As a nanny and a self-proclaimed hiking queen, Arroyo Verde Park has been one of my go-to outdoor…read morespots for about five years now. I've spent countless mornings and afternoons here hiking, clearing my head, and getting a great workout in while still enjoying nature. The trails are well maintained with multiple options, so you can keep it light or make it more challenging depending on your mood. The views are beautiful, especially in the early morning or at sunset, and it never feels overly crowded. It has a calm, local Ventura vibe that I really appreciate. I've also brought kids I nanny here for walks and fresh air (sticking to the easier areas), and it's such a great space to reset. One thing to note: when it's hot, be cautious of snakes on the trails--proper shoes and awareness are important. If you're looking for a reliable, scenic place to hike in Ventura that locals truly love, Arroyo Verde Park is a must.

Positives: lots of trails and grassy areas that are wonderful when it's cooler or in the evenings…read more Picnic spots to eat and great views of the ocean when hiking. Lots of parking. Negatives: So many dog owners are complacent about their dogs here- they let them roam around and poop wherever and don't pick it up! It's ridiculous. I'm a dog owner myself and used to let my little dog off leash here occasionally, but after realizing there is a lot of unpredictable behavior from dogs and their owners, I don't bring her here that often anymore (unless there are not that many people)! So use caution when bringing your dog / dogs here. Trails can get super hot. Bring lots of water!

I really loved this National Park! Not too far from LA in Ventura and you have to take a ferry to…read moreget to it. Your America the Beautiful Pass does not work for the ferry. We went in January so the greenery was still that winter brown but it was not very busy which is nice. We decided to do a kayaking tour with the Santa Barbara Adventure Group so they booked our ferry times for us. Beware of the specific ferry times cause if you miss it your S.O.O.L After the kayaking tour we got to walk a little bit around parts of the island before heading to the ferry. On the way home on the ferry we say killer whales which was truly mesmerizing! One of the best things I've ever seen.

We visited the Channel Islands National Park Visitor Center and we definitely weren't disappointed!…read moreThere was so much for our nine-year-old to enjoy. He received a Junior Ranger packet with activities to complete, and once he finished, he was officially sworn in as a Junior Ranger. He even got a little wooden badge, which was such a cute touch! The visitor center is also in a great location, right by the Ventura Harbor, with plenty of places to grab ice cream, eat, or do a little shopping. The whole area was clean, nice, and easy to walk around. Such a fun and family-friendly stop, especially if you have kids who love adventures and earning Junior Ranger badges!

Grant Park in Santa Barbara is seriously so pretty The views of the coastline are amazing and it's…read moresuch a great spot to just stop and take everything in. At the top there's a big cross that makes it feel really peaceful and kind of special. There are also a few different trails you can walk, some easy, some a bit more of a hike, plus little fun details along the way like bird statues. It's a great place whether you want to hike, chill, or just enjoy the view. Super relaxing overall and definitely worth checking out if you're in Santa Barbara

Dear Hubby and I took a drive out to Ventura for my birthday, which happened to be mid-week this…read moreyear. Big hooray - it was sunny; no fog in sight. It was on the coolish side, but the abundance of sunshine made it seem warmer. We had an early dinner down on Main Street. Where we parked there was a sign indicating that the eastern entrance to Grant Park was nearby. We had been up there perhaps only once in the past, and we'd gone in from the west. The drive up in the late afternoon / early evening had the golden glow magic to it. The light was amazing! I was driving and marveling at every twist and turn on the roadway while ascending the hills. The wildflowers and green groundcover from winter's rains made the scenery even more breathtaking than it might be when the grasses start to turn golden instead of green. I was able to drive all the way to the top parking lot, which overlooks the Serra Cross, and the entire Ventura coastline. The view encompasses the pier, the harbor, then beyond out to Channel Islands Harbor, Port Hueneme, and the western edge of the Santa Monica Mountains. It solidified my feelings in that moment of gratitude for enjoying life in Ventura County for the past 40 years. A gorgeous view on a clear day can do that for a person. When a sunny day happens, and the winds are calm, I can recommend taking a drive up to the top of Grant Park to make some of your daily cares seem very small. Looking down on the city / county from on high helped lift my spirits and added joy to my birthday celebrations.

Important landmark (unofficial?) of Ventura…read more PROS--Arguably the best views of Ventura, to Oxnard, and all the way down to Port Hueneme on a clear day. Great views of the Channel Islands, and the beaches. The hike really isn't too bad. You can also turn around and see the untouched local mountains as far back as Ojai. CONS--The days of hiking up without a problem are over. The Sheriff and VPD have stepped up enforcement of the area. You'll probably get a ticket. Yes, there are other routes up there aside from the popular ones, but it will take you longer. I can understand property owners being upset with people who make noise, get drunk, and leave trash. This should surely be an official landmark for Ventura/Ventura County, yet the trees are on private land. Perhaps one day? Alas, it is technically closed off to the public....although if you don't mind the prospect of a ticket, and generally want to see the view without disturbing the neighbors, give it a try.

Great hike! When I moved here 6 years ago it did not cost but I did not hike it then they made it…read more$25 I believe to do.. a friend of mine got a ticket but did not know you had to pay to do this... was lame! But then last month they did a day where it was free one day and I did this hike and it is a quick uphill but doable even for kids. No dogs/pets allowed. They were so nice and had a great staff there with maps and history and WC. Was a good hike and I would def do again on another free day. Not that I dont want to help fund the trees, just think it is silly they ticket and stuff. There were so many people, families, old and young and happy so I think they will do a free day again.

