All Stories from Ventura County
Mosaic of Mugu
Point Mugu State Park in spring is at its peak, literally. Experience verdant landscapes, prime ocean views, and wildflowers blooming on a 5-mile hike winding through La Jolla Valley Preserve and topping off at Mugu Peak.
ViewFlavors of Fillmore
Fill up on Fillmore! This picturesque city in the Santa Clara River Valley is an ideal day trip for finding good nature and delicious locally grown food. Explore it all via a 5-mile out-and-back walk or bike ride.
ViewHoly Wow!
Ready for a heavenly hike? Simi Valley’s Mount McCoy, managed by the Rancho Simi Recreation and Parks District is a 2.5-mile (out-and-back) rambler that climbs 525 feet in 1.25 miles and features non-stop panoramic views and a giant white cross at the hill’s summit.
ViewSimi's Secret Loop
The secluded 2.8-mile Woodridge Loop at Long Canyon in Simi Valley rewards with rolling hills, grassy meadows, unique rock formations, and some of the most magical valley views in Ventura County.
ViewBig Sky SoCal
When does hiking through a neighborhood feel like you’re worlds away from civilization? When you’re in SoCal's Big Sky territory! Big Sky Trail is a 4-mile loop over rolling hills, all with incredible vistas of the surrounding valley and, of course, that big blue beautiful sky.
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Channel Islands for a Change
There’s no better time to visit California’s Channel Islands National Park. Located 25 miles off Ventura County Coast, this series of five distinct and spectacular islands is reached by a fun ferry ride often filled with wildlife sightings.
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Rise and Shine in Camarillo
Camarillo shines in more ways than one—including nearly year-round sun. Bathed in a Mediterranean climate and surrounded by agricultural “charmland”—especially wineries and vineyards—Camarillo is the perfect blend of outdoor bliss and urban comforts.
View Purely Wild
Channel Islands National Park lives up to its nickname as “North America’s Galapagos.” This less-traveled national park is an undeveloped and isolated series of five dramatic and distinct islands reached by boat. Hike the largest of the islands, Santa Cruz.
ViewSea-splunking
If exploring a cave is spelunking, then exploring a cave by kayak is … spelayaking?! This unique cave-kayaking adventure at Channel Islands National Park is a wonderful way to get an in-depth perspective of the marvelous caves here.
ViewThe Camarillo Beer Trail
Some trails are more refreshing than others! And while the Camarillo Beer Trail isn’t a hiking trail, it is most certainly worth exploring. Make it a day of brews or do a “brews and views” tour by combining a scenic hike followed by some tasty beers.
ViewBike the Harbor, Catch Sunset at Hollywood Beach
Sailboats, barking sea lions, wide-open golden beach—Channel Islands Harbor and Hollywood Beach are marquee attractions, and renting a fat-tire E-bike is a fun way to explore this classic Southern California setting in Oxnard.
ViewThat's Just Wildwood!
The farm-to-table agricultural landscape around Camarillo delights with vineyards, lush canyons, and craggy mountains. For a hike combining a trifecta of these views, head to Wildwood Canyon Overlook Trail.
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Mix Things Up in Oxnard
By land, by sea, by taco trail—Oxnard in Ventura County hits its stride in winter. The golden beaches are uncrowded, and surfers find their bliss in the curling waves.
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Find Your Vibe
Start off 2022 with some good vibes! Head to the destination that’s all about a California State of Mind. The Ventura County Coast has all the good vibes you’ll need for your next getaway. It’s home to Channel Islands National Park, also known as “the Galapagos of North America.”
View Ojai There!
If a substantive and super scenic bike ride is right in your wheelhouse, do the 30-mile (round-trip) Ventura-to-Ojai bike path that begins (and ends) near the Ventura shoreline, pit-stopping in delightful Ojai for food and drinks.
ViewCamp Casitas
Just 20 minutes from downtown Ventura, Lake Casitas Recreation Area is like summer camp all over again. There’s a 5.75-mile shoreline hike, a rugged disc golf experience, and reservoir boating. There’s also nearly 450 campsites across its massive grounds.
ViewBig Sycamore, Big Views
The coolest part of the Big Sycamore Canyon Loop Trail in Point Mugu State Park? Every stretch offers something new, from rocky bluffs to grassy valleys, coastal views to majestic
ViewIt's All About Pumpkins!
Underwood Family Farms is in Moorpark, and its pick-your-own crops are alway fresh and delicious! But that’s just the start of the fun during Underwood’s Annual Fall Harvest Festival. This upcoming weekend is All About Pumpkins.
ViewGulls Getaway
The Anacapa wildlife spectacle begins almost as soon as you pull away from Channel Islands Harbor in Oxnard. First up are playful common dolphins, and if you’re lucky, humpback and migrating gray whales. As you approach, you’ll see (and hear) noisy California sea lions and harbor seals.
ViewAt Play on Rocky Peak
Big views, big boulders, and a great hike are all good reasons to rock out on the Rocky Peak Trail in Simi Valley. This hike gradually ascends for nearly five miles to (surprise!) a rocky peak whose 2,715-foot summit straddles the border between Los Angeles and Ventura Counties.
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Sublime San Juan Islands
Well, well, this wellness action plan takes you to the San Juan Islands! Easily reached by ferry yet worlds away in tranquility and unique adventures, this Washington State jewel of the Salish Sea nurtures through nature.
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