It's no secret, most of us would like to stay in our own home as we age. Yet, sometimes our loved ones just need a little extra help to remain comfortable at home. That's where Always Best Care can help....we are dedicated to exceeding expectations....always.
They say that your golden years are the best years of your life. For most older Americans, that's how it should be - a time to relax, reflect, and live life in a familiar place. After all, senior citizens in the U.S. have worked tirelessly to build a better economy, serve their communities, and raise families.
However, as seniors grow older, completing daily tasks like showering and enjoying activities such as visiting the historic Ventura City Hall (formerly the Ventura County Courthouse - California Historical Landmark #847) gets harder without someone by their side. Unfortunately, many older Americans aren't able to rely on their adult children for help. The reality in today's world is that family members do not have the skills or time to dedicate to caring for their parents. That's where Always Best Care Senior Services comes in.
Our in-home care services are for people who prefer to stay at home as they grow older but need ongoing care that family or friends cannot provide. More and more older adults prefer to live far away from long-term, institutionalized facilities and closer to the place where they feel most comfortable - their home. Home care in Ventura, CA is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.
Home Care Services
Service AreasSince 1996, Always Best Care has provided non-medical in-home care for seniors to help them maintain a healthy lifestyle as they get older. We are proud to have helped more than 25,000 seniors maintain higher levels of dignity and respect. We focus on providing seniors with the highest level of in-home care available so that they may live happily and independently.
Unlike some senior care companies, we genuinely want to be included in our clients' lives. We believe that personalized care is always the better option over a "one size fits all" approach. To make sure our senior clients receive the best care possible, we pair them with compassionate caregivers who understand their unique needs. That way, they may provide care accordingly without compromising their wellbeing.
The Always Best Care difference lies in life's little moments - where compassionate care and trustworthy experience come together to help seniors live a fruitful, healthy life. Whether you are an aging adult that can't quite keep up with life's daily tasks or the child of a senior who needs regular in-home services, Always Best Care is here to help.
“I have partnered with Tom in Thousand Oaks for a couple years now, I can”
“Caring and sensitive. David is so focused on helping families. He is such an asset”
“Always Best Care has been helping my 94 year old Mother very much! The Caregivers”
“Been with the company for approximately like 6 months ,love it , great supervisors n”
“I’ve worked with a few agencies and my experience with Always Best Care has been”
“I've worked with ABC for over a year now. I've worked for other organizations”
“I am a past client of this provider Nisa was a great friend to my father and”
“I am a past client of this provider Nisa is the best. Upbeat, knows what she’s”
“After researching several Home Health Care companies in my area, I choose Always Best Care”
“First let me say that this review was not solicited by any one at Always”
“I am making this post on the behalf of my mother in law who does”
“I am making this post on the behalf of my mother in law who does”
“I am a current client of this provider We are with Always Best Care. We have”
“Tom and his team of caregivers do a great job. I highly recommend Always”
“I’m a registered nurse and having Erin help me with this process was seamless. She”
“I've been with the company a lil over 3months maybe longer and love the respect”
“This is the finest company in home care, I would highly recommend it for your”
“Stellar service and care! Highly recommend!”
“This is truly a team you can trust to take care of your loved one.”
“I have partnered with Tom in Thousand Oaks for a couple years now, I can attest that he strives to provide the best quality care for his clients and a positive work environment for his employees. Great agency! Highly recommend!”
“Caring and sensitive. David is so focused on helping families. He is such an asset to our hospital. Families don't know where to start and David gets the ball rolling and smooths the way. What a blessing to these families.”
“Always Best Care has been helping my 94 year old Mother very much! The Caregivers are wonderful and helpful and willing to go the extra mile. I am so happy to have their team a part of our lives! Thank you!”
“Been with the company for approximately like 6 months ,love it , great supervisors n boss , overall great company for work for , great communication from supervisors ,n always a pleasure to work with wonderful clients”
“I’ve worked with a few agencies and my experience with Always Best Care has been phenomenal. The professionalism.and respect they show to us caregivers makes me feel appreciated as well as giving me opportunity to learn and grow in my services I provide to my clients with the workshops they provide every month.”
“I've worked with ABC for over a year now. I've worked for other organizations that provide senior care services but the Always Best Care Thousand Oaks location has been a wonderful place to work. The working relationship between staff, client and ownership/management is that it's important for us all to be happy. I've been placed with so many wonderful people that I can say are not only my clients but also my friends. They really try to provide the right client with the right caregiver and with me it has been a wonderful experience and a great place to work.”