Beautiful views and worth the 7.25 mile round trip hike. It was about 2.45 h in and 2.5 h out…read more Plenty of arrows to help lead the way. If you can weather the whole hike up to the punch bowls, you won't regret it! Lots of maneuvering rocks and it can get sketchy at some times. But there are plenty of families and furry friends that take this hike so that should give you an idea about difficulty. Bring plenty of water and sunscreen and you will be fine. You might step in some water crossing a pond or two so bringing an extra pair of socks wouldn't be a bad idea either. Have fun and don't leave your trash behind!

DO NOT LET YOUR DOGS GET IN THE WATER AT THE START OF THE TRAIL!!!!! I'm not sure how it is further…read moreup, but we got in the water as soon as we could, and our three dogs immediately covered themselves in thick tarry oil. We had to rush to the nearest park bathroom and scrubbed them as much as we could, but it ruined a bunch of clothes and towels, and I'm worried for their health after watching them drink some of the water and try to lick themselves clean. There needs to be some sort of warning sign about the oil in the water.

My friend took me to Hot Springs Trail and honestly... what a gift. I love, love this place…read more It's about a 3-mile easy hike, and along the way you pass a beautiful waterfall before reaching the hot springs. Getting into the water was pure magic I instantly felt relaxed, surrounded by nature, just wow... such an incredible experience. The water had these amazing blue tones, and in some spots it looked blue and white with a strong smell (I'm guessing that's normal for hot springs lol). We stayed for over an hour, even tried the blue mud on our skin, and it left my skin feeling so soft! Most people we met were very friendly... except maybe some locals lol. I get it though they want to protect this special place. Just a heads up, don't rely on them for directions lol. I definitely recommend this trail if you want something peaceful, relaxing, and unique. Just please leave no trace and take care of nature so we can all continue to enjoy places like this.

Amazing hike! It is one of the easier hikes to access to the relaxing hot springs…read more Watch out for poison ivy! Totally worth it! Thank you to the BW Staff for providing me helpful tips. 10/10 will return.

First time there and was quite easier than Arroyo Verde. Huge thumbs down for the porta-potty…read morethough.

At last this park has reopened to the public! This park is heavily used by locals. The park offers…read moreextensive trails that are used by hikers and bikers. So keep your eyes open to traffic. Fortunately the bikers are pretty good communicators and use bells. The trails offer a combination of flat routes and switchbacks up hills. Something for everyone. The park is open , lacks trees, so best to hike here in the winter or early morning. We were fortunate in summertime to enjoy the trail under the clouds and mist! Also keep your eyes open to snakes. And stay in the trail as poisonous oak was present off the trail. At the trailhead there is a large parking lot. On Saturday the parking lot was filled by 1030, so best to come early if you want to secure a parking spot! Happy Trails!

Fantastic cool morning break on the summer heat made for a great hike before church. The clouds…read morewere gray and preparing for a summer storm and the humidity was low. I set out from Drown Ave and walked all the way up Signal Street to the trailheads. I decided to ascend Luci's trail and descend John's Fox trail. It was a great decision and I made it back home just in time for church. Left at 7:30 AM and got home at 9:10 AM. Just under 6 miles total

My husband Matt B. and I spent our twelfth anniversary in Ojai, away from our kids and dogs. We…read morewoke up from an uninterrupted night of sleep with no one to take care of, and used that surplus of time and energy for a morning hike at the Valley View Preserve. I'm a reluctant hiker, but I admit that it can be nice to go outside, especially if it makes your husband happy. This was a lovely hike, scenic and mostly relaxing. We didn't go as far as we could have, but we made it pretty deep, hiking at a leisurely pace for a little under two hours. It was peaceful, with great views, and we got ideal weather. A very Southern California paradise kind of morning. The trail was rocky and sometimes slippery, so I'd recommend hiking shoes if you have them. I wore my regular sneakers and almost slid to my demise a couple times. It would've looked bad for Matt if I'd died in a hiking accident on our anniversary. My friends would've been like, "Steph doesn't even hike." I'm glad we visited the Valley View Preserve and would recommend it to anyone looking to enjoy some outdoor time in Ojai. The trails are easy enough for a novice level hiker. Just bring water and good shoes and maybe a spouse who doesn't want to kill you.

Beautiful trail within Lake casitas…read more This trail is relatively easy with about 5.7 miles (total) of beautiful scenery and some up and down small inclines. The single path makes it easy to follow without worrying of wondering off the trail and getting lost. The end of the trail rewards you with a beautiful view of the lake below. If you're lucky you'll get to see a deer or two crossing. Some cotton tail rabbits or see some of the birds of prey or Turkey vultures flying by. Good for running or walking and open year round, except when it's too muddy after rain. They try to preserve the trails. No bathrooms in the actual trail but at the beginning of the trail (where the large parking area is and a basketball court, too) they have restrooms that are kept up.

Point Mugu State Park includes the famous Point Mugu (Mugu comes from the Chumash word for…read more"beach"), sand dunes, five miles of coastline and seventy miles of hiking trails. Pt. Mugu was the site of the largest Chumash settlement in the Santa Monica Mountains and I can see why. The beaches are stunning, creeks run throughout the land of lush chaparral and sycamore trees with abundant wildlife. There are several campgrounds, some along the beach and some inland; seems that reservations are required for the camp sites. If you'd like to visit just for the day, the California State Park Library Pass is accepted here! A beautiful location for all ages.

Easily one of my favorite beaches in California…read more This intimate beach is extra unique due to its rock formations and large trees. It's a perfect hybrid of park/beach. They also have every amenity you could need for a perfect afternoon: bathrooms, bonfire pits, picnic tables, showers, etc. I especially love that this beach is dog friendly as long as your pet stays on leash. It's connected to a nearby campground, making it the perfect place for a quick summer getaway with friends.