Labor Day Weekend Events In Ventura County and Surrounding Areas

/
LaborDay.jpeg

Labor Day, the first Monday in September, is dedicated to the social and economic achievements of American workers. It is a yearly national tribute to the contributions workers have made to the strength, prosperity, and well-being of our country.

The first Labor Day holiday was celebrated on Tuesday, September 5, 1882, in New York City, in accordance with the plans of the Central Labor Union. The second Labor Day holiday was on September 5, 1883. In 1884 the first Monday in September was selected as the holiday.

Oregon was the first state to officially enact Labor Day as a holiday by law on February 21, 1887, followed that year by Massachusetts, New Jersey and New York. Since then, all 50 states have made Labor Day a state holiday.

2025 Labor Day weekend events around Ventura County and nearby areas:

Fri, Aug 29: 90s Alt Rock Revolution Tour at the Majestic Theater in Ventura (7PM)

Fri-Sun, Aug 29 to Sep 1: The Carnival for Las Virgenes Schools in Agoura Hills

Fri-Sun, Aug 29 to Sep 1: Simi Fall Days Carnival at the Simi Valley Town Center

Sat, Aug 30: Ventura Nationals at Ventura County Fairgrounds (9AM-5PM)

Sat, Aug 30: Kids Fun Zone at Janss Marketplace (12-2PM)

Sat, Aug 30: Live Music at Harbor View Park at Channel Islands Harbor (4-6PM)

Sat/Sun, Aug 30-31: 39th Annual C-Street Classic & Skate Challenge in Ventura

Mon, Sep 1: Santa Paula Labor Day Parade (10AM)

Mon, Sep 1: Labor Day Tractor Fair at Santa Paula Agriculture Museum (11AM-2PM)

Mon, Sep 1: CRPD Concert in the Park - Skynyrd and Frynds (Lynyrd Skynyrd Tribute) (5PM)

LOCAL AREA BEACHES IN VENTURA COUNTY, MALIBU AND SANTA BARBARA COUNTY

18th Annual Waves of Flags Display at Pepperdine University September 6-26, 2025

/
wavesofflags2018.JPG

For the 18th consecutive year, Pepperdine University will commemorate the lives lost in the terror attacks on September 11, 2001, with the Waves of Flags display at Alumni Park on the Malibu campus.

Waves of Flags commemorates the 2,977 lives lost in the September 11 terror attacks and features a vast display of American flags for each American life lost as well as international flags representing the home countries of those from abroad. Made possible through the support of donors and volunteers, the installation will be on display at the corner of Pacific Coast Highway and Malibu Canyon Road from Saturday, September 6 to Friday, September 26, 2025.

In addition to the Waves of Flags installation, Pepperdine is the permanent home of the Thomas E. Burnett, Jr., Heroes Garden, a place to honor all those who live heroic lives, including Pepperdine alumnus Thomas E. Burnett, Jr. (MBA ’95), a passenger on United Flight 93, whose life was cut short in the September 11 attacks. The garden's plaque reads: “Dedicated to freedom's heroes of September 11, 2001, and the passengers of United Airlines Flight 93, among them Pepperdine alumnus Thomas E. Burnett, Jr., who sacrificed their lives to overcome terrorists’ intent on destroying American lives and landmarks in our nation's capital. We shall never forget.” Heroes Garden is currently closed to the public, along with the rest of the Pepperdine campus.

A 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony will take place at 9AM on Thursday, September 11, 2025 at Alumni Park. This year's event will welcome actor Dennis Quaid as the distinguished speaker. The ceremony will also feature remarks from Chancellor Sara Jackson and reflections and readings by other members of the Pepperdine community. Attendees are encouraged to arrive early to find seating and to allow the ceremony to begin promptly. Attendees and members of the public are also invited to visit the Reflection Station to write messages of reflection and remembrance on the provided cards and attach them to any flagpole.

Learn more and register for the Remembrance Ceremony at www.pepperdine.edu/waves-of-flags.

wavesofflags2018_2.JPG

Free and Nearly Free Movies All Summer Long Around Ventura County 2025

/
bunnymoviescarrots1.jpg

Stay cool this summer of 2025 with several hundred free and nearly free ($1 to $6) movies in and around Ventura County and surrounding areas!