“I am a past client of this provider Nisa was a great friend to my father and treated him like family. It was reassuring to us to know he was looked after by a loving and caring person. She was always available to us and she was able to adjust her schedule to his needs. Nisa allowed my father to stay in his home longer and provided him new freedom he had not had previously.”
“I am a past client of this provider Nisa is the best. Upbeat, knows what she’s doing, was great with my mom. We all felt very comfortable when she was caring for mom.”
“After researching several Home Health Care companies in my area, I choose Always Best Care and was extremely pleased with the decision I made. Always Best Care checked every box on my list and was the absolute best choice for my post-surgery needs. Start to finish, the entire organization was professional, responsive, and provided the services I was in need of. Caregivers were exceptional in responding to my needs in addition to providing warm companionship that aided in a worry free recovery. Always Best Care delivered as promised and I highly recommend them for Home Health Care needs. MMD”
“First let me say that this review was not solicited by any one at Always Best Care Senior Services. The services provided by Always Best are both personal and professional. All of my calls were always answered by Tom ( the owner). Never was I left to wonder if I was going to get assistance for my mother and her significant other. From the top down I found everyone to be patient, kind, attentive, accessible, problem solvers, with an “I can get it done” attitude. The services provided by Always Best, required end of life care. The care givers worked seamlessly with Hospice. Every step of the way I could see both my mother and the patient were lovingly cared for. I look forward to using this agency as needed for my mother. Thank you, Tom and all of your care angels!”
“I am making this post on the behalf of my mother in law who does not currently have a Gmail account. Always Best Care has been a true blessing with providing a wonderful caregiver who is kind, patient and supportive with my 95 year old mother's needs which include a downward cognitive slide. My mom enjoys the support and care too. I've heard horror stories about such services, but have been beyond pleased with Tom and his caregiving agency. Lori Robinson- Ventura County”
“I am making this post on the behalf of my mother in law who does not currently have a Gmail account. Always Best Care has been a true blessing with providing a wonderful caregiver who is kind, patient and supportive with my 95 year old mother's needs which include a downward cognitive slide. My mom enjoys the support and care too. I've heard horror stories about such services, but have been beyond pleased with Tom and his caregiving agency. Lori Robinson- Ventura County”
“I am a current client of this provider We are with Always Best Care. We have been with them for two weeks now. They were great, and we have had a good experience so far. The caregiver is great. She has been like a lifeline for us; she has been nice. The scheduling has been fine, and everything has been working great.”
“Tom and his team of caregivers do a great job. I highly recommend Always Best Care of Thousand Oaks.”
“I’m a registered nurse and having Erin help me with this process was seamless. She is comforting, empathetic, and very knowledgeable. Thanks again Erin! Natalie Schauwecker, RN”
“I've been with the company a lil over 3months maybe longer and love the respect they give us caregivers and employees. We are a team as they say welcome to the team and it truly is a team more like a family here. They take our schedules and work with us and don't pay us low as all other places. You get what you pay for. I've worked for Disneyland Resorts and this is much like the atmosphere there very friendly and non judgemental and truly caring understanding team. Tom the owner is one of us he doesn't put himself above us neither does Erin. They are both friendly. Moving up in the company is possible as i have already and my kids are much happier because mommy actually loves her job. No one is paying me to write this i don't do reviews typically because the time it takes but i believe in our team amd if you want great care and affordable care please try us for a week and I personally guarantee you, you'll be the next to write a review.”
“This is the finest company in home care, I would highly recommend it for your family!”
“Stellar service and care! Highly recommend!”
“This is truly a team you can trust to take care of your loved one. It is obvious, Tom and his team have a passion for the work they do. They are so patient and kind and treated us and our loved one like one of their own members of the family. We are forever grateful.”
Home is where the heart is. While that saying can sound a tad cliche, it is especially true for many seniors living in America. When given a choice, older adults most often prefer to grow older at home. An AARP study found that three out of four adults over the age of 50 want to stay in their homes and communities as they age.
When you begin to think about why, it makes sense. Home offers a sense of security, comfort, and familiarity.
