Channel Islands Harbor in Oxnard

Channel Islands Harbor is located in Oxnard; take the 101 Freeway to Ventura. Exit Victoria Avenue. Turn south onto Victoria Avenue. Continue on Victoria for approximately 5 miles until you reach Channel Islands Harbor.

Channel Islands Harbor offers a variety of activities for the entire family. Throughout the year various events are held including the Celebration of the Whales, visits by Tall Ships, Concerts by the Sea, Fireworks by the Sea on July 4th, the Ventura County Boat Show, Ventura Vintage Rods Harbor Run Classic Car Show, and the annual Parade of Lights.

Harbor restaurants include The Waterside Restaurant and Wine Bar, H.C. Seafood & Co., Fisherman's House, The Lookout Bar & Grill, Moqueca Brazilian Cuisine, Mrs. Olson’s Coffee Hut, Honey Cup Coffee Bar, Toppers Pizza Place, The Masala Twist, Ventura BBQ Co., Spudnuts and Sea Fresh Channel Islands.

Visitors may rent boats at Hopper Boat Rentals, or Channel Islands Kayak Center, visit the Channel Islands Maritime Museum or just enjoy a beautiful day at one of the local beaches. Weekends offer live musical entertainment. Fresh fruits and vegetables plus arts and crafts may be found at the Harbor's Farmers' Market held at the Marine Emporium Landing from 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. every Sunday, rain or shine! Or just ride bikes!

For more information, visit www.channelislandsharbor.org or call 805.985.4852.

We stop by the harbor as often as possible for various events and to walk around, as well as to walk a few blocks over to the beach!  Quite a nice opportunity to beat the Conejo Valley heat...and only 15 to 20 minutes away!

Elliot Mountain Trail and Outlaw Loop Trail in the Conejo Canyons Open Space, Thousand Oaks

Views from Elliot Mountain Peak in the Conejo Canyons Open Space

Burt Elliot was a long-time trail volunteer in the Conejo Open Space and the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area. He passed away in 2014, but his name lives on forever in the Conejo Open Space.

The Elliot Mountain Trail is a short (maybe .3 mile) spur trail off of the Outlaw Loop Trail in the Conejo Canyons Open Space in Thousand Oaks. This short, single-track trail leads you to the peak of Elliot Mountain, where you can enjoy panoramic views of the area.

This is about a 4 1/2 to 5 mile hike from the Conejo Canyons Bridge. Elliot Peak is about 975 feet, making it a fairly moderate hike, though indeed half the hike is fairly hilly. Reaching the top of Elliot Peak is slightly rocky, so you want to make sure to wear shoes made for hiking and consider a hiking stick.

Let’s do it:

Access the Conejo Canyons bridge via Santa Rosa Road. Coming from Thousand Oaks, take Moorpark Road north down the Norwegian Grade, where it intersects with Santa Rosa Road. Continue about 3.7 miles on Santa Rosa Road and make a left on Hill Canyon Road. Drive down Hill Canyon Road and you will see a large, flat dirt parking area on the right, adjacent to Santa Rosa Valley Regional Park. There’s also parking in a dirt lot directly across from the Conejo Canyons Bridge on the left.

Take the flat Hill Canyon Trail about a mile until you get to a juncture with a sign. The sign says go straight to the Hawk Canyon Trail or a take a right on the Western Plateau Trail. Take the right.

This is the steepest part of the hike. You’ll go up the Western Plateau Trail about 1/2 mile until you see the first juncture. One the left you’ll see a sign that says “Vista Point,” where you see a bench with nice views. Directly across from there is a post with a “Bell Box” (a box where cyclists can borrow a bell to alert others to their presence). Next to the that is the single track “Outlaw Trail.” That’s where you’re going.

The Outlaw Trail is a mile and a half mostly single track loop trail with fantastic views of the area. Lots of switchbacks on this trail makes it popular with cyclists. I usually see one or two of them up here, and usually zero hikers (excluding yours truly). Shortly after entering the Outlaw Trail, you’ll reach a fork where you decide whether to go clockwise or counter-clockwise. If like me you tend to go clockwise, you’ll eventually will pass a trail to the left (west) called the Lichen Trail. Continue east a few yards to a sign that says Elliot Mountain Trail.

As mentioned above, the Elliot Mountain Trail is a short spur trail to the peak. The final couple dozen steps involve very minor rock climbing as an fyi. Nothing excessive. But it can get slippery. I’ve managed to get up there and back down perfectly fine in regular running shoes and no hiking pole, but just be careful.