Rancho Simi Rec & Park District Movies in the Park on Friday nights at Rancho Madera Community Park, 556 Lake Park Drive.

  • June 13: Kung Fu Panda 4

  • July 11: Despicable Me 4

  • August 8: Inside Out 2

City of Moorpark Movies in the Park on Saturday nights at Arroyo Vista Community Park.

  • June 14: The Wizard of Oz (G)

  • July 12: Surf’s Up (PG)

  • August 9: Ant-Man (PG)

  • September 13: Sonic 3 (PG)

Free Movies at the Park at Thousand Oaks Community Park on Friday evenings.

  • August 8: The Lion King

  • September 12: The Incredibles

City of Agoura Hills Summer Movies in the Park on Saturday nights at Reyes Adobe Park.

  • June 21: Moana

  • July 12: The Parent Trap

  • August 9: Despicable Me 4

Studio Movie Grill at the Simi Valley Town Center is offering $6 Children's Summer Movies (includes small popcorn and small drink) Mondays through Thursdays from June 23 to August 7.

  • June 23-26: Shrek (PG)

  • June 30 - July 3: The Bad Guys (PG)

  • July 7-10: Kung Fu Panda 4 (PG)

  • July 14-17: The Wild Robot (PG)

  • July 21-24: Sing 2 (PG)

  • July 28-31: Despicable Me (PG)

  • August 4-7: Shrek 2 (PG)

CineMalibu Summer Movies at Malibu Bluffs Park on Saturday evenings:

  • July 26: Shrek

  • Aug 23: Scooby Doo

AMC Dine-In Thousand Oaks 14 hosts Summer Movie Camp - $3 family movies for 8 weeks - Mondays and Wednesdays at 11am and 2pm, from June 23 to August 13.

  • June 23 and 25: The Bad Guys

  • June 30 and July 2: Minions: The Rise of Gru

  • July 7 and 9: Despicable Me 4

  • July 14 and 16: Kung Fu Panda 4

  • July 21 and 23: The Wild Robot

  • July 28 and 30: Shrek

  • August 4 and 6: Migration

  • August 11 and 13: The Secret Life of Pets

Regal Theaters in Thousand Oaks, Camarillo, and Simi Valley present the Regal Summer Movie Express - $1 family movies on Tuesdays and Wednesdays June 10 to August 6. Times vary by theater. www.regmovies.com/promotions/summer-movie-express

  • June 10-11: Sing 2 and Puss in Boots: The Last Wish

  • June 17-18: Trolls Band Together, If

  • June 24-25: Sonic the Hedgehog 2, The Bad Guys

  • July 1-2, Sonic the Hedgehog 3, The Wild Robot

  • July 8-9: Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse, Paw Patrol: The Movie

  • July 15-16: Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse, Paw Patrol: The Mighty Movie

  • July 22-23: Kung Fu Panda 4, Despicable Me 4

  • July 29-30: TMNT Mutant Mayhem, The Garfield Movie

  • August 5-6: Minions: The Rise of Gru, Paddington in Peru

Kids Summer Movie Series at Plaza Stadium 14 in Oxnard and Roxy 11 in Camarillo feature $3 family movies at 10am (Camarillo) and noon (Oxnard) on Wednesdays, from June 18 to August 13.

  • June 18: The Bad Guys

  • June 25: Paddington 2

  • July 2: The LEGO Movie

  • July 9: The Wild Robot

  • July 16: The Croods

  • July 23: The LEGO Movie 2

  • July 30: Captain Underpants

  • August 6: Smallfoot

  • August 13: Scoob!

The Ojai Film Society presents a series of free summer films at Libbey Bowl on alternate Friday nights from July 25 to October 3:

  • July 25: Sally

  • August 8: The NeverEnding Story

  • August 22: The Greatest Night in Pop (with director Bao Nguyen in attendance)

  • September 5: 9 to 5

  • September 18: Speak. (with director Jennifer Tiexiera in attendance)

  • October 3: Close Encounters of the Third Kind

The Ojai Library is hosting free movie screenings in its Community Room on select Mondays at noon and Thursdays at 5pm, featuring a mix of movie types. More details at THIS LINK.

Seaside Movie Nights at Ventura Harbor Village at sunset:

  • August 9: E.T.

