Press

Are you a journalist, travel writer, or social media influencer? Are you interested in coming to Ventura? We’d love to have you visit if we match up!

To get started, please complete our Visitation Request form. If you have other questions or requests, please reach out to our Communications & PR Coordinator Julie Madsen at julie@visitventuraca.com. She would love to help you!

Not surprisingly, Ventura is making headlines. Below, you’ll find leads we worked on. Please see ‘Spotted in the News’ for other coverage, too.

We sincerely believe there’s no place like our Ventura home. Perhaps we can team up and show you why.

Mar 14 2024
Visit Ventura Honored with Visit California Poppy Award for Best Strategic Partnership

Ventura, Calif. (March 14, 2024) – Visit Ventura is extremely proud to announce that it was selected as the winner...

Feb 21 2024
Visit Ventura Honored With Platinum, President, Gold, and Silver HSMAI Adrian Awards

Ventura, Calif. (February 21, 2024) – Visit Ventura was recently honored for travel marketing excellence by Hospitality Sales & Marketing...

Jan 29 2024
An Epic Return: Visit Ventura Announces X Games Ventura 2024

January 26, 2024 (Ventura, Calif.) — Visit Ventura announced today in partnership with X Games, the leading action sports content...

Jan 17 2024
Visit Ventura Announces New 2024 Inspiration Guide

January 17, 2023 (Ventura, Calif.) — Visit Ventura is proud to announce the release of the new 2024 Ventura Inspiration...

Dec 28 2023
Double Distinction: Visit Ventura Receives Innovation Award and President & CEO Surprised with Hometown Hero Award at 2023 Ventura Chamber of Commerce Poinsettia Awards

December 15, 2023 (Ventura, Calif.) — Visit Ventura was honored to receive the Innovation Award at this year’s Ventura Chamber...

Oct 06 2023
City Nation Place Awards Announces Visit Ventura as a Finalist for

Place Brand of the Year Visit Ventura is the only USA finalist in this category, recognizing its leadership in hosting the X Games 2023 in Ventura October 6, 2023 (Ventura, Calif.) — Visit Ventura is proud to announce it is a finalist for the Place Brand of the Year category of the City Nation Place Awards 2023 for the organization’s involvement and leadership in hosting the X Games 2023 in Ventura. Visit Ventura is the only USA finalist in this category. The City Nation Place Awards celebrate and benchmark the very best in strategic and effective thinking for place branding...

Oct 06 2023
Visit Ventura Receives the Key to the City for X Games Success

President and CEO Marlyss Auster accepted the Key to the City from Mayor Joe Schroeder for Visit Ventura’s leadership in...

Jun 28 2023
Local Ventura Businesses Celebrate X Games California with Specialty Events, Signature Cocktails, Community Cleanup

For Immediate Release: June 28, 2023 (Ventura, Calif.) — X Games and Visit Ventura announce the community engagement and outreach...

Jun 28 2023
A Partnership for Sustainability: Visit Ventura Partners with Amtrak Pacific Surfliner, X Games, Ventura County Coast to Provide Easy and Convenient Transportation to X Games California 2023 Finals Weekend

For immediate release: June 26, 2023 (Ventura, Calif.) — Debut of Pacific Surfliner Train Wrap to Feature X Games Athletes, Special Promotions, and Local Ventura Special Release X Games-Inspired Brews On Board Train Visit Ventura announced today that a long-term relationship with the LOSSAN Rail Corridor Agency (who manages the Amtrak Pacific Surfliner) has culminated...

Jun 28 2023
X Games California 2023 Lands in Ventura

For Immediate Release May 3, 2023 (Ventura, Calif.) — Visit Ventura announced today that in partnership with the City, Ventura...

Jun 26 2023
Vert Alert: X Games and Amtrak Partner for Larger-Than-Life Promo

First-time partners X Games and Amtrak are launching a sustainably-minded collaboration that aims to take cars off the traffic-choked roads of Southern California and deliver fans by rail to the upcoming three-day sports event. As part of the deal, Amtrak’s Pacific Surfliner trains that run between the Central Coast and San Diego will be wrapped...

