Things to do in Ventura

Our most recommended things to do in Ventura

Santa Barbara Harbor: Wildlife Kayak Tour (2 Hours)

Santa Barbara Harbor: Wildlife Kayak Tour (2 Hours)

Meet your guides at the boat launch at Santa Barbara Harbor, where they outfit everyone in paddle jackets and PFDs. Guides will give a basic paddling demonstration and safety talk before setting out on the water. The launch is easy, right out of the boat launch. This is a great introductory lesson to kayaking or a nice relaxing kayak for more experienced paddlers. Once on the water, paddle approximately 1-2 miles along the coast surrounded by beautiful beaches and marine life. The group will continue through the harbor, paddling past boats, through the historic wharf, under the pier, out to buoys, and along the beach.  Keep a look out for wildlife along the way such as harbor seals, sea lions, brown pelicans, sea stars, cormorants, and seagulls.  Guides will offer insight into the history of the region as well as local marine ecology. Enjoy a relaxed pace and incredible marine life as well as taking in the views of Santa Barbara from the water.

Santa Barbara Harbor: Sunset Kayak Tour (2 Hours)

Santa Barbara Harbor: Sunset Kayak Tour (2 Hours)

Discover the beautiful landscapes of Santa Barbara on a relaxing sunset kayak tour. You will watch a basic paddling demonstration and hear the safety talk before setting out on the water. Spend 2-hours on the water exploring the Santa Barbara harbor and the shoreline. Watch the sun as it settles over the sea, creating a gorgeous backdrop of the city and the Santa Ynez Mountain range. Enjoy paddling along the coastline and soak in the stunning surrounding views of the sea. Immerse yourself into a dream-like nature experience for all sea kayaking skill levels, including beginners to advanced.

Ventura: Rail Bike Guided Tour with Farm Stand Stop

Ventura: Rail Bike Guided Tour with Farm Stand Stop

Experience Southern California on a 2-person pedal-powered and electric-assisted rail bike. Ride along the train tracks through avocado groves, and stop at a farm to admire the animals. Buy some local produce and farm animals. Get onto your rail bike and pedal along the railway tracks through the citrus and avocado groves of Ventura County. Then, stop at Prancer's farm to check out the farm animals, and purchase some fresh produce if you like. Afterward, continue to Fillmore. Finally, get back onto the rail bike and return to the starting point and take some memorable photos with your guide.

Santa Ynez: Wine Tour (All-Inclusive)

Santa Ynez: Wine Tour (All-Inclusive)

Your group will be picked up by an air-conditioned van in the morning. Travel then to the first winery in the beautiful Santa Ynez Valley on board a luxury passenger van. Once there, we will begin wine tastings! Lunch will be served in the shade at a favorite winery or park. Your guide will pick up a delicious lunch sourced from local, fresh ingredients. Cold beverages will be provided. Visit 3 local favorite wineries in the area. Each has its unique vintages and award-winning selections. The winery staff will offer insight into specific blends and selections to our guests.

Santa Barbara: 1.5-Hour Private Beginner's Surf Lesson

Santa Barbara: 1.5-Hour Private Beginner's Surf Lesson

Learn to surf at Mondos Beach with a private 1.5-hour beginner's surf lesson. Take advantage of the more gentle waves and generous space at Mondos Beach as you pick up the techniques and etiquette of surfing. Meet your instructor at the surf van located on Mondos Beach and get suited up in a wetsuit. Grab a longboard and walk to the sand for beach instructions. You'll be briefed on water and surf safety, etiquette, and proper technique before jumping into the ocean to catch some waves. Follow your instructor as they coach and push you into waves to give you an experience that will last a lifetime. Enjoy the gentle long breaking waves of Mondo Beach lending itself to longer rides for you. Your lesson is private so you or your group can have their own instructor and a more personalized experience.