  • September 6: Jaws

  • October 11: Hocus Pocus

Free outdoor screening of Snow White at Sarzotti Park in Ojai on Saturday, July 19th.

Movies/dates subject to change. Contact organizers to confirm.

AND HOW ABOUT FREE CONCERTS IN AND AROUND VENTURA COUNTY

Free Concerts and Live Music All Summer Long Around Ventura County

/
singingbunny.jpg

We’re looking forward to another outstanding summer of free live music throughout Ventura County and surrounding areas! The compilation below has links to more detailed information.

Concerts subject to change. List will be updated regularly as new events are added.

Thousand Oaks/Westlake Village/Newbury Park

Agoura/Oak Park/Calabasas/Woodland Hills

  • City of Agoura Hills Free Summer Concerts in the Park at Chumash Park. Concerts start at 6pm on the following Sunday nights:

    • June 15: Mirage (Fleetwood Mac Tribute)

    • July 6: DSB (Journey Tribute), followed by patriotic drone show

    • August 3: Queen Nation (Queen Tribute)

    • August 17: Brandon Ragan Project

  • Valley Cultural Foundation’s Free Concerts at Warner Park in Woodland Hills on Sunday nights from June 15 to August 24 (except the July 4th Friday event) at 5:30PM (emerging artist) followed by headline acts.

    • June 15: No Duh - A Tribute to No Doubt

    • June 22: DJ Quik

    • Friday, July 4: Councilmember Bob Blumenfield’s July 4th Extravaganza on Friday, July 4th, from 6-9:30PM featuring Strange Days - Tribute to the Doors

    • July 13: Twisted Typsy - Fleetwood Mac Tribute

    • July 20: Kenny Hale - The Music of Neil Diamond

    • July 27: Surfin’ - Tribute to The Beach Boys

    • August 3: Live From Earth - Pat Benatar Tribute

    • August 10: Which One’s Pink - Pink Floyd Tribute

    • August 17: DSB - Tribute to Journey

    • August 24: Locked Out of Heaven - Bruno Mars Tribute

  • Sun Sets Summer Concert Series at Calabasas Lake on Sunday nights at 6pm.

    • June 8: AbbaFab - The Premier ABBA Experience

    • July 20: Live From Earth - Pat Benatar Tribute

    • August 3: Stone Soul - Motown

    • August 24: Turn the Page - Tribute to Bob Seger

  • Music in the Park at Oak Canyon Community Park in Oak Park at 6:30pm

    • Saturday, July 12 - Kenny Metcalf - Elton John, The Early Years

Moorpark/Simi Valley

  • Summer Music in the Park Free Concerts at Rancho Simi Community Park on Saturday nights at 6:30pm.

    • June 21: Cali Country All Stars

    • July 19: Bruno Mars and Britney Spears Tribute

    • August 16: Led Zepagain (Led Zeppelin Tribute)

  • City of Moorpark Concerts in the Park at Arroyo Vista Park at 6pm

    • June 28: Electric Vinyl (Classic Rock)

    • July 26: Yachty by Nature (Yacht Rock)

    • August 23: Juano and Friends (Rock, Cumbia, Oldies, R&B)

    • September 27: The Spazmatics (80s)

  • Concerts at the Plaza at the Simi Valley Civic Center Plaza take place from 6-9pm on the following nights:

    • 7/12: Rock the Boat (Yacht Rock)

    • 7/19: Holgers Heroes (70s/80s Rock Classics)

    • 7/26: Soul Jukebox & The Funky Divas (Motown, R&B, Funk)

    • 8/2: Ticket to Ride (Beatles Tribute)

    • 8/16: 2 For The Show (Hit Songs)

    • 8/23: Double Header - (Two Bands - Classic Rock and Bryan Adams Tribute)

Camarillo/Oxnard/Port Hueneme/Ventura

Santa Barbara

Free Thursday Night Concerts at Chase Palm Park in Santa Barbara on Thursday nights, July 3, 10, 17 and 24 from 6-7:30pm.

Have something to add to this list? CONTACT US!!

Check the Events Calendar for things going on around town as well as the Local Events and Community Messages sections of Conejo Valley Guide.

