Ventura in the Headlines

by Visit Ventura

Ventura is fabulous. A hidden gem in California’s beautiful Central Coast. But don’t just take it from us.

“the absolute most desirable place to live in America”

Sunset Magazine named Ventura one of the top four best beach towns on the West Coast! Unlike it’s glamorous neighbors, “This sleepy city of 106,000, located midway between Malibu and Santa Barbara, remains refreshingly unpolished,” says Men’s Journal who named it one of the 10 Best Places to Live in America! One appeal that keeps smiles on our faces is our enviable weather. Endless summers with average highs of 71 degrees and 215 “pleasant days per year,” earned Ventura County the number one spot on the best weather capitals as ranked by WeatherDB. That’s also part of why a Washington Post article ranking every county in America by scenery and climate, named Ventura County “the absolute most desirable place to live in America,” ahead of another nine sunbelt counties from California who also ranked in the top ten.

“the getaway you’ve been dreaming of”

Ventura is a wonderful spot for quality family time. With beautiful beaches, wild island adventures, cultural museums, botanical gardens, mini-golf, paddle boats, arcades, and carousels, Red Tricycle, a mommy-favorite blog, calls Ventura the family getaway you’ve been dreaming of. It’s also Southern California’s most underrated staycation according to OC Weekly who suggests you “start dreaming about Ventura being your second home, or at least your annual staycation.”

“come to Ventura for the burrito, but stay for the peaceful ocean air”

Foodies can’t stop talking about Ventura either. Travel journalists, visitors, and locals alike rave about Spencer Makenzie’s Fish Company. On the search for America’s best burrito, FiveThiryEight named Spencer Makenzie’s grilled fish and shrimp burrito among the 64 best burritos in America. With deliciously tempting detail, Anna Maria Barry-Jester reviews her burrito:

“The shrimp was exceptional, juicy and plump, and though the fish was a little dry, it was flaky and bathed in Spencer Makenzie’s secret sauce, a creamy, spicy concoction. Cabbage shreds scattered throughout cleansed the palate, while porridge-like white rice showed up in the occasional clump. Of the three house-made salsas, the sweet chile fire was my favorite, a masterful blend of heat and sweet that sang when paired with the shrimp (by the end of the burrito, the tortilla was nothing more than a vehicle for the addictive sauce).”

Reasons to “come to Ventura for the burrito, but stay for the peaceful ocean air.” Wondering where to find the best tacos this side of the border? On the hunt for the best taco joints in the US, Business Insider, The Chive, and Four Square rank Spencer Makenzie’s in the best 50 places to get a taco in the nation, giving star status to their famous fish taco. There’s one other shining star calling foodies to Ventura Harbor Village for the 2nd best fish and chips in America according to Coastal Living Magazine: Andria’s Seafood. And who could forget Channel Islands National Park? The 6th best place in America to see aquatic life as voted by USA Today’s 10Best, describing the park as “a wildlife watcher’s dream.”

“The Santa Barbara Channel boasts productive waters that attract mega pods of common dolphins, as well as Risso’s dolphins, elephant seals, northern fur seals, harbor seals, California sea lions and Pacific gray whales.”

Escape from reality to crystal clear waters in hidden coves and find out why the park’s beaches were voted in the top 9 national park beaches by Sunset Magazine. Jump in and discover amazing national park underwater sights, too!

“The best view in California? Backpacker magazine says Inspiration Point”

Or stay dry and take advantage of some of the best hikes in California with rugged cliffs, sea caves, panoramic ocean views, and playful island foxes. It’s no wonder Trail Runner included Channel Islands National Park on a list of 8 national parks every trail runner should visit. Inspiration Point at Anacapa Island does, after all, offer the best view in California! So, what are you waiting for? Start planning your trip to Ventura today! Check out a full list of articles that mention our beautiful Ventura on our press page.