If you're looking for indoor activities in Ventura, the Museum of Ventura County (venturamuseum.org) is a great way to enjoy some time away from the elements. The museum's mission is to preserve and showcase art, history and the culture of the people of Ventura County. The museum has a diverse collection of artwork, as well as historical artifacts that celebrate the people who have lived in and around Ventura County for hundreds of years. Special exhibits rotate through the museum throughout the year.
The Robert J. Lagomarsino Visitor Center at Channel Islands National Park (nps.gov/chis) is located in Ventura Harbor. While Channel Islands National Park offers a wide array of outdoor activities, the visitor center is an indoor venue where you can spend some quality time. Browse the bookstore or view exhibits that showcase the marine life in and around the Channel Islands. In the center's auditorium, visitors can enjoy a movie, "A Treasure in the Sea," that runs throughout the day.
The Pacific View Mall in Ventura offers shopping and dining in abundance. It features more than 100 stores, restaurants and cafes -- something for almost every taste and preference. The Pacific View Mall is anchored by large department stores: Macy's, Target, Sears and JC Penney. There are also more than 20 restaurants around the mall to feed hungry shoppers after a long day on their feet, including Red Robin, California Pizza Kitchen, Great Wall Mongolian BBQ and Charlie's Grilled Subs.
Whether people are looking to get out of the rain or escape oppressive heat, movie theaters have always been a popular way to occupy time indoors. What better place to see a movie than in a movie theater in Southern California, the home of Hollywood? The Regency Theatres Buenaventura features movies after they've debuted at first-run engagements and offers bargain prices for all showings. The theater is accessible for the handicapped, and there's a game room on the premises.
