We love Ventura County Coast, but we’re not the only ones! Find out what makes this area so special from the people who know it best. Our “Local Vibe” stories provide an insider’s look at the region as we learn about favorite places to eat, shop, play and explore as well as tips on what to bring when you visit.
Meet: Alex Hong
Did you grow up here or end up here? I grew up in the foothills of Ventura and have been a Ventura County resident all 30 years of my life.
Do you own a business located in Ventura County Coast? I own Coastal Cone & The Parlor in the Ventura Harbor Village.
Tell us about your business. Coastal Cone and The Parlor is an oceanfront ice cream and burger shop. The family-friendly location has two storefronts in one location, and shares the same waterside patio. Coastal Cone specializes in: homemade waffle cones, 40+ mouthwatering ice cream flavors, 6 custom batch soft serve flavors including the famous Dole Pineapple Whip, homemade waffle cones, fish-shaped Taiyaki pastries, sundaes, shakes, malts, and banana splits. Our burger shop, The Parlor, specializes in burgers, hot dogs, sandwiches, salads, espresso drinks, and malts! We are famously known for our homemade waffle cones, fish-shaped pastries, Dole Pineapple Whip, and let’s not forget our ice cream specially made for dogs!
Why did you base your business in Ventura County Coast? Although we did not start the business, my family wanted to find a beach casual location that felt like home to us. For us, Ventura Harbor was considered our second home. My mom would take my twin brother and me to Coastal Cone every weekend since we were the age of one
Did you go to school in Ventura County Coast? Since preschool, I’ve attended our local Ventura County schools – Poinsettia Elementary School, Tierra Linda Elementary School, Las Colinas Middle School, Camarillo High School. After graduating from Camarillo High School, I received my Bachelor’s degree at California State University, Northridge.
My favorite thing about Ventura County Coast is the geographic location. – Alex Hong
The Inside Scoop
What is your favorite thing about Ventura County Coast? My favorite thing about Ventura County Coast is the geographic location. You can either go hiking or bike the hills of Ventura, head to the Ventura Harbor for views of the Channel Islands, and then enjoy the nightlife in Downtown Ventura. Where else can you go to the mountains, islands, and enjoy time in the city in one day?
If someone is planning a visit to Ventura County Coast, what are five things you recommend they pack for the trip?
- Beach towel
- Puppy (Ventura County Coast is extremely dog-friendly!)
- Sunscreen
- Sun umbrella
- Surfboard / bodyboard
(not in a certain order)
What is your favorite restaurant in Ventura County Coast? Besides Coastal Cone & The Parlor, my favorite restaurant would be Andria’s Seafood in the Ventura Harbor Village. It has been a childhood favorite every weekend. You can’t go wrong with homemade battered fish and chips, their in-house clam chowder, and special tartar sauce recipe.
What 5 things would you recommend someone do when visiting Ventura County Coast?
- Try Andria’s Seafood’s fish and chips and homemade clam chowder
- Book a day trip to the Channel Islands with Island Packers
- Rent a boat from Ventura Boat Rentals
- Check out the small boutique shops in Downtown Ventura
- Sunbathe on the clean Ventura County Coast beaches
Please explain your perfect day in Ventura County Coast. Take a hike and enjoy the ocean views from Arroyo Verde Park, grab lunch from Andria’s Seafood in the Ventura Harbor, enjoy an ice cream cone at Coastal Cone, and rent a kayak from Ventura Boat Rentals.
Business Information: Coastal Cone & The Parlor
Physical Address:
1583 Spinnaker Drive #104 Ventura, CA 93001
Website: www.coastalcone.com
Phone Number: (805) 658-2837