Then after enjoying the views, you come back down to the Outlaw Trail and continue your way around the loop back down to the Western Plateau Trail. Enjoy your hike!

Conejo Canyons Bridge is the entry point to the trail.

The Hill Canyon Trail is one of the flattest trails in the Conejo Valley. Take it a about a mile to the Hawk Canyon/Western Plateau sign juncture.(For continued flat trail, continue straight on the Hawk Canyon Trail.)

The Hawk Canyon Trail/Western Plateau Trail juncture. Exit stage right.

This section of the Western Plateau Trail is the steepest and widest section of the hike. There’s a bench off to the left about halfway up the hill if you need a break.

At the top of the hill, the first juncture is the Outlaw Loop Trail on the right. To the left (not picture here), you’ll see a sign that says “Vista Point.” There’s another bench here.

A few step into the Outlaw Loop, you’ll see this sign. Either direction gets you to the Elliot Mountain Trail.

Eventually you will see this sign. You’re on your way up to Burt Elliot’s peak.

But before you reach the peak, there’s yet another bench placed by the Conejo Open Space Conservation Agency to enjoy the views.

The trail to the peak, like the Outlaw Trail, is quite narrow, though nicely maintained.

Chumash Trail in Pt. Mugu State Park

The Chumash Trail trailhead is accessible off of PCH at this link. It is at the western tip of Point Mugu State Park, about 2 1/2 miles from where Las Posas Road connects to PCH in Camarillo, and about 10 miles from the intersection of Las Posas Road and Highway 101.  It is across the street (PCH) from a Naval Base Ventura County training range. Look for the left turn into a small dirt parking area that has space for perhaps 15 or so cars.

The first .7 mile of the Chumash Trail is quite rocky and steep. Make sure to wear good hiking shoes and possibly carry a hiking stick, especially if you have bad knees. Dogs are not allowed. My kids did not enjoy this particular hike (ages 8 and 11 at the time). Definitely not stroller friendly. Awesome views and nice ocean breezes, but there is no protection from the sun, so wear sunscreen if it is sunny out.

You finally reach a flat area after the first .7 mile, where you can veer left (north) to continue on the Chumash Trail for another .5 mile (option 1) or turn right (east), which leads you to the Mugu Peak Trail (option 2).

After the additional .5 mile (option 1) on the Chumash Trail, you reach the La Jolla Valley Loop Trail that circles the La Jolla Valley Natural Preserve. There is a walk-in campground a little over a mile into the hike that technically you are required to reserve and pay for at the nearby Ray Miller Trailhead, which has a lot more parking, etc. The La Jolla Valley Loop Trail is roughly three miles in total if you do the entire loop.

The Mugu Peak Trail (option 2) is a couple miles covering the south ridgeline of Mugu Peak, offering more majestic views stretching across the Pacific Ocean to Anacapa/Santa Cruz Islands and beyond. It connects to the La Jolla Valley Loop trail.

Map of Point Mugu State Park at www.nps.gov/samo/planyourvisit/upload/PointMuguSP_Map_LAMountains_1.jpg.

This sign was here at one point but was gone for some reason as of July 2016.

Great perspective on the gigantic sand dune below to the south.

Koi Pond at Green Thumb Nursery in Ventura

After I posted a video showing the cool koi pond at the Simi Valley Town Center, a Conejo Valley Guide reader reminded me about the koi pond at Green Thumb Nursery, 1899 S. Victoria Avenue, Ventura. Well it is, toward the back on the left side. These happy koi were swimming around and enjoying their summer afternoon.

Grant Park / Serra Cross Park in Ventura

For some of the most spectacular views of Ventura you can ask for, stop by Grant Park / Serra Cross Park off of Ferro Drive in Ventura. Grant Park is a 107 acre park of mostly open space. Serra Cross Park is located at Grant Park. It is a one acre parcel that contains the wooden cross shown below.

The land and cross were sold to San Buenaventura Heritage, Inc. in 2003 in order to maintain the historic cross, which was placed on this spot in 1941 to replace the previous cross that was erected in 1912.

Visit www.serracrosspark.org to learn more about Serra Cross Park.

Get there via Brakey Road to the left side of Ventura City Hall or Ferro Drive off of Cedar Street. There are no restrooms, playground, drinking fountains, etc. at this park.

Oakbrook Vista Trail in Thousand Oaks

The Oakbrook Vista Trail is a relatively easy out and back climb that provides nice panoramic views of the Lang Ranch area of Thousand Oaks. Access to the trail is on the south side of Lang Ranch Parkway, just east of Westlake Boulevard. See access point below.

