Relax, Enjoy Life in VenturaCountyWest

San Fernando Valley residents who want more vacation and less travel are fortunate to have one of the country’s most beautiful and eclectic vacation settings right at their doorstep. About an hour’s drive north on the 101 are the cities of Camarillo, Oxnard and Ventura, which make up what’s known as “VenturaCountyWest.” The cities are rich with nature’s beauty (beaches, mountains and national parks), California history, a burgeoning wine industry and distinctive culinary cuisine and night life. Whether a weekend or week-long staycation, the area has inspiring choices for couples and families.

Beaches & Beyond

Vacationers will immediately notice a difference between the L.A. beaches and the beaches along the Oxnard and Ventura coast. It’s the crowds--there are much less of them. A relaxing stroll or bike ride along the beach path is actually relaxing. Oxnard and Ventura are also gateways to Channel Islands National Park, encompassing five of the California Channel Islands. Day and half-day trips to the islands will bring travelers up close to dolphins, seals, sea lions and more than 200 other animal and plant life. Other seafaring options include whale watching, sports fishing, harbor or tall ship coastal cruises or just tooling around in the Channel Islands Harbor in a paddle boat or kayak

Golf Getaway

If golf is part of the agenda, VenturaCountyWest has five scenic public golf courses to choose from. Take in a morning round at Olivas Links in Ventura, an 18-hole championship golf facility voted the “Best Municipal Golf Course in the Nation” for the last three years by Golf Week or choose to play at the adjoining course, Buenaventura. With classic 1930s-era shapes and designs, the course is a step back in time. Two courses are at River Ridge in Oxnard. The Vineyard offers ocean panoramic views while Victoria Lakes boasts water features, bent/poa grass greens and Greg Norman hybrid Bermuda tees and fairways. To finish a golfing getaway, try Sterling Hills in Camarillo surrounded by lush avocado and citrus groves or Camarillo Springs, located at the base of Conejo Mountain just off the 101 freeway.

Wine Tours

Wine novices and aficionados alike can find plenty for their palate by following the Ventura County Wine Trail. The trail highlights the dozens of wineries in the county and offers private, customized tours. For those who want to sample more than just wine, the Wine, Cheese & Chocolate Tours take place on weekends with stops throughout in Camarillo, Oxnard and Ventura.

For History Buffs

The three cities also offer a variety of historical venues and unique museums for all ages and interests. At the Commemorative Air Force Museum at the Camarillo Airport, talk with pilots and World War II veterans while viewing restored C-46, C-131 and Japanese Zero war planes as well as historical memorabilia from World War II and the Korean and Vietnam wars.

For car buffs, the world-renowned Mullin Automotive Museum in Oxnard celebrates the Art Deco movement in motoring design and is open two Saturdays a month when you can see award-winning Bugattis, Voisins, Delages and other French cars from the 1920s to 40s.

For an interesting slice of California history, visit the San Buenaventura Mission. Over 200 years old, the mission was founded in 1782 by Father Juniper Serra. The mission grounds are filled with beautiful gardens and grottos and its museum tells stories of its resilience to earthquakes, fires and even a threatened pirate attack.

Serious Shopping

A vacation wouldn’t be complete without a little shopping. Stop at the Camarillo Premium Outlets where deals abound in 160 designer label and name-brand stores. Not your typical outlet mall, the Camarillo Premium Outlets spans three centers. Seasoned shoppers make shopping at the Outlets a several-day affair. There are plenty of hotels right next door to accommodate overnight stays. For a different kind of shopping experience, go antiquing on Main Street in Ventura where there are great one-of-a-kind treasures and items from years past in dozens of antique shops.

Finding accommodations in VenturaCountyWest is easy. With more than 4,000 guest rooms--from beachfront resorts to small getaways with majestic mountain views--the area has quality lodging to fit every budget. Culinary varieties are just as plentiful as is the vibrant nightlife selection including live entertainment, improv, comedy and theater.

For more on what to do in Camarillo, Oxnard and Ventura including summer festival and events,
where to stay and where to dine, go to www.VenturaCountyWest.com.