Local Vibe: Surfin’ Santa

We love Ventura County Coast, but we’re not the only ones! Find out what makes this area so special from people who live in the “Local Vibe” spotlight. They’ll share their favorite places to eat, shop, and play as well as tips on what to bring when you visit.

Meet: Surfin’ Santa

What got you into surfing? Cruising through the skies and living in the cold year after year can get gnarly, ya know? But a few years back, I saw some rad surfers catching perfect rides on the VC Coast. I decided to drop in and give it a whirl. One ride and bam! I was hooked for life. Riding a wave is like flying reindeer, nothing else compares to that good vibe feeling you get after riding a wave or a sleigh.

Why visit Ventura County Coast? Ventura County Coast’s got it all. When I’m maxed out from checking the list, I kick back on those sandy beaches. And when I need a break from the North Pole, those waves are my escape. Mrs. Claus digs the local scene as well. There’s shops, munch spots—just endless fun.

How are you in such good shape? In the off season when I’m not grinding at the workshop eating a steady diet of candy, cookies, and milk, I’m catching those sweet waves down south. Ventura County Coast is my recharge station, man. The sandy beaches and waters are full on rejuvenating helping me lean out and feel fresh. It’s all about the good vibes, beaches, and epic surfing that keeps me pumped.

Surfin' Santa Clause

Besides surfing, what’s your favorite thing to do in Ventura County Coast? The food scene in Ventura County Coast is next level. Those local restaurants, breweries, and wineries are off the charts. 

What are some of Ventura County Coast’s holiday traditions? In two words “it’s lit” on the coast. From Candy Cane Lane to the Parade of Lights and Holiday Cruises, this is my kind of scene! No reindeer, no snow, just pure holiday vibes!

“The grub scene in Ventura County Coast is next level. Those local restaurants, breweries, and wineries are off the charts. ”
-Surfin’ Santa

Surfin’ Santa Approved

What are five things you think someone should do in Ventura County Coast?

What’s your favorite restaurant in Ventura County Coast? And what’s your go-to order?
My favorite place to eat would have to be Ventura Pier & Promenade. With three local restaurants and one craft brewery, you can find something for everyone. When you visit, you’ve got to try the Marilu Burrito from Beach House Tacos — it’s my favorite. Oh, and with my sweet tooth, I always have to stop by Churro Donut. 

Describe your perfect day in Ventura County Coast. This one’s easy! Early wave sesh, then retail therapy with Mrs. Claus. Munch a feast — ‘cause why not? Then hop on the sleigh and catch the nightlife view on the way back to the Pole. Now that’s a day!


Visit 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 events. 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.”

 

Good vibes and good times in Ventura County
Visit Port Hueneme

Discover Port Hueneme

Just sixty miles northwest of Los Angeles, in the heart of the Central Coast, you’ll find Port Hueneme, the friendly city by the sea. Port Hueneme is the place for travelers looking to dig their toes in the sand, take a long walk, drop a fishing line off the pier or just kick back and relax. With walking and biking trails winding throughout the city and a perfect climate almost year round, you can revive your soul in Hueneme.

Visit 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, and an expansively picturesque harbor that serves as the closest access point to the Channel Islands National Park. Just 60 miles northwest of LAX and in close proximity to Santa Barbara and other major destinations, Oxnard is one of California’s best kept secrets.

Visit Oxnard
Visit Ventura

Visit Ventura

A place that embodies a casual soul and unexpected allure, Ventura is a vibrant town that checks stress and pretense at the door. Its artistic culture, enduring history and privileged locale is inviting, very much alive, and refreshingly human.

REMARKABLE EXPERIENCES

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Visit these regions of Ventura County Coast

Visit California
Camarillo
Oxnard
Ventura
Port Hueneme
Channel Islands National Park

Regions

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

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.

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Oxnard

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.

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Ventura

Ventura

A place that embodies a casual soul and unexpected allure, Ventura is a vibrant town that checks stress and pretense at the door.  Its artistic culture, enduring history and privileged locale is crazy-inviting, very much alive, and refreshingly human.

Learn More

Port Hueneme

Port Hueneme

Just sixty miles northwest of Los Angeles, in the heart of the Central Coast, you’ll find Port Hueneme, the friendly city by the sea. Port Hueneme is the place for travelers looking to dig their toes in the sand, take a long walk, drop a fishing line off the pier or just kick back and relax. With walking and biking trails winding throughout the city and a perfect climate almost year round, you can revive your soul in Hueneme.

Learn More

Channel Islands National Park

Channel Islands National Park

Channel Islands National Park is an American national park that consists of five of the eight Channel Islands off the coast of the U.S. state of California, in the Pacific Ocean.

Learn More