Ventura County Coast: Guitars, Vinyl, and Musical Gems

By Nate Duchene, on January 6th, 2025

Southern California is a land of sunny and inspiring landscapes where dreams come true— including dreams in the music business. If you’re an LA-based creative or a California tourist looking for an inspiring musical experience outside of the city, how do you make it happen?

Ventura County Coast is home to fantastic events.

Enter Ventura County Coast

Music aficionados are everywhere across California, so finding music stores and live music is doable, but finding just the right experience for a weekend takes some local knowledge. And since the music business is in Southern California,nearly every musical instrument brand has an office in or around the LA metro area. That said, did you know that several instrument manufacturers still have work shops in Southern California? A few major brands handcraft instruments and offer free factory tours to the public

Larrivée Guitars’s Workshop

About 50 miles northwest of LA, Oxnard is known for its sandy beaches, rugged foothill terrain, seaside agriculture plots, and a growing manufacturing sector. For the last 20-plus years, Canadian-born and family run Larrivée Guitars’s workshop in Oxnard employs luthiers who handcraft solid wood guitars from tonewoods like mahogany, spruce, and more. Contact them in advance to schedule a guided workshop tour.

Drum Workshop

For travelers who are fans of rhythm, the iconic Drum Workshop (DW) has been based in Oxnard since the ‘90s. DW Drums are played by artists like Chad Smith of Red Hot Chili Peppers, Alex González from Mexican pop icons Maná, Travis Barker of Blink 182, and countless others. DW offers a free public guided tour that walks you through the step-by-step drum shell production of pressing plywood, sanding, painting, and assembly. Tours happen every Thursday at 2pm for the first 15 guests, so contact DW directly to schedule.

A Heaven for Vinyl Lovers

If woodshop wasn’t your favorite school subject and you’re more listener than musician, there are a handful of record stores in the area. A family business in nearby Ventura since 1966, Salzer’s Records has an easy location off the 101 and an incredible selection of new and used vinyl along with gifts and novelties. Another popular choice for die-hard vinyl collectors and “crate divers” is American Pie Records in Old Town Camarillo. They close no later than 6pm every day, so check the hours before you make the trek to give yourself enough time.

Hotels, Motels, and Places to stay in Ventura County Coast.

Extend Your Stay and Discover More

To cap your day of music-inspired adventures, check into a waterfront resort, boutique, or economical motel in the Oxnard, Ventura, Camarillo, and Port Hueneme areas. There, you can write down your new ideas, review your workshop photos, and marvel at your new vinyl finds before you clean up for dinner, a live show, or hopefully, both. Book directly with Ventura County Coast to get the best rates.

Live Music Scene

If you want to catch some live rock n’ roll while you’re on the Ventura Coast, Mrs. Olson’s in Oxnard Shores is the spot. If you’re looking for something more mellow and low volume, The Grape House of Jazz and Spirits in Ventura (21+) is an excellent choice for those of the jazz persuasion. They attract a who’s who of artists (GRAMMY winners and beyond), and if you’re in town on a Tuesday night, the Gratitude Jazz Jam is must-see.

By now, hopefully, you’re rested and inspired with a head full of new ideas to take home and plenty of reason to return. Music is just one of many activities Ventura County Coast offers to help you find some restoration. In forthcoming posts, we’ll provide you more local insights to give you a relaxing and unique weekend with all the Southern California flavor, but just outside of your normal.

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.