Batting Cages and Paintball in Ventura County

/
battingcage.jpeg

For you baseball/softball players, here is a summary of local batting cage options, with links to additional contact information:

Paintball? No particular correlation to batting cages, but here it is:

Ambush Paintball and Airsoft Park in Moorpark

Life's a Beach! Public Beaches Spanning From Carpinteria to the Ventura Harbor

/
Beach_Klotz.jpg

The beaches of Ventura County have something for everyone, be it the sand, the ocean breezes, surfing, volleyball, sunning, picnicking or just chilling out to the sound of the waves. Here we have compiled a listing of beaches just north of Ventura County in Carpinteria down the coast to the Ventura Harbor. Separately we highlight beaches stretching further down the coast through Oxnard, Channel Islands Harbor, Point Mugu and Malibu as well as up the coast in and around Santa Barbara.

The Santa Claus Lane Beach Area in Carpinteria is a south facing beach area popular with surfers, boogie boarders and sunbathers. Get there from the 101 by taking the Padaro Lane exit towards Santa Claus Lane, then taking a left on Santa Claus Lane. You can park in a small dirt area (there's room for maybe 10 cars there) on the ocean side or find street parking, which is plentiful. This is not an "official" beach to my knowledge, as in city or county-run. Just a private beach. No restrooms to my knowledge. Oh yes, you'll have to cross the railroad tracks...so be careful! Down the street is Padaro Beach Village, where you can grab a bite to eat and do a little shopping.

On a separate note, you may be wondering why it is called Santa Claus Lane. Well the old-timers among you (including me) know that a gigantic roadside Santa used to reside here that now greets us off the 101 freeway in the Nyeland Acres section of Oxnard. Learn more about the history at this link.

Surfers, boogie boarders, body surfers and frolickers at the Santa Claus Lane area beach.

Surfers, boogie boarders, body surfers and frolickers at the Santa Claus Lane area beach.

Just down the street is the quaint Padaro Beach Village, where you can grab a coffee, breakfast, lunch, do a little shopping, etc. Very relaxing little area.

Just down the street is the quaint Padaro Beach Village, where you can grab a coffee, breakfast, lunch, do a little shopping, etc. Very relaxing little area.

Carpinteria State Beach is a mile long beach for swimming, surf fishing, tidepool exploring and camping. Dogs are allowed only at the picnic area. The park originally opened in February 1932. There are four campground areas with 216 family campsites and seven group campsites available. Seals and sea lions can be seen in the area December through May, as well as an occasional gray whale. Tidepools contain starfish, sea anemones, crabs, snails, octopi and sea urchins. Exit the 101 at Casitas Pass Road, go west to Carpinteria Avenue, make a right at the signal; then turn left on Palm.  The beach is at the end of Palm Avenue near 4th Street. Call 805.968.1033 or visit www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=599.

Note: Campfires are only allowed in the campground in fire rings provided. No fires are allowed on the beach.

CarpStateBeach_sign.JPG

Tar Pits Park in Carpinteria provides hiking and biking trails and a few benches, but no other park amenities.  Access to the park is very remote and it is suggested that you enter from the Carpinteria State Beach campgrounds or beach area.  Here you will see tar oozing out of the hills...so watch where you step! The Carpinteria Tar Pits is one of five natural asphalt lake areas in the world! Visit carpinteria.ca.us/parks-and-recreation/park-system for more information. The Carpinteria Harbor Seal Rookery can be reached by following trails east of the park.

Beach view from Tar Pits Park in Carpinteria.

Beach view from Tar Pits Park in Carpinteria.

Carpinteria Bluffs Nature Preserve is 53 acres of open space situated overlooking the Pacific Ocean is a series of walkways, trails and open space for ocean views, whale watching and fresh air. There are restrooms and I believe parking is free. This is not a beach for hanging out on the sand. Visit www.carpinteria.ca.us/parks_rec/park_system.shtml for more information. Take the 101 Freeway to Ballard Avenue and turn towards the ocean.

Rincon Beach Park is near the Ventura/Santa Barbara County line just a few miles east of Carpinteria. Just take the Bates Avenue offramp off the 101 Freeway to the ocean and on the right you'll find plenty of free parking and easy beach access, with picnic tables and restrooms. Just steps to the south of Rincon Beach Park is Rincon Point, known as one of the best surfing spots in the world.

