Courtesy photo.
“Live in the Sunshine. Swim in the Sea. Drink in the Wild Air.” — Ralph Waldo Emerson
VENTURA — The chemistry of sun, sand and sea converge for “Find Your Seaside” – this year’s summer theme at Ventura Harbor Village. From summer music series to magical moments on the water, new photo opps and tasty summer themed treats, this postcard-perfect destination makes for an ideal midweek or weekend daycation or getaway. What’s more, admission and parking are complimentary all summer long! Situated on a spectacular stretch of prime Pacific coastline, this California “go to” escape is worth the drive.
On tap for summer by the sea is a new pop-up photo experience awaiting guests to shoot and post designed by California artist Alexis Andra, and celebration of the “805” for KHAY’s 100.7 FM 805 Day on August 5, 2022 at tthe seashore. See more below as Ventura Harbor Village shares a Top 2022 Summer Bucket List picks that will give sun-seekers from near and far something to “wave” about. See you seaside!
Sun-sational Sounds
Kick off positive summer vibes with a weekly sea-inspired soundtrack with DJ Seaside Saturdays from Noon -3 p.m. through Labor Day weekend on the Ventura Harbor Village Promenade Stage. Soak up the summer rays, sip on cool cocktails or refreshers on outdoor patios or shop for newest summer wear at Ventura Harbor Village. https://www.venturaharborvillage.com/events/
Amid a tropical beat, visitors salute the return of the destination’s popular live Steel Drum Sundays from Noon – 3 p.m. through Labor Day on the Promenade Stage. Browse coastal shops, dine and relax at one of the Village’s scenic restaurants for delicious seafood, and a variety of international cuisine choices while being whisked away to the sounds of the tropics in California. https://www.venturaharborvillage.com/events/
Soak In Some Vitamin Sea
“Seas” the day and jump aboard an Island Packers to embark on a half-day awe-inspiring Summer Whale Watching Excursions (through September 1, 2022.) Witness breathtaking mammals (blue whales, fin whales, humpbacks, and year-round residents such as common dolphin, seals, and sea lions) in waters off the stunning Channel Islands.
venturaharborvillage.com/directory/island-packers/
Cool off on the glistening sea with Ventura Boat Rentals. The largest fleet of pedal boats on the Central Coast come in a variety of choices and colors with swans, ducks, and dragons! Visitors can rent kayaks, stand up paddle boards, and electric boats, to either paddle or cruise the marina waters to relax, enjoy, and view Harbor wildlife. https://www.venturaharborvillage.com/directory/ventura-boat-rentals/
Dive into summer fun at Ventura Dive & Sport, as they offer novice and expert enthusiasts an incredible selection of name brands, rentals, certified dive instruction/training, and dive boat excursions to some of the most beautiful diving in the world off the Channel Islands.
https://www.venturaharborvillage.com/directory/ventura-dive-sport/
Anglers of all levels, from beginners to veterans, delight in Ventura Harbor Sportfishing, one of the county’s best sportfishing landing and full tackle shops that offers rental equipment and fishing licenses.
https://www.venturasportfishing.com/
Make A Stylish Splash
Ventura Swimwear, a legendary swimwear/apparel store in Ventura Harbor Village, features this year’s top swimsuits, bikinis, long-sleeve one pieces and board shorts with sun protection and has everything sun worshipers need: beach towels, apparel, hats, cover-ups, trendy costume jewelry, and bonus – Ventura Swimwear offers in-store swimsuit alterations. https://www.venturaharborvillage.com/directory/ventura-swimwear/
Hip and trendy summer fashion is not far from reach at Barefoot Boutique, reflecting California’s fun and active lifestyle. This is a perfect coastal boutique to find summer and resort wear with a new line of sandals for women and Beach Collection by Matisse, plus a wonderful selection of artisan jewelry, candles, handbags, and more. https://www.venturaharborvillage.com/directory/barefoot-boutique
Discover the sweetest European boutique by the sea and shop at Anja’s Boutique for a pair of beautiful summer sandals, featuring European brands, sundresses, resort wear scarfs, and beautifully crafted one-of-a-kind jewelry from Poland.https://www.venturaharborvillage.com/directory/anjas-boutique/
With more than 1,000 styles of hats to choose from, visitors to Ventura Harbor Village can pick up a new style to stay protected from the summer sunshine at Hats Unlimited. No matter what activity, top it off with a chic hat. https://www.venturaharborvillage.com/directory/hats-unlimited/
Savory Seaside Dining & Sweets
