Feel Like This Bucket List: Must-Do Experiences for Every Visitor

An Itinerary Inspired By The Adventures You Saw On Screen

In just one commercial, you got a taste of what makes Ventura County Coast such an exciting place to explore. From sky-high adventures to fresh-off-the-boat seafood, downtown shopping, and world-class outdoor experiences, now it’s time to create your own version of that adventure.

We have built this flexible itinerary to match the experiences featured in our new commercial, with bonus ideas to help you customize your trip. Whether you are visiting with friends, your family, or planning a couples’ escape, this guide will help you craft the perfect Ventura County Coast experience.

Taking flight at the Commemorative Air Force Southern California Wing at Camarillo Airport.

1. Mornings In The Sky: WWII Aircraft Flight

📍 CAF Museum
📞 (805) 428-6806 | 📧 ops@cafsocal.com
Learn More →

For the traveler who enjoys history, culture, and a bit of adventure, start your day at the CAF Museum in Camarillo. The museum is run by a team of passionate volunteers, including WWII veterans and aviation experts, who help preserve and share the stories of this important era. After exploring the exhibits and learning about the aircraft on display, can request to fly in a restored WWII warbird. It is a rare chance to experience the region from above, while connecting with a meaningful piece of history.

If you love this:

Fly open-air with Skyrider Ultralights: Soar your way in an ultralight aircraft for an open-air, up-close view of the Pacific Coast coastline. CLICK HERE
Go all-in with a local skydiving experience: Take the ultimate leap and experience Ventura County Coast from 10,000+ feet. CLICK HERE

2. Catch A Wave: Learn To Surf

📍 Ventura Makos Surf Camp
📞 (805) 426-0765 | 📧 VenturaMakosSurfCamp@gmail.com
Learn More →

No California trip is complete without catching a few waves. Join local surfer Christian Brock and his team at Ventura Makos Surf Camp to experience the surf culture that defines Ventura County’s beaches. Whether you are a complete beginner or looking to sharpen your skills, personalized lessons will have you paddling out and riding your first wave with confidence. Beyond the board, you will also get a glimpse into the welcoming local surf community and the natural beauty of Ventura’s coastline. Making this a great way to spend your day on the coast and immerse yourself in the community.

Other Surf Options:

Mary Osborne Surf Academy: Family-friendly lessons and local surf culture with expert guides.
Explore the Top Surf Spots on Ventura County Coast →: From beginner-friendly to pro surf shops.

3. Shop The Scene: Downtown Finds

📍 Iron & Resin (Ventura Main Street)
📞 (805) 279-9717

Stroll Ventura’s walkable Main Street and pop into Iron & Resin, where rugged, vintage-inspired apparel and gear are perfectly paired with California coastal style. But the shopping doesn’t stop there, Ventura County Coast is known for its inviting downtowns, each with its own character.

Across the region, you will find walkable neighborhoods where you can explore boutique shops, local galleries, farmers markets, and casual cafés. Whether you are browsing handmade goods in Ventura, hunting for antiques in Port Hueneme, discovering hidden gems in Oxnard, or visiting the outlets in Camarillo, you’ll enjoy the relaxed pace and community feel that make our downtowns so special. Exploring our downtowns is a great way to experience the region on foot, with plenty of opportunities to shop and dine.

Other Shopping Inspiration:

Camarillo Premium Outlets: Premium shopping experience with deep discounts on top designer brands across more than 160 stores.
The Collection in Oxnard: Outdoor shopping with designer brands, popular restaurants, and live entertainment.
Shopping Destinations in Ventura County Coast →

4. Seaside Flavors: Oyster Shots & More

📍 Surfside Seafood (Port Hueneme Beach Park)
📞 (805) 746-7027

Refuel beachside with signature oyster shots and the freshest seafood at Surfside Seafood in Port Hueneme Beach Park, a beloved local spot.

But this is just the beginning of what Ventura County Coast offers for food lovers. Our destination is rich in flavors, with dining experiences as diverse as our communities. Across the region, you’ll find everything from award-winning breweries and craft cocktail bars to family-run mom-and-pop restaurants serving authentic dishes.

Ventura County Coast’s culinary scene is deeply influenced by its multicultural heritage. Including bold flavors inspired by Asian, Italian, and Latin communities, among many others. Whether you are craving fine dining, a beachside taco shack, or a cozy neighborhood café, you will discover something new around every corner.

More Dining Ideas:

Explore Top 8 Local-Approved Restaurants → Explore restaurants locals love, from casual seafood joints to fine dining.
Sip and savor at Ventura County Coast Breweries & Wineries → Enjoy award-winning craft beers and boutique wines with a view.
Discover Must-Try Cocktail Bars → Sip creative coastal cocktails in laid-back lounges and lively bars.

