Lately, due to some health issues, I've been staying home a lot. Way too much! The cabin fever…read morewas getting to me, plus the inland heat. To give our electric budget a break from paying for more air conditioning, we headed to the coast last Sunday afternoon. We hadn't had breakfast, and although we thought about going to the farmers' market at Channel Islands Harbor, I suggested to Dear Hubby that we head straight to the Ventura Harbor to eat at Brophy Brothers, then take it from there as to the rest of the afternoon's activities. There have been some changes since the last time we came to this place, which is one of our favorite haunts. First, they now charge a minimal fee for parking on Friday's, Saturdays, and Sundays. All things considered, that seems fair. Supply & demand - popularity. It didn't seem to slow down the amount of people visiting. It took some time for us to find a parking place. There was quite a line at Andria's Seafood, waiting to get in and order. At Brophy Brothers, it was 50 to 65 minutes to get an outdoor table overlooking the harbor. Instead, we went downstairs to Brophy's On The Alley and ordered the same fish & chips we would have ordered upstairs. It's their fast casual approach, as opposed to full table service. From where I was sitting, I could see that a large section of the center-west building was under construction. We went that direction to check it out after we finished eating. There is a good-sized construction project in the works which will end up with a two-story restaurant concept, including one with on outdoor patio with stellar views of the boats and mountains in the distance. We also got to check out a scuba diving class trying out their skills in the harbor water. I know there's a diving school there, with their own swimming pool for training. I'd never seen students in the harbor water, though. A steel drum player and his percussionist were performing near the central gathering spot. The "birdman" with his exotic birds was showing off his pet creatures nearby, too. The weather was perfect; just a lovely day to be near the shore. DH and I made a stop at Coastal Cone where I was able to get a root beer float, as they had a vanilla oat vegan ice cream available (I try to strenuously avoid cows' milk dairy products). I hadn't had a root beer float in a very long time, so that was a perfect summertime treat after our late lunch / early dinner. Great people-watching spot here, too. I actually didn't go to the Harbor Hatter this time as I was running out of energy. We still had a nice time and definitely enjoyed the cooler weather in an upbeat location.

So much potential, so much waste. The Good:…read moreHarbor Cafe: a nice place to eat BF and lunch, grab a seat picnic bench style right on the end of the marina. Food is pretty darn good as well. Beach: right across you have a rare, sheltered cove like beach with zero waves, and a wavier side on the left. Andria's Seafood is a fish and chips staple, although prices have skyrocketed and their original fish and chips tasted much better a few years ago. But still good and hearty. The Greek Restaurant waterside is popular; had dinner here 2 years ago and liked it very much. The Bad: Lotsa rinky-dink food and shops that take up space and are as useless as can be. Overpriced beachwear and ladies' clothes, wine tasting place, and cheesy fast-food places with no real identity next to the ice cream parlor. IMO, a waste of premium store space. The fun zone arcade typer place nothing but a shakedown and completely useless as well. Mostly same outdated and crappy shops as before..like 5...10..20 years ago nothing changes here much. You would think at least one of these spots would be designated as a coffee shop well, nope, and there are actually none. Yes you can get coffee from some of the sit-down restaurants and fast food places but I prefer to have coffee where they actually feature it, not a side show. There used to be a cute coffee shop right at the corner but it has long shut down, SMH. My beloved Milano's pizza (RIP 2018) has been replaced years ago; you will be missed my love. (Kiss good-bye) They have begun charging for parking. Another shameless, shallow move which most of Oxnard was immune to, but now has infected yet another city. So petty. I think 1 hour is free, then 3/HR. And no freebies for handicaps. They are aggressive so don't try to avoid payment; saw parking enforcement cuttin' up tix left and right last time I was there. Really a very short area of 10 minutes tops to walk; for a fast walker can be done in 5. The beach is LOADED with kids on the sheltered cove side, for obvious reasons. The water is murky at times and smells like whale piss/blubber more often than not. Extremely loud and somewhat compact area make noise and music blares tough to tolerate for a full day (at least for me.) Neutral: Would like to try the taco place on the parking side, but looks run down and old....again.

I just love this little shop! I've been coming here for years for gifts! Located on the south end…read morefirst shop from the parking lot across from the taco place. They have a wonderful selection of jewelry (and I especially love the earrings), beachy decor, windchimes and beachy hanging items and art! The lady who is always there, not sure if she's the owner? She is so sweet and helpful! Highly recommend!!

