list.
Give it a try, you’ll thank us later.
2. Feast at The Jolly Oyster
After working up an appetite on the waves, head to The Jolly Oyster at San Buenaventura State Beach. Make it an entire day: bring your own BBQ and spread out on the grass or grab a picnic table and get ready for a unique experience. Completely outside, feast on super fresh sustainably farmed oysters that you can shuck yourself. With a variety of oysters, clams, and other seafood meals, fuel up while enjoying awesome ocean views.
3. Treat Yourself to an Ice Cream Cone at Coastal Cone
It wouldn’t be summer without ice cream. Head over to Coastal Cone at the Ventura Harbor Village for a sweet treat. Their menu will have you with your mouth open — from colorful soft-serve options to their famous and incredibly instagrammable fish cones, there’s no better way to cool down on a warm Ventura summer day than treating yourself to an ice cream cone at Coastal Cone!
4. Jump in a Cute Character Pedal Boat at the Ventura Harbor
After you finish your ice cream, head over to Ventura Boat Rentals —also at the Ventura Harbor Village— for some fun on the water. The kids will love jumping on a swan, duck, or dragon pedal boat and cruising around the harbor. Plus you never know what you’ll see while you’re out on the water! Harbor seals are common, fish, and maybe a dolphin or two off in the distance.
Things to Do
Family Fun
Ventura Shopping
Music & Nightlife
Arts, Culture & History
Pet Friendly
Hotels
Parking
Outdoors
Beaches & Surfing
Biking & Hiking Trails
Food & Drink
Restaurants
Outdoor Dining
Farmers Markets
Happy Hours
5. Explore Channel Islands National Park
No trip to Ventura is complete without a visit to the Channel Islands National Park. In just a short boat ride from Ventura, you’ll be transported to a completely different world where the cutest island foxes trot alongside the hiking trails, dolphins play alongside your boat, and nature is at its rawest and most beautiful form.
From hiking and kayaking to snorkeling and wildlife watching, there’s an adventure for everyone. The pristine landscapes and unique ecosystems make the Channel Islands a true gem of Southern California and one of the most amazing national parks you’ve ever been to. There’s a reason why visiting the islands is on our list of top things to do in Ventura during the summer!
Want to learn more about planning a trip to the Channel Islands National Park? Check out our guide. And make sure you book your ferry ride to the Channel Islands National Park ASAP — boats sell out quickly during the summer months!
6. Bike Along the Coast
Back on land, there’s still plenty of outdoor adventure to be had. Ventura’s coastal bike paths offer stunning views and a refreshing sea breeze, making biking a popular activity here. Rent a bike from Wheel Fun Rentals by the historic Ventura Pier and stay along the coast. Or, if you’re looking for something on the next level that will get your heart pumping, go to Ventura Bike Depot to rent a bike and ride the Rincon Bike trail up the coast or head inland to Ojai.
More on biking in Ventura.
7. Thrifting and Shopping
Summertime means shopping til you drop. Lucky for you, there are tons of local boutiques and thrift and vintage stores all around Ventura to find your special Ventura souvenir or gift. Whether it’s finding a hidden treasure at Poppies Vintage or finding the latest styles at Tiki Girl and Passport Habits, you can spend an entire day browsing through the aisles.
Betty Belts is a local store that offers beautiful and unique sea glass jewelry — the perfect mark of a Ventura trip. Or go to the new Findings Flea for curated vintage and artisanal goods. Brooklyn Charm is a fun experience as you pick from hundreds of charms to make your own personalized charm jewelry.
Ventura Harbor Village is also another spot in town to find quirky, nautical souvenirs, making it the perfect Ventura memento to bring home with you.
8. Go Sea Glass Hunting on Ventura’s Beaches
Speaking of sea glass, start your own collection and hunt for sea glass along Ventura’s beaches. Ventura Harbor and San Buenaventura State Beach are known to be good spots to find beach treasures but really, sometimes the best part of sea glass hunting is the surprise that comes with it as you walk along the sand and a piece of blue, green, white, brown sea glass catches your eye. A hunting tip: keep your eyes out for piles of rocks — that’s where you’re more likely to find a stash of sea glass!
9. Experience Ventura’s local craft cocktail scene
Take advantage of those warm summer nights and experience Ventura’s vibrant nightlife by sampling Ventura’s craft cocktail scene. Start your evening with a tropical cocktail at VenTiki, where the tiki-themed decor and lively atmosphere set the perfect tone and the drinks pack a punch.
Bank of Italy Cocktail Trust, the Twist, the Saloon, Limon y Sal, and so many other cocktail bars will give you a taste of Ventura’s local beverages. Remember to drink responsibly and have fun making memories with your crew.
10. Watch the Sunset on the Ventura Pier
There’s something magical about a sunset over the ocean, and the Ventura Pier is the perfect place to witness it. End the evening walking along the historical Ventura Pier and watch as the sky transforms into a canvas of vibrant colors. It’s a serene and picturesque moment that captures the essence of Ventura’s coastal beauty and it’s the perfect way to end a fun-filled day. Don’t forget your camera – this is one sunset you’ll want to remember.
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