Summer’s in full swing. And that’s a good thing. But it also means a lot of busyness. If the season’s schedule full of backyard barbecues, beach days, and pool parties — on top of your regular routine — has you feeling worn out, it might be time to practice some self-care and slow down.
And Ventura’s got you covered. Here are five local places to relax.
Stroll the Promenade
Want to watch the waves, check out the surfers, and see at least a handful of dogs? Head to the Ventura Beach Promenade. The path stretches across the beachfront along the Pier and beyond in both directions, offering you unobstructed walking, running, or biking path. With the waves crashing on one side and the summer-green hills on the other, it’s a great spot to soak up some vitamin D.
Parking’s easy, too. There’s usually ample parking at the base of Sanjon Road. Once you cross Harbor towards the beach, you’re immediately on the Promenade. Or you can park in the paid lot near the Pier. Get a couple of tacos (they’re delicious) at Beach House Tacos and they’ll validate your ticket so parking is free.
Stretch out in Arroyo Verde Park
Feeling less active? Grab a blanket and a book and head to Arroyo Verde Park. This huge (14 acres, to be exact), green park is perfect for a solo chill-out day. Nestled in between the hills with tons of wildflowers blooming, it’s a great place to feel secluded and surrounded by natural beauty.
And if you do get an itch to get moving, there are trails around the park that take you up into said hills for some seriously impressive views of Ventura and the Pacific.
Reconnect with nature on an Island Packers Cruise
Ready to get off the grid? Stow your phone and board one of Island Packers’ boats for a cruise out to the Channel Islands. They offer a bunch of day trips, including Summer Whale Watching tours, so you can marvel at the bounty of marine life that thrives just off our coast.
Enjoy the color at the Ventura Botanical Gardens
If you haven’t checked out the Ventura Botanical Gardens since their major remodel after the Thomas Fire, now’s the time. The Gardens slope up into the hills via a well-maintained path that’s lined with more flowers that you could begin to count.
Entrance to the Gardens is free on Tuesdays.
Check out the Museum of Ventura County
Have you set foot in Ventura’s downtown museum lately? If not, plan a relaxing day for yourself as you stroll through. The beautiful Museum of Ventura County has “more than 30,000 pieces of fine art and historical objects that tell the story of Ventura County and its people,” plus tons of exhibits designed to stimulate your senses, spark your creativity, and maybe even shift your worldview.
This is just a short list of places to relax in Ventura. You can start with these spots, then venture out to find your own place of peace.
Having trouble calming your mind? We can help. Our team is made up of therapists, yoga teachers, alternative healers, and more. Get in touch with us to learn more about how we can help you manage your stress.
