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Great spot to enjoy the view! I would definitely recommend coming up here if you visit Ventura, it's a quick and easy drive up and there are a few great view points. On a Saturday evening there were several groups of kids blasting music and smoking, but hey, you've gotta have fun! Just be aware it may not be super serene depending on the crowd that is up there with you. Either way, still worth the visit!
Amazing views of Ventura! You can drive right up to the top and there's benches you can sit on to enjoy the scene, or you can enjoy it right from your car. No parking fee which is also a plus.
Chill place to pull up and enjoy the view. Used to be a lot more trees and plants, widlfires have wiped a lot of that away.
Located in Ventura, CA, This place has become my favorite place to go to when I need time away from school. It has an awesome view of the Pacific Ocean, Channel Islands, Santa Monica Mountains, as well as downtown Ventura. There are plenty of hiking trails that take you all over and you can also relax and meditate as you take in the scenery. Most people start out at City Hall and hike up, but if you don't want to do that, you can drive all the way up to Serra Cross, which is the highest point you can drive to. From there, you get gorgeous views and you can optionally hike down or up.
The best view of Ventura and the place I run to when I can see it setting up to be a killer sunset. This park was a big part of my childhood with family picnics, and in high school a hot make out spot. One of my friends got married at the cross which is such a photogenic place. Every visiting friend or family tour starts with a drive up to this park. So much more has been added recently with the botanic garden trails, more view parking, and a general cleanup. After I get in better shape walking the beach flats, I head to these more challenging climbs and reward myself with a great view around each corner.
Great view from HIGH UP in the sky--worth the drive! Panoramic view of the coast and beautiful ventura. Don't drive up with any drugs or alcohol on you--lots of sharp turns and narrow lanes--you will need all your senses to handle your metal. At the top---WIND! People with kites, weddings, meetings, social groups. Parking is limited at the top, may have to grab a space on the road up. Says wild Bobcats can be present--Didn't see any. Maybe they mean a cat named Bob.
A mountain-side park offering fantastic vistas of the city of Ventura, the rugged islands of Channels Islands National Park, as well as the majestic Pacific Ocean. Photos: http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/BmAAa2NygMsZnNbk54YJAg?select=T4LXEKt4mEDKYtu6qSDRIQ Freeway close, easy access, no charge, and well worth a visit for that special photo op. Apparently it's a popular site for weddings throughout the year, too.
You want a bird's eye view of everything Ventura and the immediate areas have to offer? At no charge? Yep, this is your place. Forever I have just known it as "The Spot"...like most people who live in Ventura. As long as you plug your GPS in the first time you come up here you will have no issues coming up. Its literally a 5 minute drive from the center of downtown, but you couldn't feel farther away from civilization unless you went hiking. I would give it 5 stars, but there tends to be a crowd up here on weekends and unless you plan on getting drunk or high I wouldn't hang out here at night. But then again, if that's your thing then maybe this is your place!!! :0)
Grant Park is probably as good as it gets when it comes to the beautiful city of Ventura, CA. I had never actually ventured up here until my later years in high school, and I still to this day wonder what the heck took me so long. "The Cross," as we locals like to affectionately call it, boasts some of the most breathtaking views of the county's coastline and the city of Ventura that you will ever see. Guaranteed. On a clear and sunny day you can easily see 1-2 cities away... which is actually almost everyday. Yes, be jealous of our year-around near-perfect weather. Whether reading, hiking, flying remote control airplanes, or settling down for a nice family picnic, this park is a fantastic destination for just about any afternoon activity. I personally love to make a trek up here whenever I'm in town just to relax, clear my head, and catch some fresh air. It's also one of the few "must-view" places I bring my non-native friends to whenever they are visiting the area for the first time. Mark my words - I will get married here one day. It's utterly captivated my attention and affection.
