Go whale watching in Channel Islands National Park, which also offers hiking, camping, diving, kayaking through sea caves and walks led by naturalists. 14 miles out to sea, Channel Islands National Park, established in 1980, is accessible only by park boats or planes and private boats. The visitor center in Ventura can help you plan a day trip or overnight camping. You can take a whale watching trip during gray whale season, which is December through April, or blue whale season, which is spring and summer.
Ventura's beaches attract sunbather, swimmers and surfers. The south-facing waterfront and breaks produce huge waves, but water is usually not warmer than 65, so wear a wet suit. Ventura's beaches stretch from Surfer's Point to Ventura Harbor. Three islands in Channel Islands National Park: Santa Cruz, Santa Rosa, and San Miguel, have remote surfing locations that can only be reached by private boat.
Ventura has a flat, family friendly 13 mile coastal bike way. You can also bike a rail trail from Ventura to Ojai, a 30 mile round trip bike ride. This ride is mostly flat and you can have lunch and rest in Ojai before you bike back. The rail trail, open dawn to dusk, prohibits motorized vehicles, so it is also a family friendly destination. Several companies in the area rent bikes, including children's bicycles and bike trailers.
The family friendly Ventura Harbor has a carousel and arcade. Rent kayaks or paddle boats here, take a harbor cruise, or go on a Scuba diving trip. Ventura Harbor Village has restaurants and shops, a Fisherman's Market where you can get fresh fish on Saturdays, and bars where you can enjoy the sunset. Walk along the promenade with an ice cream cone or sit down at one of over a dozen restaurants.
