Amazing history. Cost is $8.00 to self tour the grounds. Well worth it if you love historical places

This is a beautiful mission. The priests really care about the parishioners and people in general. The gift shop is my favorite with very friendly staff. There is a chapel which has a Michael Angelo authorized replica of the Virgen and Jesus and many amazing relics from saints such as St. Jude! Their entry fee as a museum is very low, and I support it because it is a beautiful historical site that must be preserved for our children. I love their small garden. It is very serene. The bathrooms are located behind the gift shop through the garden and other bathrooms are located on the outside behind the church. I love this place!!!

The Mission Basilica is beautifully preserved, showcasing rich history and stunning architecture. The church and its peaceful yard offer a lovely place to reflect and explore. There’s a small museum at the entrance that gives great insight into the site’s past. Plan to spend about an hour here—it’s the perfect quick cultural stop. Tickets are available at the door.

Mission San Buenaventura is a nice small Mission. Has lots of history and interesting artifacts. Well maintained and clean. The garden is nice and the church and alter are beautiful. The gift shop is nice. We paid $8 per adult at the gift shop. The self guided tours begin in the gift shop and they provide you with a map that is easy to follow. Overall it was a great experience and I do recommend.

We stumbled upon Mission Basilica San Buenaventura by chance and didn’t even realize it was right in downtown Ventura! Unfortunately, we didn’t have time to see the whole place, but we did get to step inside the church, and it was absolutely beautiful — peaceful, historic, and full of charm. We’re definitely planning to come back to tour the entire mission next time. A lovely hidden gem in the heart of Ventura!

Incredibly beautiful and well maintained church and gardens with museum quality presentation. While they make you go through the gift shop to pay the entrance fee, the modest price ($8 for seniors) was well worth it. The highlights are the church (don’t miss the altarpiece and the Pieta and reliquary) and the immaculately maintained gardens with Queen Palms waving over the myriad flowering plants and bushes. The museum was good, but we didn’t have time to peruse it fully as we were headed out to Santa Ynez.

Beautiful courtyard, an unforgettable original rivers-of-life main entrance double doors, and a real nice stained glass rendition of Calvary (the site of Jesus’ crucifixion).

Totally worth a stop here - gives a view of the entire Ventura area. Also a peaceful vibe here. There are a few benches around and the grass was perfect for a couple that brought their own chairs and another that was sitting on a picnic blanket.

Serra Cross Park is a must-visit in Ventura! The views of the city, ocean, and Channel Islands are stunning — perfect for photos or a peaceful stroll. The park is clean, quiet, and easy to access with parking at the top. Great spot for a quick stop or to catch a sunset!

This is an iconic, historical California location to get the best view of Pierpont Bay in the entire Ventura County.

A really wonderful place to vibe out and watch the sunset. Also great to post up and work out of your van for the day.

Beautiful and magical view. I would go there everyday if I could. Very peaceful, has an area for children to run around and for picnics.

Absolutely beautiful scenery worth the drive and curiosity. My family and I we're in Ventura and we happened to Google tourist spots and this came up. It did not disappoint us in a tourist spot.

This park has the most impeccable scenic view. And to top it off the wooden cross is beautiful. To see the view of the city and the beach to relax and take in a breath of fresh air. Getting here is easy lots of loops driving up a hill.

We always enjoy visiting the National Parks. This one did not disappoint. From watching the very informative short video to the helpful staff. We also took the boat trip out to the Channel Islands. On the way, we got to see Dolphins and Whales. The islands and their history were just amazing.

Had booked a roundtrip with Island Packers for a Friday in September. Got there around 8am because I needed to check-in 45 minutes in advance for the 9am ferry to Scorpion Cove. The visitor center opened at 8:30am, so took a quick walk over to buy some souvenirs and postcards. Liked the setup inside, and the items were easy to find. Checkout with the staff was quick, and I was able to get back to my car, drop off the items, and walk over to Island Packers before they started boarding.