Hands down my local favorite outdoor place. I have countless memories of my visits here starting from high school when my friends and I would ditch to come here for a picnic. Or after school to watch the sunset or even after hours when they close the gate. So many shenanigans. The great thing about this place is you have options. There's a trail so you can go mountain biking. There is also a hiking trail. It's called the Botanical Garden and it's a great addition to the area. You can park at the bottom behind the city hall and follow the trail to the top which totals to a mile. When I don't feel like driving to the PCH for a quick hike this is where I go instead. Three trips up and down is the best way to go. From the bottom to top is a mile so it works out perfectly. And of course there's the cross. It's the perfect place to watch the sunrise and sunset. There's no better place locally. This is it. Whenever I have friends and family from out of town visiting, this is always where I take them first. You can't beat the view.
My beautiful city, Ventura! Her charm is appealing to anyone who has stepped foot here! Grant Park is a known local spot typically referred to as "the cross" because of the huge cross it bears for the City. This has always been a great place for meditation, a place of peace where one can reflect on life more clearly. But, BEWARE, there are mountain lions that roam around from dusk til dawn...so keep that in mind when selecting a time. I used to run up the hill with Adventure Boot Camp and then eventually ventured off on my own to an even higher spot that I named "Hamburger Hill" due to the intense incline of the hill itself. I've conquered it many times and so can you...carry some mace or a tazer... Hold up-is that even legal? ;0) Better stick with a club, just in case. ;0) At the very top, the view is even more breath-taking than the one you can drive to. ;0) Reviewed by Yvette L Brownstone of Ventura, CA
Grant Park in Santa Barbara is seriously so pretty The views of the coastline are amazing and it's such a great spot to just stop and take everything in. At the top there's a big cross that makes it feel really peaceful and kind of special. There are also a few different trails you can walk, some easy, some a bit more of a hike, plus little fun details along the way like bird statues. It's a great place whether you want to hike, chill, or just enjoy the view. Super relaxing overall and definitely worth checking out if you're in Santa Barbara read more
Dear Hubby and I took a drive out to Ventura for my birthday, which happened to be mid-week this year. Big hooray - it was sunny; no fog in sight. It was on the coolish side, but the abundance of sunshine made it seem warmer. We had an early dinner down on Main Street. Where we parked there was a sign indicating that the eastern entrance to Grant Park was nearby. We had been up there perhaps only once in the past, and we'd gone in from the west. The drive up in the late afternoon / early evening had the golden glow magic to it. The light was amazing! I was driving and marveling at every twist and turn on the roadway while ascending the hills. The wildflowers and green groundcover from winter's rains made the scenery even more breathtaking than it might be when the grasses start to turn golden instead of green. I was able to drive all the way to the top parking lot, which overlooks the Serra Cross, and the entire Ventura coastline. The view encompasses the pier, the harbor, then beyond out to Channel Islands Harbor, Port Hueneme, and the western edge of the Santa Monica Mountains. It solidified my feelings in that moment of gratitude for enjoying life in Ventura County for the past 40 years. A gorgeous view on a clear day can do that for a person. When a sunny day happens, and the winds are calm, I can recommend taking a drive up to the top of Grant Park to make some of your daily cares seem very small. Looking down on the city / county from on high helped lift my spirits and added joy to my birthday celebrations. read more
4 months ago
**A Sacred Place** This park is truly beautiful, with lush vegetation that delights the senses and creates a sense of quiet grandeur. A loved one first brought me here when I was about nine years old, and the memory has stayed with me ever since. Now that he's no longer with me, I find myself returning--not just to enjoy the scenery, but to remember the love he showed me by introducing me to places like this at such a young age. April is his birthday month, and I visited again just last week. I breathed in the scent of fresh lavender, sat in the sun over Easter weekend, and wandered the grounds at my own pace. Every moment of that solitude felt meaningful. Yes, this may sound a bit sentimental--but it really is that special. It's a beautiful place. read more
11 months ago
1 year ago
Great spot to enjoy the view! I would definitely recommend coming up here if you visit Ventura, it's a quick and easy drive up and there are a few great view points. On a Saturday evening there were several groups of kids blasting music and smoking, but hey, you've gotta have fun! Just be aware it may not be super serene depending on the crowd that is up there with you. Either way, still worth the visit! read more