Santa Barbara: Surfing Lessons

Santa Barbara: Surfing Lessons

This is a simple introduction for a first-time surfer or someone who has tried surfing a few times and needs some pointers. The instruction starts with beach lesson reviewing: how to position yourself on the board, paddling techniques, and proper stance. Once in the water students will get pointers on maneuvering waves, balance techniques, and surf etiquette. Santa Barbara Adventure Company’s surf lessons offer students a great foundation for this exciting sport. Our knowledgeable instructors have over 25 years of combined experience and will use their skills to point out the finer points of catching waves. Instructors choose surf sites based on the current swell and tide conditions, finding the best breaks for successful learning. Lessons require a minimum of four students.

Santa Ynez: Wine Shuttle

Santa Ynez: Wine Shuttle

Explore some of the best wineries in the famous Santa Ynez Valley. Enjoy a tasting, glass, or bottle of wine with a pairing of various food options at each winery.Learn from discussions of local history and gain insights into the Santa Ynez wine region along the way with your knowledgeable guides. Sample Itinerary: 9:30 - 10:45 AM – pickup at hotel 11:15 AM – winery tasting 12:15 PM – winery tasting 1:15 - 2:15 PM – lunch at a winery 2:30 PM – winery tasting 4 - 4:30 PM – drop-off at your hotel

Santa Ynez: Private Wine Tour

Santa Ynez: Private Wine Tour

Your group will be picked up by an air-conditioned van in the morning. Travel then to the first winery in the beautiful Santa Ynez Valley on board a luxury passenger van. Once there, we will begin wine tastings! Lunch will be served in the shade at a favorite winery or park. Your guide will pick up a delicious lunch sourced from local, fresh ingredients. Cold beverages will be provided. Visit 3 local favorite wineries in the area. Each has its unique vintages and award-winning selections. The winery staff will offer insight into specific blends and selections to our guests. Need a custom wine tour for your group? Our office is happy to help! If you want something special, let us know and we can build a custom profile for your wine tour.

Santa Ynez: Cupcake & Wine Tour (All-Inclusive)

Santa Ynez: Cupcake & Wine Tour (All-Inclusive)

Your group will be picked up by an air-conditioned shuttle in the morning and head up to the Santa Ynez Valley. Once there, you will enjoy wine tasting at some of the area’s best wineries. Your group will visit beautiful Los Olivos and enjoy an incredible cupcake and wine tasting. Your guides will cover local human history and insight into the wine region along the way. Lunch will be served in the shade at a favorite winery or park. Your guide will pick up a delicious lunch sourced from local, fresh ingredients. Cold beverages will be provided. Each winery has its unique vintages and award-winning selections. Winery staff offer insight into specific blends and selections to guests.

Gaviota Coast Near Santa Barbara: Kayak Tour (3.5 Hours)

Gaviota Coast Near Santa Barbara: Kayak Tour (3.5 Hours)

Join us on an exploration of the Gaviota Coast, home to more than 1,500 species of plant and animal life. This is our most popular coastal trip and offers a perfect day of kayaking, swimming and fun in nature. We will meet at Haskell’s Beach, a secluded icon in the Santa Barbara beach scene. Your guide will outfit the members of your group and offer a thorough kayaking lesson onshore. Once on the water, we will tour a total of 3 miles, stopping in pristine kelp beds to learn about marine ecology and the Santa Barbara Channel (and hopefully kayak with dolphins and sea lions!). If you want to pack a sack lunch, you’re welcome to picnic at the conclusion of your tour. As the trip progresses, your guide may offer a fun series of kayak challenges and games. This unforgettable trip will provide great opportunities to swim, play or just float. It’s perfect for all ages of adventure seekers!