GETTING HERE: Treasure Cove is located in the Ventura Harbor Village in Ventura. I would recommend…read moreparking near where the Mexican Restaurant and elevator are located. REVIEW: This is a very cute shop/boutique at the Ventura Harbor. Just an FYI, it's pretty small inside so be careful if you have a bag or sandy feet. This was my first time and the lady behind the counter was very kind and helpful. One thing that stood out to me is the many varieties of earrings they sell. Quite a bit and they are nice earrings, too. Made with care and style. The employee informed me that one of the businesses they purchase/sell the earrings of even has a loyalty program. Unfortunately, I didn't purchase earrings from said company on this visit but I did buy a few others that are very tasteful. I would summarize that this shop sells the "higher end" souvenirs, if that makes sense. Would recommend a visit here. It's full of treasures indeed that will bring a smile to your face when you think of the Ventura Beach. Thank you!

- Cortado 4oz, Paper Cup - $4.50…read more- Roast: Medium Dark - Milk: Whole - Foam Art: No - TOD: 1:30 pm - Prep: More than 5 min - Machine: La Marzocco - Roaster: Beacon Coffee - Baked Goods: Yes - Menu: Breakfast, Brunch - Review: 2 oz espresso/2oz microfoam. Full city, medium to medium-dark roast just into second crack. Bean roast = a sweet, balanced, and rounded profile coffee experience. Served in a 6oz paper cup. - Tip Worthy?: 25% Level (Rating Scale: 0%; 10%; 15%; 20%; 25%; 25%+) - Customers: People who come to enjoy Ventura surf city brio and a SoCal version of Euro cafe culture.

Waited 15 mins for an Iced espresso .....?…read more Six as in 1,2,3,4,5,6 people working behind the counter...... ? Please someone do the math for me ? I was the only person in line ? Coffee/ espresso was ass. Wasted $10 for sure.

This is a souvenir and gift shop located at the Marine Emporium Landing section of Channel Islands…read moreHarbor. They offer a variety of ocean-related souvenirs, but what appealed most to me was the black hoodies ($38) that had entertaining pirate sayings, such as: "Surrrrrender the booty!", "Save a ship. Ride a pirate.", and "Prepare to be boarded!" If you don't find those exact phrases printed on the clothing, don't fret, you'll find something in a similar tone.

From the owner: Gifts from the Sea Shark Teeth…read moreSea Shells Local Apparel Nautical Lamps Souvenirs Sea Jewlery Unique Items

I love the art at La Catrina! I have bought different items from them…read more This time I bought badge clips and I absolutely love it! Soooo many cool things to chose from that highlight our Mexican culture. My badge clips was only $13, I think it was reasonable and worth it. I wore it to work and already got compliments. Great friendly staff! Owners are community centered and donate to different charities/ orgs!

Came down for a wedding, waiting for our hotel to have our rooms ready. My husband enjoys shopping…read morefor Mexican art. Got some really beautiful pieces! The store is small, but very organized and clean. The person working was so sweet and funny. I'm glad we stopped by and got to check out this gem.

Awesome little store! Various healthy and delicious snacks to choose from- vegan options available!…read moreSeeds, chocolates, etc. Some samples available upon request! The owner was so sweet and friendly. She did not push us to buy anything! there are a lot of cool little nicknacks. Decorations, pins, jewelry, ceramics, candles etc. Cash and cards accepted. The place is small but very cool. We bought the peaches and candied walnuts both were absolutely delicious $8 each and 15% off your purchase with your yelp check in.

Calling all last minute gift seekers, I have done the hard work for you. This is the perfect store…read moreand Cindy is so sweet and knowledgeable about her products (that run the gamut from handcrafted art pieces to gourmet chocolates). For me she created the perfect gourmet goodie baskets set in the cutest reindeer handcrafted baskets ( perfect for office gifting), and she even helped me carry them to my car. Cindy's store supports local artisans, crafters, and growers and is a gem. I noticed that she also carries quite a number of items that would be perfect for a baby shower, and specialty bath salts and soaps, organic health food snacks, and many other unique gifting day surprises. Needless to say I've found my new favorite thing !

Great visitor center with lots of knowledgeable staff onsite to answer questions…read more A really comprehensive gift shop and I picked up a book on the history of Channel Islands, a towel, a sunshirt, some postcards, and some earrings. Theres also a small outdoor garden to explore and also an overlook area at top of the building. Also, a ranger program was happening when I came here discussing the sea kelp that exist here. Bathrooms also available. Worth a stop in to learn more about the islands!

As far as visitor centers go, this one is one of the best we've been to. Located in the Ventura…read moreHarbor about a short 0.25 mile walk from Island Packers, you'll not only find a small little bookshop but a cute little display on water life with the history of the area. Great for everyone, but I'd imagine small kids would love it. A volunteer greeted us when we got there and provided us with some information about Channel Islands National Park. Very friendly and very helpful. They have a beautiful garden outside to explore. You can also go to the 3rd floor and there's a tiny overlook that, on a clear day, you can see Santa Cruz in the distance. They said there's a theatre, but we didn't have time to visit it. All in all, a wonderful visitor center that is worth a stop during your Channel Islands adventures.