2 years ago
2 years ago
7 years ago
5 years ago
Chill place to pull up and enjoy the view. Used to be a lot more trees and plants, widlfires have wiped a lot of that away. read more
10 years ago
Located in Ventura, CA, This place has become my favorite place to go to when I need time away from school. It has an awesome view of the Pacific Ocean, Channel Islands, Santa Monica Mountains, as well as downtown Ventura. There are plenty of hiking trails that take you all over and you can also relax and meditate as you take in the scenery. Most people start out at City Hall and hike up, but if you don't want to do that, you can drive all the way up to Serra Cross, which is the highest point you can drive to. From there, you get gorgeous views and you can optionally hike down or up. read more
The best view of Ventura and the place I run to when I can see it setting up to be a killer sunset. This park was a big part of my childhood with family picnics, and in high school a hot make out spot. One of my friends got married at the cross which is such a photogenic place. Every visiting friend or family tour starts with a drive up to this park. So much more has been added recently with the botanic garden trails, more view parking, and a general cleanup. After I get in better shape walking the beach flats, I head to these more challenging climbs and reward myself with a great view around each corner. read more
Great view from HIGH UP in the sky--worth the drive! Panoramic view of the coast and beautiful ventura. Don't drive up with any drugs or alcohol on you--lots of sharp turns and narrow lanes--you will need all your senses to handle your metal. At the top---WIND! People with kites, weddings, meetings, social groups. Parking is limited at the top, may have to grab a space on the road up. Says wild Bobcats can be present--Didn't see any. Maybe they mean a cat named Bob. read more
6 years ago
7 years ago
A mountain-side park offering fantastic vistas of the city of Ventura, the rugged islands of Channels Islands National Park, as well as the majestic Pacific Ocean. Photos: http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/BmAAa2NygMsZnNbk54YJAg?select=T4LXEKt4mEDKYtu6qSDRIQ Freeway close, easy access, no charge, and well worth a visit for that special photo op. Apparently it's a popular site for weddings throughout the year, too. read more
You want a bird's eye view of everything Ventura and the immediate areas have to offer? At no charge? Yep, this is your place. Forever I have just known it as "The Spot"...like most people who live in Ventura. As long as you plug your GPS in the first time you come up here you will have no issues coming up. Its literally a 5 minute drive from the center of downtown, but you couldn't feel farther away from civilization unless you went hiking. I would give it 5 stars, but there tends to be a crowd up here on weekends and unless you plan on getting drunk or high I wouldn't hang out here at night. But then again, if that's your thing then maybe this is your place!!! :0) read more
Grant Park is probably as good as it gets when it comes to the beautiful city of Ventura, CA. I had never actually ventured up here until my later years in high school, and I still to this day wonder what the heck took me so long. "The Cross," as we locals like to affectionately call it, boasts some of the most breathtaking views of the county's coastline and the city of Ventura that you will ever see. Guaranteed. On a clear and sunny day you can easily see 1-2 cities away... which is actually almost everyday. Yes, be jealous of our year-around near-perfect weather. Whether reading, hiking, flying remote control airplanes, or settling down for a nice family picnic, this park is a fantastic destination for just about any afternoon activity. I personally love to make a trek up here whenever I'm in town just to relax, clear my head, and catch some fresh air. It's also one of the few "must-view" places I bring my non-native friends to whenever they are visiting the area for the first time. Mark my words - I will get married here one day. It's utterly captivated my attention and affection. read more
Hands down my local favorite outdoor place. I have countless memories of my visits here starting from high school when my friends and I would ditch to come here for a picnic. Or after school to watch the sunset or even after hours when they close the gate. So many shenanigans. The great thing about this place is you have options. There's a trail so you can go mountain biking. There is also a hiking trail. It's called the Botanical Garden and it's a great addition to the area. You can park at the bottom behind the city hall and follow the trail to the top which totals to a mile. When I don't feel like driving to the PCH for a quick hike this is where I go instead. Three trips up and down is the best way to go. From the bottom to top is a mile so it works out perfectly. And of course there's the cross. It's the perfect place to watch the sunrise and sunset. There's no better place locally. This is it. Whenever I have friends and family from out of town visiting, this is always where I take them first. You can't beat the view. read more