Jul 19 2022
This Amtrak Train Route Offers a Perfect Coastal California Trip — With Ocean Views Nearly the Whole Way

Surfing is a large part of Ventura culture, but this relaxed seaside city also offers ample activities beyond the waves. Visit...

Jun 17 2022
Best Southern California Staycation Ideas for Locals

Ventura: The Beach Town for Locals Via Tableau Digital Read more here. (the story starts on page 28 of the...

Jun 07 2022
11 Fun Things to do in Ventura California

The charming town of Ventura is unlike any other destination on the Central Coast of California. The classic beach town...

May 12 2022
3 New Places to Visit in Ventura, California

Head to Ventura for a beach-lover’s paradise full of sun, sand and surf. Even if you’re not frolicking in the...

May 06 2022
20 ‘Secret’ Spots Along California’s Pacific Coast Highway

California’s iconic Highway 1 has many natural and historic attractions along the Central Coast, famous for its beaches and migrating...

May 05 2022
Cool Things to do for Southern Californians. Part 19 – Ventura County

Ventura County is on the map for visitors to the Reagan Library in Simi, but many Southern Californians would be...

Mar 10 2022
Ventura is more than a surf town. Here’s how to experience it.

Good morning, fellow Escapists. Last week, we ventured up the winding mountain roads of California 33 to Ojai in pursuit...

Feb 23 2022
Cool Things to do for Southern Californians 19: Ventura County

Ventura County is on the map for visitors to the Reagan Library in Simi, but many Southern Californians would be...

Jan 31 2022
20 Secret Spots Along California’s Pacific Coast Highway

California’s iconic Highway 1 has many natural and historic attractions along the Central Coast, famous for its beaches and migrating...

Jan 28 2022
What’s Old and Still Going Strong

There’s a saying that certain things get better with age – which is certainly true for the entire state of...

Jan 18 2022
California’s Most Beautiful Parks Are Also The State’s Least Visited

California is home to more National Parks than any other state—but many are more hidden than you might guess. The...

Jan 10 2022
Ranked: California’s most stunning small cities and towns

Ventura, Ventura County All life revolves around the beach in this laid-back surf town along California’s Central Coast. The broad...

Jan 07 2022
From Coronado to Alcatraz: Your guide to California’s coastal islands

Not many visitors think of California as an island destination, but there are actually more than 500 islands within the...

Nov 30 2021
Ventura California

This six page feature article appeared in Japan’s Safari Magazine. It was written by Yoko Fujimoto and published on November...

Nov 24 2021
The Oft-Forgotten Channel Islands Are Cooler Than You Imagine

It is a cliché-evoking, warm Southern California day, and I am precariously perched in a kayak off the coast of...

Oct 22 2021
Channel Islands Whale Watch Cruise With Island Packers

Not many things can get me out of bed early in the morning and be ready to leave my house...

Sep 24 2021
National Parks Near Orange County: Channel Islands

After being cooped up for months, it seems everyone had the same idea this summer: get in the car and...

Sep 20 2021
Unique California Surfing Vacations

California’s surfing habit has grown to be more than just a hobby. On August 20, 2018, surfing became the official...

Sep 07 2021
6 Best Weekend Trips from Los Angeles

Sandwiched between Santa Barbara and Los Angeles, Ventura doesn’t always get the attention it deserves. But despite what the seaside...

Aug 24 2021
2,100 Acres. Harmon Canyon Preserve

Before the fog burns away, Shelly is gone. Antes de que la niebla se disipe, Shelly se ha ido… Via...

Jul 09 2021
The Ultimate Channel Islands National Park Travel Guide

While cutting lazy circles in the teal waters near Channel Islands National Park’s Scorpion Anchorage during my second-ever sea-kayaking experience, I...

Jul 09 2021
The 12 best secret beaches in the USA

Nothing beats a quiet day spent at the beach. Especially if you can find a stretch of silky sand that...

Jun 29 2021
The Ultimate Channel Islands National Park Travel Guide

  While cutting lazy circles in the teal waters near Channel Islands National Park’s Scorpion Anchorage during my second-ever sea-kayaking...

Jun 16 2021
Central Coast, Channel Islands Make for Fun Road Trip

Scratch your travel itch by exploring California. What could be easier than hopping into your car for a road trip...

