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

Surf Lessons in Santa Barbara with the Dude

Surf Lessons in Santa Barbara with the Dude

฿2,891
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Surf Lessons in Santa Barbara with the Dude
Ventura: Rail Bike Guided Tour with Farm Stand Stop

Ventura: Rail Bike Guided Tour with Farm Stand Stop

฿8,180
per traveller
Ventura: Rail Bike Guided Tour with Farm Stand Stop
Santa Barbara Surfing Lesson

Surfing Lesson in Santa Barbara (4 Hours)

฿9,691
per adult
Surfing Lesson in Santa Barbara (4 Hours)
Surf Lesson in Santa Barbara

Ventura Surf Lesson

฿4,928
per adult
Ventura Surf Lesson
Santa Barbara Surfing Lesson

Surfing Lesson in Santa Barbara (2 Hours)

฿7,391
per adult
Surfing Lesson in Santa Barbara (2 Hours)
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What to do in Ventura

Stay near popular Ventura attractions

A pier extending into a clear blue body of water with an American flag at the end.

Ventura City Beach

9.0/10 (859 reviews)
This expansive sandy shore offers prime surfing conditions and a scenic promenade connecting to Ventura Pier. Enjoy beach volleyball or cycle the coastal trails before exploring nearby city centre restaurants.
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Where to stay in Ventura

Find the best Ventura areas for the activities you enjoy most. Learn more about Ventura
Learn more about Ventura
A neon sign for 'San Ventura' with 'Shop, Surf, Stay, Eat' and a 'Rip Curl' logo.
Photo by Terry Fletcher
Open Photo by Terry Fletcher

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 beach with palm trees, a path, and sailboats in the distance.

East End

While East End isn't home to many top sights, Olivas Adobe Historical Park and Bowlero Oxnard are some notable places to visit nearby.

Day trip destinations from Ventura

A coastal city with a long pier extending into the ocean, a sandy beach, and a mountainous backdrop.

Oxnard

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

Carpinteria

A flower garden with various colorful flowers and a mountainous backdrop.

Santa Paula

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 kilometres away from downtown, while Downtown Ventura is 0.80 kilometres 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.