Like much of coastal California, archaeological evidence suggests that humans have inhabited this region for at least 10,000-12,000 years, most notably by the Chumash people, who were known for their keen oceanic navigational skills and their use of abundant local resources. Shisholop Village, designated Historic Point of Interest #18 by the city of Ventura, lies at the lower end of Figueroa Street and was the site of an early Chumash village.
In 1769, the first recorded European visitors reached the inland areas of California on the Spanish Portolà expedition, and in 1782, Junípero Serra, the first leader of the Franciscans in California, founded Mission San Buenaventura as his ninth and last mission. It was established near the Chumash village as part of Spain's colonization of Alta California. The first mission burned in 1801 and was replaced by a brick and stone building, which was completed in 1809. An earthquake in 1812, however, destroyed the bell tower and facade of the new building, which was then rebuilt and still stands to this day. It is generally included in historic tours of downtown.
In 1848, California became a U.S. territory and a state in 1850. The Ventura Pier, built in 1872, was the longest wooden pier in California. It was largely destroyed by a storm in 1995, but it was subsequently rebuilt. In the early 1880s, Ventura had a flourishing Chinese settlement, largely centered in the area just across Main Street from the Mission San Buenaventura. In the 1920s, the development of oil fields, the building of better roads to Los Angeles, and the lowered cost of cars enabled a major real estate boom in the area. Today, Ventura is a thriving city of its own that is a haven for tourists and has its own distinct culture.
Ventura Harbor Parade of Lights: Held each December, this parade which features beautifully decorated and lit-up boats, is a regional favorite.
Ventura County Fair: One of the largest county fairs in the region, the Ventura County Fair is held each year in August and draws thousands of visitors.
Casa Pacifica Wine, Food & Brew Fest: Held every June in nearby Camarillo, this festival is a local favorite and explores the best food and beverages that south-central California has to offer.
Located just off Ventura's coast, Channel Islands National Park covers five of the area’s eight channel islands, offering a total of around 250,000 acres of terrain to explore. While you are there, you can learn about the indigenous history of the islands or enjoy a number of outdoor activities including hiking, biking, kayaking, fishing, bird-watching, and exploring other sea life.
A short trip further inland will take you to Sequoia National Park where you can explore forests full of some of the world’s largest trees perched high atop the majestic Sierra Nevada mountains. Although hiking is the park's most popular activity, you can also ski, snowshoe, rock climb, or explore the park on horseback.
Located right next to Sequoia National Park is Kings Canyon National Park, where you can visit the General Grant Tree, which was proclaimed by President Calvin Coolidge to be “The Nation’s Christmas Tree.”
Located right in Ventura, Emma Wood State Beach was named after Emma Grubb Wood, a local sheep rancher who found rich reserves of oil beneath her property. The park is now a popular destination for fishing, swimming, hiking, and surfing.
If you head about 15 miles up the coast towards Santa Barbara, you can visit Carpinteria State Park, where you can pick up shells and snails from the shallow tide pools that line the shores of this park or go whale watching in the winter.
A short trip south will take you to Point Mugu State Park where in just a single day you can walk on a sandy beach beneath rocky cliffs, hike through the shade of a river canyon, or wander across a valley nestled deep in the Santa Monica Mountains.
Ventura lies in the heart of an area steeped in history. While you are in the area, you will want to check out the George Washington Faulkner House, located just up Highway 126 in Santa Paula. The Queen Anne-style house was built in 1894 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. In Ventura, you can visit the Santa Gertrudis Asistencia, or Santa Gertrudis Chapel, which was a "sub-mission" to the Mission San Buenaventura. Although the original location was buried in 1968 by the construction of California State Route 33, prior to demolition, archaeologists excavated the site and moved a number of foundation stones to create the Santa Gertrudis Asistencia Monument.
As a popular tourist destination, there are a number of RV parks and campgrounds to choose from in Ventura County. If you prefer a more central location with easy access to Los Angeles and local conveniences, you might enjoy a stay at the Evergreen RV Park. If you prefer a smaller, more quiet park, you might enjoy the Mountain View RV Park in nearby Santa Paula.
For those who want to be right on the beach and enjoy stunning panoramic views and scenic vistas, you might enjoy a stay at the Ventura Beach RV Resort. Located right across the street from the Ventura County Fairgrounds, you can walk to both the Ventura River and the Pacific Ocean from this resort. When you've finished soaking up the sun for the day or doing other outdoor activities, you can relax in this resort's spacious clubhouse.
Motorhomes are divided into Class A, B, and C vehicles. On average expect to pay $185 per night for Class A, $149 per night for Class B and $179 per night for Class C. Towable RVs include 5th Wheel, Travel Trailers, Popups, and Toy Hauler. On average, in Ventura, CA, the 5th Wheel trailer starts at $70 per night. Pricing for the Travel Trailer begins at $60 per night, and the Popup Trailer starts at $65 per night.
Do you need to be a certain age to rent an RV in Ventura?Yes. The minimum age is 25 to be eligible to get an RV Rental in Ventura from RVshare.
Does RVshare have emergency roadside assistance?Yes. Every RV rental booked through RVshare receives 24/7 emergency roadside assistance.
Does RVshare offer one way RV rentals in Ventura?Yes. Prior to renting any RV, check with the owner since not all will offer this particular option.