After a day of sun and fun, pull up a chair at one of Ventura Harbor Village’s top seaside. From fresh seafood, famous Fish “N” Chips and clam chowders at popular Andrias’s Seafood Restaurant & Market and Brophy Bros Clam Bar & Restaurant’s, or fresh fish tacos at Baja Bay Surf N Taco, there is something to please every palate. Options to pick up sustainable fresh fish catch to take home to accompany your own recipe can be found daily at Wild Local Seafood. From American fare to international cuisine, such as Cuban, French, Greek and Mexican, Ventura Harbor Village restaurants offer breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Weekday Happy Hour drink and food menus are offered from over 5 waterside restaurants. venturaharborvillage.com/dine/
Coastal Cone Ice Cream made history in 2018 by being the first oceanfront ice cream shop in the U.S. to introduce the signature Taiyaki fish cone. Boasting 40+ popular ice cream options, the shop also serves Asian-influenced flavors. New for summer – “Dreamland” ice cream creations: think Baby Shark, Unicorn Poop, and Baby Narwhals. https://www.venturaharborvillage.com/directory/coastal-cone-ice-cream/
Sugar Lab Bake Shop, is baking someone happy. The local owners create handmade desserts that are baked daily and serves locally roasted coffee, local tea and fun summer themed drink flavors to accompany a savory selection of delectable sweets. https://www.venturaharborvillage.com/directory/sugar-lab-bake-shop/
The one-of-a-kind chocolate experience at Top This Chocolate allows customers to choose mouthwatering premium milk, white or dark liquid chocolate with more than 40 choices. A star seller for Fourth of July is the new chocolate pops with red, white and blue star sprinkles as a topping, summer red, white and blue M&Ms and gummy ring pool floaties with chocolate bars. https://www.venturaharborvillage.com/directory/top-this-chocolate/
As The Sun Sets
Head into one of several popular after dark entertainment zones for continuous entertainment as the sun sets at these “must-experience” activities:
The Ultimate Escape Rooms provide one hour of endless fun for up to 10 thrill seekers with a choice of unique one-hour “escapes,” including The Attic, Wizard’sLair, and Twisted Tales, three Ventura Harbor summer favorites. venturaharborvillage.com/directory/the-ultimate-escape-rooms/
Create memorable moments as the sun sets with live music & entertainment summer evenings each weekend at the Boatyard Pub, Copa Cubana, Margarita Villa, 805 Bar & Grilled Cheese, The Greek Mediterranean Steak & Seafood (where diners can also witness performances by Greek dancers) in addition to comedy shows. venturaharborvillage.com/dine/
Drift off into the sunset and ride on one of Ventura Boat Rentals specially-lit nighttime dragons, ducks, or swan pedal boats for a one-of-a-kind magical experience on the water at Ventura Harbor Village every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday nights during summer. Reservations required.https://www.venturaharborvillage.com/directory/ventura-boat-rentals/
A Shore Bet
When the temperature soars, there is no better place to beat the heat than at the beach, and Ventura Harbor’s Harbor Cove Beach is a perfect Cali beach front. Harbor Cove Beach boasts the nickname, “Mother’s Beach,” for its calm waters. Located steps away from great surfing off the south jetty, it also offers plenty of visitor parking and restrooms. https://www.venturaharborvillage.com/directory/harbor-cove-beach-mothers-beach/
With amazing views of the coastline and Channel Islands, Surfer’s Knoll Beachalso serves as a wonderful sanctuary to just relax and sit with your toes in the sand or fly a kite. This beach features sunbathing, sea glass hunting, one of Ventura’s favorite surf breaks, and leisurely walks just across from shops and restaurants at Ventura Harbor Village. https://www.venturaharborvillage.com/directory/surfers-knoll-beach/
About Ventura Harbor Village — Situated along the picturesque California Central Coast, endowed with breathtaking views, Ventura County’s Ventura Harbor is bordered by the City of Ventura on three sides and the Pacific Ocean on the west, the site of one of the largest squid offloading harbors in North America. Ventura Harbor boasts two waterfront hotels, beaches, water sports, Channel Islands National Park Visitor Center, boating, shop, dine, play as part of an affordable vacation destination. Ventura Harbor is 20 miles from Santa Barbara and is 60 miles from Los Angeles off scenic US Highway 101 located at 1583 Spinnaker Drive in Ventura. Find more information @VenturaHarbor, VenturaHarbor.com, VenturaHarborVillage.com.