Camarillo Premium Outlets

The Camarillo Premium Outlets at 740 East Ventura Boulevard offers nearly 160 stores.

Regular hours are 10 am to 8 pm daily (as of January 2026). More information at www.premiumoutlets.com/outlet/camarillo.

Get there by taking the 101 to either Carmen (make a left over the freeway and then right on Ventura Blvd.) or Los Posas (left over the freeway and then left on Ventura Blvd.).  If you're on a diet, you might take Los Posas as the Carmen route takes you past a large, alluring In-N-Out Burger.

As you can see on the map below, there are three main sections. The original outlets are on the left side, including the Main Court and across Camarillo Center Drive is the Fashion Court. In 2009 the outlets expanded to the west between the Edwards Movie Theater and Las Posas Road to include The Promenade section.

The Main Court contains suites 100-744, Fashion Court suites 800-1118 and The Promenade suites 1200-1514. The CP Outlets website has a listing by store type as well as a map.

The outlets are massive. You can park anywhere and walk the entire way, though I prefer to park in the Main Court and cover the Main Court and walk across Camarillo Center Drive to get to the Fashion Court.

You can also walk to The Promenade section, where you’ll find eateries such as Panera Bread, Loru’s Cafe, Cracker Barrel, and Chick Fil-A, as well as the adjacent eateries in the parking lot that include Finney’s Crafthouse, Latitude 34, Ubatuba Acai, Makenna Koffee, and Chipotle.

A small kids’ playground area was added in 2019 to The Promenade section near Wetzel’s Pretzels/Lids/Sunglass Hut.

Not a great pic but gives you a feel for the kids’ playground area at The Promenade (new in 2019)

Join the VIP Club to receive special discount offers and coupons at www.premiumoutlets.com/vip/

The two videos below provide a quick drive-through around the Main/Fashion Courts and the newer The Promenade.

The Collection at RiverPark in Oxnard

The Collection at RiverPark is an outdoor shopping center located on the northeast side of the 101 freeway in Oxnard, between the Oxnard and Vineyard exits.

The 650,000 sq ft center includes a combination of entertainment, retail, restaurants, various services, open space with fountains, parks and playgrounds and quality art. Parking is available on the streets as well as several parking lots.

Here’s a rundown of some of the businesses that operate at The Collection:

Retail: Here’s a small fraction of stores at The Collection - Cotton On, Ethan Allen, Forever 21, Gap, H&M, Lane Bryant, lululemon, MAC Cosmetics, Pandora, Pet Food Express, REI, Sleep Number, Soma Intimates, Target, The Container Store, ULTA Beauty, Urban Outfitters, Vans, Victoria’s Secret, Whole Foods Market, Carters, Pacsun, Roadrunner Sports, Tillys, Zumiez, and many more.

Entertainment: Levity Live Comedy Club & Dinner Theater, Century RiverPark 16, Color Me Mine, Jump ‘N Jammin Indoor Play. Bowlero bowling lanes

Other: Bank of America, 24 Hour Fitness SuperSport, Massage Envy Spa, Ventura County Credit Union and more.

Restaurants include:

• After’s Ice Cream

• bb.q Chicken (Korean Chicken)

• Bottle & Pint (at The Annex)

• Copper Blues Rock Pub & Kitchen

• Five Guys Burgers & Fries

• GEN Korean BBQ

• GOM Snow Desserts

• Gordo’s Hot Chicken -

• Immigrant Son Caffe

• It’s Boba Time

• It’Sugar

• Kabuki Japanese Restaurant

• Larsen’s Grill

• Lazy Dog Restaurant & Bar.

• Love Pho Cafe

• Luna Grill

• Menchie's Frozen Yogurt

• Mong Q Mongolian BBQ

• Panera Bread

• Pokeworks

• Pizza Man Dan’s

• Pokeworks - coming soon as of Feb 2025

• Ragamuffin Coffee Roasters

• Red Robin

• Settebello Pizzeria Napoletana

• Silverlake Ramen

• Starbucks

• The Blend Superfood Bar (at The Annex)

• The Cheesecake Factory

• Two Hands Corn Dogs

• Wetzel’s Pretzels

• Whole Foods Bar Rincon

• Yard House.

