Posted: Thursday, Feb 29th, 2024

By Visit Ventura

5 Things to Do in Ventura on Spring Break

When it comes to planning a Spring Break getaway in Ventura, it’s all about finding the best things to do, restaurants to eat at, happy hour spots to hit, and things to see. Whether you’re here for the week or here for the weekend, you’ll want to add Ventura as your Spring Break vacation spot. We have beaches with miles of beautiful (and uncrowded) coastline, plenty of hiking trails with breathtaking views, and streets lined with awesome bars and eateries. 

The best part? You don’t need to break the bank to have an epic beach vacation here in Ventura. There’s a range of affordable hotels that large families to college students on a budget can afford. 

So start planning your spring break vacation in Ventura! Here are 5 Things to Do in Ventura on Spring Break.

 

1. Rent a Bike and Cruise along the Ventura Coast

Friends riding bikes at surfers point ventura
Photo by Josiah Rose

What better way to kick off your Ventura adventure than with a scenic bike ride along the coast? Head over to Wheel Fun Rentals right by the iconic Ventura Pier, rent a surrey bike for the whole family, and pedal your way along the Ventura Promenade. It is the perfect spring break activity in Ventura — feel the cool ocean breeze blow through your hair and let the sunshine warm your soul. Take a pit stop and play in the sand or take photos against the backdrop of the sparkling ocean. 

If you’re looking for a little more adventure, rent an e-bike and head up the coast on the Rincon Bike Trail — there are plenty of Instagram-worthy spots along the way. You can pack a picnic and make a day of it or head up to Beach House Tacos before the cruise for lunch. 

2. Explore the Ventura Harbor Village

swan boats at the ventura harbor

Spend the day at the Ventura Harbor Village and get lost browsing through the cutest boutique specialty stores where you’ll find Ventura mementos to bring home with you. Grab fish n chips or clam chowder at local favorites Brophy Bros. or Andria’s Seafood with a harborside view. Looking to sip and enjoy the view? Head to Water’s Edge for their happy hour as you watch the sunset at the harbor! 

Families can indulge in sweet treats from Coastal Cone before heading over to the Channel Islands National Park Visitor Center so the kids can see and learn more about the marine life off of our coast. And if it’s you and your friends here in Ventura for spring break, the Ventura Harbor Village offers opportunities for adventure, from kayak rentals to stand-up paddleboarding, or put your crew to the test at the Ultimate Escape Room. 

Explore the harbor at your own pace and make a whole day out of it. It’s the perfect thing to do in Ventura on spring break. And don’t forget to capture the sunset casting its golden glow over the harbor — it’s a can’t-miss photo opportunity!

3. See the California Superbloom in Ventura

Spring showers mean spring flowers! Are you wondering where you can experience the California superbloom in person? You can view the expected boom of flowers all across Ventura. 

Ventura comes alive with vibrant wildflower blooms during the spring, which means your spring break vacation to our beach town will be filled with plenty of opportunities to see the colorful petals yourself.  Stop and smell the flowers at Arroyo Verde Park, the Ventura Botanical Gardens, and of course, the Channel Islands National Park! 

Families can embark on nature walks, spotting native wildflowers and learning about the local ecosystem. Bring along a picnic lunch (go to Peirano’s for an easy-to-pack delicious deli sandwich) and spend the day out in the sunshine. Capture Instagram-worthy shots amidst fields of wildflowers or challenge yourselves to find the most unique blooms hidden along the trails.

4. Take a Surf Lesson at Mondos

Mondos, Surfing, surfboard

Live out your California dreams and take a surf lesson in Ventura! Ventura’s waves are perfect for beginners who aren’t quite at the hang-ten level yet, making it the perfect thing to do in Ventura on spring break for all ages. Sign up for a surf lesson with experienced instructors who will guide you through the basics of riding the waves. Most surf classes take place at Mondos where the gentle waves make it easy for you to cruise in the water for the first time. And after a day of surfing, relax on the beach with your crew and watch the sunset on the horizon. A perfect spring break day in Ventura was well spent!

5. Listen to Live Music and Enjoy Happy Hours in Ventura

Last but not least, you have to check out Ventura’s live music scene before your spring break vacation ends in town. End your Spring Break adventure on a high note with live music and happy hour specials at one of Ventura’s vibrant bar and cocktail spots. 

Check out Strange Beast (which hosts weekly karaoke nights) or the Twist on Main for live music. There are plenty of concerts happening every weekend in Ventura too — big touring bands have made their way to the stages at the Ventura Music Hall and the iconic and historic Majestic Ventura Theater. Here’s more information on happy hours in Ventura and a guide to live music in Ventura. 

Dance the night away with friends or relax on outdoor patios. Whether you’re a family looking for evening entertainment or you’re with your friends looking for a fun night out, Ventura has something for everyone to enjoy this Spring Break.

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