Riding up the Pacific Coast Highway with the salt air whipping your hair, it’s hard to believe that you’d want to stop the good times and pull over for a pit stop. But if you’ve never been to Ventura County, you’ll definitely want to take the time.

Ventura is a beautiful beachside county with so much to offer, especially in the summer! And being a cannabis dispensary in Ventura County, we want to help point people in the right direction so you can find the fun and interesting activities this summer.

So without further ado, we’re sharing our favorite summer activities in Ventura County to help you have the best summer in sunny California!

1. Whale Watching

Are you an ocean-dwelling animal lover? Ventura County is the perfect location to see some of the most amazing creatures in the world! On any particular day, you could come upon humpback or gray whales, orcas and all types of dolphins. Island Packers is a great company that offers whale watching excursions to take you out and into the Santa Barbara Channel all summer long. 

2. Surf Rodeo
Surfing is the ultimate sport of summer, and Ventura County is home to one of the most fun surf rodeos around. A truly unique event for your summer, Surf Rodeo 2019 will be at the Ventura Pier where you’ll find a surf rodeo competition, beach cornhole tournament, tons of bands and beer gardens. To anyone visiting Ventura, this event is sure to bring fun into your summer.

3. Ventura Pier
Speaking of Ventura Pier…not around for the Surf Rodeo? No problem. Ventura Pier is hopping all summer long. Take a walk and explore the local wildlife swimming below and flying above. Stroll up to snack bars or dine in at a family-friendly seafood restaurant. Ventura is your oyster…or lobster or scallop.

4. Ventura Botanical Gardens
Flowers and summer just go together, don’t they? It’s why we’d recommend visiting the Ventura Botanical Gardens which boast over 160 different plant species! And if you’re not one to stroll around on your own, they offer walking tours that take you on trails to discover the area. A must-see in our opinion.

5. Sea Cave Kayak Adventure at Channel Islands National Park
See the world from another point of view with a cave kayaking trip! Ventura is beautiful from land, but at sea, you get a chance to view the wildlife and beautiful landscape from the water. A great physical activity that’s perfect for the whole family.

6. Explore Main Street
Shop ’til you drop on Main Street in Ventura County with tons of boutique stores, antique shops, cafes, restaurants and art galleries to boot! You’re sure to come across some unique and interesting items that will make for great souvenirs.

7. Beach Clean Up
Didn’t want to be working up a sweat on your vacation? It’s understandable, but keep an open mind because this is the kind of work that benefits everyone, including our beautiful planet. Beach clean-ups are a great way to get connected to the community in Ventura County, while still soaking up the sun and sea this summer. Organizations like the Surfrider Foundation of Ventura County offer beach clean ups all summer long for people to join in and help keep our beaches clean.

8. Ventura County Fair
Nothing says American summer quite like a county fair, and the Ventura County Fair is no exception! With grandstand concerts, a livestock center, photography and art exhibits, and so much more, there’s no way you could pass up this summer staple of Ventura.

9. Food Truck Fridays
Summer Fridays are a thing for some, but Food Truck Fridays are always a definite in Ventura County. Every third Friday of the month, family and friends gather at the Pacific View Mall for a night filled with delicious food, music and other fun activities. It’s the perfect way to spend a warm evening in this beautiful seaside town.

10. #1 State Licensed Cannabis Dispensary
Visit the County’s #1 State Licensed Cannabis Dispensary in Port Hueneme! With a huge selection of marijuana products and an amazing, knowledgeable staff, HPC is the Ventura dispensary destination for all connoisseurs of this amazing plant.

11. Old Mission San Buenaventura
School’s out for summer, but that doesn’t mean you can’t learn more! This beautiful church is filled with history and relics that will keep your visit to Ventura packed with not only beauty but a wonderful background of the surrounding area. Take a self-guided tour and see the historical beauty for yourself. 

Summer is more than just hot days and long nights. Fill your summer Ventura County trip with some of these fun activities and you’ll find that Ventura is a beautiful seaside city with so much to offer. With friendly people and classic California weather, nothing beats a trip here.