Also at The Collection: The Annex, a 16,000 sq ft collection of micro shops, boutiques and eateries (included above). Across the street from Levity Live/Copper Blues.

There is unique public art placed throughout the center, including metal sculptures, ceramic tile murals, fountains and more. Shea Properties has spent around $1 million on art, bringing in seven artists for 18 individual art installations. Artists include Frank Bauer with his ceramic tile murals and benches and tile sidewalk medallions, and Michael Amescua with his cut metal sculptures.

Visit www.thecollectionrp.com or visit their Facebook page to learn more. To get there from the 101 North, exit on Oxnard Boulevard and turn right. Turn right again on Town Center Drive.

Playground at The Collection

Places that have come and gone from The Collection: Toby Keith's Bar & Grill closed in Spring 2015. Sabra Fish Grill opened in 2015 and closed in late 2017. Famous Dave’s BBQ. Gandolfo’s New York Deli, ANGL. General Chow closed in October 2019, EMC Seafood, Maria’s Italian Kitchen (closed April 2020), Seoul Sausage Company, PokeCeviche, The Painted Cabernet, Ben & Jerry’s, Texas de Brazil Churrascari (2019-2024), Burrata House, Da Hickory House, King & Queen Cantina

Stearns Wharf in Santa Barbara

Dolphins greet you at the entrance to Stearns Wharf.

Stearns Wharf is located at the juncture of W. Cabrillo Road and State Street in Santa Barbara. Originally constructed in 1872 by lumberman John P. Stearns as the longest deep-water pier between Los Angeles and San Francisco, it is now one of the most visible and visited tourist destinations in Santa Barbara. In 1980-81, the City of Santa Barbara restored the wharf, constructed new buildings on it and assumed operation of the facility.

Our family particularly enjoys visiting the Museum of Santa Barbara Sea Center located on the wharf, followed by a stop at Mother Stearns Candy Company or the Great Pacific Ice Cream Company. Of course, The Harbor Restaurant and Longboard’s Beach Bar and Grill are crowd favorites. There's also wine tasting at Deep Sea Wine Tasting Room, Moby Dick Restaurant, fish and chips, souvenir shops and other places.

View from the end of Stearns Wharf back toward the mainland.

View from Stearns Wharf

You can get onto the wharf in a number of ways. There is limited parking on the wharf. Cost (as of September 2025) is $3/hour, but the first 90 minutes are free. Or you can park along Cabrillo Road or in a local beach parking lot and walk onto the wharf. Or do what we enjoy...park at the Santa Barbara Harbor and ride bikes onto the wharf. The wood planks are a bit bumpy but you'll survive!

Learn more about Stearns Wharf at www.stearnswharf.org.

Beautiful views of the harbor area as you'll see below from the pier. If you walk onto the wharf, you may encounter some locals that "live off the land" with sand sculptures and other monuments on the sand for your viewing pleasure (and perhaps some spare change). They are part of the carnival atmosphere. And of course on Sundays you'll be treated to the Santa Barbara Arts & Crafts Show that has been running since 1965.

Arroyo Burro Beach Park in Santa Barbara

Arroyo Burro Beach is a beach park managed by the County of Santa Barbara. It is also referred to as Hendry's Beach, as the Boathouse at Hendry's Beach is located here at 2981 Cliff Drive. Decent sized parking lot with restaurant that offers moderately priced meals and drinks indoors/outdoors, seven days a week from 7:30am to 9:30pm. Arroyo Burro is a sandy beach, good for surfing, boogie boarding and fishing, with an adjoining park with grassy areas with picnic tables. Restrooms available. From the 101 take Las Positas Road south to Cliff Drive. Turn right and travel 1/2 mile to the park entrance. More information at www.countyofsb.org/810/Arroyo-Burro-Beach

Next to Arroyo Burro is the Douglas Family Preserve, an open space area donated to the City of Santa Barbara in 1997. The space contains walking trails, ocean views and offers off-leash beach fun for the doggies! sbparksandrec.santabarbaraca.gov/parks/douglas-family-preserve

CLICK THIS LINK FOR A COMPILATION OF SANTA BARBARA AREA BEACHES

Ventura Harbor Village

Ventura Harbor Village at 1583 Spinnaker Drive, Ventura is home to 33 acres of harborside activities, shopping and restaurants.  The weather is always so cool over there it makes for a nice retreat.

