Spring Road Trip

Day 1: Get Your Greens in Camarillo

Stop 1: Tee Off at Camarillo Springs Golf Course
Known as “the gem of Ventura County,” Camarillo Springs Golf Course is nestled in the foothills of the Conejo Mountains. Open daily from sunrise to sunset, this public 18-hole, par-72 course is a budget-friendly option appealing to all levels, from novice to expert. If you have aspiring golfers in your crew, they offer private 1-hour lessons that can be tailored for youth or adults. In addition to Camarillo Springs, Camarillo is home to three equally challenging private golf courses: Las Posas Country Club, Spanish Hills Country Club and Sterling Hills Golf Club. Learn more about the Camarillo golf line-up here.

Stop 3: Savor Old Town Camarillo

When night falls, make your way to Old Town Camarillo for a farm-to-fork dining experience. Wander around browsing the independent retailers before you drop into Twenty88 for a seasonally infused craft cocktail and appetizer. Cap your night off with dinner at Freda’s Pizza & Woodfired Kitchen at The Mark, a buzzy cooperative space where you can also tap into Topa Topa brewery and Rori’s Ice Cream.

Day 2: Beach, Brews & Bowl in Port Hueneme & Oxnard

Stop 1: Chill Out at Port Hueneme Beach Park and Pier
Experience the best of surf and turf at Port Hueneme Beach Park.  Between the beach itself, the broad grassy park, barbecue pits, sand volleyball courts and a 24-hour fishing pier (no fishing license required), hours of entertainment await. And the scenery can’t be beat! Soak up a healthy dose of Vitamin D as you relish in the spring sun, strolling along the sun-kissed beach or taking a spin on rental bikes available at the Holiday Inn Express. When hunger strikes, dig into fresh catch at Surfside Seafood, located right on Port Hueneme Beach, west of the pier.

Stop 3: Fun & Games at The Collection at RiverPark
After a day on the go, make your way to The Collection at RiverPark, Oxnard’s all-in-one hub for shopping, dining and entertainment. Fun and games can be had at Bowlero, a bowling alley with arcade games and a sports bar. Get crafty at The Painted Cabernet or challenge your party to the Red Door Escape Room. See a show and grab a bite at Copper Blues Rock Pub & Kitchen. Or if you’re feeling more like chilling out, take in a movie at the Century RiverPark 16 cinema.

Day 3: Island Adventures & Cocktails in Ventura

Stop 1: Channel Islands National Park
For a unique and out-of-this-world adventure, hitch a boat ride with Island Packers to Channel Islands National Park from either Channel Islands Harbor in Oxnard or Ventura Harbor. Known as the Galapagos of North America, the Channel Islands have some of the world’s most breathtaking sea caves which can be explored on kayaking tours. If going underwater calls to you, see astounding underwater views of the rich marine life on guided snorkeling and SCUBA diving excursions. You’re sure to encounter a sea lion or two and bright orange Garibaldis, California’s official state marine fish.

If you’re more interested in the islands themselves, take in the rugged landscape and thriving wildlife on a hike unlike any other. At this time of year, the islands are at their lushest emerald green and the wildflowers are in peak bloom. You might even see an island fox, and you’ll definitely spot whales and dolphins! A bird watcher’s dream come true, keep your eyes peeled for breeding California Brown Pelicans, majestic Sauces Bald Eagles and hundreds of other landbirds, shorebirds and seabirds that call the Channel Islands home. Tip:  Trips to the islands are a day-long affair and there are limited services on the remote islands, so be sure to pack food and drinks.

Day 4: Get Grounded in Ventura

Stop 1: Harmon Canyon Preserve
Harmon Canyon Preserve opened to the public in 2020 and is one of the most enticing spots to get outdoors in Ventura County Coast. With 2,100 acres, the park offers miles of trails for hiking, biking (sorry, no electric bikes allowed), running and exploring. Traveling with your furry friends? Leashed dogs are welcome, just be sure to stay on the trails. Not only is there much to explore within the park, you’ll want to take a break for photo ops of the majestic oak groves, stream crossings and breathtaking views of towering mountain ranges, the coastline and Channel Islands National Park in the distance.

Stop 3: Get Your Om On
Wrap up your active day with a grounding yoga or meditation experience. Check out Ventura Pop-Up Yoga’s schedule for the day’s “Yoga in the Wild” classes held in local parks or one of their sound bath sessions.  Yoga Jones and Grassroots Yoga are two local brick-and-mortar studios offering a range of classes, from restorative and yin to infra-red heated vinyasa and candlelit power flow. Check out our 10 Ways to Wellness guide for more grounding and mind-body nourishing experiences on Ventura County Coast.