Summer Road Trip with Dad

Destination: Camarillo

Stop 1: Camarillo Grove Park
6968 E Camarillo Springs Rd

Start your day with a leg-stretching, fresh-air breathing hike around Camarillo Grove Park. Nestled near the base of the Conejo Grade at the end of Camarillo Springs Road, the rustic park offers a variety of hiking options. The lower loop is an easier, gently sloping trail with oak trees, sage and volcanic rock formations. The upper loop is considered moderate at over one mile in length, with an approximate 600-foot vertical differential. If you’re traveling with kids, they’ll enjoy the park’s nature-based play equipment and native gardens.

Stop 3: Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum
40 Presidential Drive, Simi Valley, CA, USA

History buffs might opt instead for a visit to the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum. Here, you can step into the very same Air Force One that flew our nation’s 40th POTUS to 25+ countries and 45+ states.

In the evening, pair dinner and a game at a spot like Cronie’s Sports Grill or Harley’s Camarillo Bowl.

Destination: Oxnard

Stop 1: River Ridge Golf Club
2401 W. Vineyard Ave., Oxnard

It doesn’t get much better than a round of golf with Dad and an ocean view. Book a morning tee time at River Ridge Golf Club where you’ll find two 18-hole courses and killer views. Up for some multi-generational play? The whole family will feel like they’re on top of the world at the Vineyard Course, a beginner-friendly setup with 360-views of the ocean and nearby Santa Clara River. The Victoria Lakes Course is all about strategy with a par-five hole right off the bat that has lakes straddling both sides.

Photo Credit: @riverridgegolfclub

Stop 3: Mullin Automotive Museum
1421 Emerson Avenue, Oxnard

If there’s a car buff among you, there are two spots to cruise by. Open Fridays and Saturdays, Mullin Automotive Museum is a showcase of 20th-century French automotive styling and design. Founder/Collector Peter W. Mullin is a devoted supporter of the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance and other concours events around the globe and has driven his cars in vintage races and rallies in the United States and abroad. The equally impressive Murphy Auto Museum houses a collection of 50+ classic, vintage and antique American cars—plus an art gallery and tiki lounge! It’s open Saturdays and Sundays.

Close out the day at The Waterside Restaurant, where you can soak up harbor views and a stunning sunset. If you’re craving a margarita, Yolanda’s serves up delicious Mexican cuisine and is also at the Oxnard Harbor.

Destination: Port Hueneme

Stop 1: Port Hueneme Beach
550 E. Surfside Drive, Port Hueneme

Spend the morning at delightfully uncrowded Port Hueneme Beach, the ultimate place to toss around the Frisbee or build sandcastles with the kids. Swimmers and surfers will dig the glassy waves rolling into shore, and fishing enthusiasts can perfect their cast-off on Port Hueneme Pier. 

Do some more sightseeing on a mellow bike ride. Wheel Fun Rentals has an outpost in the Holiday Inn Express and Port Hueneme offers 12 miles of trails to explore, including a smooth beachfront path.

Destination: Ventura

Stop 1: Ventura Boat Rentals
1567 Spinnaker Drive, Ventura

From kayaks and SUP boards to pedal or power boats, it’s all about getting out on the water in Ventura. Let “Captain Dad” take the helm of an electric boat from Ventura Boat Rentals and cruise around the harbor. If you’re feeling more ambitious, they’ll also rent kayaks and paddle boards for human powered adventures at sea. If Dad prefers to chill out, let him sit back and relax while a pro takes you on an informative private guided harbor tour (40-minute minimum) where resident sea lions are known to make frequent cameos.

Photo Credit: @visitventura