The places to shop down on main have never disappointed, from antique stores to trinket shops, well…read moreknown brands and a few local ones in between, I always leave with a bag full of goodies. They also have cute coffee shops and cafes throughout main street and full on restaurants too!! (some of them have gluten free and vegan options, just read the menu) Parking: free public parking spots around downtown, some pay to park on the street closer to main. They also have free events throughout the year, farmers markets, car shows and more.

Ending our weekend getaway, we took a stroll down Main Street in Downtown Ventura to do a little…read moreshopping. On a Sunday most stores open at 11am. So, it's best to grab brunch or visit nearby sites like Serra Cross or the Ventura Pier before you shop. There are free parking lots in the area, but by the time we headed over around 11:30 am, all the free spots were taken, so we used the metered parking which was pretty reasonable. Mission San Buenaventura is located on Main Street and offers services. The church is beautiful and Sunday service was very well attended. You'll also find many thrift and antique stores with reasonable prices. I loved that Main Street included a variety of stores and restaurants without including the cheesy and touristy gift shops. We had an enjoyable lunch at Immigrant Son caffe, purchased some sodas at a really cool candy store called Rocket Fizz and visited Very Ventura, a gift shop with a nice collection of Ventura related gifts. I purchased some stickers for my Yeti and a hat.

We were so fortunate to visit the Gardens during their wonderful hummer exhibition. Hummingbirds…read moreand informative displays are located throughout the Garden. There are new paths to explore, interesting displays to enjoy and of course, the amazing views when you get to the top. Benches are strategically placed throughout the Garden for rest if needed, shade if desired and simply to enjoy the moment. Bring water as you'll be glad you did on these warm days. Remember to wear your sunscreen and enjoy. Ample free parking in the lot out front.

Heads up to local seniors who may want to build up their aerobic fitness in the foothills above…read moreVentura Harbor with a perfectly maintained path, gentle rise, and fabulous scenery. For a $45/year membership you can train all year on a 2.5 mile loop through the plants native to Chili, South Africa, Mediterranean, Australia and CA with blooms that change through the seasons. There's no gym that can provide the meditative immersion in nature that the botanical garden gives you. The path's surface is amenable to walkers. There's only an outhouse -so that may be a problem. Coming from out of town? Got children? Perfect place to take them for breathtaking views of the harbor, fun exhibits (like the one on hummingbirds going on now) and a place to eat your bagged lunch. Kids under 18 free. Adults $7 without a membership.

This is definitely not the most modern or luxurious place, but for a motel in the city center at an…read moreaffordable price, it's actually quite good. The room was very spacious, although it could use a bit more natural light. One thing that pleasantly surprised me was how clean everything was. The room had no unpleasant odors, which is always a big plus. The gentleman at the front desk was very friendly, professional, and made me feel welcome from the moment I arrived. Overall, I had a good stay. The only downside is that many things in the room feel outdated, including the air conditioner, carpet, and bathroom door. Some renovations and updates to at least a portion of the rooms would make a noticeable difference. Still, considering the price and location, this motel offers good value for money.

So, this Motel was the first of 3 establishments we stayed at during our trek up the PCH. The first…read morething I noticed when we arrived was the outstanding dining area for breakfast. The other only dining location that was better than this one was a hotel we stayed at in Dubai. My wife had requested a 2nd floor unit because we wanted a kitchenette but initially they put us in a ground level unit. The gentleman at the check in desk was more than happy to give us a 2nd floor unit with a kitchenette since it was there mistake. The room was very spacious and the kitchenette was awesome. The neighborhood is a bit sketchy as described in other reviews but we had no issues at all. This establishment is near restaurants, shopping, and grocery stores so you can pretty much get anything you need. I was also very impressed with the Ice Machine, you have to actually use your key card in the machine to get Ice. There is a CVS across the street and please be advised there are railroad tracks about 100 yards from the motel. Traffic could be a slight issue because actual freight trains do come through the area. Eat, Drink, and Be Merry, my Friends!!!

I've been visiting Oxnard PACC twice a year for 20+ years minus Covid-19 time…read more Great venue, parking is suitable. Bathrooms are good , and the staff are always friendly and easy to work it.

Took my mom to the Mother's Day Mariachi Festival. The performances and music were great, and we…read morereally enjoyed the atmosphere. Unfortunately, the sound system was terrible, which made it hard to fully enjoy the event. That's the main reason for my low score.

I had a real good experience here a few weeks ago. I was out on a long run/walk in the morning and…read morerealized my water bottle had slipped out somewhere. I didn't have my phone or wallet with me, but went into Tree Lounge and asked the young barista if he wouldn't mind giving me a water cup. He was such a friendly guy, helping me like I was a paying customer. He didn't have to be as accommodating! I went back after my run to thank him, and get a cup of coffee. I'll definitely keep coming in when I get to Camarillo, as I often do. I'll also check out the gallery and performances!