A neat visitor center for those visiting CINP. Get your Natl Park passport booklets stamped here as well as t-shirts, caps, trinkets and books! Their book selection on the marine ecology & environment of CINP outstanding btw! FYI - just remember that for those taking the ferry boat road from the harbor rides nearby, the boats typically leave shortly after the visitor center opens, and if you catch the last ferry back, the visitor center will already be closed or closing. CINP is a wonderful place, but remember that MORE THAN HALF of CINP is the Federally Protected marine sanctuary underneath the surface! Imagine seeing the largest pod of dolphins just minutes from CINP - we did! The boat captain said it had to be 5000+ dolphins! And a pod of Orca whales teaching their young how to hunt seals, with an actual seal carcass! ONLY IN THE MARINE SANCTUARY OF CINP! MAKE SURE THE GOVT KEEPS THIS PROTECTED!

As far as visitor centers go its pretty neat! The rangers at the desk were kind and helpful. The center itself was pretty interesting and informative. Displays outside include a small nature walk with pamphlets about the indigenous plants and topographical maps of each of the islands and information about each one of them. Inside the center is a small aquarium with local wildlife, some displays of other locals marine life and facts about the local indigenous peoples, the Chumash. If you have the energy there is a tower you can climb up to the 3rd floor that has information on the different level of the ocean and a great view once you reach the top. We finished our trip by picking up souvenirs in the gift shop. We were there for about an hour. If you looking to kill some time definitely stop by and check it out.

Very nice visitor center, very knowledgeable and helpful rangers and staff, great exhibits and selection in the park store.

A nicely laid out visitor centre on the mainland facing the Channel Islands. The gallery and interactive displays were enjoyed by all the kids. The stairwell paintings are very nicely done. The open aquarium is mesmerizing for the little ones. The fish and the 🦞. Would like to visit the islands but the cost for a family was quite high.

Great way to learn about Channel Islands! Check it out before you take a boat out. Learned a lot about the foxes and the different plants and birds on the islands. Cute gift shop too!

We stayed at Site M at Lake Casitas for a weekend camping trip with 12 people across two sites. The lakefront views were absolutely beautiful, with a gentle hillside providing a clear line of sight to the water. It’s peaceful, scenic, and especially great for families looking to relax in nature. Each campsite had room for 2–3 medium tents and 2–3 cars, though only one vehicle is included per site. We didn’t realize until later that extra cars cost $30 each—this detail was buried in the long confirmation email and not easy to spot. Worth checking ahead of time. The kids enjoyed the small playground right by the water—not fancy but perfect for burning off energy with a gorgeous lake backdrop. The fire pit had a built-in grill (though a bit worn), which worked well for both BBQ and evening bonfires. Bring foil or a grill brush if you want it cleaner, but it does the job. Restrooms were just okay—not very clean, and they only had toilets and urinals, no sinks. There are water faucets spaced every 200–300 feet, which was helpful, but no showers available on-site (at least not nearby). Be prepared for that. We tried our luck at fishing—the water was clear and clean, and we spotted some 12–14” carp swimming close to shore. No bites this time (no carp bait!), but the area is safe for kids to skip rocks or dip their feet. There’s also a small flooded bridge between sites that seems like a great fishing or photo spot. The best part of the trip was simply the time spent together: campfire chats, grilled food, drinks, and even movie night with our own projector. Nature, family, laughter—it was the kind of weekend that stays with you.

Great lake. If you want to take a moring run or gust go fishing. You can rent a boat or or fish from shore. The campsites are very nice there is a lot of room to spread out. The bathrooms were very stinky and they felt dirty. I would bring your own water to the lake just because the faucets look very used in my opinion. Over all it is a great lake to do a day trip or to camp out at.

We recently spent a few days camping at Lake Casitas, and overall, it was a great experience! We stayed in the Fox campground, and we were pleasantly surprised by how spacious the sites were—plenty of room to spread out and enjoy some privacy. The full hook-ups made things especially convenient for our RV. One of the highlights for us was the on-site water park, which is open on weekends. It was a fun way to cool off and spend a few hours, especially for families with kids. While the lake itself is beautiful and adds a peaceful atmosphere to the campground, it’s important to note that no direct contact with the water is allowed (no swimming or wading). Still, the views are lovely and make for a very relaxing backdrop. There are boat rentals available, which is a great option for getting out on the water. They are a bit pricey, but it’s a fun splurge if you’re looking to do something different. As for amenities, the bathrooms are very basic—just a toilet, no sinks—so be prepared for that. But that was a minor inconvenience compared to the overall comfort of the campsite. All in all, Lake Casitas offers a peaceful and scenic place to camp, especially if you’re looking for a quiet weekend with good space, full hook-ups, and some family-friendly activities. We’ll definitely consider coming back