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Our most recommended things to do in Ventura

Santa Barbara Harbor: Wildlife Kayak Tour (2 Hours)

Santa Barbara Harbor: Wildlife Kayak Tour (2 Hours)

Meet your guides at the boat launch at Santa Barbara Harbor, where they outfit everyone in paddle jackets and PFDs. Guides will give a basic paddling demonstration and safety talk before setting out on the water. The launch is easy, right out of the boat launch. This is a great introductory lesson to kayaking or a nice relaxing kayak for more experienced paddlers. Once on the water, paddle approximately 1-2 miles along the coast surrounded by beautiful beaches and marine life. The group will continue through the harbor, paddling past boats, through the historic wharf, under the pier, out to buoys, and along the beach.  Keep a look out for wildlife along the way such as harbor seals, sea lions, brown pelicans, sea stars, cormorants, and seagulls.  Guides will offer insight into the history of the region as well as local marine ecology. Enjoy a relaxed pace and incredible marine life as well as taking in the views of Santa Barbara from the water.

Santa Barbara Harbor: Sunset Kayak Tour (2 Hours)

Santa Barbara Harbor: Sunset Kayak Tour (2 Hours)

Discover the beautiful landscapes of Santa Barbara on a relaxing sunset kayak tour. You will watch a basic paddling demonstration and hear the safety talk before setting out on the water. Spend 2-hours on the water exploring the Santa Barbara harbor and the shoreline. Watch the sun as it settles over the sea, creating a gorgeous backdrop of the city and the Santa Ynez Mountain range. Enjoy paddling along the coastline and soak in the stunning surrounding views of the sea. Immerse yourself into a dream-like nature experience for all sea kayaking skill levels, including beginners to advanced.

Ventura: Rail Bike Guided Tour with Farm Stand Stop

Ventura: Rail Bike Guided Tour with Farm Stand Stop

Experience Southern California on a 2-person pedal-powered and electric-assisted rail bike. Ride along the train tracks through avocado groves, and stop at a farm to admire the animals. Buy some local produce and farm animals. Get onto your rail bike and pedal along the railway tracks through the citrus and avocado groves of Ventura County. Then, stop at Prancer's farm to check out the farm animals, and purchase some fresh produce if you like. Afterward, continue to Fillmore. Finally, get back onto the rail bike and return to the starting point and take some memorable photos with your guide.

Santa Ynez: Wine Tour (All-Inclusive)

Santa Ynez: Wine Tour (All-Inclusive)

Your group will be picked up by an air-conditioned van in the morning. Travel then to the first winery in the beautiful Santa Ynez Valley on board a luxury passenger van. Once there, we will begin wine tastings! Lunch will be served in the shade at a favorite winery or park. Your guide will pick up a delicious lunch sourced from local, fresh ingredients. Cold beverages will be provided. Visit 3 local favorite wineries in the area. Each has its unique vintages and award-winning selections. The winery staff will offer insight into specific blends and selections to our guests.

Santa Barbara: 1.5-Hour Private Beginner's Surf Lesson

Santa Barbara: 1.5-Hour Private Beginner's Surf Lesson

Learn to surf at Mondos Beach with a private 1.5-hour beginner's surf lesson. Take advantage of the more gentle waves and generous space at Mondos Beach as you pick up the techniques and etiquette of surfing. Meet your instructor at the surf van located on Mondos Beach and get suited up in a wetsuit. Grab a longboard and walk to the sand for beach instructions. You'll be briefed on water and surf safety, etiquette, and proper technique before jumping into the ocean to catch some waves. Follow your instructor as they coach and push you into waves to give you an experience that will last a lifetime. Enjoy the gentle long breaking waves of Mondo Beach lending itself to longer rides for you. Your lesson is private so you or your group can have their own instructor and a more personalized experience.

Santa Barbara: Surfing Lessons

Santa Barbara: Surfing Lessons

This is a simple introduction for a first-time surfer or someone who has tried surfing a few times and needs some pointers. The instruction starts with beach lesson reviewing: how to position yourself on the board, paddling techniques, and proper stance. Once in the water students will get pointers on maneuvering waves, balance techniques, and surf etiquette. Santa Barbara Adventure Company’s surf lessons offer students a great foundation for this exciting sport. Our knowledgeable instructors have over 25 years of combined experience and will use their skills to point out the finer points of catching waves. Instructors choose surf sites based on the current swell and tide conditions, finding the best breaks for successful learning. Lessons require a minimum of four students.

