Beyond the Spiral Hill
Things Jen & Sean Plan on Doing
Come join us!
Movie Night: The Nightmare Before Christmas
Join us for a showing of The Nightmare Before Christmas. Grab a chair and a blanket and settle in for a night in Halloween Town.
Potluck Camping Breakfast
We'll bring the eggs; you bring the add-ins and sides. Please bring enough to share a taste with everyone.
4th of July Weekend
Celebrate in Ventura
4th of July Street Fair & Pushem-Pullem Parade
A hometown parade down Main Street followed by a street fair with artisan vendors, food trucks, a car show, live music and a kids' area. The City says it's coming back in 2027; the date and times haven't been posted yet.
Ventura Rotary 4th of July Fireworks
Ventura's big Fourth of July fireworks show returns to Ventura College for 2027. Gates open at 5 PM, with fireworks around 9 PM. Ticket details haven't been posted yet.
Food & Drinks
Some of our favorite local spots
Allison's Country Cafe
A family-owned Ventura favorite since 1984. Don't leave without trying the buttermilk biscuits with their housemade raspberry jam. Gluten-free and vegetarian options too.
Snapper Jack's Taco Shack
Family-owned and serving street tacos and fresh seafood since 2000, and a past VCReporter pick for the county's best tacos. The patio is dog-friendly.
Transmission Brewing
A local craft brewery in Downtown Ventura's east end. Bring a pizza over from Toppers next door.
Toppers Pizza Place
A neighborhood pizza spot right next door to Transmission Brewing. Grab a pie and pair it with a pint.
More Things to Do in the Area
Make a trip out of it
Ventura River Trail & Ojai Valley Trail
A paved bike and walking path that begins at Casitas Vista Road. Head about 6 miles downhill to the beach in Ventura, or turn the other way and follow the Ojai Valley Trail up to downtown Ojai.
Ventura Pier & Promenade
Stroll the historic wooden pier, then follow the oceanfront promenade to Surfers Point, one of California's best-known surf spots. Promenade Park has restrooms, showers and picnic tables.
Channel Islands National Park
Island Packers runs day trips out to the islands for hiking, kayaking and snorkeling, plus wildlife cruises where whales and dolphins are common. Trips fill up on holiday weekends, so book early.
Ventura Harbor Village
A waterfront spot for seafood, shops and harbor views, with live music on many weekends. A nice place to wander before or after an island trip.
Mission Basilica San Buenaventura
Founded in 1782, the mission that gave Ventura its name. Visit the church, museum and garden through the gift shop, then explore the shops and restaurants along Main Street.
Ventura Botanical Gardens
Hillside gardens of plants from five Mediterranean climates, with sweeping views of the coast and the Channel Islands. Admission is free on Fridays.
Downtown Ventura Farmers' Market
Local fruit, flowers, baked goods and more. Easy to pair with breakfast downtown and a walk to the mission.
Even More Ideas from Visit Ventura
Ventura's visitor guide has plenty more, from beaches and surfing to shopping, food and nightlife.