We stayed at Casitas Campground and had a great time. Our campsite overlooked the lake, which made for a beautiful view every morning and evening. We spent a day at the waterpark and loved relaxing in the lazy river. The Little Café at the boat launch had tasty food—on the expensive side, but worth it. The food truck in front of the waterpark was also good, though a bit pricey. The campsites themselves are spacious and well-maintained, making it easy to spread out and enjoy the outdoors. Overall, a fun and relaxing place for a camping trip.

It's an expansive campground and if you're lucky, you have a nice view. It can get hot and dusty so timing is very important. The fire pits and grills are great. Bathroom is decent, but the showers take up 4 quarters for 3 minutes and both stalls were clogged and flooded though. Yuck. Other than that, just be careful of insects and critters, keep your tents closed up and clean your gear before bringing them inside your house.

First time going to this campsite. My whole family was here for the first time we got three camp sites together thinking it would be enough space. We had 6 family members 2 per campsite which wasn't enough space We should have gotten one extra space just for the food and game. But overall the experience was nice. The restroom was near us maybe a 2-minute walk. They do have showers but they were so far that you have to drive there because they close the ones near us. Gotta pay if you want to shower 4 minutes =$1

The area itself is absolutely beautiful — the nature, scenery, and overall vibe of Lake Casitas are really enjoyable. However, there are a few things that completely took away from the experience and I feel are important to mention. The bathrooms are truly disgusting. They constantly smell like urine, the walls are saturated with bird droppings, and most of the time there’s no toilet paper, no seat covers, and the trash bins are overflowing. There isn’t even a proper sink to wash your hands — just a tiny hand sanitizer station, which honestly feels pretty unsanitary for a campground charging this much. The showers are often clogged and the water comes out scalding hot, making them nearly unusable. At night, there are roaches everywhere around the campsites, which makes it uncomfortable to enjoy the outdoors once the sun goes down. While I will say the roads inside the campground look newly paved and well-maintained, when you’re charging $120 for the weekend plus an additional $60 for a second car, basic upkeep of the restrooms and common areas should absolutely be expected. Unfortunately, it’s simply not worth the price and we will not be returning. That being said, I do want to give a shoutout to the gentleman working at the local shop — he was so kind, helpful, and welcoming. The shop itself was beautifully maintained and fully stocked with anything you might need during your stay. This review in no way reflects on him or the store, which was truly the highlight of the property.

Historic city hall building in the downtown of Ventura very nice historic place

Drive thru graduation Craziest thing everwth$mh

Love the architecture of this historic building

Friends wedding in the hall was extraordinaire

Easily accessed from Hwy 101 and, course, the PCH. Laid back spot, perfect for an impromptu stop or an all-day family outing. Whether you're a single person, a couple, a group of friends, or a whole family..... You won't be disappointed by the natural wonders of this large beach. I was there several days in a row (day use only) and never felt crowded. No services or hookups, just parking, the beach, the squirrels and seagulls, and of course the Pacific Ocean.

Nice place to park by the ocean and walk on the beach. There is a bike trail next to it also.

This place is an amazing place to camp when they open these camping spots under the bridge in about a year after restoration of the area according to public works

My favorite place in Ventura to take a walk on the beach minus all the crowds. Perfect for catching the sunset..

Great spot to camp right on the ocean. I have driven by this place for several years and always wanted to stay we got site #77 and it backs right up to the sand and rocks. There are these great stone fire pits people have built and there's plenty of driftwood to use for kindling. The campground is very simple as you have to bring everything you need with you. Only RVs, trailers and self-contained vans are allowed. There is a train that runs close by the campground, but I usually slept through it. The highway is further up the hill, so the road noise wasn't bad. I loved falling asleep to the sound of waves. As people have noted, there are no services here like restrooms or showers. Great spot to watch the waves. It does get windy in the afternoon. There are plenty of great restaurants close by in Ventura to eat. The beach in front of the campground is Rocky, but you can walk just north or south to find some sand.

temporalily only a small section is open for daytime visits.Road is somewhat rough,but still worth a visit for easy access for surfing or picnic. Now, you won't be able to drive in anymore, further more there will be a 2 year construction to replace the bridge there.