The truth is, as we age, we begin to rely on others for help. When a family is too busy or lives too far away to fulfill this role, in-home senior care is often the best solution. Home care services allow seniors to enjoy personal independence while also receiving trustworthy assistance from a trained caregiver.
At Always Best Care, we offer a comprehensive range of home care services to help seniors stay healthy while they get the help they need to remain independent. As your senior loved one gets older, giving them the gift of senior care is one of the best ways to show your love, even if you live far away.
To give our senior clients the best care possible, we offer a full spectrum of in-home care services:
If your senior loved one has specific care needs, our personal care services are a great choice to consider. Personal care includes the standard caregiving duties associated with companion care and includes help with tasks such as dressing and grooming. Personal care can also help individuals with chronic conditions like diabetes.
Common personal care services include assistance with:
Sometimes, seniors need helpful reminders to maintain a high quality of life at home. If you or your senior has trouble with everyday tasks like cooking, our home helper services will be very beneficial.
Common home helper care services include assistance with:
Using this kind of care is a fantastic way to make life easier for you or your senior loved one. At Always Best Care, our talented caregivers often fill the role of a companion for seniors. That way, older adults can enjoy their favorite local activities, such as visiting Marina Park with friends while also receiving the care they need daily or weekly.
Common companionship services include:
According to AARP, more than 53 million adults living in the U.S. provide care to someone over 50 years old. Unfortunately, these caregivers experience stress, exhaustion, and even depression. Our respite care services help family caregivers address urgent obligations, spend time with their children, and enjoy nearby activities. Perhaps more importantly, respite care gives family members time to recharge and regroup. Taking personal time to de-stress reduces the risk of caregiver burnout. So, if you've always wanted to eat at the local Rumfish y Vino or visit Ortega Adobe, don't feel bad. Doing so is great for both you and your loved one.
At the end of the day, our goal is to become a valuable part of your senior's daily routine. That way, we may help give them the highest quality of life possible. We know that staying at home is important for your loved one, and we are here to help make sure that is possible.
If you have been on the fence about non-medical home care, there has never been a better time than now to give your senior the care, assistance, and companionship they deserve.
Always Best Care in-home services are for older adults who prefer to stay at home but need ongoing care that friends and family cannot provide. In-home care is a safe, effective way for seniors to age gracefully in a familiar place and live independent, non-institutionalized lives. The benefits of non-medical home care are numerous. Here are just a few reasons to consider senior care services from Always Best Care:
According to AARP, 9 out of 10 seniors prefer to age in place within the comfort of their own home. With in-home care, seniors have a way to stay at home, receive the care they need, and maintain a sense of independence, improving overall wellness.
If you or a member of your family have assumed the role of caregiver for your senior loved one, you know how stressful the job can be. Between caregiver burnout and constant worry, being a family caregiver is hard. In-home care relieves your burden and gives you peace of mind knowing that your older family member is in expert hands.
Unlike nursing homes, where the staff and residents rotate frequently, seniors can foster new friendships and build bonds with their caregiver. Seniors who socialize on a regular basis are often happier, which fosters positivity and leads to increased wellbeing.
No two seniors need the same kind of in-home care assistance. That is why each of our Care Plans is tailored to meet our client's individual needs. We offer plans that cover everything from light housekeeping to more involved duties like transportation to doctor's appointments. Our Care Coordinators will work closely with you to develop a personalized plan to ensure your senior's needs are exceeded.
Always Best Care offers a full array of care options for patients at all levels of health. With our trusted elderly care services, your loved one will receive the level of care necessary for them to enjoy the highest possible quality of life.
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While it's true that some seniors have complicated medical needs that prevent them from staying at home, aging in place is often the best arrangement for seniors and their families. With a trusted caregiver, seniors have the opportunity to live with a sense of dignity and do so as they see fit - something that is unavailable to many older people today.
In-home care makes it possible for millions of seniors to age in place every year. Rather than moving to a strange nursing home, seniors have the chance to stay at home where they feel the happiest and most comfortable.
How much does a senior's home truly mean to them?
A study published by the American Society on Aging found that more than half of seniors say their home's emotional value means more than how much their home is worth in monetary value. It stands to reason, then, that a senior's home is where they want to grow old.
With the help of elderly care in Ventura, CA, seniors don't have to age in a sterilized care facility. Instead, they can age gracefully in the place they want to be most: their home. In contrast, seniors who move to a long-term care facility must adapt to new environments, new people, and new systems that the facility implements. At this stage in life, this kind of drastic change can be more harmful than helpful.