The first portion is a narrow trail that zig zags its way to a bench, where you can rest and enjoy the views. But I'd estimate this is only 1/4 of a mile, so keep going if you're game!

After the bench, the trail opens up and continues up and up and up and if you reach the top, roughly a mile or so up the hill, you'll be enjoying 360 degree views towards Boney Mountain on the west, Lang Ranch/Woodridge trails on the north and more.

Same view as above, in May 2020.www.cosf.org/website/html/oakbrook-vista-trail.html

For a trail map and additional information, visit the Conejo Open Space Foundation website at cosf.org/trails/lang-ranch/lang-ranch-woodridge-easy-hike-oakbrook-vista-trail.

Vista Del Mar Trail in Newbury Park

Trail access off of Via Ricardo in Newbury Park (Dos Vientos section).

Other end of trailhead off of Via Ricardo.

The Vista Del Mar Trail is a 1 to 1 1/2 mile long trail along the west side of the Dos Vientos residential development in Newbury Park. The trail is maintained by the Conejo Open Space Foundation.

The trail can be accessed near the corner of Via Ricardo and Via Rincon (parking on Via Ricardo). The other end of the trail is near the corner of Rancho Dos Vientos and Via El Cerro (where there is no parking on Rancho Dos Vientos).

"Vista Del Mar" is Spanish for "View of the Sea" and while the overcast early morning photos below do not show it, on a clear day you will indeed be able to see down the Potrero Grade to the Pacific Ocean and Channel Islands. The Vista Del Mar trail also provides views to Camarillo and the Oxnard Plain.

The trail is nice and wide, good for walkers, runners and cyclists.

The north section of the trail before intersecting with the Edison Fire Road Trail is where the "Twin Ponds" are. The image below of one of the ponds was taken after the Springs Fire of May 2013 ravaged the area. More on the Twin Ponds Conservation Area at this link.

The Twin Ponds are more easily accessed via the northeast Vista Del Mar trailhead near the corner of Via Ricardo and Via Rincon. About a mile.

About 1/4 mile into the trailhead from Via Ricardo, you'll reach this junction. Veer right to the single track public access trail, as the trail to the left is on private property.

Lone bench on the Vista Del Mol trail that has views to the Channel Islands on a clear day

The Vista Del Mar trail connects on the southeast to the Sierra Vista Trail, which in turn connects to the Potrero Ridge trail, with an endpoint on Reino Road.

Views from the Vista Del Mar Trail on a clear morning.

Map courtesy of the Conejo Open Space Foundation

Disc Golf in Ventura County

Looking for disc golf options in Ventura County? You’ve come to the right place. These are all available to the public, free of charge.

The newest disc golf option is at Sapwi Trails Community Park in Thousand Oaks. The course has 19 holes. Hole #1 is located off the parking lot on Avenida de los Arboles at Kensington Drive. The park and course opened in March 2019. and is managed by the Conejo Recreation and Park District (CRPD).

Rabbit Flats Disc Golf Course is located on the west end of Thousand Oaks Community Park, 2525 N. Moorpark Road (next to Thousand Oaks High School). This course opened to the public in May 2010. Park managed by CRPD.

Coyote Point Disc Golf Course is an 18 hole course located at Lake Casitas, 11311 Santa Ana Road, Ventura.

Chaparral Park, located at 217 N. Medea Creek Lane in Oak Park, has a newer 10 hole course. Course map at THIS LINK (that link also provides detailed instructions on how to play!). Park is managed by the Rancho Simi Recreation and Park District (RSRPD).

Also managed by RSRPD is a 12 hole disc Sycamore Park Disc Golf Course at Sycamore Park, 855 N. Planetree Avenue, Simi Valley. Detailed map and instructions at THIS LINK.

There is yet another disc golf course located at Sequoia Park, 2150 Tracy Avenue, Simi Valley. Also managed by RSRPD, this is a 9-hole course. Course map and instructions at THIS LINK.

Finally, there is a 9-hole disc golf course located at Lake Piru Recreation Area, 4780 Piru Canyon Road, Piru.

INNOVA Disc Golf Starter Set – Colors May Vary 160-180g – DX Putter, Mid-Range, Driver

Oceanview Pavilion - Performing Arts Theater in Pt. Hueneme

The Oceanview Pavilion located at 575 E. Surfside Drive in Port Hueneme (directly across from the beach) offers concerts, theater, fairs, shows and a variety of other events for all ages.  The venue has a capacity for up to 1400 people and can be rented out for special events. Banquet hall can accommodate 450 guests. A full bar is available.  For more information, visit www.oceanviewinfo.com or call the box office at 805.986.4818.

