Create your own adventure in Ventura County
Looking for an authentic SoCal experience? Look no further than Ventura County. Nestled between Santa Barbara and Los Angeles, and taking in a generous slice of Los Padres National Forest, this California hotspot serves up everything from historic downtowns to outdoor adventure. Whether you're heading off for a weekend break or planning a longer getaway, Ventura County vacation rentals offer the perfect base for your stay. You'll find most rentals in the city of Ventura but there are some tempting deals to be had in Oxnard too. Either way, rentals often place you within a short stroll of the sand.
Culture and creatures in Ventura County
The great thing about Ventura County is that there's something for everyone. Fancy squeezing a little culture into your stay? Head to historic downtown Ventura where you'll find San Buenaventura Mission sits less than a mile from the Ventura Botanical Gardens. For something a little different, move inland to check out Grandma Prisbrey's Bottle Village, a folk-art piece, 25 years in the making, and a California Historic Landmark. Traveling with kids? While not strictly within the boundaries of the county, Santa Barbara Zoo, around a 45-minute drive from most Ventura County vacation rentals, is an easy way to earn some brownie points.
Lazy days on Ventura County beaches
Beach days are a natural part of the landscape here, and Ventura County has more than a few idyllic sandy spots. Most travelers will want to squeeze in a trip to San Buenaventura State Beach, where the historic Ventura Pier doubles up as a hire shop for body boards, bikes, and beach chairs for those who are happy to sit and watch the world go by. If you're hoping to catch some California waves, or perhaps just want to watch the pros do their thing, then you'd be just as well heading straight to the aptly-named Surfer's Point.
Choose your ideal season in Ventura County
Like most coastal California cities, this area benefits from a Mediterranean climate. In practice, this means that the summer months of June through August can see temperatures soar past 80. If you prefer things a little cooler and fancy avoiding the biggest crowds, Ventura County vacation rentals are a good bet in the spring months of March to May, although if nabbing a great deal on your chosen rental is a priority, fall getaways in September and November and winter breaks are definitely on the menu. Sure, it may rain a little but temperatures can still be in the high 60s.
Exploring the natural features in Ventura County
Whether you're an outdoor enthusiast or just want to appreciate the scenery, Ventura County is a great place to get outside. These are some of the area's most eye-catching natural features, all within 30 miles (48.2 km) of the city center:
- Ventura City Beach (1 mi / 1.6 km)
- Emma Wood State Beach (2.4 mi / 3.8 km)
- Mandalay Beach (6.1 mi / 9.9 km)
- Rincon Beach (7 mi / 11.3 km)
- Oxnard State Beach (7.5 mi / 12 km)
- Lake Casitas Recreation Area (9.8 mi / 15.7 km)
How to get to and around Ventura County
The nearest airport is in Oxnard, CA (OXR), located 7.3 mi (11.8 km) from the city center. If you're unable to find a flight that fits your schedule, you might consider flying into Santa Paula, CA (SZP), which is 14.1 mi (22.7 km) away.
If you prefer to travel by train, Ventura Station, Oxnard Transit Center and Camarillo Station are the main stations in the area.