Top 5 Ways to Catch Air

There’s nothing quite as thrilling as the feeling you get when flying. From soaring in a plane or helicopter, parasailing over the ocean, surfing, skating, and other outdoor sports, there are plenty of ways to catch air in Ventura County Coast’s wide open spaces. Here are some of our favorites!

Take to the Skies by Plane, Helicopter or Parachute in Camarillo

Do you feel the need for speed? Grab your coolest pair of aviator sunglasses and head to Camarillo for all kinds of aviation-themed events and activities. Every August is the annual Wings Over Camarillo Air Show! Located at the Camarillo Airport, this fun, family-friendly event is packed with airborne performances and pyrotechnics, a rare airplane display, exotic car show, and hands-on STEM activities for kids. Orbic Helicopters does regular tours of Ventura County’s stunning coastline and one-of-a-kind Channel Islands National Park. Or feel the ocean breeze whipping against your skin when you plummet from two miles up with Skydive Coastal California. It’ll be the thrill of a lifetime!

Soar Over the Ocean in Oxnard

Breathe in the fresh ocean air and get your toes wet with Channel Islands Parasail in Oxnard! Embark on a parasailing adventure from Marine Emporium Landing in Channel Islands Harbor then launch into the skies straight from the boat. Feel like you’re floating on a cloud above the sparkling blue ocean, taking in unbelievable aerial views of Silver Strand Beach, Hollywood Beach and the Channel Islands!

Want to plan something over-the-top while visiting? Make sure to ask about special packages, including weddings, surprise marriage proposals and private sunset sails.

Get in the Zone in Port Hueneme

Getting air is a slam dunk at Port Hueneme’s Moranda Park! Sports fans of all ages and abilities will have a blast shooting hoops on the park’s two full-size basketball courts (or cheering for their favorite players). And the fun doesn’t stop there: The family-friendly park also has softball fields, tennis courts, pickleball courts, and a playground. Don’t forget to bring lunch and a blanket or some chairs for a relaxing picnic after a day of games!

Harness the Wind While Surfing in Ventura

Ventura is world famous for its surf—C Street/Surfers Point, Rincon Point State Beach, and Mondo’s Beach are all bucket list spots for boarders. (This is why so many professional surfers live in Ventura County Coast.) Watch the pros ride the barrels or try it yourself with a rented board from Ventura Surf Shop. Or take it to the next level with windsurfing or kitesurfing! There are several local surfing schools that offer lessons by the hour.

After a day of getting air, come back down to earth with some mouthwatering grub and cold, foamy brews at one of Ventura’s local restaurants or craft breweries. Can’t decide where to go? The walkable downtown area is perfect for a pub crawl with friends. It’s a fantastic way to unwind after getting some adrenaline-filled thrills!

Take the Big Jump by BMX Biking and Skating

Cruise on down to Camarillo’s Freedom Park for a “wheely” fun day filled with BMX, roller hockey, and R/C racing! The tracks and skating arena are all located less than a mile from each other, so it’s super easy to spend the day here. Love skateboarding? Practice your ollies, flip kicks and landing the perfect nollie at skateparks across Ventura County Coast, including Westpark or Hobert Skate Park in Ventura, Bedford Pinkard Skate Park in Oxnard or Pleasant Valley Skate Park in Camarillo.

Plan Your Trip

So where are you starting first? Take a trip to Ventura County Coast to stir up an unforgettable and delicious cocktail adventure.

Things to Pack

Sunglasses

Get your sunnies out

With year-round sunshine, you can bet you will need your sunglasses.

Bathing Suit

The sun is out

You will need your bathing suit or board shorts for our 22 miles of beaches and surf. Get ready to soak in the sun.

Camera

Or phone

Capture unforgettable moments on your visit to the coast. Bring a camera.

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!

It can get breezy and cool in the evenings. Be sure to 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?

Being outside all day can take it’s toll. Make yourself more comfortable and 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!

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 road trip to California’s Ventura County Coast Read More

Download Packing List

Tag your Ventura County Coast photos with #VCCVibes for a chance to be featured!

Ventura County Coast

Ventura County Coast is a string of four communities that radiate warmth from welcoming people and California sunshine. The region embodies the casual and active spirit of classic, where the seafood is fresh, the beer is handcrafted and the weather is the kind you dream about. Spend the day exploring miles of beaches, incredible harbors or lush green golf courses. Hop on a boat for a day trip to the Channel Islands National Park, where you can see breathtaking views of the Southern California coastline. With a bustling culture, high end and vintage shopping, a lively culinary spirit and beautiful outdoor experiences, Ventura County Coast calls on every visitor to find their vibe. From hiking and biking to sailing and snorkeling, from shopping and dining to just plain relaxing, Ventura County Coast will fill your days with a lifetime of memories.

Camarillo

An hour north of Los Angeles, Camarillo is nestled at the base of the Conejo foothills surrounded by verdant green fields and cool ocean breezes. With more than 300 days of sunshine a year, enjoy Camarillo alfresco. From outdoor shopping and concerts, to delicious dining and fun events, Camarillo has it all. With small town charm and a rich history, it is the place for romantic weddings and corporate venues. Visit the historical sites and museums during the day, and walk along Old Town for dinner and drinks at night. A great getaway for everyone, Camarillo is the ideal place to Come for the Sun, Stay for the Fun.

Learn More

Oxnard

Rally your tribe and head for the Central Coast. California cool, panorama-perfect, culturally authentic and vibrant beyond measure. Oxnard is home to miles of pristine white sand beaches, electric nightlife, some of the best taquerias in the state, historic Victorian era architecture, the California Strawberry Festival, and an expansively picturesque harbor that serves as the closest access point to the Channel Islands National Park. Just sixty miles northwest of LAX and in close proximity to Santa Barbara and other major destinations, Oxnard is one of California’s best kept secrets.