Our favorite beach ! Sometimes at the weekends not so easy to find parking spots, but most of the time you’ll find it :) has two toilets.

I absolutely LOVE the botanical gardens, it is such a gorgeous walk with increasingly beautiful views of the ocean as you ascend the trail. The plants are magnificent, with different regions showcasing Chilean, Californian, Mediterranean, and South African plant varieties. Fridays are free entry and Wednesday and Friday dogs are allowed. I visit every time I have friends visiting and it’s wonderful to see how the plants look in all the different seasons! Could not recommend more.

Beautiful hillside garden with spectacular views of Ventura Harbor. Dogs on leash are allowed Wednesdays, Fridays, and on the monthly free days. It’s a bit of a climb to the top, but totally worth it for the spectacular views, especially at sunset.

Started the morning at Ventura Botanical Gardens, which has 160+ plant species and spectacular views of the California coastline. It has nearly 3.5 miles of walkways and over 100,000 plants from Five Mediterranean climates throughout the world."

A gorgeous find in the heart of Ventura offering not only an amazing variety of plants and great walking trails, but also the best views of the ocean and Channel Islands. The volunteers here are so helpful and the gift shop is a must-stop.

Gardens were beautiful. My only complaint was that we got locked out and had to walk all the way around. I think it would be common courtesy to let us know when we bought tickets at 3:30, they would have warned us that we would be locked out if not back by 5:00.

Great place for the Ventura ocean view. Not interested in the plants there to be hornest, as some were bone dry. Also great to get your steps in and hick up a hill.

Even though this was a bit off-season and a lot of the flowers had turned, it was a beautiful walk. The people were so nice, a great way to get some exercise.

Classic community theatre venue where every seat offers a great view. Wide range of plays and shows. A really special venue for Ventura that is worthy of your support!

Always a great experience at this venue. Just saw the Million Dollar Quartet and it was super fun and memorable. Excellent performances.

Their auditorium is a very small one but the staff turns that to their advantage making best use of the space to stage a show with an intimate atmosphere. I felt like I was right up on stage with the actors. I could tell that the entire cast and crew had such a passion for their show. It's really nice to see a live performance and feel the energy between the actors and the audience. You owe it to yourself to find the time to attend a live show! Also worth pointing out that the theater is just a few blocks from downtown puting it in easy walking distance of lots of great restaurants and bars where you can enjoy the nightlife after the show.

Have enjoyed each performance I have seen at this historic little theater. A true community treasure!

This place was rather small but a very nice intimate venue for music performances!

Because each production is an individual and would be according to the taste of the individual watching it I will talk about the facility. A theater is very nice and cozy, the seating is very comfortable, the sound quality is quite good. There are not really any seats that are particularly far away from the stage. The Productions are always good and the cast is always very professional. I've never seen a show there that I did not enjoy. I'm sure you will feel the same. Enjoy

Awesome venue, local and great performances!!

Very 🙂 nice service.. was fun.. had music.. cool decor.. had merch and tees/hats. Got a bottle after tasting.. ciders were 😋 delicious too !

A Father's Day special event wine and cheese pairing at Four ,Brix winery. As expected both the wines and cheeses were delish.

Servers were extremely attentive despite being overwhelmingly busy. Great live music. Pours were inconsistent and often kind of small. Cider and wine flights were both decent.

This is a low-key but nice place to visit, especially with friends or a date. They often have music. The pizza is good and the wine selection it's terrific. Give them a try.

Very nice place. Enjoyed the wine and service was great. We were there a night they had dancing. So many people having such a nice time. I was there once before and had a wine that was a bit off, tonight they replaced it no charge. This happened about 2 months ago. So refreshing to see such pride of ownership and respect to the craft and customers. A real class act. Thank you.

Exceptional vinery with a very good selection of high quality vines and cidres paired with a fantastic staff

The cider we tasted was so amazing. So much flavor and punch of delight . The empanadas and salsa were the bomb. Had 2 servings of them. Highly recommended this place. The service was also friendly and helpful.

Love Ventura . I grew up here. I visit my family that still lives here. I have 4 Ventura shirts and a sweatshirt from here that I wear at home. Really like the logo.