Scarlett Belle Riverboat Cruises

The Scarlett Belle is a modern riverboat located in the scenic Channel Islands Harbor. The boat can accommodate from 40 to 150 passengers and is a fun, luxurious venue for weddings, parties, corporate events, anniversaries and more...casino nights, graduation parties, public holiday cruises, etc.

For more information, visit www.scarlettbelle.com or call 805.204.0977.

Located at A&M Boat Charters & Cruises at the Marine Emporium Landing at Channel Islands Harbor, 3600 S. Harbor Blvd., #219, Oxnard.

Exit the 101 freeway at Victoria, proceed south on Victoria, at West Channel Islands Blvd, turn right. Go to the second stop light and turn left onto Harbor/ W. Channel Islands Blvd. Go to Cabezone Circle make a left. Into the Marine Emporium. Walk to the back of the three buildings facing the street to the dock where you will see the Scarlett Belle and Sunfish. Free parking.

Old Mission Santa Barbara

The Santa Barbara Mission was established on the Feast of Saint Barbara, December 4, 1786 and was the 10th of 21 California Missions to be founded by the Spanish Franciscans.

More than 200 years later, the Mission continues to be the chief cultural and historic landmark in the city of Santa Barbara. Home to a community of Franciscan friars, the Mission also has a retreat center with guest rooms, conference rooms, a fully equipped commercial kitchen and dining room, a beautiful church with a large and active parish, a museum and gift shop, a cemetery and mausoleum and ten acres of beautifully landscaped gardens.

Self-guided tours are available through the main entrance. Tour tickets may be purchased in the main entry, and each visitor will be provided with a museum guide available in 8 different languages. The Mission is open daily from 9am to 5:30pm from July 4th through Labor Day and until 4:15pm the rest of the year. Tour admission (as of March 2020) is $12 for adults (ages 18-64), $10 for seniors 65+, $7 youth 5-17 and free to 4 and under. Parking is free.

Points of interest within the Museum and garden tour include a Sacred Garden, Video Room (watch a 18 minute video), Cemetery (1789 to present; contains burial sites of early Santa Barbara settlers and Native Americans), Church, Museum (originally used as living quarters for missionaries and their guests), The Serra Shop (souvenirs and gifts), Fountain (built in 1808) and Aqueduct (ruins of the Mission's early water system visible next to cemetery outside walls).

The Mission Museum also offers docent guided public tours Thursday and Friday at 11:00am and Saturday at 10:30am. Admission for docent guided public tours are $16 for ages 18-64, $14 age 65+ and $11 for youth 5 to 17. Children age 4 and under free. Roughly an hour in duration. Private tours are also available.

Visit www.santabarbaramission.org for more information or call 805.682.4713. It is located at 2201 Laguna Street, just around the corner from the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History, which we LOVE to visit.

Two Trees Escape Rooms in Ventura

Two Trees Escape Rooms is located at 2855 Johnson Drive Unit D in Ventura, near Sky Zone Trampoline Park. For those not familiar with escape rooms, they involve being locked in a room to solve a series o puzzles and riddles by gathering clues, hints and hidden objects. The goal is to solve the problem within 60 minutes.

Current room themes include Mystery at the Manor, The Runic Ritual, The 50s Diner and Davy Jones Locker,

Learn more at www.twotreesescaperoom.com.

Santa Rosa Valley Regional Park in Camarillo

Located at 10241 Hill Canyon Road in Camarillo, Santa Rosa Valley Regional Park is a 50 acre county park with hiking, trails and equestrian riding areas. Open 7:30 am - 5:00 pm - (January, February, November, December), until 6:00 pm (March, October), 7:30 pm (April, May, September) and 8:00 pm - (June, July, August). There is no playground area here...this park is mostly geared towards hiking, exploring and horseback riding. Parking is $2 on weekdays and $4 weekends.

This park is located at the entry point to the Conejo Canyons bridge, where you can access trails in the Western Plateau area of Thousand Oaks, maintained by the Conejo Open Space Foundation.

From Thousand Oaks, take Moorpark Road down the Norwegian Grade through Santa Rosa Valley until you see the sign shown below.

More information at www.ventura.org/parks-department/inland-parks/santa-rosa-valley-park-camarillo.