Summer Road Trip

Day 1: Camarillo

Stop 1: Stop in at farms and farm stands

Connect with Mother Nature and savor the bounty of the season visiting the farms and farm stands along the Camarillo Farm Trail Tour. Learn about regenerative agriculture with a tour of Baby Root Farm. Pick luscious, sun-ripened strawberries and blueberries at One Acre Farm on Gerry Ranch. Bring the kids to Underwood Family Farms for more hands-on educational fun. And shop for seasonal produce at The Store at McGrath Family Farms—or beeline for a flat of berries at Los Posas Berries.

Day 2: Oxnard

Stop 1: Relax beachside or sail the skies in Oxnard
Channel Islands Parasail, 3600 Harbor Blvd., Oxnard

Get a big fill of sunshine and white sands at Oxnard’s uncrowded beaches, where you’ll find a variety of beachfront lodging options. Rent electric bikes at Wheel Fun bike rentals and ride around feeling the sea breeze on your skin. Lounge by the hotel pool or find a perfect stretch of sand to relax on the beach. Feeling more adventurous? Head to Channel Islands Harbor for a flight with Channel Islands Parasail. This safe, family-friendly* activity will have you soaring up, up, up to get a birds’ eye view of the harbor and coastline below (*children as young as two can go up with a parent or guardian).

Day 3: Channel Islands National Park

Island Packers
Channel Islands Harbor, 3550 Harbor Blvd., Oxnard
Ventura Harbor, 1691 Spinnaker Dr #105B, Ventura

Families and nature lovers will enjoy the thrill of a lifetime exploring Channel Islands National Park in the summer. Hiking, snorkeling and kayaking adventures will bring you up close and personal with incredible sea life and adorable critters like Island foxes. Want to go super off grid? In mid-August, Santa Rosa island opens for backcountry beach camping. Imagine waking up 25 miles offshore of the mainland on a pristine stretch of coastline and rolling out for an outdoor adventure unlike any other in Southern California.

The islands and surrounding marine sanctuary are protected habitats that can only be accessed by private boat, the park boats run by Island Packers or planes through Channel Islands Aviation. If you take a sea-faring route, on the way out to the islands you will likely spot blue and humpback whales breaching. Summer also marks the start of pupping season for California sea lions and northern fur seals who make their home in our waters.

LOCAL TIP: This is generally the busiest time of the year for island visitors, so plan and book in advance. 

Stop 2: Panaderia Conchita Bakery

Satisfy your sweet tooth with delectable Mexican-style treats at Panaderia Conchita Bakery, best known for their churros, colorful cookies and twists and savory cinnamon coffee—a traditional recipe brewed to perfection. Anacappuccino is another sweet local spot for an afternoon pick-me-up, with specialty ice-blended coffee drinks like banana split, peppermint patty and pink panther.

SIGNATURE SUMMER EVENTS: Hueneme Beach Festival (August) and Banana Festival (September).

Stop 2: Downtown Ventura – Main Street
Downtown Ventura Visitors Center
101 S. California St., Ventura 

A visit to Main Street in historic Downtown Ventura will be the cherry on top of your Ventura County Coast summer road trip! Close to hotels and only a few blocks from the beach, Ventura’s walkable downtown is both pedestrian and bike friendly, with local landmarks like the San Buenaventura Mission and Ventura Botanical Gardens also nearby. Spend the afternoon checking out unique shops ranging from vintage clothing and thrift stores to indie-spirited jewelry and surf shops. Grab a pint at a local brewery or plot a DIY craft brew tasting tour with stops at Anacapa Brewing Company, Topa Topa Brewing Company and Barrelhouse 101. After the sun sets, settle in for a memorable dinner at one of many chef-driven restaurants and bars in the neighborhood.

SIGNATURE SUMMER EVENTS: Tequila & Taco Music Festival (July), Surf Rodeo (July), Ventura County Fair (August), Boots & Brews (August) and Aloha Music Festival (September).