Weekend in Ventura, Calif., one of three ways: on a budget, spending a bit more, or when the getaway calls for a splurge.
Trip tips: Just off U.S. 101, sunshine-rich Ventura is located 60 miles north of Los Angeles, or 20 miles south of Santa Barbara. The city is noted for its beaches (look for sea glass); the Ventura Pier — a favorite attraction for fishing, picnics, sunset strolls and views of the Channel Islands; and Ventura Harbor Village (www.VenturaHarborVillage.com). At the village, reserve a history or wildlife cruise, a sport fishing trip, rent an ocean kayak, dine, or find handcrafted offerings in the artists colony and galleries. Visit www.ventura-usa.com for trip planning.
Getting there: One-way rates from $228 to Santa Barbara; American or United (one connection required). Nonstop rates to Los Angeles from $398; AirTran or Delta.
BUDGET
Stay: The recently renovated Best Western Plus Inn of Ventura sits oceanfront with an outdoor pool. Nightly rates from $89 include full breakfast. Located downtown for the best dining and shopping options, the hotel is walking distance to the Ventura Pier and close to the Majestic Theater. 708 E. Thompson Blvd. 805-648-3101, www.bestwestern.com. Within 1 mile is Mission San Buenaventura, founded in 1782 and open daily for self-guided tours of the Mission Church, gardens, museum and historic sites. $4. 225 E. Main St. www.sanbuenaventuramission.org.
Eat: The Jolly Oyster "Kitchen Food Truck" serves up fresh raw and baked Kumamoto and Pacific oysters, Manila Clams Steamers and prepared tapas style meals. Located at San Buenaventura State Beach Park, this waterfront eatery (open Wednesdays-Mondays until sunset) also offers grass-fed California beef burgers and house-made dill pickles. The blue trailer, located next to the "silos," offers picnic tables and grills. One dozen raw oysters average $15. 911 San Pedro St. 805-798-4944, www.thejollyoyster.com. For late-night food truck snacks and live music, visit the Bombay Bar & Grill after 10 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays through May 31. 143 S. California St., 805-643-4404, www.bombaybarandgrill.com.
Experience: The Channel Islands National Park and National Marine Sanctuary is often called the American Galapagos. Five distinctive islands are home to 2,000 plant species and animals. Anacapa and Santa Cruz comprise the "local" islands while Santa Rosa, San Miguel and Santa Barbara Islands make up the "outer" islands. Take an excursion to the Marine Sanctuary to enjoy whale and bird watching, nature hikes, swimming, kayaking to sea caves, and more. There are no services on the islands, so pack what you will need for the day, including food and water, and take away all your trash. Dress in layers for outdoor activity, and wear sturdy shoes for safety and comfort. Round trips from $59. www.IslandPackers.com.
MODERATE
Stay: The Ventura Beach Marriott Hotel features a heated outdoor splash pool and spa tub set in a lush, tropical courtyard setting. On site is a 24-hour fitness center, Pacifico Restaurant featuring Baja Coastal cuisine, and a lounge offering wine selections from local vineyards. The hotel is adjacent to San Buenaventura State Beach Park. Rates from $139. 2055 E. Harbor Blvd. 805-643-6000, www.marriott.com.
Eat: Andria's Seafood Restaurant & Fish Market has been named Best Seafood in Ventura County for the past 26 years and voted as having the "Best View." Locally caught fresh seafood menu items range from $11-$22. 1449 Spinnaker Drive. 805-654-0546, http://andriasseafood.com.
Experience: The award-winning Olivas Link Golf Course is where golfers of all skill levels swing year-round at an 18-hole, par 72 championship course. Green fees (18 holes): $60 weekends; $33 after 1 p.m. Club rental, $25. 3750 Olivas Park Drive. 805-677-6770, www.olivaslinks.com. The Buenaventura Golf Course, built in 1932, is also an 18-hole, par 72 public course featuring a parkland-style setting. Green fees: $50 weekends; $27 after 1 p.m. Club rental, $15. 5882 Olivas Park Drive. 805-677-6772, http://www.buenaventuragolf.com.
SPLURGE
Stay: An on-the-water experience offers all the amenities of an upscale hotel, but in a cozy, intimate dockside setting. Get "Shanghai'd" aboard an authentic Hong Kong Chinese Pirate Junk, Dragon Lady, with a cannon and pirate crew to greet you and the kids (sleeps six). Parrot Heads might enjoy a stay aboard the Bahama Mama, a spacious yacht (for a family of five or six) with a fantail on which to enjoy the harbor lights. Package rates for two range from $249-$299 per night, including a $25 breakfast gift and a complimentary evening beverage. 1583 Spinnaker Drive. 805-235-2208, www.boatelonthewater.com.
Eat: Ventura County walking tours blend tasting, local history, culinary education, and a behind-the-scenes look into some of the area's best eateries. The 3.5-hour tour includes six locals — some for a few bites and others for a sit-down tasting and conversation with the chef. $59. 805-295-8687, www.venturafoodtours.com.
Experience: Historically noted for its agricultural resources and winemaking, Ventura County is home to world-class wineries and sits at the gateway to the scenic California Central Coast. Spend a day touring the Ventura County Wine Trail and visit four tasting rooms, meet the vintners and soak in the scenery. $85 includes a gourmet lunch and transportation from the Ventura Visitors and Conventions Bureau. 805-648-2075, www.venturawinetours.com.
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