Great photo opps here at Rincon Beach Park :)

Great photo opps here at Rincon Beach Park :)

South of Rincon Beach Park is a newer (premiered September 2014) Class I bike path that takes you through the La Conchita Beach area to Mussel Shoals. La Conchita Beach is low key, with several access points from the La Conchita Bike Path area. You can park at Rincon Point and bike or walk to one of several access points from the path. You can also drive into La Conchita, find a parking spot and take the newer undercrossing that'll get you to the beach by walking under Highway 101.  No restrooms or other facilities to my knowledge at the beach. It’s several miles of beauty, directly adjacent to the 101.

La Conchita Beach

La Conchita Beach

Mussel Shoals is a small beach community in Ventura with around 50 homes. There are about a dozen public parking spots along Old Pacific Coast Highway, paralleling the 101 near the Cliff House Inn. No restrooms. If you go there, perhaps have lunch at the Cliff House Inn and take in the peaceful views, while also checking out man-made Rincon Island.

Mussel Shoals

Mussel Shoals

The beach between Mussel Shoals on the northwest and Seacliff on the southeast is referred to Oil Piers Beach. There used to be piers here until they were taken down in 1998. You get here either via the La Conchita Bike Path or by taking the Seacliff Exit (#78) from Highway 101, then take Pacific Coast Highway northbound to Mobil Pier Road, where you will drive under the 101 to find parking (and if there's no spots available, go back to PCH and you'll find some). No facilities to my knowledge at this beach.

Oil Piers Beach Ventura

Hobson Beach Park is located north of Faria Beach Park and the Rincon Parkway, at 5210 W. Pacific Coast Highway, Ventura. It is managed by the County of Ventura. Day use parking is free but limited. Restrooms available. Limited beach space. Camping and RV spaces are available on a first come, first served basis. CLICK HERE for more info or call 805.654.3951.

Rincon Parkway is located between Faria Beach Park and Hobson Beach Park on Highway 1 off the Ventura Freeway at 5275 Pacific Coast Highway, Ventura. 127 parallel parking spaces are available for RV use only; no camping. All RV's must be fully self-contained units as there are no hookups, utilities, etc. Minimal beach, mostly rocks. Next to a train track. But nonetheless fun to stop by from time to time. No day use parking. CLICK HERE for more info.

Faria Beach Park is located south of Hobson Beach Park is another popular RV/camping spot at 4350 W. Pacific Coast Highway, Ventura. Also managed by the County of Ventura with spots available first come, first served. There are restrooms. No dogs on beach but they are allowed in camping areas. CLICK HERE for more info or call 805.654.3951.

South of Faria Park and north of Solimar Beach is an area referred to as Mondos Beach. We recently rode bikes from the Ventura Pier past this area and saw plenty of families enjoying the sand and the water. There is parallel parking available on the old highway. I believe there are also some porta-johns available.

Mondos Beach area in Ventura, south of Faria, north of Solimar.

Mondos Beach area in Ventura, south of Faria, north of Solimar.

There's a strip of beach along Old Highway 1 between Mondos Beach and Solimar Beach that has parallel parking available, with large rocks separate the street from the beach. I don't know the name of this beach, but it is there, open to the public. There's not a specific street address but it is in the proximity of 3456 Pacific Coast Highway.

Solimar Beach is a strip of beach between Faria and Emma Wood known for surfing, swimming and fishing. Park along Old Highway 1. No facilities. There are about 60 homes along this beach.

Emma Wood State Beach is popular for swimming, surfing and fishing.  The Ventura River estuary is at the mouth of the Ventura River at the southeast end of the park.  It attracts a variety of wildlife including raccoons, songbirds and great blue herons. Dolphins are occasionally seen just offshore. The park also features the crumbling ruins of a World War II coastal artillery site. Emma Wood offers family camping for self-contained vehicles only and group camping is available at Ventura River Group Camp. There are 90 campsites. There is a day use area in the park and beach access is available.  A bike path connects the park to Ventura and to the coast highway to the north. Parking is currently $10. Call 805.968.1033 or visit www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=604. Directions at this link. Campfires not allowed on the beach.

