Waterfront Fun at Ventura Harbor Village

This charming waterfront village in Ventura is one of only two places where you can board an Island Packers boat to get to Channel Islands National Park. Tucked along a harbor filled with beautiful boats and lined with flowers, it’s also home to the Channel Islands Visitor Center where you can learn more about the park and prepare for your visit. There’s even a live tide pool on-site to explore as well as a viewing tower to catch sight of the park in the distance.

Ventura Harbor Village is so much more than just a hopping off point, however. It’s a great place to relax and unwind. You’ll find complimentary parking and two hotels, Four Points by Sheraton and the Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Ventura Harbor, making it easy to spend the weekend. Rent a pedal boat shaped like a swan, duck or dragon to explore the harbor. You can also rent kayaks and electric boats. If you’re craving some sunbathing or sand castle building, spend the morning at one of the picturesque beaches across the street.

When it’s time for lunch, head to one of the award winning restaurants in the village. Andria’s Seafood Restaurant & Market is famous for its fish and chips and Brophy Bros. Restaurant & Clam Bar is the place to go for fresh oysters by the dozen. For dessert, check out the creative masterpieces from Coastal Cone. They have fish shaped ice cream cones, sundaes that look like a narwhal and Dole Whip.

Spend the afternoon perusing the coastal boutiques and art galleries. You’ll find jewelry, pottery, clothing, artisan bath products, chocolate and more as you stroll. There’s also an escape room and a nail salon.

When evening rolls around, grab a spot at Deep Sea Wine Tasting Room’s patio to enjoy a glass of wine or a tasting flight from this local winery and watch the sunset. Be sure to check out the calendar of events at Ventura Harbor Village to see when live music, holiday markets and other fun activities are taking place.

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Learn more at venturaharborvillage.com.