Jun 08 2021
The 8 Best Easy Southern California Hikes With Great Ocean Views

Southern California beach walks are nice, but sometimes you want something more than sand squishing between your toes. Lace up...

May 28 2021
SoCal Explorer Partner Destination Feature: Ventura

Ventura, formally named “San Buenaventura,” was founded in 1782 when Saint Junipero Serra established Mission San Buenaventura as the ninth...

May 12 2021
Escape to Los Angeles: 5 Fun Things to do in Southern California

I first visited California as a high-schooler on a college scouting trip with my mom. After several days in the...

Apr 22 2021
Mustang Mach-E Is A Road Trip Ready EV

Electric Vehicles have been something I’ve been enamored with for the past several years. Ever since I got my first...

Apr 22 2021
Eating And Drinking Our Way Through Ventura

Ventura California is one of those iconic Southern California “surf towns” that you probably have heard of from classic rock...

Jan 11 2021
California Coastal Spotlight: Incredible Things to do in Ventura

Nestled between the mighty Ventura River and the Santa Clara River Valley, near the base of the majestic Mount Pinos,...

Dec 16 2020
Cruise Along These Holiday Lights Drive-Throughs Across the U.S.

Drive-thru holiday lights are all the rage – here’s one close to you! As the current pandemic is changing how...

Dec 02 2020
Visit Ventura Creates “Shop Ventura, Save Ventura”

The hard truth? Recent forecasts predict one in six Ventura retailers, and one out of two Ventura restaurants, won’t make...

Dec 01 2020
12 Drive-Thru Holiday Experiences in California

In a year when curbside pickup has become a way of life, the holiday season is offering up a festive...

Dec 01 2020
8 Must Sees On California’s Highway One

If there’s ever been a time for a good old road trip to shine, it’s 2020. Whether it be travel...

Nov 25 2020
The Six Best Pedestrian Promenades to Visit Across California

As small businesses across the globe suffer from the economic impact of quarantine, municipal and state governments have been searching...

Nov 23 2020
Driving People Back to Live Events

Vincenzo Giammanco had a problem. His company, CBF Productions, almost went to full stop immediately after the Coronavirus shutdown in...

Nov 19 2020
6 U.S. Scuba Diving Trips Worth Planning a Trip Around

One way to tune out all of the noise of this year is to escape into the water—we’re talking deep...

Nov 02 2020
Regions Tourism Industry Continues Slow Comeback

The tumultuousness of 2020 makes it hard for the tourism industry to make long-term plans. In Santa Barbara County, the...

Oct 05 2020
The Island Less Visited

Unless you’re a National Parks lover or live in Southern California odds are you have not heard of the Channel...

Sep 01 2020
11 Under the Radar National Parks

The US has 59 national parks, but you’d never know it given that a chosen few reside in the eternal...

Aug 28 2020
Tourism begins long, slow road to recovery

Tourism is down but not out in the region, as businesses and tourism promotion agencies pivot to teaching visitors how...

Aug 27 2020
Concerts In Your Car Combines Road Trip Plus Socially-Distanced Entertainment

If the US travel industry has an equal in 2020’s coronavirus-fueled race to the bottom, it’s live entertainment. While hotels,...

Aug 24 2020
The Libations of Ventura County

This classic California beach destination has a creative craft beverage culture to match its picturesque location. Ventura, California destination expert...

Aug 20 2020
The 15 Best Day Trips from Los Angeles

  It’s easy to fill an itinerary for a Los Angeles vacation, even if you never venture outside the downtown-Hollywood-beach...

Aug 20 2020
The Galapagos of North America Is a Marine Wonderland Hiding in Plain Sight

Known as “The Galapagos of North America,” Channel Islands National Park is home to nearly 150 endemic species that can...

Aug 15 2020
Kick Back, Relax and Road Trip up California’s Central Coast

It’s a perfect pairing. The sizzle of Los Angeles and laid-back vibe of the Central Coast. Driving from L.A. north...

Aug 13 2020
7 Social Distanced Travel Events To Check Out This Summer

The $2-trillion dollar question: When can we travel again? There’s no clear answer. The Covid-19 curve needs to flatten then...