Institutional care facilities like nursing homes often put large groups of people together to live in one location. On any given day, dozens of staff members and caregivers run in and out of these facilities. Being around so many new people in a relatively small living environment can be dangerous for a seniors' health and wellbeing. When you consider that thousands of seniors passed away in nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic, opting for in-home care is often a safer, healthier choice for seniors.
Aging in place has been shown to improve seniors' quality of life, which helps boost physical health and also helps insulate them from viral and bacterial risks found in elderly living facilities.
For many seniors, the ability to live independently with assistance from a caregiver is a priceless option. With in-home care, seniors experience a higher level of independence and freedom - much more so than in other settings like a nursing home. When a senior has the chance to age in place, they get to live life on their own terms, inside the house that they helped make into a home. More independence means more control over their personal lives, too, which leads to increased levels of fulfillment, happiness, and personal gratification. Over time, these positive feelings can manifest into a healthier, longer life.
More independence, a healthier life, and increased comfort are only a few benefits of aging in place. You have to take into consideration the role of cost and convenience. Simply put, it's usually easier and more affordable to help seniors age in place than it is to move them into an institutional care facility. According to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, seniors who age in the comfort of their homes can save thousands of dollars per month.
In-home care services from Always Best Care, for instance, are often less expensive than long-term solutions, which can cost upwards of six figures per year. To make matters worse, many residential care facilities are reluctant to accept long-term care insurance and other types of payment assistance.
With Always Best Care's home care services, seniors and their families have a greater level of control over their care plans. In-home care gives seniors the chance to form a bond with a trusted caregiver and also receive unmatched care that is catered to their needs. In long-term care facilities, seniors and their loved ones have much less control over their care plan and have less of a say in who provides their care.
In-home care is a valuable resource that empowers seniors to age in place on their own terms. However, a big concern for many families and their loved ones is how much in-home care costs. If you're worried that in-home care is too expensive, you may be pleasantly surprised to learn that it is one of the most affordable senior care arrangements available.
Typically, hiring an Always Best Care in-home caregiver for a few hours a week is more affordable than sending your loved one to a long-term care facility. This is true even for seniors with more complex care needs.
At Always Best Care, we will work closely with you and your family to develop a Care Plan that not only meets your care needs, but your budget requirements, too. Once we discover the level of care that you or your senior need, we develop an in-home care plan that you can afford.
In addition to our flexible care options, families should also consider the following resources to help offset potential home care costs:
When you or your senior loved one needs assistance managing daily tasks at home, finding a qualified caregiver can be challenging. It takes a special kind of person to provide reliable care for your senior loved one. However, a caregiver's role involves more than meal preparation and medication reminders. Many seniors rely on their caregivers for companionship, too.
Our companion care services give seniors the chance to socialize in a safe environment and engage in activities at home. These important efforts boost morale and provide much-needed relief from repetitive daily routines. A one-on-one, engaging conversation can sharpen seniors' minds and give them something in which to be excited.
At Always Best Care, we only hire care providers that we would trust to care for our own loved ones. Our senior caregivers in Ventura, CA understand how important it is to listen and communicate with their seniors. A seemingly small interaction, like a short hug goodbye, can make a major difference in a senior's day. Instead of battling against feelings of isolation, seniors begin to look forward to seeing their caregiver each week.
Understanding the nuances of senior care is just one of the reasons why our care providers are so great at their job.
Unlike some senior care companies, our caregivers must undergo extensive training before they work for Always Best Care. In addition, our caregivers receive ongoing training throughout the year. This training ensures that their standard of care matches up to the high standards we've come to expect. During this training, they will brush up on their communication skills, safety awareness, and symptom spotting. That way, your loved one receives the highest level of non-medical home care from day one.
While it's true that many seniors prefer to age at home, sometimes in-home care isn't the best fit. For those seniors and their families, choosing an assisted living facility makes more sense. Unfortunately, finding the optimal care facility is easier said than done in today's day and age. That's when Always Best Care's assisted living referral services begin to make a lot of sense.
Assisted living is a form of housing intended for seniors who require varying degrees of medical and personal attention. Accommodations may include single rooms, apartments, or shared living arrangements. Assisted living communities are typically designed to resemble a home-like environment and are physically constructed to encourage the independence of residents.
