Weekend Sherpa Adventures

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If you’re a weekend warrior, California road tripper or adventure seeker, chances are you’re familiar with Weekend Sherpa. Their skilled team of travel writers and outdoor enthusiasts have been introducing their growing community of readers, listeners and followers to local adventures throughout the Golden State since 2006. We are big fans because everything they write, post and podcast about has been road-tested by their storytellers to ensure they are always offering reliable advice, which has earned them a deservedly loyal following. So, we were beyond stoked when they hit Ventura County Coast recently to compile a series of guides and episodes featuring some of the best spots to explore the great outdoors, sip craft brews and get immersed in our laid-back coastal vibes. It’s all under the umbrella of “California’s Most Sea-nic National Park” and we’ve broken down the individual stories for you here. 

Weekend Sherpa visit to Channel Islands National Park

Channel Islands National Park

Naturally, Channel Islands National Park was the top draw for this crew of intrepid travelers. Located 25 miles offshore and easily accessed via both Channel Islands Harbor and Ventura Harbor, the National Park is a pristine wonderland. So much so, it has captivated the imaginations of documentarians and creative minds and conservationists including author TC Boyle and ocean explorer Jean-Michel Cousteau. As Weekend Sherpa attests to, the chain of five uninhabited islands is surrounded by an incredibly rich marine ecosystem and home to flora and fauna often compared to the Galapagos for its distinctive diversity and rarity. 

Their “Purely Wild” guide immerses you in the hiking experience on Santa Cruz Island with tips on how to get there, what trails to take and potential marine and wildlife sightings. In “Sea-splunking” they share the perspective from the water—specifically kayaking into the massive sea caves of Santa Cruz Island on a guided excursion with Channel Island Adventure Co. “Channel Islands for a Change” is a handy curated travel guide with more quick tips on how to experience the islands, from day trips to camping overnight

Weekend Sherpa visit to Oxnard California

Oxnard

Back on the mainland, it’s time to “Bike the Harbor, Catch the Sunset at Hollywood Beach” in Oxnard. Their coastal spin on fat-tire E-bikes takes them from Channel Islands Harbor to Hollywood Beach and recaps where to stay, eat and shop when based at Oxnard’s Channel Islands Harbor.

Camarillo

From the coast to the mountains, Weekend Sherpa’s next stop is “That’s Just Wildwood!” This adventure gains altitude on the Wildwood Canyon Overlook Trail near Camarillo, with guidance on hiking the three-mile loop. We heartily approve of their recommendation to pair this adventure with a tasting trek along Camarillo’s Wine Trail. And if wine isn’t your libation of choice, never fear, they didn’t neglect to cover beer! In fact, they compiled a dedicated “Camarillo Beer Trail” guide with brewery insights, local lodging and even more hiking trail tips. We can’t think of a better way to toast to a great stay than a day spent sipping craft brews under the Camarillo sun.

Weekend Sherpa visit to Camarillo California

Check out the Weekend Sherpa: Take It Outside Podcast!

If you’re looking for more on this amazing Ventura County Coast outdoor adventure, podcast fans can tune into this iHeart Radio Adventure Channel episode for a deep dive on Weekend Sherpa’s island times.

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Visit these regions of Ventura County Coast

Visit California
Camarillo
Oxnard
Ventura
Port Hueneme
Channel Islands National Park

Regions

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

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.

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Oxnard

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.

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Ventura

Ventura

A place that embodies a casual soul and unexpected allure, Ventura is a vibrant town that checks stress and pretense at the door.  Its artistic culture, enduring history and privileged locale is crazy-inviting, very much alive, and refreshingly human.

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Port Hueneme

Port Hueneme

Just sixty miles northwest of Los Angeles, in the heart of the Central Coast, you’ll find Port Hueneme, the friendly city by the sea. Port Hueneme is the place for travelers looking to dig their toes in the sand, take a long walk, drop a fishing line off the pier or just kick back and relax. With walking and biking trails winding throughout the city and a perfect climate almost year round, you can revive your soul in Hueneme.

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Channel Islands National Park

Channel Islands National Park

Channel Islands National Park is an American national park that consists of five of the eight Channel Islands off the coast of the U.S. state of California, in the Pacific Ocean.

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