1. Ventura Harbor

1. Ventura Harbor

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Ventura, CA

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Ventura Harbor

4.2 (20 reviews)

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Beautiful views here!
Shayla B.

The Ventura Harbor is so charming. Whether you decide to come during the day or during the night, the views of the harbor are truly beautiful. It's not as bustling of an area as Santa Barbara, but that's what makes it even that much more enjoyable. There's this peacefulness here that makes the walks so pleasurable. The perfect spot for a walk, a picnic, sunrise, and sunset. A wonderful place to sip on some coffee, tea, or hot cocoa whilst admiring the many boats that are docked on the harbor. You've got the village nearby with various little shops and restaurants to check out, and the beach is literally just steps away. This is also the hub for cruises to Channel Islands National Park as the entrance to the boats dock right at the end of the harbor. There's plenty of parking and a good amount of green space too. Lots of locals like to get their runs and bike rides here too. I loved exploring this area of Ventura and I can't wait to get back here to experience another pretty sunset. There's nothing like that local city charm, and the Ventura harbor has got it.

Dragon boat rental
Debra R.

I love this place.From the restaurants, the Ventura view, and the harbor walkway, there is so much more. Access to the beach, the Channel Islands National Park, hotels,and Island Packers for island access for a few other ideas. There is ample parking and island views. If you are in Ventura, this is a must.

Sunset :)
Sanaz S.

I love Ventura for so many reasons. It's not as busy nor pretentious as OC beaches. It's abundant with beautiful, produce laden land of California's central coast. It's close enough to Santa Barbara or LA. But mainly, it's the peacefulness of this area that I love. Sure, it can get busy on weekends and especially over summer with the fair happening. But overall, Ventura harbor is a down to earth beach town that's very casual and mellow. Makes my Cali-raised self quite content being here. But don't tell too many people about this ocean side gem, because then the secret on this quiet, great little harbor will get out. :)

Lianne K.

We were on the inland side of the harbor yesterday, trying Rhumb Line Restaurant. We usually go the Ventura Harbor Village, but wanted to try a different perspective. The harbor holds many memories for me, from tourist cruises, to attending the holiday boat parade for a number of years, to visiting the tall ships, to walking along the shore, viewing the variety of boats. There's always a mix of pleasure craft with serious fishing boats. Dear Hubby was saying how squid fishing is a big factor now, with exports to Asia driving the economic bus. Yesterday we saw a number of small sailboats coming in, as though a regatta had been held outside the breakwater. Some were being towed in, as the winds were calm at that hour. A colony of sea lions had appropriated the end of one of the docks the last time we took the harbor cruise. They made it their own! Great place to visit with kids. Free parking in many areas.

Boat rentals very fun!!!
Lina T.

My kids took me here for my birthday, there are many things to do for a day trip, or spend a few days! Margaritavile is a must stop!!!!

Jared N.

I have been coming to the Ventura Harbor since I was a kid. My mom and I would drive to Ventura to visit my aunt and we would always make a stop at the Harbor. We would park down at one end and walk to the other end and back. Sometimes we would look in some of the little shops just to see what they had. T-shirts, hand painted shells and vintage clothing were and are common goods you can buy. We would eat up stairs at the Hornblower restaurant that is no longer there. There is a little ice cream parlor that is still at the harbor and is still good. It is always nice to walk along the waters edge with your cone and look at all the boats. Sail boats. Fishing boats. Paddle boats. Kayaks. So many varieties to see. Plus there is always some sort of sea life. I have seen crabs, clams, octopus, star fish, pelicans and seagulls. To go back there as an adult brings back some good memories. To spend an afternoon there with my mom again was even better. This harbor is still packed full of boats. The sea life is still there. The bushes have grown up a lot so the crabs are harder to see. But people still hang out and shop. They leave for area tour cruises and rent kayaks. It is a fun place to visit and when you are done here, walk across the street and hit the beach. It is right there afterall.

Always good to know where the restrooms are, and they do have many.
Julian D.

I am literally giving Ventura Harbor an extra star or point due to its proximity being in Ventura. There are some pros & cons to this Marina Village compared to so many others. The pros include being located next to the quaint town of Ventura, the quiet Harbor, well manicured grounds, fun small-water activities to do, free parking and some nice restaurants & bars. The cons include, though a pretty marina, it lacks that gorgeous ocean view many have as you walk around. Most the boats you see close by are all fishing trollers, so not the most appealing to the eye as a bunch of yachts most marina's have as well. The arcade is a let down and the gift stores are your filled with your usual tourist nick-knacks. However, again, it's Ventura! The sweet sea breeze, the green hills in the distance, a great ice cream shop and the flags out everywhere for the summer holidays, are all well worth the stop in without a doubt.

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Review Highlights - Ventura Harbor

Access to the beach, the Channel Islands National Park, hotels,and Island Packers for island access for a few other ideas.

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Island Packer Cruises

Island Packer Cruises

4.5
(428 reviews)
0.5 mi

This was an amazing ferry and crew! Laura, Marc, Danny and Felisha were listed as crew. We stopped…read moreonce on the way to Santa Cruz Island as we saw a breach whale. Amazing to witness. Santa Cruz Island was beautiful. The air here is pristine. I felt sick when I woke up with a headache and a little weird on the ship but the second I stepped onto that island the fresh air took me to 100%, and I was totally fine on the way back. We hiked the trail to the right as you get off and had amazing views at the top. Unfortunately it was difficult to get a reservation to be able to go, stay a few hours and leave on another ship. Everything was booked like 2 weeks out. The only availability was a boat in that arrived late because we stopped for the whale (worth it!) at 3:45, and we had to board to get back on at 4:30. Wish we had more time, but it was worth the trip. They must be a popular ferry because it's difficult to book what you want unless you book way in advance. The ferry stopped again on the way back to Ventura to pick up a balloon so the dolphins don't eat it, and when we took off again a pod of dolphins were surfing in the waves from our boat... SO COOL!!! Some of them right next to the boat. We would definitely use this company again, maybe book in advance next time we travel here, but we would try to see another island next time. An excellent experience.

What a wonderful and exciting excursion to the channel island national park!…read more Island Packers is the best and reliable way to get to your channel island destination! The ride was fairly calm getting to and from the island. Felt like we were in great hands the entire time. The ship is clean and well stocked with snacks and drinks for your purchase. They also seem to be very knowledgeable when it comes to the rare whale sightings that can happen. We got lucky when the Captain saw some whale activity near by and slowed down to show us. He dropped a lot of knowledge about the animals and their habits etc. So we scored a surprise marine life lesson too! Thank you! Island Packers also do whale watching excursions btw. Overall: I would and absolutely recommend Island Packers for your visit to Channel island national park or anything else they provide! Super friendly and professional service all the way.

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@ Island Packers - 11/11/24
@ Island Packers - 11/11/24
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Proud raven
Disembarking at the Scorpion Ranch landing

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Disembarking at the Scorpion Ranch landing

Ventura Harbor - boating - Updated July 2026

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