We noticed a new sign at Emma Wood in the summer of 2015

We noticed a new sign at Emma Wood in the summer of 2015

The Downtown Ventura Promenade beachfront area stretches from Surfers' Point and Promenade Park at Figueroa Street and Shoreline Drive on the north, down the Promenade bike/walk path to the Ventura Pier. This is a popular area with lots of surfers, a cool kids' playground area just north of the pier and plenty of beach with lots of interesting looking rocks. There are several restrooms in the area. Great place to go bike riding with the family. Plenty of parking in the area on the north end. On the south side by the pier you may need to pay for parking at the Crowne Plaza on Harbor Blvd east of California Street or at San Buenaventura State Beach further east.

SurfersPointSign.JPG
VenturaPromenadeRocks.JPG

San Buenaventura State Beach stretches from the Ventura Pier down south past the homes of the Ventura Keys to Marina Park. There are two miles of sandy beach, sand dunes, picnic sites, fairly large parking lot, and the Jolly Oyster. Bike paths connect to other nearby beaches. Wheel Fun Rentals is located near the Ventura Pier if you need a bike. Campfires not allowed at this beach. Main parking lot access point is at San Pedro St and Pierpont Blvd. Additional parking in a lot off of Harbor Blvd north of Sanjon Road. Visit www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=600 for more information.

Marina Cove Beach is a very popular family spot located at Marina Park, with a newer, small playground area, lots of parking (though weekends can get pretty packed), restrooms and a nice family-friendly beach.. Walk from Marina Park south to Soter Point for picnic areas, mermaid statue and more.

SanBuenaventuraSB.JPG
Fun stone jetty to navigate at the beach adjacent to Marina Park in Ventura.

Fun stone jetty to navigate at the beach adjacent to Marina Park in Ventura.

Harbor Cove Beach is located at the west end of Spinnaker Drive near Ventura Harbor Village and across from the Channel Islands National Park Visitor Center. It is a "still water" beach protected by jetties that is considered one of the safest family friendly beaches in the area (and also referred to as "Mother's Beach"). Restrooms and showers are available and across the street, next to the Visitor Center, is the Harbor Cove Cafe. As of July 2025, paid parking is in effect on Friday through Sunday and major holidays from 10am to 8pm - cost is $1 per hour up to 4 hours. $10 for the day. Less than an hour is free. See venturaharbor.com/parking. Parking on Spinnaker Drive is free.

Harbor Cove Beach Lifeguard Station

Harbor Cove Beach Lifeguard Station

South Beach is located between Harbor Cove Beach and Surfers Knoll Beach off of Spinnaker Drive in Ventura.  This beach connects the two outer beaches and sits between two breakwaters and is good for relaxing, surfing, boogie boarding and more. Parking is available on Spinnaker Drive or park in the lot at the adjacent Harbor Cove Beach. As of July 2025, paid parking is in effect on Friday through Sunday and major holidays from 10am to 8pm - cost is $1 per hour up to 4 hours. $10 for the day. Less than an hour is free. See venturaharbor.com/parking. No restrooms available, but you can use the nearby Harbor Cove Beach restrooms.

South Beach in Ventura, between Harbor Cove Beach and Surfer’s Knoll Beach

Surfer's Knoll Beach is located in off of Spinnaker Drive in Ventura, across from Ventura Harbor Village. As its name implies, it is geared towards surfers, as well as others looking to relax and explore. Riptides are common here so be careful if you're a novice swimmer. There are restrooms and showers. But no lifeguards on hand. As of July 2025, paid parking is in effect on Friday through Sunday and major holidays from 10am to 8pm - cost is $1 per hour up to 4 hours. $10 for the day. Less than an hour is free. See venturaharbor.com/parking. Parking on Spinnaker Drive is free.

And there you have it! Let's take a break for now but as mentioned above, beaches stretching further down the coast through Oxnard, Channel Islands Harbor, Point Mugu and Malibu are covered in this separate post!

But wait! Here's a compilation of beaches in the City of Santa Barbara and surrounding areas!

Highlights of a Dozen Fun Things to See and Do In and Around Camarillo

/

Residents voted to incorporate Camarillo as a city on September 29, 1964 (the same day that Thousand Oaks residents voted to do the same). Today Camarillo has the 5th largest population out of 10 cities in Ventura County, with about 71,000 residents.