My beautiful city, Ventura! Her charm is appealing to anyone who has stepped foot here! Grant Park is a known local spot typically referred to as "the cross" because of the huge cross it bears for the City. This has always been a great place for meditation, a place of peace where one can reflect on life more clearly. But, BEWARE, there are mountain lions that roam around from dusk til dawn...so keep that in mind when selecting a time. I used to run up the hill with Adventure Boot Camp and then eventually ventured off on my own to an even higher spot that I named "Hamburger Hill" due to the intense incline of the hill itself. I've conquered it many times and so can you...carry some mace or a tazer... Hold up-is that even legal? ;0) Better stick with a club, just in case. ;0) At the very top, the view is even more breath-taking than the one you can drive to. ;0) Reviewed by Yvette L Brownstone of Ventura, CA read more
A great place to go when you want the big view. The whole experience is improving all the time, as the botanical garden keeps growing. This once neglected part of Ventura is becoming a great place for hiking, picnics and just hanging out. read more
14 years ago
A lovely place to visit. I have been to Ventura a zillion times and never knew grants park existed. Tucked away on the counties skinniest road named Brakey you will find beautiful places to walk, hike, fly r/c planes, reflect, relax and picnic. The Serra Cross Park has the most amazing 360 degree view. A park not to dissapoint. The cross itself stands alone and speaks volumes. The landscaping is lovely. Views are amazing. I highly recommend to anyone who has not been to this park to make a visit. read more
5 years ago
Beautiful view!! I went last Saturday on my birthday with my family for a late lunch and to watch the sunset read more
Always beautiful and still is! So glad it remains as majestic as always. Visiting this place on Easter Sunday made it even more special to me but the view never changes. It was a touch cold there today so bring a sweater. Seagulls like to eat your food but it is very bad for them....don't feed them. Many people like to have picnics up there so go early if that is what you want, otherwise anytime is just gorgeous l!! read more
7 years ago
8 years ago
12 years ago
I love this place! It has fabulous views of the ocean, ventura city and harbors, and agricultural lands. I visited here on December 28, 2013. The Cross for me represents peace and hope. There are a few picnic tables, but the grass is watered frequently so you can also have a picnic on the nice green grass too. Flowers and cacti were added to make the spot serene and beautiful. It was a clear view from all over. Roses were also in bloom, and a purple flowering plant that looked similar to lavender. We even spotted a tree decorated for the holidays with tinsel and balls. I had been up here before in 2011, but it seems like they added even more hiking trails throughout the mountain hills. It is a must see attraction if you have some time in Ventura. It is where the locals go to escape. Just look for the small signs near the city hall to direct you up there. read more
11 years ago
It's such a great place to just sit and look at the view or walk and stuff. I actually like this place a lot and find it relaxing and peaceful. read more
11 years ago
As a visitor, you can't get too many sunset venues in Ventura. Our host drove up the hills to watch the sunset by the cross. The view offers a different perspective of the ocean and pier. My preference is to be by the water, but this was dramatic too and great people watching. They are building a botanical garden and there are many hiking trails but we generally stick to the beach for our walks. read more
11 years ago
Whenever I'm road tripping and see a chance to travel up in elevation, I always take it. The views in the end are totally worth it. Don't mind the huge mountain lion/bobcat warning sign about halfway up (I mean yes, be aware of it but don't let it scare you). Once you get to the top, you get an amazing view of Ventura and the beach/ocean. Sunsets I'm sure are particularly impressive up here. read more
12 years ago
This park always will hold a special spot in my heart.. I have done a lot of "me" time there... great place to clear your mind. It's beautiful there, always but on a clear day you can see the islands! read more
8 years ago
9 years ago
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Ask the Community - Grant Park
Where can we het permission to host a wedding ceremony?
You need to get a special events permit application from the City of Ventura per google.
Does anyone know if Grant Park/Serra Cross Park is open currently (June 2018) following the Thomas Fire?
I went yesterday (July 15) and it was closed due to fire
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Grant Park - parks - Updated August 2026
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