Oyster Shots at Surfside Seafood in Port Hueneme, CA

5. Afternoon On The Water: Jet Skis & Harbor Adventures

📍 Southern California Jet Skis (Channel Islands Harbor)
📞 (805) 910-7257

Speed across the waters of Channel Islands Harbor with Southern California Jet Skis, an adrenaline-packed way to experience one of Ventura County Coast’s most scenic spots. As a classic California coastal destination, our community embraces the outdoors, and life here often revolves around the ocean. With two harbors (including the Ventura and Channel Islands Harbor), two historic piers, and miles of coastline, there are endless ways to get out on the water.

The harbors and piers also serve as lively hubs where visitors can stroll, dine, and experience the local coastal atmosphere, making them great places to spend time even when you’re not out on the water.

More Water Adventures:

• Explore Kayaking & Paddleboarding → Glide through protected harbors or paddle among sea caves and kelp forests.
• Go Whale Watching → Spot migrating gray whales, humpbacks, blue whales, and more — a classic California experience.
• Sail, Cruise, or Fish → Choose from sunset sails, harbor cruises, deep sea fishing charters, and island day trips.

6. Channel Islands National Park: A Natural Wonder

📍 Island Packers
📞 (805) 642-1393 | Island Packers Website

📍 Go Tour Channel Islands
📞 (805) 450-7757 | 📧 Dougpflaumer@yahoo.com
Discover Channel Islands National Park →

No trip to Ventura County Coast is complete without a visit to Channel Islands National Park. Just a short boat ride offshore, this remarkable park offers unforgettable adventures — from kayaking through sea caves and snorkeling among kelp forests, to hiking along island trails and spotting rare wildlife, both above and below the waterline.

For outdoor enthusiasts and national park hoppers, Ventura County Coast makes an ideal base. In addition to Channel Islands National Park, the region is home to several other state parks, beaches, and preserves where you can explore the natural beauty of coastal California.

Whether you are looking for another national park to check off your list, or simply want to enjoy the region’s rich outdoor experiences, you will find no shortage of trails, viewpoints, and wild places to discover here.

Other Ways to Explore the Islands:

Island Packers Cruises: Ferry trips for hikers, campers, and day-trippers to the islands. Island Packers is the only authorized ferry service that lands on the islands and also offers additional experiences such as kayaking excursions, whale watching tours, and more.
Channel Islands Expeditions: Custom eco-tours offering, wildlife cruises, kayaking, and expert naturalist guides.
Go Tour Channel Islands: is a passenger boat for small groups. They provide private fishing expeditions and up close island views as well as ocean wildlife viewing.
Learn more about Channel Islands National Park →

Find places to stay in Ventura County Coast

7. Where to Stay

With over 60 lodging options across the region, you will find plenty of choices to suit your style and budget. Stay at a luxury hotel, a boutique inn, or choose from a range of affordable accommodations perfect for a getaway.

Explore Places to Stay →

8. Plan Your Own Adventure

You’ve seen the commercial. Now it’s your turn to experience the magic of Ventura County Coast in real life.

Inspired? Start planning today:

Share your journey with us using #VCCvibes and follow us at @venturacountycoast we can’t wait to see how you bring our commercial to life.

Start planning your adventure to Ventura County Coast

Ventura County Coast Climate

Source: Weatherspark

4 Coastal Communities

Oxnard Visitor's Information and Travel Guide

Places To Stay

Plan your trip, find hotels and other places to stay in Ventura County Coast.

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Things to Pack

Sunglasses

Get your sunnies out

With year-round sunshine, you can bet you will need your sunglasses on this road trip.

Bathing Suit

The sun is out

You will need your bathing suit for our 22 miles of beaches. Get ready to soak in the sun.

Camera

Or phone

With so many amazing views, you won’t want to be without your camera on this road trip!

Hiking Shoes

The trails are calling

Ventura Coast Coast has miles of trails to explore. From coastal walks to mountain treks, there’s something for everyone.

Sweater

Just a light one!

Since we are on the coast, the ocean breeze cools us off in the evenings. Bring a light jacket to throw on at night and in the mornings.

Sunscreen

Eat lobster. Dont be one.

Spending all day in the sun? Protect your skin! It’s what the dermatologist ordered.

Your Favorite Hat

Snapback? floppy? visor? cowboy?

Whether you are spending your day at the beach, exploring the Channel Islands National Park or simply cruising around town, keep the sun out of your face with your favorite hat.