One neat feature of Camarillo is its revitalized Old Town on Ventura Boulevard, a one mile stretch adjacent to Highway 101 between Lewis Road and Carmen Drive. There is a mixture of eateries, galleries, salons, boutiques and shopping along the pedestrian friendly thoroughfare that has transformed the area. Parking is free. More at www.facebook.com/camarillooldtown.

Here are a dozen other fun things to explore, see and do in Camarillo:

The roughly 2 mile Calleguas Creek Bike Path from Pleasant Valley Fields to the corner of Flynn and Upland Road in Camarillo is a family favorite, providing 4 miles of bicycling round-trip. The path is adjacent to Calleguas Creek with several street underpasses, keeping the path completely free of vehicular traffic.

Calleugas Creek Bike Path

Calleugas Creek Bike Path

McGrath Family Farm off the Central Avenue 101 offramp grows organic fruits, vegetables and flowers and is open 7 days a week from spring through fall. McGrath also offers farm tours, visits with the farm animals and "pick your own" produce. A quick, healthy and fun stop with the kids.

McGrathProduce9.9.12.jpg
CAF170.jpg

The Commemorative Air Force Southern California Wing Aviation Museum is open Friday through Sunday at the Camarillo Airport with hangars devoted to preserving, displaying and flying World War II aircraft. Docents are extremely knowledgeable and eager to share information.  This is a Camarillo must-see.

Also at the Camarillo Airport is the annual Wings Over Camarillo Air Show in the August time frame. This is a weekend display of restored World War II military aircraft in flight, aerobatic, vintage and experimental aircraft displays, classic cars and plenty of family fun. This is one event in Camarillo that you have to see up close at least once. Visit wingsovercamarillo.com for more information.

The Camarillo Ranch House is a 3-story, 14 room, 6,000 square foot Victorian home built by Adolfo Camarillo in 1892. The City restored the beautiful home to what it looked like during the 1914 to 1930 time frame. Today the house is a popular event venue and is open for docent-led tours several days a week. The Camarillo Ranch was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2003.

The Camarillo Ranch House is a popular wedding and other special events destination.

The Camarillo Ranch House is a popular wedding and other special events destination.

I'm amazed at how few of the people I talk to have heard of the Western Foundation of Vertebrate Zoology, more popularly known as the Camarillo Bird Museum. The 22,000 sq ft non-descript facility in an industrial office park hosts a collection of over 250,000 sets of bird eggs representing approximately 4,000 species; 18,000 nests and 56,000 bird study skins. The Museum is open to the public for one-hour tours on Wednesdays and Fridays from 10am to 2pm.

CamBirdMuseumLR.jpg
CamPremOutlets170.jpg

The Camarillo Premium Outlets is Ventura County's premiere outlet mall, featuring over 160 shops and eateries. On the east side are the original outlets, including the Main Court and Fashion Court, while on the west is the newer The Promenade section. In between is the Edwards Camarillo Palace 12.

Harley's Camarillo Bowl is the go-to spot for most kids that I know in the Conejo Valley who throw bowling birthday parties. I know because when the kids go bowling, I make sure to join them. Harley's gets the job done with 20 lanes, a small arcade, and a bar that serves up cold beer.

There are dozens of great farmers' markets around Ventura County, including the Saturday morning Camarillo Certified Farmers Market in Old Town Camarillo from 8am to noon.

There are a number of nicely appointed parks of all shapes and sizes in Camarillo, including six larger parks. One of my favorites is the hidden away Camarillo Grove Park at the bottom of the Conejo Grade, 6968 E. Camarillo Springs Road. This 24.5 acre park offers hiking trails, a dog park, outdoor nature center and more.

A trail at Camarillo Grove Park

A trail at Camarillo Grove Park

The Pleasant Valley Historical Museum is dedicated to the preservation of local history and the adjoining Charles L. Honn Botanical Garden features plants and trees indigenous to the Pleasant Valley and the surrounding region. Both are fun, short, worthwhile visits, which is good because the Museum and Garden are only open from noon to 4:00 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday, except holidays. Admission is free. (MUSEUM IS UNDERGOING EXPANSION AND IS STILL CLOSED AS OF JUNE 2024. Check their website for updates at pvhsonline.org.