Downtown Ventura
The heart of the city, downtown Ventura exudes seaside charm and old town appeal. Narrow streets are lined with brick buildings housing trendy shops, wine bars, brewpubs, and restaurants featuring fresh seafood and local produce. Don’t miss a stop at one of the oldest buildings – the Albinger Archaeological Museum in the historic Albinger House, built in 1898. Pop into antique shops and boutiques lining Main Street, pick up fresh local citrus and avocados at the weekly Farmers’ Market, and pose for a photo op with the statue of Father Junipero Serra in Plaza Park. As the sun sets, make your way to Ventura Harbor Village to watch the glowing sunset over the Channel Islands. Enjoy harborfront dining and listen to live music at Margarita Villa or Andria’s Seafood Restaurant and Market. Then cap off the night with a show at the Majestic Ventura Theater downtown.
Midtown Ventura
Just a mile inland from the coast, Midtown Ventura appeals to foodies, families, and nature lovers. Outdoor attractions like Arroyo Verde Park offer playgrounds and hiking trails with ocean views. Browse Midtown’s collection of thrift shops, nurseries, and homewares stores. Don’t miss Underwood Family Farms, where you can pick your own in-season fruits and veggies. Grab breakfast at the local favorite Honey Cup Coffee and Kitchen, serving Intelligentsia coffee, superfood lattes and healthy bites like chia puddings and acai bowls. Try Taqueria Tepatitlan for huge, made-to-order burritos and agua frescas. For more upscale, farm-to-table dining, make a reservation at farmhouse restaurant Topa Topa Brewing Co. Then work off all those calories with a beachside bike ride on Ventura’s miles of scenic beachfront bike paths.
Westside Ventura
A hotspot for surf culture, Westside Ventura centers around the pier and busy promenade of Ventura Beach. You can’t miss the colorful 1920s bathhouse overlooking the Ventura Pier, now housing the Surfer’s Point Cafe. Rent a bike or snorkel gear and hit the sand, or simply stroll along the oceanfront promenade known as the Ventura Beach Boardwalk. Westside’s selection of hotels, motels and beach rentals cater to a laidback surf crowd. Kick back with a beach bonfire and s’mores after a day of riding waves and combing the tide pools. Inland, you’ll find lowkey taco joints, beach bars and cafes serving hearty, healthy fare. Don’t leave without trying tacos and margaritas at Anacapa Brewing Company.
Ventura Harbor
For fresh seafood restaurants, boats bobbing in the marina, and sunset views, head to Ventura Harbor. This protected inlet is packed with docked sailboats and fishing charters, along with restaurants dishing up the daily catch. Harbor Cove Cafe is a favorite breakfast and lunch spot, while Andria’s Seafood Restaurant and Market serves straight-from-the-dock seafood dishes on a patio overlooking the marina. Ventura Harbor Village lines the waterfront promenade with a collection of souvenir shops, art galleries and harbor cruises. Hop aboard for a dolphin-watching or sunset cruise to see Ventura from the sea. Don’t miss Ventura Harbor Village’s weekly Farmers’ Market on Saturday mornings, where you can shop for everything from fresh strawberries to artisanal cheeses as the boats gently bob behind you.
East End Ventura
On the far eastern edge of Ventura along Main Street, the vibe shifts to more suburban neighborhoods of Craftsman homes and sprawling parks. In this part of town, you’ll find great hiking and biking trails through the Ventura River Trail and in the Los Padres statewide Forest. Hit the links at Olivas Links Golf Course, or grab a picnic blanket for an afternoon lounging at Arroyo Verde Park. East End’s dining scene ranges from cozy cafes to upscale restaurants found along the tree-lined avenues. For breakfast, stop into Cafe Nouveau for croissants, crepes, and artful lattes. In the evening, locals adore Anacapa Brewing Company for its seasonal brews, duck fat tater tots, and tri tip sandwiches. East End Ventura provides a dose of nature paired with neighborhood charm.
Midtown Cultural District
Ventura’s Midtown Cultural District packs a high concentration of art galleries, museums, concerts, events and historic architecture. The crown jewel is the Albinger Archaeological Museum, housed in a historic Queen Anne Victorian home. Nearby, peek into the Ventura Museum of History and Art, showcasing Chumash artifacts, local history exhibits, and rotating contemporary art shows. Don’t miss the First Friday Art Walk held on the first Friday evening of each month. Galleries and arts venues stay open late while local musicians and performers take to the streets. You can browse art, listen to live bands and nosh on foods from local street vendors and food trucks. It offers a fun and festive taste of Ventura’s thriving arts scene.
College Area
Just inland from downtown, Ventura’s College Area revolves around the Ventura College campus and the Spencer’s Market shopping plaza. Students and locals hang out at cafes like Connect Coffee Co and Kava Cafe, tucking into acai bowls, fresh juices and coffee drinks. Grab a California-style burrito at Anacapa Brewing Company or authentic regional Mexican fare at Mama’s Tacos. College Area offers an easygoing, youthful vibe plus proximity to both the beach and great hiking spots in the hillsides. Nearby Grant Park provides a sprawling green space with sports fields and expansive views from the cross atop the Grant Park Cross. It’s ideal for picnicking or flying a kite on a breezy afternoon.
Hillside Neighborhoods
In Ventura’s hillside neighborhoods, you’ll find sprawling Spanish-style homes, unobstructed ocean vistas, and a heavy dose of California charm. Wind your way up Valentine Road off Ventura Avenue to the peaceful Buena Vista neighborhood, where streets are lined with palm trees, bougainvillea vines and million-dollar homes. The higher you climb, the better the views become. These hillside enclaves offer a lovely spot for an evening stroll at sunset when ocean breezes set in.Rest your legs with a bite at Casa de Soria, a cozy Mexican restaurant tucked into a converted Craftsman bungalow. Then make your way to the Cross, Ventura’s landmark hilltop cross lighting up the mountains each evening. It’s the ideal vantage point to watch the sunset over the Pacific.
Book a Bus With Us
With endless sights to see, Ventura is best explored neighborhood by neighborhood. Avoid the hassle of driving and parking by booking a charter bus rental with us! We’ll handle all the transportation logistics so you can simply sit back and soak up the sights. Our charter buses come equipped with plush seating, climate control, luggage storage, and even WiFi and entertainment so passengers stay comfortable on longer excursions. Plus, our professional drivers know Ventura’s charming neighborhoods like the back of their hand. They can recommend the best places to eat, shop, wander, and play throughout your journey. Ready to book a charter bus and start exploring Ventura’s vibrant districts? Call us at 213-354-7131 for a free quote tailored to your group’s size and trip plans! Our reservation specialists are available 24/7 to answer your questions and get you on the road. With reliable transportation covered, you’re free to fully immerse yourself in Ventura’s welcoming seaside spirit. Let’s get your next Ventura adventure started!