Seaside Live Entertainment at Ventura Harbor Village. Photos courtesy of Ventura Harbor Village.
VENTURA — Summer is in full swing at Ventura Harbor Village, Southern California’s premier seaside destination where visitors can savor ocean breezes, fresh coastal cuisine, boutique shopping, family-friendly entertainment, and unforgettable adventures on the water. Whether planning a day trip or weekend getaway, Ventura Harbor Village offers the perfect blend of relaxation and recreation along Ventura’s picturesque waterfront. www.VenturaHarborVillage.com
Just steps from the harbor, guests can spend the day exploring waterfront restaurants, wine tasting at Deep Sea, locally owned specialty shops like Rowen Boutique (which opened in the Ventura Harbor Village earlier this summer), numerous art galleries, sweet treats, and outdoor adventures before unwinding with spectacular sunsets over the marina. Visitors can extend their coastal escape with overnight accommodation at Four Points by Sheraton Ventura Harbor Resort or Holiday Inn Express & Suites Ventura Harbor, making it easy to enjoy everything the harbor has to offer.
One of the highlights of Summer 2026 is Ventura Harbor Village’s exciting lineup of free, family-friendly waterfront entertainment. Every weekend, the Ventura Harbor Village boasts vibrant tunes, including Summer Sun DJ Sessions on Saturdays and Tropical Steel Drum Sundays from 1-4 pm weekly. Harbor Happy Hour Hangouts, new for 2026, on Thursdays, from 3- 6 pm featuring live bands, food, drink & shopping specials, plus a fun Happier Bingo Card to win prizes. As summer continues, guests can also enjoy the return of Seaside Movie Nights, with outdoor screenings under the stars on the Village Main Lawn on Saturdays, August 22 & September 19 at sunset.
Nature lovers won’t want to miss Summer Whale Watching excursions departing from Ventura Harbor Village aboard Island Packers. Summer offers opportunities to spot humpback whales, blue whales, dolphins, sea lions, and if lucky other remarkable marine wildlife such as green sea turtles, mola mola and flying fish, oh my! Cruise the scenic waters of the Santa Barbara Channel and alongside the beautiful Channel Islands—one of California’s most spectacular marine environments.
Adventure seekers can rent kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, pedal boats, electric boats, or dive experiences from Ventura Harbor. Visitors can also book trips to Channel Islands National Park through Island Packers, the official park concessionaire, which offers access to one of America’s most pristine island ecosystems.
Throughout the season, Ventura Harbor Village invites guests to discover fresh seafood, waterfront patios, artisan boutiques, locally crafted gifts, and memorable experiences for all ages. From leisurely harbor strolls and sunset dining to live entertainment and ocean adventures, every visit offers a new way to experience California’s laid-back coastal lifestyle.
For a complete schedule of Summer 2026 events, activities, dining, shopping, and harbor adventures, visit Ventura Harbor Village’s online events calendar.
This summer also marks the exciting return of year-round day trips to Santa Rosa Island, one of the five extraordinary islands within Channel Islands National Park, often referred to as “America’s Galápagos.” Travelers can now once again explore several of the Santa Rosa Islands’ spectacular hiking trails with an Island Packers excursion to Santa Rosa Island to hike Coastal Bluff Trail, Carrington Point, and portions of Cherry Canyon Trail, while also enjoying access to Water Canyon Beach and Becher’s Beach.
A 12-hour day trip, aboard Island Packers, highlights a 3/12 hour, nature led hike with an Island Packers naturalist. Weather permitting, cruises also include a visit to the magnificent Painted Cave, one of the world’s largest sea caves. Wildlife sightings during crossings frequently include humpback, blue, and fin whales, along with dolphins and seabirds. Cost for the Santa Rosa Island Day trips are Adults $ 99.00, Seniors $ 89.00, and Children $ 77.00.
Hiking At Santa Rosa Island.
Island Packers is also launching its seasonal camper trips to San Miguel Island, the westernmost and most remote of the Channel Islands, renowned for its rugged landscapes, spectacular coastal scenery, and abundant wildlife. The Channel Islands and surrounding waters are home to more than 2,000 species of plants and animals, including 145 species found nowhere else on Earth, such as the iconic Island Fox.
During their island adventure, visitors are encouraged to visit The Robert J. Lagomarsino Visitor Center at Channel Islands National at Ventura Harbor. The visitor center features interactive exhibits, a bookstore, educational displays, a live tide pool with daily presentations, an observation tower overlooking Ventura Harbor and the Channel Islands, and a 25-minute high-definition film Treasure in the Sea, narrated by Academy Award-winning actor Kevin Costner. The hours of the Visitors Center are daily from 8:30 AM to 5 PM, except Thanksgiving and Christmas.
Ventura Harbor Village continues to be Southern California’s premier coastal destination, combining waterfront recreation, award-winning dining, shopping, family-friendly entertainment, and unforgettable island adventures—all in one scenic location. Visitors can also enjoy free parking Monday through Thursday, making mid-week visits even more convenient.
For event schedules, travel inspiration, lodging information, and seasonal activities, visit www.VenturaHarborVillage.com
About Ventura Harbor Village:
Ventura Harbor Village is Ventura County’s premier seaside destination, offering waterfront restaurants, boutique shopping, specialty retailers, family attractions, harbor cruises, recreational activities, seasonal festivals, and year-round entertainment. Located along California’s beautiful Central Coast, the Village welcomes visitors from around the world to experience the best of coastal California.
About Island Packers:
Island Packers has served as the official boat concessionaire for Channel Islands National Park since 1968, providing transportation, wildlife cruises, educational excursions, and island adventures to all five Channel Islands. The company offers year-round trips from Ventura Harbor to one of America’s most unique national parks. For schedules, rates, and reservations, visit IslandPackers.com or call (805) 642-1393.