California Road Trip Ideas to Ventura County Coast

Ride with Us

In 1903, the first cross-country road trip originated in California, and the California Road Trip has been a rite of passage ever since. Celebrated in music, literature, and film, it is an enduring theme central to the American experience.

People of all kinds, from every corner of the world, come to roam, gaze, taste, connect, unplug and discover. So join in, buckle up, roll down the windows, crank some tunes, and ride with us!

Find Your Next Road Trip

Spring Road Trip with Mom

Pack your bags and bring the mom(s) in your life to Ventura County Coast for a pampering, delicious escape.

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Summer Road Trip

Summertime and life is good… especially in Ventura County Coast! There are no bad days here, thanks to the endless rays of sunshine and fun things to do. This ultimate summer road trip cruises through each of our super-chill beach towns and an unbelievable national park.

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Spring Road Trip

Whether you’re a solo traveler or on a trip with the whole family, pack your bags and head this way for a few days of fresh air, adventure and lots of sunshine!

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Winter Road Trip

The winter months are the perfect time to experience the uncrowded beaches, comfortable California weather, and welcoming culture of Ventura County Coast.

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Summer Road Trip with Dad

Get away from it all with Dad to Ventura County Coast, a friendly, down-to-earth community known for its rad beaches, A-game golf courses and must-try restaurants and breweries. You’ll have such a blast cruising together from town to town that you won’t want to leave.

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Fall Road Trip

Close your eyes and imagine this: The cool ocean breeze on your face as you paddle through the harbor. The aroma of fresh pumpkin spice coffee as you stroll with a cup downtown or the taste of sweet pumpkin pie you picked up from the local farmers market. The snap and crunch of leaves underfoot on a hike. Welcome to fall in Ventura County Coast!

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Outdoor Road Trip

Is there a special place in your heart for the great outdoors and wide open spaces? Ventura County Coast offers a buffet of extreme outdoor activities – from skydiving to surfing a shipwreck site – that are sure to whet your appetite for adventure.

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Family Fun Road Trip

When you have kids, it can be challenging to plan a vacation that everyone will enjoy. Luckily, Ventura County Coast is home to a long list of exciting and educational attractions for families to experience together.

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Good Vibe Road Trip

If the word vacation brings to mind shopping, swimming, and sipping delicious beverages, Ventura County Coast is the place for you. Enjoy our open beaches, unique cultural experiences, and foodie delights.

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Ventura County Coast Climate

Source: Weatherspark

Where We Are Located

Ventura County Coast is the gateway to California’s Central Coast, located off Highway 101 between Los Angeles and Santa Barbara.

Distance from Surrounding Destinations

- Santa Barbara: 27 miles
- Hollywood: 46 miles
- Los Angeles: 52 miles
- Bakersfield: 120 miles
- Las Vegas: 315 miles
- San Francisco: 359 miles
  *Exact distances vary.

Getting Here

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“There are many great things about Ventura County Coast, from the year-round great weather to laid back vibe.” – Nathan Doud, Local Vibe

Upcoming Events

April 2026 (TBA)

Earth Day Celebration

Celebrate Earth Day 2026 seaside in Downtown Ventura!

April 18 – 19, 2026

Mountains 2 Beach Marathon

Official Event Information For more event information, please visit the official event website by clicking the button below. About 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…

April 19, 2026

27th Annual Celebration of the Whales Festival

Join us for one of Channel Islands Harbor’s most beloved traditions, the Annual Celebration of Whales Festival.

May 3, 2026

Cal Tri Ventura

Test your endurance at the 2026 Cal Tri, triathlon with swim, run, and bike races.

May 1 – 3, 2026

2026 West Coast Outdoors & Sportfishing Expo

Get ready for a weekend packed with outdoor adventure at the 2026 West Coast Outdoors and Sportfishing Expo.

May 16 – 17, 2026

California Strawberry Festival

The California Strawberry Festival is back in 2026 at the Ventura County Fairgrounds.

May 30 – 31, 2026

Bike MS: National MS Society

Take an epic bike ride through some of the coast’s most most emblematic scenery.

March 28, 2026

Spring Wine Walk & Vendor Fair

The Ventura Spring Wine Walk & Vendor Fair is set to feature 60+ tasting locations, live entertainment, a free street fair, and artisan bites.

June 7, 2026

Seaside Marathon – Full & Half Marathon

Make your new year fitness goals come true on the coast with a Full, half, 10k, and 5k race. A certified Boston Marathon qualifying event.

June 7, 2026

Casa Pacifica Angels Wine, Food, & Brew Festival

Indulge in flavorful delicacies and sweet treats at Ventura County’s premier Food, Wine, and Brew Festivals located at Cal State University Channel Islands.

June 26 – 28, 2026

Ventura County Greek Festival

Celebrate all things Greek at one of Ventura County’s longest running cultural events.

