What to do in Ventura, CA

Activities, attractions and tours

A coastal landscape with cliffs, clear turquoise waters, and distant mountains.
A coastal landscape with clear turquoise waters and rocky cliffs.
A rocky beach with kayaks and a boat in the water.
A coastal landscape with rocky cliffs and calm sea.
A marina filled with sailboats and yachts, calm water, and a clear blue sky.

Things to do

2- Hour Pottery Workshop and Studio Tour in Ojai

2- Hour Pottery Workshop and Studio Tour in Ojai

Rp1.167.790
per adult
96% of travellers recommend
2- Hour Pottery Workshop and Studio Tour in Ojai
Tea Ceremony at Santa Barbara Tea House

Tea Ceremony in Santa Barbara

Rp2.694.900
per adult
Tea Ceremony in Santa Barbara
A Remarkable Scavenger Hunt: Ace Ventura

A Remarkable Scavenger Hunt: Ace Ventura

Rp221.161
per adult
A Remarkable Scavenger Hunt: Ace Ventura
Ventura: Rail Bike Guided Tour with Farm Stand Stop

Ventura: Rail Bike Guided Tour with Farm Stand Stop

Rp4.473.534
per traveller
Ventura: Rail Bike Guided Tour with Farm Stand Stop
Santa Barbara Surfing Lesson

Surfing Lesson in Santa Barbara (2 Hours)

Rp4.042.350
per adult
Surfing Lesson in Santa Barbara (2 Hours)
Surf Lesson in Santa Barbara

Ventura Surf Lesson

Rp2.694.900
per adult
Ventura Surf Lesson
Santa Barbara Surfing Lesson

Surfing Lesson in Santa Barbara (4 Hours)

Rp5.299.970
per adult
Surfing Lesson in Santa Barbara (4 Hours)
Santa Barbara: Private Beach Horseback Ride

Santa Barbara: Private Beach Horseback Ride

Rp5.389.800
per adult
Santa Barbara: Private Beach Horseback Ride
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What to do in Ventura

Stay near popular Ventura attractions

A coastal cityscape at dusk with a long pier extending into the water, a beach, and buildings along the shore.
Photo by Adam Hoggatt
Open Photo by Adam Hoggatt

Ventura Pier

9.0/10 (2,401 reviews)
Built in 1872, this historic wooden pier stretches 1,600 feet into the Pacific, offering panoramic coastal views. Enjoy fresh seafood at waterfront restaurants while watching local fishermen bring in their daily catch.
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Where to stay in Ventura

Find the best Ventura areas for the activities you enjoy most.
A building with a neon sign reading "Downtown" and a tall pillar with "Century" written on it.
Photo by golden cindy
Open Photo by golden cindy

Downtown Ventura

While visiting Downtown Ventura, you might make a stop by sights like Ventura City Hall and Ventura Botanical Gardens.

A marina with several sailboats docked, surrounded by buildings with red-tiled roofs.

Ventura Harbor Village

If you're spending some time in Ventura Harbor Village, Ventura Harbor and Channel Islands National Park are top sights worth seeing.

A pier extending into the ocean at sunset.

Pierpont Bay

If you're spending some time in Pierpont Bay, Ventura City Beach and San Buenaventura State Beach are top sights worth seeing.

A coastal city with a beach, residential areas, and mountains in the background.

Midtown

Though Midtown may not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Ventura City Beach and Ventura Harbor.

A coastal city with a beach, residential areas, and mountains in the background.

Mussel Shoals

While Mussel Shoals may not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like La Conchita Beach and Rincon Beach Park.

Day trip destinations from Ventura

A sunset over the ocean with vibrant orange and red clouds.

Oxnard

An aerial view of a coastal town with residential areas, roads, and solar panels.

Carpinteria

Frequently asked questions

Is Ventura worth visiting?
Whether you're planning to experience the cultural attractions and local charm or sample regional foods and go on outdoor adventures, there are plenty of things to do in Ventura.
How do I spend a day in Ventura?
After you've visited major attractions like Ventura Pier and Ventura City Beach, spend the rest of your day experiencing Ventura's retail and dining scene.
What is the top tourist attraction in Ventura?
Ventura City Beach is one of the top tourist attractions in Ventura and should feature high on every sightseeing itinerary of the area.
Is three days enough to stay in Ventura?
Three days will be enough time to check out some popular city highlights, such as Ventura City Beach, Solimar Beach and Emma Wood State Beach. The average stay in Ventura is two days. If you have the time to extend your adventure, Santa Barbara isn't far away.
Is Ventura a walkable city?
That comes down to what you want to do and see in Ventura. Several key attractions, like Ventura City Beach and Emma Wood State Beach, are reachable on foot. If you're up for a stroll through some of Ventura's best neighbourhoods, Pierpont Bay is 3 kilometers away from downtown, while Downtown Ventura is 0.80 kilometers away from the centre and also within walking distance.
What are some activities to do in Ventura with kids?
If you're looking for activities and attractions for all of your group, check out these fabulous ideas for what to do in Ventura with kids.

What to do in Ventura for adults?
Whether you're a food lover, culture enthusiast or adventure seeker, there's lots of things to do in Ventura for adults including Ventura City Hall.
Are there free things to do in Ventura?
In Ventura, Ventura City Beach is a top spot for anyone planning to see the city without opening their wallet. Also, stroll around the local parks and neighbourhoods, and speak with a local tour guide. It's a good way to explore the best free things to do in Ventura.