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    Ventura Harbor

    4.2 (20 reviews)

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    Beautiful views here!
    Shayla B.

    The Ventura Harbor is so charming. Whether you decide to come during the day or during the night, the views of the harbor are truly beautiful. It's not as bustling of an area as Santa Barbara, but that's what makes it even that much more enjoyable. There's this peacefulness here that makes the walks so pleasurable. The perfect spot for a walk, a picnic, sunrise, and sunset. A wonderful place to sip on some coffee, tea, or hot cocoa whilst admiring the many boats that are docked on the harbor. You've got the village nearby with various little shops and restaurants to check out, and the beach is literally just steps away. This is also the hub for cruises to Channel Islands National Park as the entrance to the boats dock right at the end of the harbor. There's plenty of parking and a good amount of green space too. Lots of locals like to get their runs and bike rides here too. I loved exploring this area of Ventura and I can't wait to get back here to experience another pretty sunset. There's nothing like that local city charm, and the Ventura harbor has got it.

    Dragon boat rental
    Debra R.

    I love this place.From the restaurants, the Ventura view, and the harbor walkway, there is so much more. Access to the beach, the Channel Islands National Park, hotels,and Island Packers for island access for a few other ideas. There is ample parking and island views. If you are in Ventura, this is a must.

    Sunset :)
    Sanaz S.

    I love Ventura for so many reasons. It's not as busy nor pretentious as OC beaches. It's abundant with beautiful, produce laden land of California's central coast. It's close enough to Santa Barbara or LA. But mainly, it's the peacefulness of this area that I love. Sure, it can get busy on weekends and especially over summer with the fair happening. But overall, Ventura harbor is a down to earth beach town that's very casual and mellow. Makes my Cali-raised self quite content being here. But don't tell too many people about this ocean side gem, because then the secret on this quiet, great little harbor will get out. :)

    Lianne K.

    We were on the inland side of the harbor yesterday, trying Rhumb Line Restaurant. We usually go the Ventura Harbor Village, but wanted to try a different perspective. The harbor holds many memories for me, from tourist cruises, to attending the holiday boat parade for a number of years, to visiting the tall ships, to walking along the shore, viewing the variety of boats. There's always a mix of pleasure craft with serious fishing boats. Dear Hubby was saying how squid fishing is a big factor now, with exports to Asia driving the economic bus. Yesterday we saw a number of small sailboats coming in, as though a regatta had been held outside the breakwater. Some were being towed in, as the winds were calm at that hour. A colony of sea lions had appropriated the end of one of the docks the last time we took the harbor cruise. They made it their own! Great place to visit with kids. Free parking in many areas.

    Boat rentals very fun!!!
    Lina T.

    My kids took me here for my birthday, there are many things to do for a day trip, or spend a few days! Margaritavile is a must stop!!!!

    Jared N.

    I have been coming to the Ventura Harbor since I was a kid. My mom and I would drive to Ventura to visit my aunt and we would always make a stop at the Harbor. We would park down at one end and walk to the other end and back. Sometimes we would look in some of the little shops just to see what they had. T-shirts, hand painted shells and vintage clothing were and are common goods you can buy. We would eat up stairs at the Hornblower restaurant that is no longer there. There is a little ice cream parlor that is still at the harbor and is still good. It is always nice to walk along the waters edge with your cone and look at all the boats. Sail boats. Fishing boats. Paddle boats. Kayaks. So many varieties to see. Plus there is always some sort of sea life. I have seen crabs, clams, octopus, star fish, pelicans and seagulls. To go back there as an adult brings back some good memories. To spend an afternoon there with my mom again was even better. This harbor is still packed full of boats. The sea life is still there. The bushes have grown up a lot so the crabs are harder to see. But people still hang out and shop. They leave for area tour cruises and rent kayaks. It is a fun place to visit and when you are done here, walk across the street and hit the beach. It is right there afterall.

    Always good to know where the restrooms are, and they do have many.
    Julian D.

    I am literally giving Ventura Harbor an extra star or point due to its proximity being in Ventura. There are some pros & cons to this Marina Village compared to so many others. The pros include being located next to the quaint town of Ventura, the quiet Harbor, well manicured grounds, fun small-water activities to do, free parking and some nice restaurants & bars. The cons include, though a pretty marina, it lacks that gorgeous ocean view many have as you walk around. Most the boats you see close by are all fishing trollers, so not the most appealing to the eye as a bunch of yachts most marina's have as well. The arcade is a let down and the gift stores are your filled with your usual tourist nick-knacks. However, again, it's Ventura! The sweet sea breeze, the green hills in the distance, a great ice cream shop and the flags out everywhere for the summer holidays, are all well worth the stop in without a doubt.

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    Review Highlights - Ventura Harbor

    Access to the beach, the Channel Islands National Park, hotels,and Island Packers for island access for a few other ideas.

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    Island Packer Cruises - Humpback Whale breaching April 2025! Happy World Whale & Dolphin Day (7/23/25)!!

    Island Packer Cruises

    4.5(426 reviews)
    0.5 mi

    We had a great experience with Island Packers Cruises two days in a row! I booked our day trips…read morewell in advance to Santa Cruz Island (Scorpion Anchorage) and Anacapa Island. We got super lucky with the weather and both sailings went smoothly. Island Packers staff members were friendly and knowledgeable about the channel and islands. We also got to see so much marine life! Both days we spotted humpback whales, which the staff were quick to point out. We also got to see two massive pods of common dolphins! This was such a cool experience, especially since they love to play in the boat wake. Overall, Island Packers provided a seamless, well-organized experience.

    I used this company 3 times to get out to 3 of the 5 islands that are part of The Channel Islands…read moreNational Park and every experience was very good. First day I took this ferry out from Ventura Harbor to the Santa Cruz Island and it was about 90 minutes and we got to see plenty of dolphins and whales. And if wildlife is spotted, they make it a point to stop so we can watch the animals up close! Note that day trippers and campers are all packed onto this ferry. Second day, I took the ferry from Ventura Harbor to Santa Rosa Island and the ride out was 3 hours, so plan for that. Again, we saw quite a lot of wildlife. We also on the way back, got a really nice look at the Painted Cave. Third day, I took the ferry from Oxnard Harbor to Anacapa Island and it was about an hour. This was a much smaller ferry, limited selection in their galley. Again, saw plenty of wildlife and got a nice video of a humpback whale. All 3 experiences were excellent and would use them again. Note that ferry ticket isn't cheap, so plan for that. Also not the different harbors that have ferries out, lots of options. I would definitely use them again next time I return!

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    Island Packer Cruises - @ Island Packers - 11/11/24

    @ Island Packers - 11/11/24

    Island Packer Cruises - Disembarking at the Scorpion Ranch landing

    Disembarking at the Scorpion Ranch landing

    Island Packer Cruises - Ready for my Santa Cruz Island adventure!!

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    Ready for my Santa Cruz Island adventure!!

    Ventura Harbor - boating - Updated May 2026

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