Esther’s guidebook to Ventura and it's surroundings

Downtown Ventura is a 10-minute drive away. Main street has many unique small shops, restaurants, bars and it has a great cinema. A short walk takes you to the ocean side. People are very friendly. It is always a joy to stroll downtown. Oh, and Downtown Ventura has several free public parking lots and a free public parking garage.

Ventura Harbor is a 5-minute drive from Downtown Ventura and has it all: a harbor with sailing boats, yachts, fishing boats, cute shops (you can have your own chocolate bar made with your desired toppings) and nice restaurants with great views over the harbor. My favorite clothing shop is located here. Ask me if I want to share this secret gem with you! Ventura even has it's own beautiful beach with stunning views on the mountains and Ventura. You are allowed to walk through the active harbor and see people work on their sailing boats and men working on the fisherman boats. You can buy locally caught fish directly from the fishermen in their own tiny stores. You can rent a kayak or peddle. Free parking everywhere.

It is a 30/45 minute drive to Santa Barbara and worth a visit. It is a more sophisticated town with luxury neighborhoods on the hills, many cute streets, a harbor, a park, the Mission, an airport and many shops, bars and restaurants.

A 30-minute drive takes you on a stunning route to Ojai, an artistic village in the mountains. Ojai is known for its vortex; an unseen force that concentrates energy. Ojai is one of my favorite hiking places. It also has a nice little center and many small shops and restaurants throughout the village as hidden gems.

LA, Santa Monica, Venice Beach, etc... All must see places but very, very busy and with pricey accommodations. Staying in the calm area of Ventura, these vibrant daytrips are only a 1/1.5 hour driving distance away.