Things to do in Ventura

Activities, attractions and tours

Channel Islands National Park
Channel Islands National Park featuring rugged coastline and general coastal views
Channel Islands National Park featuring rugged coastline, general coastal views and a pebble beach
Ventura
Ventura Harbor showing a bay or harbour, sailing and a river or creek

Explore thousands of activities with free cancellation and no added fees.

Design your experience with airport transfers, excursions, day tours & more.

Get an insider's look in what to book before you travel.

What to do in Ventura

Popular places to visit

Ventura Harbor which includes sailing and general coastal views

Ventura Harbor

Appreciate delicious seafood, sandy beaches, whale watching and charming friendliness in this waterfront area with access to Channel Islands National Park.

Ventura Harbor
Ventura Pier showing landscape views, a sunset and general coastal views

Ventura Pier

Enjoy seafood or tacos at the foot of this pier and wander along its old wooden planks for panoramic views of the Channel Islands.

Ventura Pier
Ventura City Beach

Ventura City Beach

Why not spend a lazy afternoon at Ventura City Beach during your trip to Ventura? Wander the beautiful beaches and seaside in the area.

Ventura City Beach
Emma Wood State Beach

Emma Wood State Beach

Why not spend a care-free afternoon at Emma Wood State Beach during your travels in Ventura? Stroll along the area's seaside or experience its lively festivals.

Emma Wood State Beach
South Jetty Beach

South Jetty Beach

Why not spend a lazy afternoon at South Jetty Beach during your trip to Ventura? Stroll along the area's beautiful beaches or experience its lively festivals.

South Jetty Beach

Ventura County Fairgrounds

Catch an event at Ventura County Fairgrounds during your trip to Ventura. Discover the area's top-notch restaurants and its lively festivals.

Ventura County Fairgrounds

Rincon Beach

Why not spend a lazy afternoon at Rincon Beach during your trip to Ventura? Wander the beautiful beaches and seaside in the area.

Rincon Beach

Solimar Beach

Commune with nature and explore the great outdoors at Solimar Beach during your travels in Ventura. Wander the beautiful beaches and seaside in the area.

Solimar Beach

San Buenaventura Mission

Find out about the history of Ventura with a stop at San Buenaventura Mission. Stroll along the area's waterfront or simply savour its top-notch restaurants.

San Buenaventura Mission

Areas of Ventura

Ventura which includes a sunset

Downtown Ventura

5/5(1 area review)

While visiting Downtown Ventura, you might make a stop by sights like San Buenaventura Mission and Ventura City Hall.

Downtown Ventura
Default Image

Pierpont Bay

5/5(1 area review)

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

Pierpont Bay
Default Image

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.

Midtown
Ventura Harbor showing a bay or harbour, sailing and a river or creek

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.

Ventura Harbor Village
Default Image

East End

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

East End
Default Image

Westside

Westside might not have many top sights, but San Buenaventura Mission and Ventura County Fairgrounds are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

Westside

 

Looking for fun things to do nearby? Check things to do near me to find and book the best things to do, fun activities, and top attractions wherever you happen to be.

 

 

Oxnard

Oxnard

Carpinteria

Carpinteria

Photo by Priyanka Paliwal

Oak View

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.