Aug 08 2020
Know Before You Go: Channel Islands National Park

Five islands off the Southern California coast comprise one of America’s most undeveloped—and utterly magical—national parks. Visitors can choose to...

Aug 02 2020
An insiders’ guide to U.S. national parks

Founded in 1916, the National Park System was famously referred to by Pulitzer Prize winner Wallace Stegner as “the best...

Aug 01 2020
Amp Up Your August With These 8 Socially-Distanced Activities in LA

Tired of the same weekend activities? Switch it up and learn a new skill, listen to live music from your...

Aug 01 2020
Art Outside the Gallery

There is no shortage of art galleries, museums, installations and studios in California. With many indoor museums closed, where can...

Aug 01 2020
Third Eye Blind and other bands are playing parking lots to give heartsick fans their fix

Ventura, California (CNN)Stephan Jenkins, lead singer and songwriter of Third Eye Blind, felt jitters as he looked out at 700...

Jul 31 2020
This tiny SoCal island, full of carnage and shrieking, should be your next day trip

On one of the smallest islands in California’s least-visited national park, my daughter, Grace, and I went in search of...

Jul 27 2020
10 Best Cities to Visit Without and Itinerary

While there’s a lot to be said for landing in a new destination with a mission to visit all the...

Jul 20 2020
The Expansive Beaches of Ventura, California

Marlyss Auster calls this classic California beach community home. Rediscover America asked her about her go-to spots to relax and...

Jul 17 2020
Tourism in a Pandemic. To Promote or not to promote?

Visit Ventura has stopped promoting Ventura as a place to travel—at least for now. “We’re not reaching out to travelers,”...

May 10 2020
Iconic California Road Trip: San Francisco To Los Angeles

The best kind of road trip features great scenery, and the road trip from San Francisco to Los Angeles on...

Sep 26 2019
This Laid-Back Beach Town Has the Best Weather in the Country by Coastal Living

by Susan Hall Mahon In a world where there are endless ways to rank beach towns: the best ones to...

Sep 15 2019
Vegan Ventura Vaca – Part 2 by Clairitage Press Blog

  by Karen Dustman featured image by Heliconia Press – Paddle 365 images by Visit Ventura Ventura sites & sights:...

Sep 15 2019
Vegan Ventura Vaca – Part 1 by Clairitage Press Blog

  by Karen Dustman images by Visit Ventura Ventura, California. It’s been called the “most under-rated beach town in America.”...

Aug 13 2019
Uncovering Ventura’s Hidden Gems by the SoCal Scene

by Spectrum News Staff Featured image by Visit Ventura The SoCal Scene celebrates the art, food, music, and cultures of...

Aug 01 2019
Top Surf Sites to Spend California Surfing Day

  by Visit California Featured image by Jack Burleigh Surfing is an official lifestyle in California, with sunny vibes spanning...

Jul 11 2019
The Local’s Travel Guide to Ventura, California

by AwayLands Brandon and I were both born and raised in Ventura, California – a surf town just North of...

May 22 2019
Best Beach Bike Paths in Southern California

Originally appearing in Southern California Life Magazine – Inspiring the SoCal Explorer No matter where you are in Southern California,...

May 07 2019
Road Trip: Six Days on California’s Central Coast by visitcalifornia.com

By Jené Shaw Join Bearfoot Theory founder Kristen Bor and friends as they travel along the Pacific coast on an...

May 06 2019
4 Day Trips from Los Angeles

written by Bradley O’Neill from the Discoverer There’s no shortage of things to see and do, eat and drink in...

Apr 30 2019
The Galapagos of California by theoutbound.com

by Kyle Frost Take Big Sur, wrap it around an island and then place some idyllic green countryside covered in...

Apr 24 2019
Things to do in Ventura County Coast: Getaway Guide by anytots.com

Things to do in Ventura CA: Stroll, Shop, & Play at Ventura Harbor Village There are plenty of things to...

Apr 24 2019
Cycling the Central Coast With Women Who Explore

Ambassador Kerri Jackson discovered unique small towns, cliffside bike trails, and dreamy sunsets while biking around three classic beach towns...

Apr 19 2019
Bike Adventure Highlights With Professional Climber Matt Segal

The outdoors enthusiast shares highlights from his recent trip to Ventura, Santa Barbara, Mt. Baldy, and more by Jene Shaw...

