Book Your Stay
There’s no better time to plan your 2026 vacations– and no easier place to use your hard earned PTO than Ventura County Coast.
With year-round sunshine, walkable coastal towns, harborside dining, boutique shopping and the classic California coastal energy everyone craves, this region is perfect for long weekends, micro-getaways and restorative extended escapes.
But here’s the truth: Nearly half of U.S. workers don’t use all their PTO– mostly because they don’t plan ahead. Mapping out your time early makes it far more likely you’ll take the breaks you’ve earned, secure better rates and give yourself something to look forward to throughout the year.
Ventura County Coast fits naturally into any PTO plan. Just an easy drive or train ride from Los Angeles, it’s close, beautiful and full of experiences that help you unwind quickly. Whether you’re looking for a romantic weekend, a family adventure or a simple coastal reset, this is a destination where PTO feels well spent.
Why Planning Matters
Too many travelers leave vacation days on the table. Plan ahead and you’re more likely to enjoy:
- Actually using the PTO you’ve earned
- Taking advantage of long weekends
- Avoiding peak pricing
- Prioritizing your mental health
- Crafting intentional, meaningful breaks
Because Ventura County Coast shines in every season, it’s ideal for early PTO planning and spontaneous trips.
When to Visit: 2026 Long Weekends and Seasonal Highlights
Winter Wellness (January-March)
Kick off 2026 with a coastal reset. Think quiet beaches, crisp ocean breezes and firepits glowing at harborside cafes – the perfect recipe for a little post-holiday zen.
Why go:
- Peak whale watching season
- Cozy coffee crawls through locally loved cafe’s, each with its own personality
- Wellness resets: tap into the areas local wellness professionals and nourish yourself with meals at restaurants highlighting fresh coastal ingredients .
Long-Weekend Anchors:
- New Year’s Day (Thursday, January 1): start the year with salty air and sandy toes
- MLK Weekend (January 17-29): the perfect time for whale watching and lingering over warm drinks by the harbor.
Spring Adventures (April-June)
As days grow longer, Ventura County Coast bursts into color. Wildflowers blanket the hillsides, patios fill with laughter and the region’s agricultural roots shine through local markets.
Why go:
- Wildflower walks at Camarillo Grove Park or Arroyo Verde Park
- Farmers markets at Channel Islands Harbor and throughout the region– each city has something slightly different to share!
- Seasonal dining that blends farmland abundance with locally-caught seafood
- Findings market Spring Street Fair (May), celebrating local makers
Long-Weekend Anchors
- Easter Weekend (April 4-6): perfect for a spring refresh
- Memorial Day (May 23-25), ease into summer with beach walks and boutique browsing
Summer Days (June-August)
Summer on the Ventura County Coast gives pure California energy– surf mornings, warm evenings and golden days by the water.
Why go:
- Surf Rodeo (July): Ventura’s original music and surfing festival– complete with country vibes along with surf and bikini contests!
- Dallas Cowboys Training Camp (July-August): watch the players up close as they train for the upcoming season.
- Ventura County Fair (July 29-August 9): carnival rides, concerts, farm animals and fireworks right next to the water.
- Ventura County Greek Festival (June): delicious food, dancing and culture in Camarillo
- Camarillo Marathon (August 2): pair race day with a relaxing coastal weekend at this Boston-qualifier event
- Camarillo Airshow (August 15-16): thrilling aerial displays and family-friendly fun
- Classic beach days: surf Mondos, Surfer’s Point, enjoy a sunset dinner
Fall Getaways (September-November)
Fall on the Ventura County Coast is what locals call our “second summer.” Warm, sunny days linger on– but without the crowds– making it the perfect season to keep the summer vibes going.
Why go:
- ArtWalk Ventura (September): one of the regions most creative festivals
- Romantic escapes with cozy dinners and boutique browsing
- Early holiday markets and seasonal events emerging across downtowns
Long-Weekend Anchor:
- Labor Day (September 5-7)
- Veteran’s Day
- Thanksgiving Weekend
Holiday Season (November-December)
Travel anywhere during November and December feels magical, but Ventura County Coast elevates the season with coastal breezes, glowing lights and cozy harbor evenings.
Why go:
- Festive downtowns
- Studio Channel Islands Holiday ARtisan Market (December)
- Ventura Winter Wine Walk (December 6)
- Camarillo’s Annual Christmas Parade and Santa’s Village
PTO Hacks: Five Ways to Stretch Your Days
1. Build Around Long Weekends
Turn Memorial Day into a surf-and-sun weekend at Mondos Beach, or spend Labor Day wine tasting in Camarillo’s boutique wineries and strolling the destination’s charming downtowns.
2. Prioritize 2-3 Night Micro-Getaways
A 2-night stay gives you time to kayak in Channel Islands Harbor, browse Old Town Camarillo and still catch a sunset dinner at Ventura Harbor Village. All without draining your PTO bank.
3. Travel in Shoulder Seasons
Fall is Ventura County Coast’s local summer. Think warm beach days, harvest-season farmers markets and outdoor dining– with fewer crowds.
4. Blend Remote Work with Travel
If your role allows it, extend a weekend by working remotely from a hotel, cafe or patio or harborside patio. Many hotels offer extended-stay options that make “bleisure” trips seamless.
Align PTO with Signature Events
Stretch your days to catch signature events like Surf Rodeo (July), Dallas Cowboys Training Camp (July-August), the Ventura County Fair (August), Camarillo Air Show (August), or the Winter Wine Walk & Holiday Street Fair (December).
5. Align PTO with Signature Events
Stretch your days to catch signature events like Surf Rodeo (July), Dallas Cowboys Training Camp (July-August), the Ventura County Fair (August), Camarillo Air Show (August), or the Winter Wine Walk & Holiday Street Fair (December).
With our year-round sunshine, accessible coastal towns, and mix of beaches, culture, dining and events, Ventura County Coast is one of California’s most PTO-friendly destinations. Plan early travel often, and make 2026 the year you use everyday you’ve earned!
