Culture of Ventura, California

Ventura, officially named San Buenaventura, is the county seat of Ventura County, California located on the Pacific coast between Los Angeles and Santa Barbara. With its scenic coastline and thriving arts community, Ventura offers a vibrant local culture and Mediterranean atmosphere.

History

Indigenous Peoples

The area now known as Ventura was originally inhabited by the Chumash people for thousands of years prior to the arrival of the Spanish. The native settlement amongst the oak trees in the Ventura River Valley was called Shisholop.

Spanish Colonial Era

In 1782, the Spanish governor of Las Californias, Felipe de Neve toured Alta California and founded a new mission at Shisholop which he christened San Buenaventura. The city grew around the mission which is still standing today in downtown Ventura.

20th Century Growth

Ventura went through rapid growth and development through the 20th century. Agriculture and then oil production drove the local economy. The population surged from 16,643 in 1940 to over 100,000 by the year 2000.

Arts and Culture

Known as a haven for artists and creative types, Ventura has a thriving cultural scene bolstered by art galleries, live music, events and more.

Public Art Displays

There are over 80 public art installations scattered throughout the city including an array of mosaics, murals depicting local history and culture, and interactive sculptures. Popular pieces include:

• The Jade Tree Mosaic
• Wooden Sea Creatures at Surfers Point
• Totem Poles at the Albinger Archaeological Museum

Music and Performing Arts

Ventura is home to a vibrant performing arts community across genres:

• Ventura Music Festival – 3-week summer festival of classical music concerts
• Ventura County Blues Festival – Popular blues artists play shows across Ventura venues
• Rubicon Theatre Company – Award-winning local theater troupe and venue
• Ventura Rocks Music Series – Live outdoor summer concerts showcasing popular bands

There is also the grand 1940s Majestic Ventura Theater downtown, which hosts concerts, events, performing arts and films year-round.

Galleries and First Fridays

Downtown Ventura has over a dozen art galleries primarily centered on Main and California Streets. The openings are showcased during First Fridays – a lively monthly arts walk event held the first Friday of every month from 5pm to 8pm.

Restaurants and Cuisine

Reflecting the coastal Southern California location, the cuisine of Ventura is diverse from fresh seafood to Mexican flavors. Food trends here also reflect health consciousness.

Local Specialties

Signature local dishes include:

• Fresh seafood – Channel Islandscaught fish, prawns, lobster, mussels spotlighted on menus
• Strawberry dishes – Fresh local strawberries featured creatively as jam, salad topping or dessert thanks to the berry farms in neighboring Oxnard
• Craft beer – Ventura has over a dozen trendy microbreweries and taprooms whipping up unique ales and lagers

Dining Scene

The recent dining scene in Ventura has been focused on:

• Farm-to-table – Utilizing the bounty of local farms and fresh caught seafood
• Vegetarian – Plant-based and meatless dishes are popular
• Craft cocktails – Unique cocktail programs using artisanal ingredients
• Wine bars – Small plates eateries centered around California and Central Coast wines

Popular types of cuisine found locally:

• Mexican
• Seafood
• Sushi
• Italian
• Mediterranean
• Asian Fusion
• Gastropubs
• Diners

Here are some of the highest rated restaurants in Ventura:

Restaurant	Cuisine	What’s Popular
Topa Topa Brewery	Gastropub	tacos, burgers, house-brewed beer
Tortilla Republic	Mexican	fish tacos, tequila cocktails
Lure Fish House	Seafood	sushi, cioppino, oysters
Nature’s Grill	Vegetarian	smoothies, avocado toast
Barrelhouse 101	Gastropub	craft beer list, whiskey cocktails

Retail Therapy

Beyond art galleries, Ventura also offers an eclectic and unique local shopping scene with boutiques, surf shops, used book stores and more:

• Main Street – Downtown corridor with lots of boutiques, antique shops plus casual cafes and bars
• Ventura Harbor Village – Collection of waterfront shops, restaurants and galleries frequented by locals and visitors alike
• Surf Shops – Being a seaside city, shops selling boards and beachwear dot the coastlines and have their own cultural vibe
• Second Hand Stores – Vintage clothing stores and used bookshops are popular locally

