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Ventura Travel Information
Ventura Pier and Beach

Ventura, named in Spanish as good fortune, is a beautiful seaside city with spectacular beaches and beach hotels such as Crowne Plaza Hotel Ventura Beach and Four Points by Sheraton in the Ventura Harbor. While some are captured by the historic charm of Pierpont hotel, sitting atop a hill overlooking the bay, others opt for Ventura's affordable accommodations when attending concerts, plays, weddings and special events. We like to go to Ventura for overnight and weekend escapes for two reasons. It is close to Los Angeles, and its cultural offerings and cuisine make this beach city a true escape from the rat race.

Booking a hotel room and getting settled in, then you begin to contemplate the countless options for dining. One that I never tire of is the Greek at the Harbor, billed as Ventura's only waterfront restaurant. The views of the boats in the harbor are restfull, but the action inside the place sizzles. Many nights you'll see the handsome Greek gents do some fancy tricks balancing wine glasses on their heads while they dance. Bellydancers often make an appearance as well. The entertainment is fun, but I go for the food. Though it is huge, the Family Style Five Course Lunch offers everything you miss if you don't live near a quality Greek restaurant such as this. Cold Sampler (six cold dips) with pita, flaming Saganaki cheese, Greek Salad, Calamari, Chicken Kebobs on rice, Lamb Chops on Macedonia Garlic Pasta, and more food means you'll be taking some back to the hotel. After getting my fill of Greek, I always like to stop by and get a soda and home cooking at the Busy Bee Cafe, a roll back to the 60's with red checkered accents and vinyl booths, a cafe counter, and jukebox tunes. Then there's J's Tapas and rose infused martinis. There are many more options for dining, so don't be shy about getting out of your love nest and exploring when you stay in Ventura.

For outdoor activities and sports, you can surf, swim, and take a trip the Channel Islands. Just off shore of the Ventura harbor within view, and an hour by boat, you'll see a series of islands called the Channel Islands. Each island is a gem to visit and enjoy for its rugged, natural state. The day trips are booked through islandpackers.com, and offer a chance to see several of the rustic islands. If you don't like bugs, stay away from Anacapa. There are lots of small bugs that land on you, and you have to keep moving.

In town and dressed to kill, attend a performing arts event such as a concert or play. Cultural and city endeavors include an impressive art scene with cutting edge art from locals who find inspiration near the sea. Even at the Ventura Mission you'll find the Spanish style architecture and touches offer a unique, artistic look at the past, which can also be evidenced in the Ventura Court House. This is where the famed writer of mystery novels got inspiration. You can almost feel it as you wander the halls of the pristine, well-preserved building. Beware of the parking meter cops, however! Parking meters that abound run out, and you'll have a ticket it less than 10 minutes. The city is extremely agressive in its ticketing efforts, or at least it was on my visit. You don't feel like such good fortunue after you're issued a fine of over $30 for letting time slip as you spend your money in town. That's just the down side of a perfect trip for those who don't pay attention.

It's hard not to fall under the spell of this charming, alluring city of good fortune. Once you visit you'll discover a little bit of cosmopolitan L.A., combined with the country ways. Business leaders, celebrities and vacationers come to Ventura to slow down a bit, to sample boutique wines, enjoy the gourmet or mom & pop diners, and to enjoy all of it to the backdrop of the Pacific.

In addition to beautiful beaches, surfing, the famed Yellow Umbrellas you can rent on the sand in the summer, the Ventura pier with is laid back style and great restaurant offers the true flavor of a local hangout. Surfboards hang on walls that measure time by the tides. Seafood dining downstairs and a mellow bar that still serves drink specials such as mai tais with sunset views, make for a great way to unwind from a hard day of sunbathing.

If you zip by on Highway 101 and don't stop in Ventura, you're missing so much!
 

Ventura Hotels Offer Beach Vacations | Central Coast California Wine Region


Hotels > California Hotels > Central Coast Hotels :

Best Western Inn Of Ventura
708 E Thompson Boulevard
Ventura, CA 93001

2 Star

This Ventura hotel offers guests everything you need while traveling with close access to Southern California area attractions. Conveniently located in the heart of Ventura, California, the Best Western Inn of Ventura offers all of the amenities to ensure guests have a comfortable and enjoyable stay. Hotel guests will have easy access to Seaside P


Cliff House Inn
6602 Old Pacific Coast Hwy
Ventura, CA 93001-9704

2 Star

Situated on the surf between Santa Barbara and Ventura, the Cliff House Inn is a popular spot for beach lovers and world travelers. There are only a handful of properties right on the surf and he Cliff House is one of them. The inn provides endless ocean and pool views from every room. One can hear the crashing surf and explore tidepools at low tid


Clocktower Inn
185 East Santa Clara Street
Ventura, CA 93001

2 Star

In 1985, San Francisco Bay area designer Tom Brooks was commissioned to create an Inn from the existing structure of an Historic 1940?s California-Spanish style Firehouse and Clocktower. Focusing on the Spanish influences predominant in the American Southwest, he transformed the main hall of the Firehouse into a comfortable lobby with fibre wall h


