A Fall Road Trip: 5 Days Exploring Ventura County Coast

Stop 1: Pacific Coast Highway

Renowned for it’s scenic beauty, iconic PCH is the perfect place to start your fall road trip. From Santa Monica head north on PCH until you reach Neptunes Net which lies on the Ventura/Los Angeles county line.

Just over three miles ahead stop at Sycamore Cove Beach for a state parks day pass (good for entry into all state parks). This beach is brimming in natural beauty, rocky outcroppings and great photo opportunities. Go under the highway crossing into Sycamore Canyon for some of the best hikes along Highway 1.

Past Sycamore Cove lies a massive sand dune that you can slide down on boogie boards, sleds, or simply hike. Keep driving down, and you will see Thornhill Broome and La Jolla, two beaches most people drive right past. We recommend visiting and enjoying their peaceful scenery. Mugu Rock is your last stop before Camarillo, and it earns the postcard reputation!

Continue on Pacific Coast highway then exit at Las Posas Road towards Camarillo.

Stop 3: Cheers to California Wine Month

After a day full of the outdoors, it’s time to wine and dine. Camarillo’s wineries, tasting rooms, and bottle shops are a great way to explore the destination. With September being California Wine Month, there’s no better time!

Camarillo’s wine trail is self driven, running along Las Posas Road and Pleasant Valley Road. Explore a cluster of tasting rooms and bottle shops close enough together to hop between. As a gentle reminder, pace yourself between stops, and bring a designated driver or rideshare app along for the ride.

Each stop offers its own atmosphere, from family friendly and laid back to a little more elevated, together they capture the different layers of Camarillo. Looking for a place to stay? See the best hotels to stay at in Camarillo.

Stop 1: Port Hueneme Beach Park

Here’s how to spend the ideal fall day in Port Hueneme: Start things off with a pastry and a foamy pumpkin spice latte from Anacappuccino, a popular coffee spot for locals. Then head to Port Hueneme Beach Park for a day full of biking, beach combing and surfing.

Thanks to the Santa Ana winds, this time of year offers some of the best surfing conditions and swell. Once you’ve worked up an appetite, throw some burgers on one of the park’s barbecue pits and kick back at a picnic table to watch the sunset.

Fun tip: the barbecue pits are also great for roasting s’mores!

Stop 1: Morning on the Beach

Oxnard Beaches are well known for their idyllic beauty, long sandy stretches, and surprisingly fun water activities.

The main beaches in Oxnard are Silver Strand Beach located on the south side of Channel Islands Harbor, and both Hollywood Beach and Oxnard Shores to the north. The beaches here are well known for their amazing surf, beachside activities, and recreational fishing.

Looking for fun dockside activities? Channel Islands Harbor is a great place for ocean activities like kayaking, whale watching tours, and jet skiing! You can even rent your own electric boat, take a harbor cruise, visit a maritime museum, or take a scenic gondola ride at this seaside gem. If your here on a Sunday be sure to check out the Certified Farmer’s Market for fresh local produce, local cuisine, and locally caught fish.

Oxnard: Annual Fall Events

Oxnard is host to some great annual fall events, starting with the Parade of Frights. Channel Islands Harbor puts a spooky twist on the traditional holiday boat parade, the Saturday before Halloween or on Halloween night itself, complete with family activities at the Channel Islands Maritime Museum.

El Panteón, Celebrating Dia de los Muertos transforms Heritage Square with live mariachis, Aztec dancers, theatrical storytelling, and a beer garden, honoring the tradition with food, art, and community.

Channel Islands Harbor Certified Farmer’s Market runs every Sunday, rain or shine, 10am to 2pm. The waterside market offers a great selection of locally grown produce, baked goods, and on occasion, fresh caught seafood.

For more Oxnard events, please visit: Visit Oxnard

Stop 1: Hop on the Island Ferry

The Channel Islands Ferry departs from Channel Islands Harbor, 3550 Harbor Blvd., Oxnard and Ventura Harbor, 1691 Spinnaker Dr #105B

Make sure you wear plenty of layers for this seafaring adventure! You’re going to want to spend the entire day (or more) exploring Channel Islands National Park in the fall. The autumn breeze at the islands is warm during the day, but temperatures drop a bit once the sun goes down.

The park is known for its breathtaking landscape and thriving wildlife, which can be experienced by boat, kayak, or on foot for an unforgettable hike. The sky and water are clearest this time of year, so diving is at its best. Keep your eyes peeled for northern elephant seals as they begin to gather at their rookery site in late fall, migrating birds and blue and humpback whales. If you’re lucky, you might come across the illusive Island Fox too.

Like to camp? Each of the five islands has a campground that requires advanced reservations. Make sure to bring a telescope or simply look up for some out-of-this-world stargazing!

Stop 1: Ventura Harbor Village

1583 Spinnaker Dr, Ventura, CA 93001

Ventura Harbor Village is one the most picturesque harbors and is an amazing seaside playground. The beaches at this seaside gem are some of the best kept secrets on the coast with amazing surf and a protected beach.

Are you more of a captain of your own ship kind of person? Rent your own electric boat and cruise the beautiful harbor and Ventura Keys. On land you’ll find the harbor village area filled with unique restaurants, cafe’s, confectioneries, fashion boutiques, unique gifts, along with high end arts and crafts shops.

Ventura: Annual Fall Events

Ventura is host to some great annual fall events starting with Artwalk Ventura. Marvel at the creative spirit of this coastal town with popup displays, live performances, workshops, and more at this special event.

Seaside Oddities Expo celebrates the bizarre and obscure while dabbling in the dark arts. Featuring vintage Halloween decor, rare oddities, and freakishly good live entertainment.

Pier Under the Stars event features some of the best cuisine, brews, and craft wines from this coastal region.

On a Thanksgiving road trip?Burn off some calories before your big meal at the annual Ventura Turkey Trot 5k run/walk.

Ventura Certified Farmer’s Markets run every Wednesday and Saturday at two locations. Both feature locally grown produce, baked specialty items, live music, and food vendors.

For more Ventura events, please visit: Visit Ventura.