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By Annabel Heydorn on February 6, 2025
Valentine’s Day is around the corner, and this year’s celebration of love is even more special– it falls on a long weekend, making it the perfect opportunity for a romantic getaway with your favorite person!
Located along the golden coast of California, the Ventura County Coast offers everything you could dream of for a romantic getaway, and it’s easy to explore. Whether you’re in the mood for wine tasting, sunset sails, or bike rides along the coast; from elegant wine dinners to gourmet seaside meals, we’ve put together the ultimate three-day romantic itinerary to help you plan a magical escape.
Camarillo
Escape to the charming town of Camarillo, where rolling hills meet premium shopping and dining. It’s the perfect spot to unwind and explore.
Kick off your romantic getaway with a Valentine’s Day treat from Camarillo Cupcake. They make everything from cookies, cheesecakes, cake squares, pie bars, brownies, dessert cups, and pavlovas. With decadent flavors to beautifully decorated confections, it’s the perfect way to set the tone for a sweet weekend. Ordering ahead is encouraged to ensure your favorites are available.
Once you’ve settled in your hotel of choice, start your trip with a wine-tasting experience at The Wine Closet, a cozy and intimate wine bar in Old Town Camarillo featuring small batch, hand-crafted wine selections and a delicious food menu all made from scratch. If craft beer is more your style, hop on the Camarillo Beer Trail, stopping at a few hand-picked spots for local craft flavors.
For couples who love the outdoors, a hike to Paradise Falls is a must. Located in Wildwood Regional Park, this moderate trail leads to a stunning 40-foot waterfall, a picture-perfect moment to share with your special someone. If you really want to get your heart racing, take a giant leap of love and try skydiving with Skydive Coastal California. With nearly year-round sunshine, there are so many ways to explore the beautiful outdoors in Camarillo, by land, air or sea.
Romantic Dinner for Two
Finish the night with a delicious elevated dinner at some of Camarillo’s best date night restaurants. Onyx Bistro is accepting reservations for its three-course Valentine’s Day dinner menu with live music at two seating times: 5:30 pm and 7:30 pm.
Italian-inspired restaurant, The Manhattan of Camarillo, will be celebrating all weekend, offering a four-course menu alongside their regular menu and live entertainment. Check out their beer garden, featuring over 60 different beers on draft and bottle.
Ventura
Ventura is a charming coastal city that offers a perfect blend of nature and culture. Sitting between the beach and the rolling hills, Ventura is a beautiful destination for a romantic getaway.
Start your morning with an invigorating hike at Arroyo Verde Park, a 2.5-mile loop with ocean views that will take your breath away. (My husband proposed here!) If you’re looking for a less strenuous stroll, visit the Ventura Botanical Gardens, where you can take a romantic walk surrounded by diverse gardens that represent the world’s five Mediterranean climate zones: Chile, the Cape of South Africa, Australia, the Mediterranean Basin, and California, according to their website. And also, more panoramic coastal views! Open Tuesday through Sunday from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, this beautiful garden is a perfect spot to slow down and “smell the flowers.”
A trip to Ventura wouldn’t be complete without getting out on the water! Book a private sunset sail with Ventura Boat Rentals or Ventura Electric Boat Rental, and enjoy a peaceful, romantic ride with a bottle of champagne.
Whatever food you’re craving, you’ll probably be able to find it in Downtown Ventura. But since we’re flirting, we’ll share some of Ventura’s more romantic spots…
Reserve a table overlooking the most beautiful harbor views at The Water’s Edge in Ventura Harbor, offering a three-course dining experience with complimentary champagne this Valentine’s Day.
Tucked away in Ventura’s industrial zone, The Cave, located next to the Ventura Wine Company retail shop and wine club, will be offering a three-course sweetheart dinner for Valentine’s Day that will win over any foodie and wine connoisseurs. If you want similar vibes with a certain “je ne sais quoi,” book a table at Barrel 33, a wine bar inspired by the French Riviera, serving thin-crust pizzas, pasta, and cheese platters. Whether or not you’re visiting on February 14, seating is limited so reservations are highly recommended.
If you’re looking for something more relaxed after an active day, grab a heart-shaped pizza from Tony’s Pizzeria, a cute retro pizza shop at Surfer’s Point. Add a bottle of local wine to your order and head to the beach for a beautiful sunset picnic taking in the views California is famous for.
After dinner, take an evening stroll down Main Street where you can find charming shops and bars to pop into around your romantic night.
Oxnard
Unwind from the weekend in the laid-back coastal farm town of Oxnard. With its serene atmosphere, it’s the perfect place to relax and enjoy quality time together.
On your way down to Oxnard, stop by a local farm stand to pick up flowers and some of Oxnard’s finest for the room– because nothing says romance like hand-picked blooms and fresh berries. Pick up some veggies to make yourself a crudite platter for later!
Once you’ve checked into your room, spend the rest of the day exploring the coastal farm town:
- Browse the Channel Islands Harbor Farmers Market open Sundays from 10:00 am – 2:00 pm. You’ll find fresh-picked produce, food vendors, beach-themed trinkets, local businesses, and artisan crafts, plus live music to enjoy while you shop.
- Stop in for a delightful Valentine’s Day Brunch at Waterside Restaurant from 10:30 am – 3:00 pm, featuring a sweet and savory menu.
- Rent bikes and ride around the Channel Islands Harbor, stopping at the Maritime Museum, or take them into the beachside community of Hollywood Beach where you’ll find hole-in-the-wall restaurants, bars, shops, and also beach access to get your feet in the sand.
- Take a page from Venice, Italy, and book a gondola ride with Gondola Paradiso. Glide through the Channel Islands harbor, sipping your favorite drink and cuddling up with your person for a peaceful maritime escape. Bring your favorite drinks and snacks on board, and call ahead to make any additional special arrangements.
- Drive into town and see all the fun and live entertainment you can get into at The Collection in RiverPark.
Oxnard offers no shortage of ultra-romantic dinner locations. Savor the flavors of the region with an authentic farm-to-table approach that adds a touch of romance to every bite.
Waterside Restaurant will also be open for a romantic Valentine’s dinner from 4:00 pm to 9:00 pm. Located in the Channel Island Harbor, Waterside provides stunning views and delicious dishes made with fresh, local ingredients. Known for its extensive wine selection and farm-to-table dining experience, the ambiance and live music make it a memorable spot for your romantic seaside getaway.
If you’re looking for a more elevated dining experience, consider Ox & Ocean located at Zachari Dunes on Mandalay Beach. This seaside hotel restaurant offers a unique blend of gourmet cuisine and craft cocktails. Ox & Ocean is a refined dining destination that marries land, sea, and libations. In honor of Love Day, they are offering a four-course fixed menu with a complimentary cupid’s arrow martini.
While it’s open only Sunday through Thursday from 5:00 pm-8:00 pm, a wine dinner at Tierra Sur at Herzog Wine Cellars is worth catching if you’re staying away from the beach in Oxnard. Despite its industrial location, Tierra Sur offers elegant menu offerings designed with locally sourced ingredients, using wine as a key ingredient. Paired with their exquisite wine selection, it sounds like the ultimate romantic dinner.
Make it a Weekend to Remember
Whether you’re indulging in a luxury dinner, a cozy beach picnic, a sunset sail, or a gondola ride, the Ventura County Coast has everything you need for a memorable Valentine’s Day getaway.
Share the love! Tag @VenturaCountyCoast on Instagram so we can see where you chose to celebrate love along our beautiful coastline.
Plan Your Perfect Romantic Getaway
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