The last mission established by Father Junipero Serra, Mission San Buenaventura grew into the town with the shortened name of Ventura. The beachside community is home to the Ventura marina and harbor, the gateway to the offshore Channel Islands National Park and home to the park's visitors center.
The City of Ventura is located on the Southern California coast within Ventura County just one hour north of Los Angeles. With Ventura River at its northern boundary and the Santa Clara River at its southern edge, Ventura is very oriented toward water. It has the feel of a classic California beach town with a temperate Mediterranean climate to match.
There are a myriad of recreational opportunities in Ventura, from miles of beaches, tennis courts, golf courses, and the Los Padres National Forest, to surfing, sailing, scuba diving, camping, and fishing. The Ventura Harbor has marinas, restaurants, shops, galleries and the Channel Islands National Park Visitor Center. Its a great place to spend a relaxing afternoon. There is truly something in this area to please almost anyone.
History buffs will love Ventura as well. The city is home to the ninth California mission-Mission San Buenaventura, founded in 1782 by Father Junipero Serra and now beautifully restored. The Ventura County Museum of History's displays on the lives of the Chumash Indians, Spanish explorers and early Ventura settlers is also of interest.
Its warm climate and seaside location makes Ventura a popular tourist spot. The city welcomes well over a million visitors a year and tourism is its major industry. High tech firms are also moving into the area. Ventura manages its growth and so still has acres of orchards and fields, hillsides and clean, clear waves. There is, however, a very active downtown area and many choices of housing- from condominiums to large homes.
Ringed by the Santa Ynez Mountains and bordering the Los Padres National Forest, Ojai boasts several spas and tennis clubs and is also renowned as a New Age haven. Bart's Books, a local institution, has a great selection of used books, and the classical Ojai Music Festival kicks off in late May.
Adjacent to the San Fernando Valley in the rolling foothills of the Santa Susana Mountains, Simi Valley is the home of the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library.
Thousand Oaks began in 1876 as a stagecoach stop for travelers making the long trip between Los Angeles and Santa Barbara. Today the drive takes less time, but the town is still a stopping-off point where travelers can see the historic displays at the Stagecoach Inn Museum.
For more information on Ventura county, go to:
Accommodation in Ventura
For info on a Great Drive in this area, go to: Santa Barbara Loop