At assisted living communities, seniors receive help with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and eating. They may also benefit from coordination of services with outside healthcare providers, and monitoring of resident activities to ensure their health, safety, and well-being. Caregivers who work at assisted living communities can also provide medication administration and personal care services for older adults.
Other services offered within assisted living communities can include some or all of the following:
At Always Best Care, our representatives can match your senior's emotional, physical, and financial needs with viable assisted living communities nearby. Results are based on comparative data, so you can select the best choice for you or your loved one.
Always Best Care works closely with local senior living communities to gain valuable knowledge that we then use to help seniors and their loved ones make informed decisions. This information can include basic care and rent, resident availability, and services provided. Because Always Best Care is compensated by these communities, we provide senior living referral services at no extra cost to you.
Some of the most popular assisted living communities to consider in our area include the following:
For many seniors, moving into a senior living community revolves around how and when they want to make a transition to more involved care. Some seniors are more proactive about transitioning to independent living. Others choose to remain home until their care needs or other requirements are satisfied. Remember - our staff is here to help. Contact our office today to learn more about assisted living communities and how we can find a facility that exceeds your expectations.
The first step in getting quality in-home care starts with a personal consultation with an experienced Always Best Care Care Coordinator. This initial consultation is crucial for our team to learn more about you or your elderly loved one to discover the level of care required. Topics of this consultation typically include:
A discussion of your needs and how our trained caregivers can offer assistance in the most effective way
A draft of your care plan, which includes highly detailed notes and a framework for the care that you or your senior will receive
Discuss payment options and help coordinate billing with your insurance provider
Our caregivers are trained to spot changes that clients exhibit, like mental and physical decline. As your trusted senior care company, we will constantly assess and update your Care Plan to meet any new emotional, intellectual, physical, and emotional needs.
If you have never considered in-home care before, we understand that you and your family may have concerns about your Care Plan and its Care Coordinator. To help give you peace of mind, know that every team member and caregiver must undergo comprehensive training before being assigned to a Care Plan.
At the end of the day, we only hire the best of the best at Always Best Care. Whether you need home care in Ventura, CA 24-hours a day or only need a respite for a couple of hours, we are here to serve you.
When you're ready, we encourage you to contact your local Always Best Care representative to set up a Care Consultation. Our Care Coordinators would be happy to meet with you in person to get to know you better, discuss your needs, and help put together a personalized Care Plan specific to your needs.
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both si...
A fast growing brush fire in a mountainous area north of Los Angeles has forced thousands of people to evacuate as firefighters are working to get it under control.
Hundreds of firefighters battled the Canyon Fire overnight after it ignited Thursday afternoon in Ventura and Los Angeles counties, as temperatures hit 100 degrees mixed with strong winds.
Officials said good progress had been made overnight as temperatures cooled, and the blaze was 28 percent contained as of Friday evening. It has so far spread to 5,370 acres, the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection said.
LA County Supervisor Kathryn Barger, who represents the district, urged residents to evacuate.
“Extreme heat and low humidity in our north county have created dangerous conditions where flames can spread with alarming speed,” Barger said in a statement Thursday. “If first responders tell you to leave, go — without hesitation.”
The fire is burning just south of Lake Piru, a reservoir located in the Los Padres National Forest. It's close to Lake Castaic, a popular recreation area burned by the Hughes Fire in January.
VENTURA, CALIF. — County Center LP has completed the disposition of Cypress Point, an apartment complex in Ventura. Raintree Properties acquired the asset for $100 million, or $373,134 per unit.Built in 1990 on 14 acres, Cypress Point offers 268 apartments spread across 28 two-story residential buildings. First-floor units feature nine-foot ceilings and second-floor units have up to 12-foot vaulted ceilings. All apartments offer extra storage space, dishwashers, large closets and window coverings. Community amenities include a b...
VENTURA, CALIF. — County Center LP has completed the disposition of Cypress Point, an apartment complex in Ventura. Raintree Properties acquired the asset for $100 million, or $373,134 per unit.
Built in 1990 on 14 acres, Cypress Point offers 268 apartments spread across 28 two-story residential buildings. First-floor units feature nine-foot ceilings and second-floor units have up to 12-foot vaulted ceilings. All apartments offer extra storage space, dishwashers, large closets and window coverings. Community amenities include a barbecue and picnic area, fitness center, clubhouse and covered parking.
