Ventura Things to Do Tips by spgood301

Did you know that there's an arcade, in Ventura Harbor Village? Not one of those newfangled ones, with all the computer generated games. This one is "old school", with the carousel pictured here, lots of older (and by older, I mean 1980's) video games, & one of those doohickeys that tells what a great kisser you are (and, no, I didn't try it). One warning though: the machine where you shake the guys hand and it tells your personality...it doesn't work. I was out 50 cents heeeheeeeee

Stop by for some old fashioned family entertainment.

Leave a Comment

Address: Ventura Harbor Village
Directions: Off Spinnaker & Harbor Blvd.
Website: www.venturaharborvillage.com

This beautiful building, right in downtown Ventura, is still a working church. In fact, it hosted a wedding during our visit. No we weren't invited...a good thing considering how we were dressed!

It's such a joy that the Mission is still operational. To hear the churchbells chiming from this historic structure, especially signifying such a happy occasion, is quite a joy.

We weren't able to go inside because of the wedding. It's right in downtown Ventura-you can't miss it. Nor would you want to.

Leave a Comment

Address: 211 East Main Street

Like most coastal California towns, Ventura has it's own pier. It's not just a place to park your boat.

Originally built in 1872, the pier once served steamships and was a vital mode
of transportation in and out of Ventura. In the early days, getting in and out
of this harbor town was a challenge. With the advent of the pier and the
visiting steamships, the areas rich and abundant produce could make it off to
market. New settlers and their supplies also found it easier to boat in than to
go over the mountains.

The current wooden structure is 1958 feet long and is reputed to be the longest
in California. You will find rows of eager fishermen and women lined up with
their lines dropped over the rail. There are cleaning stations for those lucky
in the hunt.

The pier also sports a high end restaurant, a snack bar and a bait shop.

The weather along the California coast isn't always great, especially the first part of the day. Still, strolling along the pier in Ventura is quite fun and relaxing, no matter the weather.

BTW, many thanks to Keida84 for all the historical info on this tip.

Leave a Comment

Directions: Take the 101 to Seaward Avenue. Turn towards the ocean. Turn right onto Harbor
Blvd. There are two entrances to the State Park. Take the second one about a
about a half mile up on the left .

This is a small but interesting museum, right on Ventura's Main Street. See all sorts of historical artifacts from Ventura's past, some well preserved, some not so, & learn a bit about Ventura's history. While there, think about the people who were here before us too.

Admission's free, but a small donation is appreciated.

Leave a Comment

Phone: 805-648-5823
Address: 113 E. Main Street

It's so easy to forget that human history can be found beneath our feet, if we just dig for it a little. This archaeological site is right next to the Albinger Museum. Human history going back 3500 years has been unearthed and put on display for you, including the foundations to two buildings and the first church, going back to the late 18th century.

A informative site, right in downtown Ventura. Enter through the Albinger Archaeological Museum.

Leave a Comment

Phone: 805-648-5823
Address: 113 E. Main Street

This plaque is part of the archaeological dig next to the Albinger Museum. It has much more information, especially about the church who's foudation you'll see here. You probably can't get too much info from this picture, but when you stop by the museum, you'll get a real good idea of what this dig is all about, and a history of the Forgotten Church.

Leave a Comment

This is an old residence that's been restored for your pleasure. Now, the lowdown is that the mission is haunted. Whether you believe in ghosts is up to you, but it does give the mission that little extra something.

We were able to watch a 10 minute video, about the history of Spanish missions in California, and some of the people who settled the Golden State. I find that kind of thing very interesting...though please don't quiz me about the tape ;-)

Stop by this old Spanish mission for a little helping of history.

Leave a Comment

Phone: 805-644-4346
Address: 4200 Olivas Park Drive

Main Street is Ventura's, well, Main Street. If you're into antiquing, you're in luck. Main Street has a wealth of antique stores. Also buy clothes, grab a bite to eat or a cup of joe. It's also got a store specializing in Swiss Army knives.

Do some window shopping, meet your friends or just go for a stroll...all on Main Street.

Leave a Comment

Address: Main Street in Ventura

This monument on Main Street honors important people, influential in Ventura's history. Kat found a few of her people; in fact, I saw a few of my family names too, even though I'm not from there. Do you think they may be a distant relative? You never know.

Leave a Comment