Santa Ynez: Wine Shuttle

Santa Ynez: Wine Shuttle

Explore some of the best wineries in the famous Santa Ynez Valley. Enjoy a tasting, glass, or bottle of wine with a pairing of various food options at each winery.Learn from discussions of local history and gain insights into the Santa Ynez wine region along the way with your knowledgeable guides. Sample Itinerary: 9:30 - 10:45 AM – pickup at hotel 11:15 AM – winery tasting 12:15 PM – winery tasting 1:15 - 2:15 PM – lunch at a winery 2:30 PM – winery tasting 4 - 4:30 PM – drop-off at your hotel

Santa Ynez: Private Wine Tour

Santa Ynez: Private Wine Tour

Your group will be picked up by an air-conditioned van in the morning. Travel then to the first winery in the beautiful Santa Ynez Valley on board a luxury passenger van. Once there, we will begin wine tastings! Lunch will be served in the shade at a favorite winery or park. Your guide will pick up a delicious lunch sourced from local, fresh ingredients. Cold beverages will be provided. Visit 3 local favorite wineries in the area. Each has its unique vintages and award-winning selections. The winery staff will offer insight into specific blends and selections to our guests. Need a custom wine tour for your group? Our office is happy to help! If you want something special, let us know and we can build a custom profile for your wine tour.

Santa Ynez: Cupcake & Wine Tour (All-Inclusive)

Santa Ynez: Cupcake & Wine Tour (All-Inclusive)

Your group will be picked up by an air-conditioned shuttle in the morning and head up to the Santa Ynez Valley. Once there, you will enjoy wine tasting at some of the area’s best wineries. Your group will visit beautiful Los Olivos and enjoy an incredible cupcake and wine tasting. Your guides will cover local human history and insight into the wine region along the way. Lunch will be served in the shade at a favorite winery or park. Your guide will pick up a delicious lunch sourced from local, fresh ingredients. Cold beverages will be provided. Each winery has its unique vintages and award-winning selections. Winery staff offer insight into specific blends and selections to guests.

Gaviota Coast Near Santa Barbara: Kayak Tour (3.5 Hours)

Gaviota Coast Near Santa Barbara: Kayak Tour (3.5 Hours)

Join us on an exploration of the Gaviota Coast, home to more than 1,500 species of plant and animal life. This is our most popular coastal trip and offers a perfect day of kayaking, swimming and fun in nature. We will meet at Haskell’s Beach, a secluded icon in the Santa Barbara beach scene. Your guide will outfit the members of your group and offer a thorough kayaking lesson onshore. Once on the water, we will tour a total of 3 miles, stopping in pristine kelp beds to learn about marine ecology and the Santa Barbara Channel (and hopefully kayak with dolphins and sea lions!). If you want to pack a sack lunch, you’re welcome to picnic at the conclusion of your tour. As the trip progresses, your guide may offer a fun series of kayak challenges and games. This unforgettable trip will provide great opportunities to swim, play or just float. It’s perfect for all ages of adventure seekers!

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What people are saying about Ventura

Overall rating

4.5
(51 reviews)

Connor was super friendly and knowledgeable about the area and the marine life, we really enjoyed seeing Santa Barbara from a different perspective!

Very pleasant canoe trip, the guides were very nice and attentive, we saw many animals and learned more about life on the coast. I highly recommend

It was a great tour. Kayaking was easy. Saw lots of birds and harbor seals and learned a lot from Dave. Thoroughly enjoyed the experience.

Great family activity if you are in or around Santa Barbara. We especially loved the stop at the farm and got some fresh produce.

Thank you so much for this amazing experience! And thanks God you’ve finally found a pair for me to make this tour possible.