Between Laguna Beach & Santa Barbara Is A Coastal City With A Scenic Pier, Beaches, & Hiking

If you're the type of traveler who loves nothing more than a laidback, relaxing beach vacation, there is a town along the coast of Southern California that is calling your name. Ventura is around 120 miles northwest of Laguna Beach, one of the most beautiful stops along the Pacific Coast Highway (PCH), and about 28 miles southeast of historic Santa Barbara. Whether you choose to stay in Ventura or simply stop for the day during a PCH road trip, you'll find plenty to do and experience in this pretty city. You can hit the sandy beaches, the scenic Ventura Pier, or shop downtown along East Main Street, a portion of which is pedestrian-only. 

You can stroll along the Ventura Beach Promenade, which has several entrances to the shoreline, spend some time on the sand, and stop at Surfers Point to watch surfers hang ten. On the path, you'll find a median full of colorful, painted stones called Haole's Memorial Rock Garden, with memorials and sweet messages in honor of a surf dog who passed in 2019. In fact, this is a very dog-friendly city, so if you're bringing your pooch with you, there are lots of outdoor restaurants and parks to explore together. You can't skip walking down the Ventura Pier, one of the longest historic wooden piers in the state, having been around since 1872. You can do some fishing, relax on one of the benches, or wander out to the end while you watch the sun slip below the horizon. The view out to sea or back toward the town and mountains is breathtaking.

The average high temperature in Ventura fluctuates very little, ranging between the mid-60s and mid-70s degrees Fahrenheit all year. The city gets an average of 273 days of sun, which means it's the perfect place for outdoor activities, including hiking and biking. One great trail is the 2,123-acre Harmon Canyon Preserve, with free parking. There are several easy and moderate trails in the preserve, including the dog-friendly 102 Trail and Price Family Loop. Bring sunscreen for this sunny 4.4-mile trail, which climbs 662 feet and offers views of the coast. Hikers and bikers alike can also try the Harmon Canyon Road to 110 and 108 Trails, which follows a 4.9-mile loop with a 715-foot elevation gain. (This one doesn't allow dogs.)

There are some scenic beaches in Ventura, including Harbor Cove Beach, also referred to as Mother's Beach because it's protected by a breakwater. There are lifeguards on weekends in May through Memorial Day weekend and daily from then until Labor Day, and beach wheelchairs are also available. You can also hit San Buenaventura State Beach, complete with a snack bar and bike trails. One reviewer on Google Maps says, "It's a perfect spot to soak up the sun while listening to the crashing waves on the shore ... I mean this is the spot!" If you want to try surfing, Ventura is the place, with a wide variety of wave types. Select beaches like Harbor Cove are dog-friendly, though note that pups aren't allowed on the sand at the State Beach. 

If you're looking for a good meal on the main drag, Finney's Crafthouse on East Main Street is a tasty option. The indoor area has high ceilings and a very open atmosphere, while the outdoor patio has lots of room and good people-watching. Finney's has a large menu with options like wings, tacos, burgers, and pizza. (They even offered me a plate of chicken for my puppy who was with me during one trip.) MidiCi Wood Fired Pizza on East Main Street is another great spot with indoor and outdoor dining and some seriously tasty pies, including The Meats, with mozzarella, Angus beef meatballs, pepperoni, and rosemary ham. They also offer a great gluten-free crust pizza and vegan cheese. Grab something sweet from Tifa Chocolate & Gelato afterward.

Make sure to stop in Olive Ventura for delicious olive oils and balsamic vinegars and the Ventura Surf Shop on E. Thompson Boulevard for rentals and custom surfboards, as well as surfing accessories and supplies. Don't miss the multitude of secondhand shops on East Main Street, including Coalition Thrift Store and SPARC Second Chance Store. They don't get picked over by film crews like the ones in Los Angeles, and I've personally found a ton of great treasures.

The closest airport to Ventura is Santa Barbara Airport (SBA), around 37 miles away, or you can try Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) around 67 miles away. The smaller Hollywood Burbank Airport (BUR) is just under 70 miles away. However, you can also take Amtrak's Pacific Surfliner, which has great ocean views and stops in Ventura. Finally, while you're in the area, note that there is a brand-new campground on Santa Cruz Island in Channel Islands National Park off the coast of Ventura.