This location is like a Ventura tper visitor center. But it's actually a gift shop that contains local and not local made items and clothing and children's toys. Inclusive of some reading material, hard cover and soft cover. There is no specific parking available to visit this location. You basically have to find parking on the street.Or a local parking lot and then walk to this location which is very simple on flat properties. That is on a corner location..

A must-stop if visiting Ventura for the first time. Lots of great things to shop for as well get information on local events. Pick up something to remember your time in Ventura.

Staff very nice, friendly, helpful. Very cute stuff to buy.

Absolutely LOVE this store. They're always bringing in new items & their prices are reasonable. There's something for everyone - clothes, beach bags, jewelry, even inexpensive homemade post cards. They're great! I bought enough to make a collage of my favorite place. If you want something "Ventura" this is definitely your go-to store!

I have written to the city of Ventura, the Ventura Police Department and The Chamber of Commerce. I am a 70 year old with a 55 year unblemished driving history . Ihad never been to Ventura and, when passing nearby on vacation, suggested to my friends that we stop for shopping and lunch in Ventura. Upon leaving the 101 we followed confusing signage towards downtown. I corrected my lane change appropriately with no other cars in sight. I was Immediately stopped my a motorcycle officer Merc...) for improper lane change ( left turn only lane). I explained my intentions to visit for the first time, my confusion of the signs and where I am from in rural Oregon. I had hoped for a warning but received a $250 fine. Our tainted beginnings in visiting soured our 23 minute stay in Ventura. No money was spent on commerce and I will not return and dissuade others from visiting. Within minutes the officer had returned to his "spot" and nabbed another motorist. People familiar with Ventura knew exactly where that spot is upon entering and confirm the confusion. Although I accept that technically I was in the wrong, I feel that under the circumstances this could have been dealt with differently. I was getting ready to enjoy your town. I cannot in good faith encourage others to visit. Sincerely G.D Pesciallo 52925 County rd MiltonFreewater, Oregon 97862

Wish we had her name, but excellent recommendations and directions! So appreciate the help. Everyone in Ventura has been so kind and welcoming! Heading to Channel Islands tomorrow.

Surfers Point Park is that perfect Ventura blend of laid‑back and lively. There's energy without chaos, nature with amenities, and community presence with plenty of room to find your own spot. Whether you’re riding waves, enjoying a scenic walk, or simply reflecting by the sea, it's a place that feels both alive and serene. I left with sandy shoes, salty hair, and a genuine sense of calm. Great spot to catch sunset as well!!

This beachside memorial exudes a profound sense of peace and reflection, standing as a gentle reminder of both the beauty and fragility of life. Nestled between palm trees and overlooking the vast ocean, the tribute is simple yet deeply touching. The surfboard, adorned with “Rest in Peace,” and the surrounding stones painted with heartfelt messages and mementos speak of a community’s love and remembrance for a lost friend. The tranquil setting complements the solemnity of the memorial. The rhythmic crashing of waves, the soft rustling of palm fronds, and the warmth of the sun create a harmonious backdrop. It’s not just a place to remember, but also a space to find solace and healing by the sea. It serves as a meeting point for memories and emotions—a sanctuary for all who wish to pause, reflect, and honor. Beyond the memorial, the beach itself offers a serene escape, with its golden sands, inviting walkways lined with towering palms, and the distant pier stretching into the horizon. It’s a quintessential Californian scene, blending the laid-back atmosphere with a deep sense of connection and community spirit. Visiting this place feels like stepping into a quiet, sacred space on the edge of the world—a beautiful fusion of nature, remembrance, and peace.

Beautiful spot to people watch, walk your dog, skip stones into the ocean, or build sandcastles with your kids. Parking isn’t free.

It is a surfer's paradise, with good waves and sandy beaches. With good parking, restrooms, and changing area. And best of all are the beautiful ocean view and good waves for surfing.

Great beach for walking on the path and rockhounding! Very dog friendly too.

Beautiful sunsets, surfers, fresh seabreeze, quiet place to walk, think, and enjoy.

We loved it, the beach with large rocks and boulders. Sunsets are gorgeous 😍. Free parking after 5pm, but not recommended to stay if you have small kids. We lost/dropped something very valuable when we realized we turned around went back around 2 min had gone by and it was no where we know it was there because of its use. so I wouldn't bring anything valuable if you are going. But gorgeous recommended for sure for sunsets. Thank you for reading please check out the other locations we have visited.