July 2026 (TBA)

Hueneme Beach Festival

Celebrate the end of summer and Good Vibes at the coast’s ultimate beach party and concert.

July 15 – 19, 2026

Camarillo Old Town Heritage Days Midsummer Fiesta

Celebrate Camarillo’s rich heritage with live music, carnival rides, live art, a car show, food vendors, and more!

August 15 – 16, 2026

Wings Over Camarillo

Watch spectacular aviation performances and more! Wings Over Camarillo Air Show returns to Camarillo Airport with more G’s than ever before.

July 2026 (TBA)

Oxnard Salsa Festival

The annual Oxnard Salsa Festival is a weekend celebration of all things salsa – the food, the music and the dance!

July 2026 (TBA)

Dallas Cowboys Training Camp

Dallas Cowboys Training Camp is back for the summer. Get ready for some football!

July 2026 (TBA)

Tequila & Taco Music Festival

The Tequila & Taco Music Festival returns to Ventura. Join us for an amazing weekend of tacos, tequila and live music!

July 26, 2026

A Taste of Camarillo Wine & Brew Festival

Spend an afternoon under the trees of the Camarillo Ranch sampling fine wines, craft brews, spirits & gourmet foods.

July 29 – August 9, 2026

Ventura County Fair

Join us for the coast’s largest festival! Free concerts headlining top musicians, epic carnival rides, and family fun.

August 28 – 30, 2026

The Throw Down Cornhole Festival

Join us for seaside fun and the chance to win huge cash prizes at the 2026 Throw Down Cornhole Festival in Ventura California.

August 22, 2026

Wild & Scenic Film Festival

The Wild & Scenic Film Festival returns in 2026 with compelling films, with amazing food and drink.

April 11, 2026

Ventura County Farm Day

More than 20 local farms, ranches, and agricultural organizations will open their doors and invite the public to experience a day of agricultural activities and tours with friends and family.

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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.

Outfit for a Night Out

Dress to impress

Don’t forget an outfit for a nice dinner and a night out on the town.

Binoculars

Views every where

No matter what city you are in, there are views everywhere. Maybe you will spot dolphins or even a whale!

Mask + Hand Sanitizer

Safety First!

Travel responsibly and help keep Ventura County Coast safe.

Pack Like a Local

Get recommendations from locals on what to pack

Check out what our Local Vibe spotlight participants recommend you bring on your next trip to Ventura County Coast Read More

Download Packing List

Local Vibes

Mary Osborne

Loves surfing and enjoying the outdoors

I love our gorgeous beaches and small town feeling. One of my favorite things is supporting local businesses where the owners are actually in their businesses working and greeting you by name. Read More

Jill Leafstedt

Outdoor Lover

“Start the day with a cappuccino and English muffin at Café Ficelle followed by a long walk on the beach or a walk around CSU Channel Islands campus observing the transformation of the state hospital into a robust learning institution.” Read More

The Island Fox

Cutie

There are so many things I love about Ventura County Coast! But I’d also have to say the stunning natural beauty of the region. It makes me and my Channel Islands friends so happy when visitors are dedicated to protecting the natural beauty. Read More

Mee Lee

Loves working out and adventuring

“I love to play outside, and whether I want to surf, hike, backpack, or camp …the coast has it all!” Read More

Erik Abel

Local Artist

“…beautiful Ventura was whispering sweet nothings into my ear from across the Pacific.” Read More

Mike Roberts

Loves farming on Ventura County Coast

“The coast is the perfect place to continue growing a food revolution!” Read More

Lizzy East

Loves spearfishing

“Start your adventure today, grab your gear and dive into the unbound deep blue!” Read More

Delaney Lawson

Loves making people feel beautiful

“My favorite thing to do is to pick up a breakfast burrito at Corrales and sit in the back of my Jeep at Surfer’s Point. I could spend all day at the beach!” Read More

Alex Hong

Loves ice cream and great views

“My favorite thing about the 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?” Read More

Mike E. Chicco

Loves flying high

“Imagine flying above waves and breeze of the Pacific Ocean or taking a scenic ride above the rolling hills in Camarillo while the sun sets behind you – the thrill you experience from an ultralight flight is unlike any other.” Read More

Nathan Doud

Loves Crossfit, seafood and snorkling

“There are many great things about living here, from the year-round great weather to laid back vibe.” Read More

Victor Dollar

Loves golfing, fishing and fresh seafood

“We have an opportunity to enjoy outdoor activities year-round in Ventura County Coast.” Read More

Chantelle Marina Limón

Loves hiking, biking and sunshiny days

“My favorite thing about the region is the people – most everyone here is friendly, caring, and supportive of the community.” Read More

Sabine Dodane

Loves walking, biking and kayaking

“My favorite part about living here is the fact that I can do so much on foot or on my bike. If I don’t want to use my car on the weekends, I really don’t have to! Whether it’s the Farmers Market, the beach, a hike, dining out, clothes shopping, it’s all within reach.” Read More