Mar 21 2019
5 Haunted Spots to Visit in Ventura by Visit California

  In the mood for something spooky? Check out these spirited locales suggested by ghost expert Richard Leonard Senate. by...

Dec 14 2018
One Day, One Place: Ventura, California

Framed on one side by mountains and on the other by the Channel Islands, Ventura’s beachy setting along California’s Central...

Dec 05 2018
VENTURA TO HOST AMGEN TOUR OF CALIFORNIA WOMEN’S RACE START AND FINISH & MEN’S STAGE FIVE FINISH IN MAY 2019

VENTURA TO HOST AMGEN TOUR OF CALIFORNIA WOMEN’S RACE START AND FINISH & MEN’S STAGE FIVE FINISH IN MAY 2019...

Nov 06 2018
AR and VR Offer New Marketing Tactics within the Tourism Industry

Advancements in immersive technologies have made virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) increasingly accessible, allowing consumers to connect and...

Oct 30 2018
Your Ultimate Guide to Southern California Craft Beer—By Train

Did you hear that Southern California has a lot of breweries? Did you hear it has a lot of traffic?...

Oct 10 2018
Spotted in the news: Everything you need to know about visiting the Channel Islands

  Southern California’s coast is so blessed by nature, yet so densely developed, that it’s only natural to imagine what...

Sep 19 2018
Celebrate California’s first “Surfing Day” on September 20th

  From Fort Point under the iconic Golden Gate Bridge to the virtually unparalleled Rincon Point in Ventura, from “Leo...

Sep 05 2018
California’s Central Coast for Foodies

It’s all about being harborside in Ventura, California. Ventura Harbor Village has a mix of restaurants and activities, which makes...

Aug 30 2018
5 Reasons to Venture to Ventura

  Look just beyond L.A. and discover a beachfront getaway without the big spend. With its abundance of affordable (and...

Aug 13 2018
Spotted in the news: Secondary cities can be first-rate bargains

  Ventura is a bargain destination compared with Santa Barbara, about 28 miles farther up the coast. In addition to...

Jul 21 2018
10 Day Itinerary – Best Places to Visit in Southern California (Beyond Disneyland)

  Looking for tips on the best places to visit in Southern California? Are you ready for some SoCal adventure...

Jul 16 2018
From the Sea to the Sky: Road Tripping California’s Central Coast

If you are looking for world class adventure on land *and* the sea, the Central Coast of California is hard...

Jul 16 2018
17 Amazing Things To Do In Ventura County California With Kids

Ventura County, California is about an hour north of LA and 30 minutes south of Santa Barbara. Be sure to...

Jul 12 2018
Ventura Is Still a Beach Town in the Old-School SoCal Model

Ninety minutes north of L.A., Ventura is a lot like other Southern California beach towns used to be: relaxed and...

Jun 17 2018
Ace Ventura: oysters, craft beer and wildlife in California’s most laid-back town

The San Buenaventura state beach is all but empty of sunbathers. The only bodies on display are the ones at...

May 25 2018
The Beach Boys-Inspired Road Trip You Have To Take This Summer

Being a beach music pilgrim is a two-track pursuit: Check out the spots your heroes hail from, and pay homage...

May 22 2018
5 Things to do on the Ventura County Coast

Ventura County Coast is a beautiful coastal area located just north of Los Angeles. The area encompasses Camarillo, Ventura, Oxnard...

Mar 29 2018
Ventura, CA, so much more than a surf town

Walking along the paved path circling San Buenaventura State Park in Ventura CA, it wasn’t hard to spot the Jolly...

Feb 15 2018
30 Awesome Things to Do & See on a Central California Road Trip

  One of the most thrilling road trips I’ve experienced is cruising Highway One along the Central California Coast. The...

Get Inspired Screenshot 2024-01-17 at 7.47.12 AM

Request an
Inspiration Guide

View the current Ventura Inspiration Guide online. And prepare to be INSPIRED.

Be in the know

Visit Ventura
Monthly Newsletter

Sign up for everything you need to know; from new hikes, to new restaurants, to upcoming festivals, music, and entertainment.

Ventura Partners With