Local Markets

Outdoor markets also pop-up around Ventura allowing small businesses and crafters to sell everything from jewelry to produce:

• Ventura Certified Farmers’ Market – Street market held every Saturday with an array of colorful fruits, vegetables and flowers from regional farms
• Ventura Harbor Village Art Walk – Twice-monthly outdoor show held on weekends showcasing painters, sculptors, glass blowers and other artisans
• Ventura Fairgrounds Marketplace – Huge monthly all-day flea market with entertainment, food trucks, rides and over 500 vendors

Annual Events

Besides the beaches, pier and harbor, there are annual events, festivals and happenings that spotlight Ventura’s culture:

Seasonal Celebrations

• Ventura County Fair – County fair each August with carnival rides, exhibits, food and contests at the local fairgrounds
• Ventura Harbor Parade of Lights – Boats festooned with colorful lights parade the harbor the second weekend of December
• Strawberry Festival – Oxnard hosts this very popular event in May focused around strawberry inspired food, contests and entertainment

Music Festivals

• Ventura Music Festival – Three week long acclaimed classical music celebration every July
• Ventura County Blues Festival – Popular one day blues music party across multiple stages and venues in April
• Rubicon Theatre Broadway Series – Six shows from fall to spring bringing condensed Broadway musicals to town

Cultural Happenings

• Downtown Cultural Crawl – One day self-guided tour of downtown galleries, museums, cultural sites, studios and eateries
• First Fridays – Lively downtown arts walk the first Friday evening of every month

Nightlife

The nightlife and bar scene in Ventura offers not only gorgeous sunset views but also a relaxed and friendly local vibe. Popular areas include:

• Ventura Harbor – Low-key cocktail bars and breweries overlook the harbor and ocean
• Downtown Bars – Trendy gastropubs, dive bars and wine-tasting rooms center around main street
• Pier and Promenade Bars – More casual ocean-view spots great for sunsets located near the pier and promenade
• Breweries and Tasting Rooms – Craft breweries, distilleries and urban wineries are concentrated in midtown Ventura

Live music can also be found across town with a local band playing a free show at an outdoor shopping center or talented singers showcasing their skills at open mic nights.

Popular Local Drinks

Signature drinks to try from Ventura bars:

• Local craft IPA beer
• Central Coast red wine
• Craft cocktails using strawberries
• Margaritas and Mexican beers

So if looking for a cool bar with friendly people that’s away from typical big-city nightlife, Ventura offers tons of options.

Outdoor Activities

Known for epic surfing, hiking trails and beaches, Ventura’s enviable location fosters an active lifestyle rooted in the outdoors.

On the Water

Being located between the Pacific Ocean and the Los Padres National Forest means endless opportunity for outdoor recreation. Popular activities include:

• Surfing and Stand Up Paddleboarding – Riding waves or paddling along the scenic shoreline
• Kayaking – Paddling boats launch from Ventura Harbor out to Santa Cruz Island
• Whale Watching – Daily trips embark to see whales migrate off the Channel Islands Dec – April
• Boating – Sailing, motor boats and paddle crafts cruise the Ventura Harbor year-round

In the Hills or Mountains

Inland, Lake Casitas and the vast Los Padres National Forest provide lots of outdoor adventure:

• Hiking and Trail Running – Miles of scenic trails crisscross the the adjacent national forest and foothills
• Lake Casitas Recreation Area – Popular man-made lake surrounded by parkland with water activities like boating, fishing and more all year
• Mountain Biking – Various beginner to advanced mountain bike trails wind through the Ventura hills and forest

So whether looking for an adrenaline rush riding a wave or peaceful walk along a wooded trail, Ventura delivers.

Final Thoughts

With its Mediterranean climate, oceanside location, thriving arts and music scene mixed with a laidback SoCal attitude, Ventura offers awesome culture beyond just being a quick weekend getaway destination. More akin to a quirky funky seaside village rather than big city, everything needed is already right there.