Kevin Green, Joseph Grabiec and Gregory Harris of Institutional Property Advisors, a division of Marcus & Millichap, represented the seller and procured the buyer in the transaction.
HACKENSACK, N.J. — Locally based developer Plaxsun Properties has completed a 51,750-square-foot medical office building that is located directly across from the Hackensack University Medical Center campus in Hackensack. The facility features three floors of medical office space atop three levels of covered onsite parking, high-capacity HVAC and plumbing systems and multiple lobbies with elevator access. Newmark has been tapped as the leasing agent.
GROTON, CONN. — Northeast Private Client Group (NEPCG) has negotiated the $25.4 million sale of a 141-unit multifamily property in Groton, located in southern coastal Connecticut. Groton Townhomes offers one-, two- and three-bedroom units as well as outdoor dining and gathering spaces. Bradley Balletto of NEPCG represented the New Jersey-based seller in the transaction and procured the buyers, Rowin Capital and its affiliate, Penlane Real Estate.
PHILADELPHIA — Marcus & Millichap has brokered the $27.1 million sale of a portfolio of four retail properties in metro Philadelphia that are leased to convenience store operator Wawa. The buildings were all constructed within the past three years and are located in Newtown, Pottstown, Warrington and Fairless Hills. Scott Woodard and Derrick Dougherty of Marcus & Millichap represented the buyer, a private investor based in Bucks County, in the 1031 exchange transaction. The sellers included regional developers, local private owners and East Coast-based owners and operators. All parties requested anonymity.
Ventura has a nostalgic California vibe that makes it feel as if it were plucked out of an old surf movie.Unlike other Southern California cities, visitors don’t have to worry about making reservations weeks in advance or staying out of locals’ way. It’s the type of place where people run to the beach on their lunch break and neighbors stop and say hello to one another. Walking around the downtown area, you’ll find hidden gem thrift stores and can enjoy the smell of fresh pastries wafting from local bakeries. P...
Ventura has a nostalgic California vibe that makes it feel as if it were plucked out of an old surf movie.
Unlike other Southern California cities, visitors don’t have to worry about making reservations weeks in advance or staying out of locals’ way. It’s the type of place where people run to the beach on their lunch break and neighbors stop and say hello to one another. Walking around the downtown area, you’ll find hidden gem thrift stores and can enjoy the smell of fresh pastries wafting from local bakeries. Perhaps best of all? Ventura is less than two hours from Los Angeles.
“You'll find sandy feet in bars, surfboards strapped to the roof of cars, and dogs enjoying a beach walk. Ventura's more surf, suds, and sand. Less glitz and glamor,” says Julie Madsen, the communications and public relations manager at Visit Ventura, who has lived in the town her whole life. “You don't have to pretend to be a certain type of person to blend in here in Ventura. You can just simply be and experience Ventura.”
Here's what to know before planning a trip to Ventura, California.
Inspired by the ocean, Zachari Dunes is California’s only all-suite, beachfront resort. Located in Oxnard, California, this pet-friendly hotel has a pool, fitness center, and three on-site restaurants. Spend the day riding by the water on a complimentary beach cruiser and be sure to grab dinner at Ox & Ocean.
Inn on the Beach is a boutique hotel where each room has a view of either the Pacific Ocean, Ventura Pier, or Channel Islands. The charming spaces are decorated with classic floral wallpaper, antique furniture, and built-in fireplaces. Inn on the Beach also has a continental breakfast, and it's easy to walk to local haunts like the Social Tap and Pierpont Tacos.
Hotel San Buena is a 32-room boutique property located in the middle of downtown Ventura. Built in 1928, the design here is decidedly retro, and the courtyard villas come with kitchenettes, oversized bathrooms, and balconies. Thanks to its prime location, guests can walk to many of Ventura's best restaurants and bars, or ride a complimentary bike to the beach.
Channel Islands National Park is one of the least-visited national parks in the country—but that's really only due to its remote location. It's one of the most unique and biologically diverse national parks, and is affectionately known as the "Galapagos of North America." Santa Cruz Island is the most popular, and many visitors like to hike to Potato Harbor. You’ll need food (there's none on the islands), sunscreen, and good hiking shoes.