Interesting museum. Loved the support of local culture and artists. Definitely a fun place to take your kids.

We enjoyed our time here, Dracula doll exhibit was impressive and so entertaining, I had fun reading story and walking through with my family. Kids enjoyed outdoor space and all the hands on activities. Enjoyed learning some of Ventura’s history through photography. Kids free, military 50% discount. Would recommend and will come back in the future :)

The staff were great here and I would have most likely rated the museum as a 4 but the day I visited, the main gallery was closed for setup of a new exhibition. At least I was able to visit their native American and Catholic doll exhibitions. Have to admit the dolls were very interesting but some were a little scary.

Infull disclosure, I am a docent there. But this is a hidden jewel in Ventura. George Stuart's figures alone make this a go to. Right now there are also two exhibits, one featuring photographs of Ventura county and another that features landscapes of Ventura, encouraging people to linger with a circular bench in the space.

Couldn't really explore because they were having some kind of poem reading so kids had to be extremely quiet which is impossible. Just hung out at the garden for a bit. But it's free so cant complain. Garden has very nice murals.

Great place to spend the afternoon with the family. There is a childrens garden as well. Every first Sunday of the month is free admission, otherwise the cost is 5, which is fair considering they have staff to support.

A hidden gem of a museum that more should experience. Great history, art and grounds to experience in a lovely neighborhood for young and old.

Visit Sundays 11 am - 3 pm for a tour by a docent in Rancho era costume. Enjoy Music under the stars at this city of Ventura historical Park!

With all of the rains we have been getting, the rose garden is in FULL BLOOM! It’s gorgeous! Here are some shots I photographed from yesterday’s wedding so you can see how it looks! :) I loved how the bride and groom decorated the inside area with the extra large real wood tables! Highly recommend that look along with the dark brown wood chairs 🪑 📸 😁

We had an amazing day here! Volunteers helped us sight Olivia Owl, explained history of the the Olivas family to us as we toured and had tents with hands on crafts focused on the owl festival. It was an amazing free event! Thank you for all everyone did and does for our community!

Showed up on Sunday at 3:00 and they were closed on the one day that there opened. There web sight say’s opened until 4:00 pm. They need to update there hours so people don’t waste there time driving there.

Such a great historic landmark. The tour is a wonderful experience and worth the time and minimal cost. Recommend to anyone who loves CA history.

Came here for their fall festival. Lots of traditional dancers, food truck for lunch, exhibits for the kids, and access to the historic house.

I got the $3 tour. The docent gave me all the history of the origin of this family and adobe. He took me to each room and discussed their objects and usage. The courtyard contains the cooking and tallow making area. There is a kitchen garden and flower garden but they do not seem to be kept up. The docents are very friendly and want to share their knowledge of this area.

Nice beach, but no safeguard and lots of oysters shells peels.

Outdoor showers for after a day at the beach. You do have to pay for parking, but having lifeguards patrolling the beach make it a like less stressful. Ooh there is a awesome pathway to walk and just enjoy the coastal weather 😀

It's a perfect spot to soak up the sun while listening to the crashing waves on the shore. Super clean! Lifeguard s on duty makes one feel safe! Volleyball courts! I mean this is the spot!

Excellent park to start your run/jog or walk down the shoreline. Huge parking lot and you can pay at the booth $10 for the whole day, or download the Yodel App and pay by the hour. There is a large grassy area with plenty of picnic tables as well as restrooms. This park also offers RV parking. Easy access to the beach and the bike trail that goes all the to the Ventura Creek trail.

We always love San Buenaventura. Feels like home ❤️

Nice beach park. There are restrooms, a foot washing station and outdoor showers. Nice paved walking paths and plenty of beach to explore. They also have a lot of awesome rocks! We had a nice day exploring the area a few weeks ago.

It's so beautiful. We parked at the park & walked the trail, sometimes walking on the beach. The trail takes you under & past the ventura pier. The kids loved it. We ended up walking over 2 miles before we realized it h had to walk back. Lots of others out bjiking, hiking, walking & etc too. Very nice. Paved walkway & various pit stops to enjoy!