Posted: Tuesday, Apr 25th, 2023
Updated: Friday, Nov 22nd, 2024
Perfect Weekend Itinerary at Ventura Harbor Village
Looking for a perfect beach getaway in Ventura? Somewhere to spend the weekend shopping, playing, and chowing down on amazing food? Then the Ventura Harbor Village is calling your name. The Ventura Harbor Village has a little bit of everything for everyone.
Here’s your weekend itinerary for your stay at the Ventura Harbor Village. Set sail and have fun friends!
Day 1: Book Your Stay in Dog-Friendly Hotels and Get a Taste of Ventura
You’ve made it to Ventura! And you’re ready to check in to your hotel. Book your stay at two hotels conveniently located just steps from the heart of the Ventura Harbor Village. Four Points by Sheraton Ventura Harbor Resort and Holiday Inn Express & Suites Ventura Harbor are two great hotel options if you want to stay close to the harbor. Both of these hotels are dog-friendly so you can bring your pooch along for the vacation!
Now that you have checked into your hotel, it’s time to get acquainted with the harbor. Food is probably at the top of your list. Check out restaurants like Brophy Bros. for stellar views of the harbor or the famous Andria’s Seafood & Market for a casual bite to eat and world-famous fish n chips.
Maybe you’re in town for a romantic getaway trip to the Ventura Harbor. Nothing beats sipping on a glass of house white wine and watching the sunset over the water at Deep Sea Winery.
For a frozen treat that the kids will love, head to Coastal Cone for an Instagram-worthy fish cone ice cream. Matcha, ube, oreo, birthday cake… the flavors are limitless!
What a day of traveling! Get some rest because tomorrow will be jam-packed with adventure…
Day 2: A Day Trip to the Channel Islands National Park
Cross this off your bucket list: a visit to a national park. Yup, just off the coast of Ventura. And the Ventura Harbor is the departure point! An important note: make sure to make reservations before your trip! During the summer season, trips to the Channel Islands get booked up quickly. Island Packers is the national park’s official boat concessionaire — book here with them.
Get ready to start the day bright and early. A trip to the Channel Islands means a full day of hiking beautiful trails and enjoying the quietness of raw nature. What you see is what you get on the islands — they’re uninhabited except for the protected wildlife that call the islands home. Like…the cutest island foxes you’ll ever see. The Channel Islands foxes are the size of your average house cat and are the island’s only predator. Hard to believe something so cute and furry could be a predator! But remember, look but don’t touch these cute guys.
Not only can you hike miles of trails, you can also have some fun in the water. Consider booking a sea cave kayak tour with Santa Barbara Adventure Company. Pick from three different kayak tours (various tour times) and enjoy this ultimate adventure. Your tour guide will guide you through the blue water and show you stunning sea caves, kelp forests, and pristine coastlines on your tour. The company also offers snorkeling tours.
Once you’re back on the mainland after your day full of adventure and outdoor exploration, enjoy a relaxing dinner at Boatyard Pub or The Greek Mediterranean Steak and Seafood. You deserve some rest so head back to your hotel for a good night’s sleep.
Day 3: Choose Your Own Adventure: Beach Day, Paddle Boarding, or Shopping…What Will You Pick?
On your last day at the Ventura Harbor Village, it’s time to pick your own adventure!
If you’re looking for a beach day? Cross the street to Harbor Cove Beach, or locally known as Mother’s Beach, for a day under the sun. Harbor Cove Beach is known for its gentle waves that you can feel comfortable letting your little ones play in, thanks to the jetties that protect the shore from harsh swells. Enjoy the views as boats come in and out of the harbor and fly your kite on the beach. Amenities at this beach include restrooms and showers. Harbor Cove Beach is one of the best beaches to have a chill, uncrowded day on the sand with a really amazing view.
If you’re looking for more fun on the water? Rent a paddle board, a pedal boat, a kayak, or duffy boat from Ventura Boat Rentals right in the Ventura Harbor Village. The harbor is known to have the occasional harbor seal visitor and the kids will love seeing the fish and other sea life in the water. You can also rent electric boats from Ventura Electric Boat Rentals in Portside Ventura Harbor.
Kid-friendly fun is abundant at the Ventura Harbor. Chill by the water and grab a pizza and beer at Loose Cannon while your kids have fun bowling, playing foosball, or racing cars. It’s the perfect waterfront barcade for all ages — their huge crunchy yet soft pretzels are sure to be crowd-pleasers.
And if you still have the Channel Islands National Park itch from yesterday’s adventure, you can learn even more about the national park at the visitor center next to Island Packers. Inside, see our marine life ecosystem in the small aquarium, and watch a short video all about the history of the islands narrated by Ventura local Kevin Costner!
If you’re looking to do some shopping? Enjoy the charming harbor boutiques at the harbor. Barefoot Boutique, Channel Islands National Park Gift Shop, Lemon & Lei, Lost in Socks, and Ventura Pottery Gallery are great local businesses to find your Ventura gift for yourself or for your family.
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