The Ventura Botanical Gardens have more than just a few flowers. The 107-acre site sprawls across the foothills of the Santa Monica Mountains, and you can hike around while taking in 360-degree views of the coastline and peaks. The gardens largely focus on native plants, and its collection is used for scientific research and conservation efforts.
Ventura has so many beautiful beaches that it’s hard to choose. Harbor Cove and Mother’s Beach are known for their relaxed atmosphere with smaller waves. As for surf breaks, local wave enthusiasts favor Mondo’s, C Street, and Emma Wood State Beach.
Locals love Ventura’s “Taco District,” a street that is covered in family-owned taquerias. You can hop down the street trying each restaurant’s specialty dish, and then nurse your taco-induced food coma on the beach. Stop by El Asadero for their al pastor tacos, and experiment with chicken tikka masala tacos at Indian Rasoi.
Model Citizen is a neighborhood restaurant and cocktail bar that rotates between seasonal menus to highlight the unique flavors of California and the Mediterranean. They also have a great happy hour selection of small bites and affordable wines. The cocktails are creative (and strong), making it a perfect place to start a long night.
Rumfish y Vino is a gastropub that specializes in seafood and Central American-inspired dishes. The patio is perfectly sunny for brunch, and the palm trees are illuminated with gentle lighting for a romantic dinner. If you aren’t taco-ed out, be sure to try the slow-braised pork belly tacos.
In Oxnard, Tierra Sur expertly pairs bold dishes with an extensive wine list. Their team of chefs uses seasonal ingredients from local growers to create fresh dishes like the salmon served with a pico de gallo made from strawberries, kiwis, and avocados.
Enjoy artisan cheese platters, fresh salads, pizza, and pastries at Barrel 33, Ventura’s favorite wine bar. The fireplaces in the outdoor patio are perfect for a date night in Ventura. This is one of the few restaurants in Ventura that requires a reservation, so be sure to book ahead.
The greatest thing about Southern California? The weather is warm and welcoming year-round. On average, Ventura enjoys 273 sunny days per year and an average of 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Even during the coldest times of year, the temperature rarely drops below 50 degrees.
Visit between mid-July to early September for long sunny days that are perfect for days by the water. In spring, the wildflowers bloom and bring the Channel Islands and Ventura Botanical Gardens to life. And fall and winter are considered the best times for surfing in Ventura, thanks to the Pacific swells.
“As a local, my favorite time of the year is fall,” says Medina. “The sunsets are jaw-dropping, and it still feels like summer even in October. You can still sit outside for dinner and head to the beach for a spontaneous sunset picnic or beach walk.”
The closest major airports include Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) and Santa Barbara Airport (SBA). You'll probably find more flight options and cheaper fares out of LAX, which is about 70 miles (or an hour-and-a-half drive) from Ventura.
For those who prefer not to drive, Ventura is conveniently located on the scenic Amtrak Pacific Surfliner, and the train station is located in the heart of downtown Ventura.
Nearby Oxnard is in the southern part of the county, about 11 miles from Ventura. Have a picnic at Olo?koy Beach Park, a scenic, 60-acre park. Or spend the day at Point Mugu State Park where you can go mountain biking, scuba diving, hiking, or windsurfing.
Downtown Ventura is full of restaurants, boutiques, and also has a vibrant cocktail scene. This is considered to be the heart and soul of Ventura County, so be sure to spend a day scoping out the area and meeting the locals. The downtown is incredibly walkable, and is just a few blocks from the beach.
From paddle boats to escape rooms to wine tasting, there is much to do at the Ventura Harbor Village. Check out the Ventura Harbor Village’s calendar for events like live music, movie nights, and even an annual puppy parade.
The East end of Ventura is what locals call “the wine and beer lover’s dream.” In this area, you'll find multiple taprooms within walking distance of each other. If you're interested in a beer crawl, start at Seaward Brewing before proceeding to Bright Spark Brewing and Balcom Canyon Cider, which are just a few blocks away.
The most convenient way to get around Ventura is by car, and most parking is free in the city. Having a car will make it easy to get to local hikes and sights, and to transport camping gear. Ride-hailing services such as Uber and Lyft are available in the area, but you may have trouble catching a ride since Ventura is a small town. Ventura also has a public transportation system with local lines, as well as routes that connect to nearby towns such as Ojai, Oxnard, and Port Hueneme. Downtown Ventura is also very walkable. There are also local bike shops like Ventura Bike Depot or Wheel Fun Rentals that have rentals.
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