Best Winter Vacation: Top 9 Activities in Ventura County

As icy temperatures grip much of the country, countless Americans are seeking out the best winter vacations California has to offer. Uncover 9 extraordinary winter activities in Ventura County Coast, a region in California’s central coast that’s filled with magic and wonder.

Best Winter Vacation in California Idea #1: Go on a road trip to Ventura County Coast.

Winter Road Trip Itinerary

1. Take a Winter Roadtrip

Winter road trips to California are the perfect way to escape cold weather while taking in absolutely stunning scenery. Ventura County Coast offers an endless selection of mountain and ocean views that will simply blow your mind. Check out our California Winter Roadtrip itinerary to begin planning your best winter vacation yet!

2. Take Sightseeing to a New Level

Ventura County Coast is filled with sightseeing tours with fewer crowds than the peak summer season. Here’s a few of the top sightseeing destinations on the coast.

Malibu Coast
Channel Islands National Park
Port Hueneme Beach
Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area
Los Padres National Forest
Channel Islands Harbor
Silver Strand Beach
Ventura Harbor Village
Ventura Pier
Downtown Ventura

Winter Vacation in California Idea #2: Go Sightseeing

Must See Views

Whale Watching

3. Experience Whale Watching

The majestic Channel Islands National Park hosts a plethora of migratory and resident marine mammals. Winter is the best time of year to go whale watching as the annual migration of gray whales offer a plenitude of sightings. Whether you’re visiting the coast for a weekend getaway or a week long winter vacation, witnessing these magnificent creatures is an unforgettable experience.

4. Escape the City Life

Just a short drive from Los Angeles and Orange Counties lies an oasis of laid back vibes and small crowds. The Ventura County Coast boasts a plethora of wide open spaces and spectacular views that will win a special place in your heart. Its no wonder why people from all over the country choose the coast as a top winter vacation destination in California.

Winter Vacation Idea #3: Escape the city life.

Outdoor Lovers

Arch rock at Channel Islands National Park

Go on an Adventure

5. Go on an Adventure

Winter Vacations in California are perfect for adventure seekers. With cooler temperatures than summer, the region makes for amazing outdoor adventures without the dog days of summer. Ventura County Coast features many dog friendly parks, trails, and beaches that every family member will love!

6. Take a Scenic Drive on Pacific Coast Highway

One of the nation’s most iconic scenic highways cuts right through Ventura County Coast. PCH also known as Highway 1 stretches from Ventura County Line to the south to Rincon Point State Beach to the north. The coastal highway is broken up into sections with various routes. While most people take PCH to 101 then PCH to 101, the coastal cities of Oxnard and Ventura offer a scenic alternative route with a plenitude of hidden gems to discover.

Coastal scenic rout on Pacific Coast Highway in Ventura County

7. Catch a Winter Sunset

Winter sunsets on the Ventura County Coast are nothing short of magical. The cooler months bring crisp air, vivid hues, and skies painted in dramatic oranges and purples. It’s the perfect time to bask in those breathtaking views that define coastal California. Whether you’re a photographer chasing the perfect shot, a romantic looking for a serene moment, or someone who simply loves sunsets, the Ventura County Coast has the perfect spot for you.

Pro tips: Spectacular sunsets can be viewed from almost anywhere on the coast. Sunset times change throughout the year. Use this guide to help plan your perfect sunset.

📸: @bperezf

8. Go on a Surfari

Love to surf? Then a Surfari will make for an unforgettable winter vacation to California. During the winter months, the Coast turns into a surfer’s paradise. Storm swells from the Northwest filter into the coast to create some of the best surf in the entire region. The Ventura County Coast is chock full of amazing surf spots for all skill levels. Check out our top 11 Surf Spots to help inspire your winter vacation on the California coast.

Let the good times roll this winter in California

See Surf Guide

Winter Vacation Idea: Affordable Winter Vacation at the beach.

Discover Beaches

9. Take an Affordable Beach Vacation

While inland regions go from warm to freezing, Ventura County Coast’s climate remains fair during the winter. Coastal average temperatures in the region hover around 65F (18c) throughout the winter months with above average temperatures sprinkled in. The cooler climate makes for a perfect winter escape without the excessive heat from tropical winter destinations.

Looking for More Winter Vacation Ideas in California?

Surrounded by natural beauty from the mountains to the sea, the Ventura County Coast is one the best places to plan an unforgettable winter vacation in the USA. Discover fun things to do in Ventura County Coast.

Tag your Ventura County Coast photos with #VCCVibes for a chance to be featured!

Ventura County Coast

Ventura County Coast is a string of four communities that radiate warmth from welcoming people and California sunshine. The region embodies the casual and active spirit of classic, where the seafood is fresh, the beer is handcrafted and the weather is the kind you dream about. Spend the day exploring miles of beaches, incredible harbors or lush green golf courses. Hop on a boat for a day trip to the Channel Islands National Park, where you can see breathtaking views of the Southern California coastline. With a bustling culture, high end and vintage shopping, a lively culinary spirit and beautiful outdoor experiences, Ventura County Coast calls on every visitor to find their vibe. From hiking and biking to sailing and snorkeling, from shopping and dining to just plain relaxing, Ventura County Coast will fill your days with a lifetime of memories.

Camarillo

An hour north of Los Angeles, Camarillo is nestled at the base of the Conejo foothills surrounded by verdant green fields and cool ocean breezes. With more than 300 days of sunshine a year, enjoy Camarillo alfresco. From outdoor shopping and concerts, to delicious dining and fun events, Camarillo has it all. With small town charm and a rich history, it is the place for romantic weddings and corporate venues. Visit the historical sites and museums during the day, and walk along Old Town for dinner and drinks at night. A great getaway for everyone, Camarillo is the ideal place to Come for the Sun, Stay for the Fun.

Learn More

Oxnard

Rally your tribe and head for the Central Coast. California cool, panorama-perfect, culturally authentic and vibrant beyond measure. Oxnard is home to miles of pristine white sand beaches, electric nightlife, some of the best taquerias in the state, historic Victorian era architecture, the California Strawberry Festival, and an expansively picturesque harbor that serves as the closest access point to the Channel Islands National Park. Just sixty miles northwest of LAX and in close proximity to Santa Barbara and other major destinations, Oxnard is one of California’s best kept secrets.