Go for a walk along the boardwalk or at the beach or enjoy activities like kayaking, sailing, pedal boats, sport-fishing and cruises. Ventura Harbor Village hosts events and activities year-round, including music performances, kids' activities, themed events, festivals and more.

Eateries at Ventura Harbor Village include Andria's Seafood Restaurant, Baja Bay Surf N' Taco, Boatyard Pub, Brophy Bros. Clam Bar & Restaurant, Coastal Cone Ice Cream, Deep Sea Wine Tasting Room, Le Petit Cafe, Bakery & Restaurant, Margarita Villa Mexican Restaurant, On The Alley, The Greek Mediterranean Steak & Seafood, The Loose Cannon Bar/Arcade/Restaurant, The Parlor, and Wild Local Seafood Co. You won't go hungry here.

The Channel Islands National Park Visitor Center is located adjacent to Ventura Harbor Village. Free admission and an awesome resource for learning more about the Channel Islands and its protected habitat.

Island Packers at the Harbor has numerous boat rides and is the only authorized concessionaire to transport folks to Channel Islands National Park. 

Ventura Boat Rentals rents out electric boats, paddle boats, kayaks, power boats and charters cruises in the Ventura Harbor.  So much fun to be had!

Across the street from Ventura Harbor Village is beach access at Harbor Cove Beach (a safe beach protected by jetties) and Surfer's Knoll Beach. Local area beaches at THIS LINK.

More information at www.venturaharborvillage.com or call 805.642.8538 (or 877.89.HARBOR).

The Lakes at Thousand Oaks

The Lakes at Thousand Oaks is a 7 1/2 acre, 48,000 square foot development next to the Bank of America Performing Arts Center Thousand Oaks where you can relax and enjoy park-like landscaping, two lakes, fountains, waterfalls and a children's play area, while grabbing a bite and do some shopping. The Lakes opened in 2005.

Restaurants include Fogo de Chao, California Pizza Kitchen and Sunlife Organics. Rounding out the offerings are a Lassen's Health Foods and Kalologie Skincare.

The Lakes at Thousand Oaks is really a beautiful, peaceful place, daytime and nighttime.

There is a kids club that meets every Wednesday morning from Spring through Fall.Younger ones enjoy it here because there is a lot of room to run around, run across the bridge, around the lake, etc.

We like the koi at The Lakes. They're cool to watch. But we don't feed them as cute as they are as they are obviously well fed!

The Lakes is located at 2200 E. Thousand Oaks Boulevard.  Visit www.shoplakes.com or call 805.497.9861 for more information.

The Lakes Memory Lane: Former tenants at The Lakes include Claim Jumper (closed 2/23/14; now Lassen's), Nate 'n Al Deli (closed 1/4/12), Sushi Ko (2005 to August 2009 in Nate ‘n Al Deli space), Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf (closed 7/18/11), Blizz Frozen Yogurt (closed early Spring 2011), Ben & Jerry's and 9021Pho (July 2016). Others: Tommy Bahama. Umami Burger closed 1/4/20, nearly eight years after opening on 5/3/12. Sabor Cocina Mexicana closed in March 2020. P. F. Chang’s closed in August 2022.

Simi Valley Town Center

The Simi Valley Town Center is a 600,000 sq ft open-air shopping, dining and entertainment center in the heart of Simi Valley, off the 118 freeway between First Street and Erringer Road at 1555 Simi Town Center Way.  This mall opened in fall 2005. 

Eateries at the Town Center as of March 2025 include Corner Bakery, California Pizza Kitchen, Larsen's Steakhouse, Red Robin, Buffalo Wild Wings, Go Fish Sushi, Huarache Express, Baby Cakes Dessert Shop, Bree’s Cakes, Starbucks, Rambo’s Hot Chicken, Zozo Bakery, and Meera Coffee & Desserts

Macy's anchors the west end of the mall (the east end, also previously a Macy’s is still vacant after many years as of March 2025).

The 41,211 sq ft Studio Movie Grill opened at the Town Center on October 22, 2015, with nine screens and over 950 seats. It is a beautiful theater, offering stadium seating and fixed lounge seats with individual dining tables and service.