Comfort Inn Ventura Beach
2094 East Harbor Blvd
Ventura, CA 93001

2 Star

The Comfort Inn Ventura Beach is by Ventura state beach park and pier. The hotel is minutes away from the ventura county fairgrounds at seasinde park. Ventura harbor village, San Buena Ventura missiona and historic downtown Ventura with its museums and art galleries. A wide variety of restaurants and lounges nearby and premium outlet shopping. Near


Country Inn & Suites By Carlson Ventura
298 CHESTNUT STREET
Ventura, CA 93001

3 Star

The Country Inn & Suites by Carlson, Ventura is located on scenic Highway 101 in the heart of beautiful Ventura. The hotel offers well appointed oversized guest rooms some with Fireplace, an outdoor heated pool and spa. A Footbridge takes guests to the Beach and Shopping, Restaurants and Theaters are all nearby. A Complimentary Hot Breakfast is ser


Crowne Plaza Hotel VENTURA BEACH
450 EAST HARBOR BOULEVARD
Ventura, CA 93001

3 Star

Hotel's Location in Ventura, CA Unmatched With a spectacular beachfront, an array of culinary delights and just the right blend of casual and cool, Ventura is a great destination for business or pleasure. The Crowne Plaza Hotel Ventura Beach is the only hotel on the beach and just two blocks from historic downtown Ventura, making it easy for guests


Crystal Lodge Motel
1787 East Thompson Blvd
Ventura, CA 93001

3 Star

Centrally Located Between Los Angeles, Santa Barbara and Santa Clarita and Minutes from SOUTHERN CA BEST BEACHES, Including Ventura City Beach and Pier, San Buenaventura, South Jetty, and Mandalay Beaches. The Perfect Location for Budget Minded Guest Looking for a COMFORTABLE ROOM AT A COMFORTABLE PRICE. The Owner Takes Pride in Providing Clean,


Four Points by Sheraton Ventura Harbor
1050 Schooner Drive
Ventura, CA 93001

3 Star

Prime Location. The only full service hotel on the Ventura Harbor, the Four Points by Sheraton Ventura Harbor is nestled on over 10 acres of prime coastal land along California’s Gold Coast. Located less than an hour north of Los Angeles and less than 30 minutes south of Santa Barbara, we're an ideal choice for California dreamers. An American Be


Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites VENTURA HARBOR
1080 NAVIGATOR DR.
Ventura, CA 93001

2 Star

Welcome to the newly designed Holiday Inn Express Hotels & Suites Ventura Harbor . Once you visit you'll dream of coming back! Rejuvenate yourself on our breathtaking coastline views, attentive staff with an 'at your service' attitude & wide array of amenities for your comfort and enjoyment. Nestled between Majestic Mountain Ranges and the Sparklin


Holiday Inn VENTURA BEACH
450 E HARBOR BLVD
Ventura, CA 93001

3 Star

The Holiday Inn Hotel is currently undergoing a multi-million dollar renovation, all new guest rooms, public spaces and more! Call for information! We have it all! Year-round sunshine, miles of clean uncrowded beaches, the magnificent Channel Islands National Park on the horizon and at the center of it all, right at the water's edge is the Holida


La Quinta Inn Ventura
5818 Valentine Rd.
Ventura, CA 93003

3 Star

The La Quinta Inn Ventura is just minutes from the County Government Center, Ventura College, the Fair Grounds, downtown Ventura, and the city's pristine beaches. We are only a few miles from most attractions including Grant Park, Lookout Point, the Channel Island Visitors Center, Ventura State Beach and Pier, the Harbor and Ventura Island, Packers


The Pierpont Inn and Spa
550 San Jon Road
Ventura, CA 93001

3 Star

With sweeping panoramas of the Pacific Ocean and cozy craftsman-style architecture, this 77-room historic hotel is situated on a bluff overlooking the ocean surrounded by lush landscaping. The Pierpont Inn is located within walking distance of historic Downtown Ventura and the San Buenaventura Mission, located just 58 miles from Los Angeles. Guestr


Vagabond Inn Ventura
756 East Thompson Boulevard
Ventura, CA 93001

2 Star

Also within a few miles is Downtown Los Angeles, Staples Center, LA Convention Center, Garment District and the Museum of Natural History, among other points of interest. Disneyland and Knott's Berry Farm are just 25 miles away. Beachfront - More than a sleepy beach town, Ventura is accessible from 3 hig


Ventura Beach Marriott
2055 East Harbor Boulevard
Ventura, CA 93001

3 Star

Experience the true California spirit of Ventura Beach and the gracious hospitality and inviting accommodations of the Ventura Beach Marriott. With uncrowded beaches, harbor cruises, whale watching, culture, intriguing history, festive shops and many dining and entertainment options all nearby, guests will have endless fun discovering Ventura Count


Viking Motel
2107 Thompson Blvd
Ventura, CA 93001

3 Star

Ideally situated just one-half mile from the beach in Ventura, this locally owned and operated motel in southern California offers a great location as well as comfortable rooms with kitchenettes. Viking Motel features apartment-size rooms filled with contemporary amenities. Guests will enjoy large-screen plasma TVs with high-definition channels and



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Ventura


Ventura Hotel Chains
Best Western
Comfort Inns
Country Inns & Suites
Crowne Plaza
Four Points by Sheraton
Holiday Inn
Holiday Inn Express
InnLink Inns
La Quinta
Marriott Hotels, Resorts, and Suites
ReservHOTELs
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