Spring Road Trip

Day 1: Camarillo

Stop 1: Breakfast at the Camarillo Certified Farmers Market

Old Town Camarillo

On Saturday’s from 8 AM to noon head to Old Town Camarillo for the weekly Camarillo Certified Farmers Market. Come hungry for pastries, breads, bold coffee, mouth-watering sausages, delicious tamales, and so much more. Listen to local musicians perform and stroll the aisles at your own pace to meet our best farmers, bakers and artisans. Be sure to stop by the Baby Root Farm booth to say hello to local farmer and owner Mike Roberts. Fill your baskets with the very finest in locally-grown goods, from a variety of organic produce to handcrafted candles and more. Save room in the car because this farmers market is what we call “extra.” In addition to fresh fruits and veggies, you just might be convinced to take home a piece of rustic furniture or another fun home decor item. Even better, each time you make a purchase, a percentage of that sale is donated by the vendors to a local non-profit organization.

Day 2: Oxnard

Stop 1: Oxnard Historic Farm Park

1251 Gottfried Place, Oxnard

Continue your history tour just up the coast with a family-friendly journey back in time. Nestled in Oxnard’s La Colonia neighborhood, the Oxnard Historic Farm Park is a modern recreation of what life was like on the Oxnard Plain more than 100 years ago. Thanks to Master Gardeners of Ventura County, the working farm grows lima beans, corn, and sugar beets (the county’s primary crops in the late 1800s and early 1900s), as well as grapes from century-old vines and hops. Crops aren’t the only thing on display—embrace your inner farmer as you tour the park’s vintage farm equipment and Chumash native garden.

Photo Credit: @hikingwithsun

Stop 3: Channel Islands National Park

Channel Islands Harbor, 3550 Harbor Blvd., Oxnard

Ventura Harbor, 1691 Spinnaker Dr #105B, Ventura

For a unique and out-of-this-world adventure, hitch a boat ride with Island Packers from either Channel Islands Harbor or Ventura Harbor to Channel Islands National Park. Known as the Galapagos of North America, the Channel Islands have some of the world’s most breathtaking sea caves, best explored by kayak. Take a dip for an underwater view of the local sea life with a snorkel or dive tour. 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 green and wildflowers are in peak bloom. You might even see an island fox and you’ll definitely spot whales and dolphins! This place is 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. Take a virtual visit through live webcams that give you a bird’s eye view (literally) of this remarkable national park! Tip: Be sure to pack food and drinks to bring with you.

Day 3: Port Hueneme

Stop 1: Port Hueneme Beach Park and Pier
East Surfside Drive, Port Hueneme, CA 93041

Experience the best of surf and turf at Port Hueneme Beach Park. The grassy park has plenty of picnic tables and barbecue pits perfect for a get together with friends or family. You’ll want to pack a volleyball and a fishing pole too or pick one up at the nearby bait and beach supply store. With sand volleyball courts and a 24-hour fishing pier (no fishing license required), there’s plenty of ways to keep yourselves entertained. And the scenery can’t be beat! Take a stroll along the sun-kissed beach, sunbathe or head out on the pier for selfies at sunset.

Day 4: Ventura

Stop 1: Harmon Canyon Preserve

7511 Foothill Road, Ventura

Harmon Canyon Preserve opened to the public in 2020 and is the newest spot 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. The park is uber-picturesque with oak groves, stream crossings, and breathtaking views of Southern California mountain ranges, the coastline and Channel Islands National Park. 

Photo Credit: @stewardessofsouthmountain

Stop 3: Bank of Italy Cocktail Trust

394 East Main Street

Toast to a well-planned trip and end the day with Italian-inspired craft cocktails and locally-sourced comfort food at Bank of Italy Cocktail Trust (by Good Lion Hospitality). New to the scene, this Downtown Ventura spot located in (you guessed it) a converted bank building is one of the coolest watering holes in town. Park yourself at the bar, find a seat at one of the high tables or in a cozy section near the wizard mural the owners lovingly call House Slytherin. Tip: Try the Spring-esque bright, citrus forward cocktails that are pleasantly bitter and pack a punch including the Regal Bobby, Aperi-Tiki Spritz and Jungle Bird.