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Winter Road Trip: When the Time is Right
When the time is right, come see for yourself, a warm, relaxing winter escape. The winter months are the perfect time to experience the uncrowded beaches, comfortable California weather, and welcoming culture of Ventura County Coast. Set course for adventure with this road trip itinerary designed specifically for your health and safety—and enjoyment, of course!
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!
When planning your trip, remember to check for the latest on COVID-19 in Ventura County.
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 or something new for 2021 while shopping at the Camarillo Premium Outlets, the must-stop spot in Ventura County Coast for luxury brands at unbeatable prices. Experience a shopper’s paradise with discounted prices of up to 65 percent off in an open air-setting that allows for proper social distancing. 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!
Stop 2: Camarillo Airport
555 Airport Way, Camarillo, CA 93010
Ready for the ultimate 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 a “low and slow” cruise over the local landscape with Skyrider Ultralights. Skyrider Ultralights specializes in light sports aircraft flights over either the ocean or gorgeous Camarillo hills. Both organizations are adhering to strict health guidelines to ensure the safety of guests and employees. 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 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
Experience one of the truly 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 California’s metropolitan areas, with miles of stunning coastal views and beautiful beaches. After your cruise, take some time to check out the various shops and restaurants in the harbor offering outdoor and curbside service.
Stop 2: Channel Islands Harbor
Channel Islands Harbor, 3550 Harbor Blvd., Oxnard, CA 93035
After whale watching, take a stroll around the area! Find the holiday spirit at Channel Islands Harbor, decorated with festive lights and displays. 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! There’s even a chance for season’s greetings with beautiful gray whales on an Island Packers boat tour.
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 for a late afternoon picnic. Order takeout from a long list of local restaurants specializing in all kinds of food and head for the beach. Don’t forget to keep an eye out for the sunset and maybe even dolphins!
Plan Your 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. The local scenery simply can’t be beat 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.
Plan Your 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
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 & 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.
Stop 4: Ventura County Fairgrounds
10 W. Harbor Blvd., Ventura, CA 93001
Drive-in movie meets live entertainment at “Concerts in Your Car,” the region’s premier socially distant concert series at the Ventura County Fairgrounds. This new entertainment experience enables couples, families, and friends to enjoy live music from the comfort and safety of their cars. “Each week top tier talent performs on our outdoor, in-the-round stage, giving us all an opportunity to sing, dance and laugh again,” CBF Productions says on its website. One ticket covers admission for all passengers in one vehicle, not to exceed eight people. Another option, also held at the fairgrounds, is “Holidays in Your Car,” inviting people to “discover a symphony of sight and sound at the best Drive-Thru Holiday Light Spectacular.”
Plan Your Trip
Eat and drink in Ventura
Learn more about Ventura
Stay the night in Ventura County Coast
Things to Pack
Sunglasses
Bathing Suit
Camera
Hiking Shoes
Sweater
Sunscreen
Your Favorite Hat
Outfit for a Night Out
Binoculars
Mask + Hand Sanitizer
Pack Like a Local
