Blog Blogs

Shop Ventura Local: 10 Unique and Personalized Gift Ideas for the Holiday Season

Nov 25, 2023 / Visit Ventura

The holiday is coming up and that means shopping bags filled to the brim, the sound of the clock ticking as you try to find the perfect gift, and all the stress that comes with the season. But it all seems to be worth it when you gather with your family and friends and watch their faces light up once the wrapping paper hits the ground. That’s how you know you’ve done your job.  To help kickstart your holiday shopping, we’ve compiled a list of 10 unique gifts to add to your own wish list or your shopping list to... MORE

Your Guide to a Family-Friendly Holiday Escape in Ventura

Nov 21, 2023 / Visit Ventura

Winter break is approaching and that means free time to get the family all together and head out on a new adventure. Ventura may be the best place to play outside, laugh over an amazing meal, and enjoy the beach in the middle of winter.  If you’re looking for the perfect winter break vacation you’ve found the right place. Ventura is about as family-friendly as it can get (dog-friendly too!). Here’s a guide and itinerary to a family-friendly holiday escape in Ventura, California. You’ll find holiday events to add to your itinerary and fun things to do as a family... MORE

6 Holiday Events Happening in Ventura to Celebrate the Season

Nov 16, 2023 / Visit Ventura

It’s that time of year again! Holiday shopping for friends and family, baking cookies to eat in front of the fireplace, watching your favorite wintertime movies, and playing on the beach under the warm California sun. Yes, in Ventura, we do winter a little differently than other places in the country. We drink hot chocolate with our toes in the sand. We pull out our bathing suits in the middle of December.  There’s no better place to enjoy the holiday season than in Ventura. We pull out all the stops to celebrate the winter months — there’s plenty of fun... MORE

A Blast from the Past: Some of Ventura’s Oldest Businesses

Nov 14, 2023 / Visit Ventura

If there’s anything to be said about Ventura, it’s that we like things old-school, we love keeping it local, and we’re proud of our history. From our surfing and skateboarding history that goes back through generations of Venturans to big-time businesses that were founded in Ventura (yes, Patagonia was founded in Ventura!), there’s a lot about Ventura that many people don’t know about.  Let’s take a moment to reminisce and remember some of our roots. Because it’s always important to remember where we came from and where we’re going. Here’s a list of some of the oldest businesses in Ventura... MORE

Ventura’s Sugar Lab Bake Shop Owner Ali Kenis Shines on Food Network’s Holiday Baking Championship

Nov 02, 2023 / Visit Ventura

Mark your calendars because the secret is out! Ali Kenis, co-owner of Sugar Lab Bake Shop, will be on the screen as one of this year’s competitors of Food Network’s Holiday Baking Championship. From baking cookies with her mom for Santa as a kid to owning her bake shop alongside her mom, Ali is excited to represent her Ventura hometown amongst 11 other bakers.  Ventura is home to pro skateboarders, surfers, and award-winning chefs — and we get to add Ali Kenis to the long list of talented community members! Cheer Ali on during the show’s premiere on Food Network... MORE

10 Reasons to Book a Fall Getaway Trip to Ventura

Oct 26, 2023 / Visit Ventura

You’ve probably heard the advice from travel agents or your well-traveled friends: book your vacation in the fall! And we couldn’t agree more. The rush of summer has worn off and prices go down. If you’re looking to plan a trip, the fall months are some of the best times to travel.  And while the leaves begin to turn brown in other parts of the world, our sand stays warm from the California sun. While others bring out their fall coats from the back of the closet, we still have our beach flip-flops by the door.  Visiting Ventura during the... MORE

A Beginner’s Guide to a Day Trip at the Channel Islands

Oct 24, 2023 / Visit Ventura

Step into a completely new world, just an hour off the coast of Ventura. The Channel Islands National Park & Marine Sanctuary is comprised of five different islands — Santa Cruz Island, Anacapa Island, Santa Rosa Island, San Miguel Island, and finally Santa Barbara Island — and offers an escape from the hustle and bustle. None of the islands are inhabited, meaning you won’t find stores, restaurants, or houses. But you will find wildlife close up, wildflowers blooming under the sun, and landscapes so untouched it looks like a painting. Known as the “Galapagos of North America”, the Channel Islands... MORE

10 Things to Do on Your Next Solo Trip to Ventura

Oct 19, 2023 / Visit Ventura

Ventura’s small-town beach vibes, miles of clean and uncrowded coastline, and walkable downtown make it a great destination to go on a solo adventure. You won’t find a ton of frills in Ventura — we specialize in down-to-earth beachy ease that’s perfect for a budget-friendly trip. Traveling solo means no fighting over the itinerary or finding a dinner spot that everyone will like. When you book a trip to Ventura for some “me” time, the entire coastline is…well your oyster. As you explore Ventura you’ll feel comfortable setting out on your own. Here are 10 Things to Do on your... MORE