This is also a nice mall for the kids, as there is plenty of room to run around and explore in the open air setting.  There is a kids play area, oak trees, mosaic dragon, outdoor fireplace, koi pond and gardens to explore. 

Lots of shops geared towards the kids, including Black Belt USA Tae Kwon Do, Gotta Dance Academy, Inspire Dance Studio, Color Café Pottery Painting Studio, Kid Gloves Boxing, Rockin’ Kids Play Center, Maker Studio and the Skateboarding Hall of Fame Museum.

Other shops include the Five Below discount store that opened on October 12, 2018, Marshalls, Tilly’s, Lewis Galleries, ULTA Beauty, Brighton Collectibles, Vans, and more.

There’s also the Museum of Military History Posters and Memorabilia. Quite an impressive array of military posters and artifacts on hand.

Visit www.shopsimivalleytowncenter.com for more information.

Small outdoor kids' play area (geared towards little ones)

Previously at the Simi Valley Town Center:

A lot of businesses have come and gone from the Simi Valley Town Center in years past. Here are some of them.

Apple Store (9/15/17), Urban Home, Limon Latin Grill, Souplantation (9/25/16), Anthopologie, Brookstone, Chico’s, Coldwater Creek, Eddie Bauer, Forever 21, Gamestop, Haagen-Dazs, Gymboree Play & Music, Hot Dog on a Stick, Hot Topic, J. Stephens, Jos. A Bank, Lane Bryant, Lucky Brand Jeans, Nine West, The Body Shop, Things RememberedUrban Outfitters, White House Black Market, Z Gallerie, Zales and Zumies, among others.

The Shoppes at Westlake Village

The Shoppes at Westlake is a 240,000 sq ft retail shopping center that opened at 30770 Russell Ranch Road, Westlake Village in the summer of 2014. It is anchored by a large Target store on the east side of the center with three dozen other shops and eateries, including a uniquely appointed In-N-Out Burger on the west side. This is an outdoor center with plenty of parking, outdoor eating spaces and a nice fountain. 

Retail stores and other businesses include Guitar Center, BCBC Nail Spa, Lighthouse Salon Suites, Tilly's, Kirk Jewelers, Carriere Menswear, Cele Wellness, and others.

Eateries include Los Agaves Restaurant, Tifa Chocolate & Gelato, Figueroa Mountain Brewing Company, Novo Cafe, Crumbl Cookies, Q Sushi, Board & Brew,, A Tea Thing, Hibye Coffee and In-N-Out. New eateries coming soon as of February 2025 include Prince St. Pizza and Toastique.

Learn more at shoppesatwestlakevillage.com.

No longer at The Shoppes:

• Olio e Limone Ristorante, Olio Pizzeria closed in Feb 2017.

• Jeannine’s Gourmet Food Hall closed in July 2017.

• Greens Up! closed in August 2019

• Bubber’s Bowls (formerly Bowl of Heaven) closed in October 2019

• Urban Veggie (opened in June 2020; closed in March 2021)

• Total Woman Gym & Spa (closed in 2020)

• Which Wich Sandwich Shop (closed in December 2021)

• Hook Burger (closed in August 2022)

• Pick Up Stix (closed in August 2022 and moved to different location)

• The Gallery Restaurant (closed in February 2023)

• Modern Kitchen (closed in March 2024)

• Hummus Lali closed in the fall of 2024

• 101 BBQ Hut closed/relocated in December 2024

• 101 North Eatery closed in December 2024

Ventura Pier

The Ventura Pier was originally constructed in 1872 and is a favorite spot for local fishermen. The Pier is 1,600 feet long and underwent a $2.2 million renovation in 2000 that added an 80 foot octagon shaped extension, benches and more. The Pier can be accessed off of East Harbor Boulevard, close to the Crowne Plaza hotel off of California Street.

Eateries on the pier include Eric Ericsson’s Fish Co., MadeWest Brewing Company Taproom and Beach House Tacos.

On the west side of the pier is a playground area with some unique play equipment. My kids always enjoy it here because of the great combination of the beach, pier, playground, quick access to bike rentals and food.

The Ventura Wharf (Pier) was designated City of Ventura Historic Landmark #20 on March 29, 1976.

