Winter Road Trip to California: Ventura County Coast

Winter Road Trip

Last Updated: Nov 14, 2024

Ventura County is a great destination on your Winter Road Trip to California. The winter months in Ventura County Coast are an awesome winter wonderland—without the snow, of course. Picture palm trees, blue skies and dashing through the sand. It’s the perfect place to explore uncrowded beaches and hiking trails, chow down on fresh seafood, shop for gifts or pamper yourself with a little “me time.” Plus, there are plenty of festive events and nightlife options to get you into the holiday spirit whether traveling solo or with friends and family. Set course for a Central Coast adventure with this winter road trip to California’s Ventura County Coast. This itinerary is chock full of good vibes!

Winter Road Trip to Ventura County Calfiornia

4 Days, 40 Miles

Ventura County Coast is accessible from both Los Angeles and San Francisco.

Start: Camarillo
End: Ventura
Coming from the north? Flip the itinerary!

Don’t forget to tag your photos with #VCCVIBES and #VCCGOODVIBES

Day 1: Camarillo

Stop 1: Camarillo Premium Outlets
740 E Ventura Blvd., Camarillo, CA 93010

Get gifts for everyone on your holiday list (and something new for you!) while shopping at the Camarillo Premium Outlets, a must-stop spot in Ventura County Coast. Experience a shopper’s paradise with stores offering major steals and deals. You might even want to add on an extra day to shop! The outlets are home to more than 150 luxury brands, including Coach, Kate Spade New York, Michael Kors, Nike, Salvatore Ferragamo, Marc Jacobs, O’Neil, Volcom, Ulta Beauty, and H&M. Then celebrate a successful day of deal finding with lunch or snacks from one of the outlet’s on-site restaurants. Need gift ideas? Check out the outlets’ Holiday Gift Guide!

Stop 2: Camarillo Airport
555 Airport Way, Camarillo, CA 93010

Ready for the ultimate winter time mood booster? Head to the Camarillo Airport for adventure and a surge of adrenaline. Here you’ll find two airborne activities that are sure to thrill: tandem jumps with Skydive Coastal California or “low and slow” cruises over the local landscape with Skyrider Ultralights. Skyrider Ultralights specializes in light sports aircraft flights over either the ocean or gorgeous Camarillo hills. If you prefer to find adventure on the ground, go for a hike or bike ride in one of Camarillo’s wide open trails or parks. Whichever you choose, you’re sure to have a good time!

Plan Your Winter Road Trip

Eat and drink in Camarillo
Learn more about Camarillo
Stay the night in Ventura County Coast

Day 2: Oxnard

Stop 1: Whale Watching with Island Packers
Channel Islands Harbor, 3550 Harbor Blvd., Oxnard, CA 93035
Ventura Harbor, 1691 Spinnaker Dr #105B, Ventura, CA 93001

There’s no winter road trip to California without experiencing one of the most breathtaking sights of the season whale-watching season, that is. Hitch a ride with Island Packers out of Oxnard’s Channel Islands Harbor to view the annual gray whale migration and other wildlife native to the Channel Islands. The five islands — Santa Cruz, San Miguel, Anacapa, Santa Barbara and Santa Rosa — provide a peaceful escape from day-to-day grind anytime of year, but winter (low season) is especially spectacular because of the brilliant sunsets, green hills and blooming wildflowers.

Stop 2: Channel Islands Harbor
Channel Islands Harbor, 3550 Harbor Blvd., Oxnard, CA 93035

After whale watching, take a stroll around the area and get into the holiday spirit at Channel Islands Harbor, decorated with festive lights and displays. Check out the local shops and restaurants. Grab a bite to eat as you gaze out over the ocean at The Waterside Restaurant or try a unique winter activity, like jet-skiing or paddle boarding. Just be sure to wear a wetsuit if you fall in the water!

Stop 3: Hollywood Beach
Oxnard, CA 93035

Get the full Southern California beach experience without the crowds at Hollywood Beach! Located on the south end of the peninsula that separates Channel Islands Harbor from the Pacific Ocean, Hollywood Beach gets its name from the days when stars such as Clark Gable, Charlie Chaplin, and John Wayne spent time fishing and exploring Oxnard. This relaxing stretch of sand and gentle waves is the perfect place to end the day with a magical winter sunset and maybe even dolphins! Ventura County Coast’s beaches are a must on your winter road trip to California.

Plan Your Winter Road Trip

Eat and drink in Oxnard
Learn more about Oxnard
Learn more about Channel Islands National Park
Learn more about Island Packers
Stay the night in Ventura County Coast

Day 3: Port Hueneme

Stop 1: Port Hueneme Beach Park and Pier
East Surfside Drive, Port Hueneme, CA 93041

Continue your epic Ventura County Coast adventure at Port Hueneme Beach Park. Experience a sunny and warm winter wonderland as you stroll along the beach or boardwalk. If you’re looking for a little more excitement, try casting a line at the Port Hueneme Pier. Fishing is considered one of the area’s most popular year-round activities. Those who have had their fill of the beach can take advantage of Port Hueneme’s 12 miles of walking and biking trails or head over to Moranda Park for a game of tennis, pickleball, basketball or softball.

Discover Port Hueneme on day 3 of your winter road trip to California.

Stop 2: Surfside Seafood
550 East Surfside Drive, Port Hueneme

End your day with a generous serving of locally caught fish and chips at Surfside Seafood located right on Port Hueneme Beach. The menu also includes homemade clam chowder and a long list of other seafood options, so the world is your oyster! If you’re visiting mid-week and feeling festive, stop in for live music and a few cocktails.

Plan Your Winter Road Trip

Learn more about Port Hueneme
Stay the night in Ventura County Coast

Day 4: Ventura

Stop 1: Rincon Parkway
Pacific Coast Highway, Ventura, CA 93001

Trade in your snow gear for a wetsuit and surfboard! Located between Faria Beach Park and Hobson Beach Park, this iconic stretch of highway offers outstanding views of the Pacific coastline and the Channel Islands. Surfers come from all over the world to ride the famous Rincon Classic, also called “The Queen of the California Coast,” which is known for its year-round steady sets. Rent a surfboard in town and head to the beach to catch some waves or go for a relaxing stroll.

Stop 2: Main Street Moves
Downtown Ventura

Safely shop, sip, dine and stroll in the streets during Main Street Moves (and beyond, with more food and shopping options on side streets and the emerging Front Street area):

Taste your way through 30+ restaurants
Sip signature cocktails
Shop one of a kind boutiques
Support local businesses
Just enjoy being outside

Stop 3: Ventura Harbor
E. Harbor Blvd, Ventura, CA 93001

Find festive cheer at the Ventura Harbor and peruse the light displays all around. Sip, snack and explore the seaside. With plenty of shopping options, exciting water activities and yummy treats for the whole family (hello, Coastal Cone!), spend the day full of joy in this fun spot. Visiting in December? Don’t miss the Ventura Harbor Parade of Lights, a floating display of magically decorated boats!