Pretty frustrating experience this morning. My wife put in a door dash order for my favorite coffee…read morelast night for my birthday. It was set to be delivered this morning. Order went through no problem. Trouble started this morning when my wife received a message from the driver that Tree Lounge doesn't have the order (first screenshot). My wife looks and sees she received a cancellation text for the order 1 minute after the driver's message (second screenshot). From the outside this looks like the driver walked in, asked for the order, they said they didn't have it and then cancelled it. So, my wife called Tree Lounge to see what is going on and was told that they cancelled the order because they were "in the middle of their rush". It's easy to see how poorly this situation was handled in general, but also clear no one checked online orders to prep the work for the morning. This order shouldn't be a surprise and the choice to just blind cancel it instead of making it because of what equates to "we're busy" is pretty bad. Takes a lot for me to leave a review. If you don't want to process online order during your rush then set those hours up in door dash. If you screwed up and just didn't check your online orders in the morning, then just make the drink as the next up order. I'm happy to discuss the situation - Tree Lounge, feel free to reach out to me.

We stumbled upon Mission Basilica San Buenaventura by chance and didn't even realize it was right…read morein downtown Ventura! Unfortunately, we didn't have time to see the whole place, but we did get to step inside the church, and it was absolutely beautiful -- peaceful, historic, and full of charm. We're definitely planning to come back to tour the entire mission next time. A lovely hidden gem in the heart of Ventura!

First time actually checking out VTA properly and had to make a stop at the Mission, which is…read moreprobably the most OG thing in the city. It is a bit whitewashed (real talk: The Chumash were not as happy as portrayed) but regardless, it is a part of California history, and I respect that. I visit cathedrals/churches/missions whenever I travel internationally (Mexico, China, and Italy already this year), and would place the historical significance of the Missions near the top of any global list. $8 at the door, and worth it, if for nothing else, the peacefulness and tranquility...

It's been almost a decade since I've been to the library. This library is spacious, clean, and…read moreorganized. The circulation desk staff helped me to obtain my library card and answered any questions I had about the library. You no longer pay any overdue/late fees if you're late retuning your book. You only pay if you lose or damage a book. There's an online collection of books, which your library card number and PIN (last 4 digits of your phone number) is the key to opening. You can read a novel on your phone if you decide to use the online collection. If someone has checked out a book either online or physically, you can place a hold on it for whenever it's returned. I placed a hold on a couple of physical books, got an email that they were ready to be picked up, and they scanned my library card and handed me the books. It's just an incredibly easy process. I'm also reading a book online from their digital collection. I feel incredibly foolish not having taken advantage of the library in years! There's free WIFI, plenty of events for kids and adults alike in the library (check the flyers in the library or go online), and the staff are incredibly friendly and helpful in helping you find what you need and explaining what the library has to offer. The only bummer is that the library is closed on Fridays and Sundays, but you have 5 other days to make use of the library's free resources!

Very inviting staff upon entry. Large kid's section on the ground floor, along with audiobooks…read more Upstairs is everything else. The graphic novel section is about a fifth of our Fresno Library's size, but do appreciate that they have one.

Interesting little spot under the freeway…read more There are plenty of neat art pieces, murals, etc. Showing the area's history and heritage. There is art of both sides of the street. We were walking around checking out the town and stumbled across it, but it is not on the main street with shops so I am not sure how many people will see this location. It is worth a visit to check out the art. Enjoy my photos.

It's a beautiful set up. Nice to see not everyone has forgotten their history. Enjoyed the…read moreatmosphere and friendly people. Nice little restaurants in the area.

Bells Art Factory is one of Ventura's true gems. Located in a beautifully repurposed former…read moremattress factory, this nonprofit community arts center is deeply rooted in creativity, accessibility, and community care. The space is home to 30+ local artists working in painting, ceramics, photography, jewelry, and more. In addition to artist studios, Bells offers youth art classes, artist-led workshops, and cultural programming including Ballet Folklórico, Aztec Dance, and yoga (Monday-Friday) with a suggested donation, making wellness and movement accessible to everyone. I've personally attended donation-based sound baths and their Día de Muertos event, and both were thoughtfully organized, welcoming, and grounded in community and cultural respect. The value here is undeniable. You are getting high-quality programming, meaningful cultural experiences, and direct support of local artists and educators, all without high price barriers. Parking is available in a small lot on site, though spaces are limited. Street parking is also available in the surrounding neighborhood. They also host First Fridays, which are always a great way to experience the space, meet artists, and support local creativity. Everything here feels intentional and community-driven. If you're looking for an affordable, enriching space that truly invests back into the community, Bells Art Factory is absolutely worth visiting and donating to.

Checked out a free Zumba class tonight! I had a blast! It was only 45mins but I really got a…read moreworkout!! Lots of smiles and so much fun!!! I think they also offer free art classes. I had never been here before and I'm so happy my friend recommended this place. What an maxing community center. I was told there is a Day of the Dead event November 2,2023. Not sure if I will be able to make it but will try :)

My experience was five star because the ladies in the back room cataloging items and Steve, who…read morewelcomed us when we walked in the door, were super knowledgeable about the area and the changes going on in the museum. After COVID, most of the items were stored to be brought out later, sorted and cataloged. That's an ongoing, huge job. That's why some of the items now noted on the website are not in view-like the 3000 salt shakers and vintage produce boxes labels. But there are plenty of artifacts and storyboards left to find out about the cultural, agricultural, port/naval history and notable families who shaped the area. Hours are limited so check before you go. They also steered us to a reasonably priced, local favorite Mexican restaurant, Antonio's just a minute by car down the street.

I posted a Review on 04/14/2017.there are no updates as of now that I can share. Except that the…read moremuseum has a lengthy schedule of up-coming Events that will shed more light on activities available to the Public. If you're in the vicinity, drop by and meet Larry & Johnny. expand your culture. It will be well worth it.