The former Eric Ericsson's (now Beach House Fish) next to the playground on the pier.

INFORMATION ABOUT DOZENS OF LOCAL AREA BEACHES AT THIS LINK

Malibu Sportfishing Pier

The Malibu Sportfishing Pier is located at 23000 Pacific Coast Highway. Just north of the pier is Surfrider Beach and Malibu Lagoon State Beach. The pier was originally built in 1905 and first became open to the public in 1934. It is currently operated by the California Department of Parks and Recreation. The pier is open daily from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m

You can enjoy a stroll on the pier or dine at the Malibu Farm Cafe or Malibu Farm Restaurant & Bar, or go fishing. You can go sport fishing in a 48 foot boat or you can fish off the pier. 

Malibu Farm Cafe opened at the ocean side of the pier in 2013, serving breakfast, lunch and dinner. (This was previously Ruby’s Shake Shack that closed in 2011.)

Malibu Farm Restaurant & Bar operates at the PCH side of the pier both indoors and outdoors. Open for breakfast (weekends only), lunch and dinner as well as weekend brunch.

To fish off the pier, either bring your own fishing gear or rent it from The Ranch at the Malibu Pier. at the end of the pier. Permits are not required to fish off of the pier. The Ranch rents fishing rods and sell bait, not to mention unique items such as ceramics, clothing, cards, skateboard and more.. Call 310.456.8031 for more information. Open 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily. Learn more about The Ranch at the Pier at onegunranch.com/pages/pier.

Learn more about the Malibu Pier at www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=24409 and at www.malibupiersportfishing.com.

The Village at Dos Vientos Ranch

The Village at Dos Vientos Ranch (originally known as Paraiso at Dos Vientos Ranch), located at 350 Via Las Brisas, Thousand Oaks ("Dos Vientos" community of Newbury Park) is a 50,000 square foot community retail shopping center.

Tenants currently include The Local Table, Sushi2 Vientos, Honeycup Coffeehouse and Creamery, Fitness Together, Bubbles Dry Cleaners, Paraiso Family Dental, ETF Portfolio Management, Nati Boutique, Calvary Church and Village Trader Market and Deli.

No functional website as of December 2021.

www.facebook.com/thevillagedosvientos

The Oaks Mall in Thousand Oaks

The Oaks in Thousand Oaks is located between the 101 Freeway and Lynn Road at 350 West Hillcrest Avenue, running east to Wilbur Road. Originally constructed in 1978, the 1.3 million square foot shopping mall was renovated in 1993 and again in 2008. In total, there are over 170 stores and services at The Oaks.

Well known brands at The Oaks include Nordstrom, Macy’s, JCPenney, The Apple Store, Anthropologie, Pottery Barn, Williams Sonoma and J.Crew.

Restaurants include The Cheesecake Factory, The Lazy Dog Café, Olive Garden, Urban Plates, Chipotle, Pedals & Pints Brewing Co., Bazille (inside Nordstroms), Wood Ranch BBQ, and coming soon, Plata Taqueria, as well as numerous options in the food court area.

The 2008 remodel brought a multi-level parking structure with over 1,300 parking spaces and digital signs that tell you how many spaces are available. There's a beautiful outdoor shops area on the east side of the mall that leads to AMC Thousand Oaks 14 and adjacent restaurants.

For more information, visit www.shoptheoaksmall.com or call 805.495.2032.

EV charging at The Oaks: Available on the south side behind AMC Theaters and the outdoor shops area from EVgo. Additional EV charging available free of charge on north side near Macy’s Men’s & Home Store and on the west side near Macy’s Women’s Store. There are Tesla Urban Superchargers on the south side of the parking structure.

King Trivia Live Pub Quiz Games at Locations Throughout Ventura County

King Trivia Live Pub Quiz hosts trivia games in pubs and restaurants all around Southern California. The games are free to play at designated venues, including the following areas local to Ventura County and nearby areas:

• Institution Ale Co. in Camarillo

• Mouthful Eatery in Thousand Oaks

• Poseidon Brewing Company in Ventura

• Social Tap Pub & Grill in Ventura

• The Benchwarmer in Ventura

For more information, visit www.kingtrivia.com.