Ventura: A Fun Quick Getaway
Written: Apr 07 '02 (Updated Apr 07 '02)
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Laid back atmosphere, not crowded, some interesting attractions
Cons: Not as polished as Santa Barbara and other beach communities
The Bottom Line: A nice, relaxing getaway
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| mrlarry's Full Review: Ventura |
Ventura has often been called Santa Barbara’s little brother. Less glamorous, and smaller, it is also often less crowded.
As a life-long Angeleno, I have often found Ventura a great place for a quick one-day getaway. A little closer to home than Santa Barbara, I find Ventura a place I enjoy when I want a different environment and don’t want to spend a lot of time getting there.
No, Ventura probably is not worthwhile as a destination in and of itself if you are planning a vacation. Still, if you are nearby for one reason or another or if you live in LA, you may want to check out Ventura. Here are some of the places I enjoy visiting there:
Ventura County Museum A small museum, you’ll find exhibits on local history and culture. The museum also has changing exhibits, lectures, and family events some of which can be quite interesting. Show your auto club card for a $1 discount off the $4 regular adult admission. The Albinger Archeological Museum is right across the street. That facility features various relics of the Chumash Native Americans and is free.
Mission San Buenaventura Here you’ll see the chapel and a small museum of mission life. Okay, but if you really want to see a great mission preservation, go up the coast to Lompoc where you’ll find La Purisima (see my review of it in Epinions).
Downtown Ventura shops The downtown area (which is also where the museum and the mission are) sports some interesting antique and curiosity shops. This can be a fun walkaround area.
Beaches While not spectacular, Ventura has a number of nice quiet beaches. The state beach has volleyball courts and picnic facilities. Ventura beaches are often quieter and less crowded than those of Santa Barbara and the LA area and can be great places for quiet, solitude, and sunsets.
Olivas Adobe Slightly out of town, Olivas is an example of the type of ranchos prominent in Ventura. Often nearby there are farm stands selling fresh produce.
NEAR VENTURA . . .
you’ll find a number of other towns worth visit
Ojai
Go up highway 133 about 15 miles or so and you’ll find the more upscale town of Ojai, an artist colony and retreat. There you will find art galleries, more upscale restaurants, and some spectacular valley views. There you will find a small historical museum. You can go on jeep tours (call (805)653-1321 for information). Ojai also has a community theater and many exhibits of California artists. The chamber of commerce can tell you about various events. Call them at (805) 646-8126
Oxnard
Here you’ll find a small art museum, a maritime museum, and the Visitor Center for Channel Islands National Park. Also, you’ll find some scenic, often uncrowded beaches.
Santa Paula
Slightly inland, there are no big tourist attractions here. If you like Mexican restaurants, it is a great place to explore. The California Oil Museum downtown will entertain you for an hour if you are interested in the history of the oil industry and would like to see a few car and train exhibits.
No, Ventura is no Santa Barbara or Monterey. Still, for a quick and quiet getaway that doesn’t empty your wallet, you could do far worse and drive a lot farther if you are coming from Los Angeles.
Shopping Tip Ventura County sales tax is 1% lower than that of Los Angeles County. That’s not a big deal if all you are buying is toothpaste, but if you are buying larger items, you may want to buy them there and save a little. The Macy’s and Robinson-May stores in Thousand Oaks are very large and well-stocked. Camarillo has a large outlet mall with all the usual suspects (Book Warehouse, Polo, Tommy Hilfiger, Samsonite, etc.)
Recommended:
Yes
Best Suited For: Friends
Best Time to Travel Here: Anytime
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Epinions.com ID:
mrlarry
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Member: Larry Wiener
Location: Alhambra CA
Reviews written: 64
Trusted by: 14 members
About Me:
II'm a black-belt bargain hunter. Check on my e-book at www.betterbudgeting.com/
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