5 day trips to lively California beach towns

1. Ventura: California’s oldest pier, a botanical garden, and a historic mission

About 70 miles up the coast from downtown Los Angeles and easily accessible by car or train, Ventura is home to spectacular sunsets, great surfing and hiking, vintage and trendy shops, casual dining, and a vibrant arts and music scene.

The ways to savor this laid-back beach town—including its downtown Main Street that’s closed to car traffic through 2024—are plentiful and year-round. The city also has the oldest pier in the state and is a jumping-off point to access the Channel Islands.

Wheel Fun Rentals

Rent a bike from Wheel Fun Rentals next to the pier (or bring your own) and set out on the Ventura Promenade. Take this flat, paved beachside path west about half a mile to Surfers Point, or head east for a 2.5-mile round-trip excursion to San Buenaventura State Beach.

Beach House Tacos

Stop for an authentic Mexican lunch at this eatery on the Ventura Pier. Dig into a Marilu taco, Baja taco, or street taco while gazing out at the expansive Pacific Ocean. Kids can burn off energy at the adjacent Ventura Promenade Beach Playground.

Ventura Botanical Gardens

Stroll along the 3½ miles of walkways (some steep) that wind through 5 Mediterranean climates at this botanical garden. You’ll pass by a 130-tree olive grove, old-growth eucalyptus trees, and rare and endangered plants, as well as several art sculptures. Take in views of the Channel Islands, the coastline, and, on a clear day, Topatopa Peak in Ojai. Adults, $7.

Mission Basilica San Buenaventura

Learn about the area’s rich history by taking a self-guided tour of the mission, which was founded in 1782 by Junípero Serra. The grounds include a museum (featuring displays of Chumash artifacts and Mission-era items), a garden and grotto, the Mission Basilica Church, and a Vatican-licensed marble cast of Michelangelo’s Pietà. Adults, $5.

Bellringer Brew Co./Model Citizen

Wander over to Bellringer Brew Co. for locally sourced comfort food and award-winning beers made in town. Around the corner is Model Citizen, downtown’s newest dining addition. Although the decor is minimalistic, the menu is not: You’ll find twists on classic cocktails and coastal dishes made with regional ingredients.

Rocks & Drams/Strange Beast

Head to Rocks & Drams downtown for a swanky happy hour. The crystal chandeliers, velvet couches, and brass accents are the perfect setting for sipping one of the bar’s captivating cocktails. A block west, you’ll find the contemporary, neon-lit Strange Beast, which serves Japanese tapas, cocktails, and sake.

Ventura Music Hall/Ruff House BBQ

Catch acts ranging from Henry Rollins to Parliament-Funkadelic at the new Ventura Music Hall. Dine on barbecue at the on-site restaurant, Ruff House BBQ, and grab a drink at one of several bars located throughout the venue.

2. Oxnard: Festivals, seaside strolls, and farmers markets

From concerts to chowder, Oxnard has a dedicated festival for almost everything. Other fun activities in Ventura County’s largest city (pop.: over 200,000) include strolling along the harbor or one of its celebrated beaches. So, yes, come for the festivals, but be sure to stay and explore this coastal community for the day.

Mrs. Olson’s Coffee Hut

Start the morning with a fully loaded, generously sized omelet at this local favorite in Channel Islands Harbor.

Channel Islands Harbor

Herons, egrets, terns, and sea lions enliven a roughly 2-mile round-trip stroll along the west side of this picturesque harbor. Start at the promenade in front of the Maritime Museum and end at Channel Island Boulevard.

Sunday Farmers Market

Explore this shopping mecca for fresh fruit, produce, and seafood. You’ll also find prepared food, crafts by local artisans, clothing, and jewelry.

3. Manhattan Beach: People-watching, bicycling, and surfing lessons

Long notable for its photogenic pier, beach volleyball and surfing scenes, and direct access to a 22-mile oceanfront bicycle path, Manhattan Beach has in recent years seen a steady arrival of new boutiques and critically acclaimed restaurants.

If the foot traffic along downtown Highland and Manhattan avenues is any indication, the nearly 4-square-mile South Bay neighborhood is more than a posh suburban enclave—it’s a bona fide SoCal destination.

GoodBoyBob

Grab an Americano at this coffee shop, which expanded from Santa Monica and Culver City to its newest location on Highland Avenue. Try the avocado tartine with chipotle cashew crème, pickled shallots, flax seeds, sunflower seeds, and pepitas.

Uncle Bill’s Pancake House

Located across the street from GoodBoyBob, this longtime café serves up sweet flapjacks with ocean views on the side.

One Wave Surf

Take a surf lesson from One Wave Surf, which runs 90-minute private and group classes at El Porto beach. Individual lesson, $138.

Tacolicious

Dig into made-to-order guacamole at this indoor-outdoor eatery. Foodies will appreciate that the tortillas are made in-house daily using fresh organic masa and Rancho Gordo beans.

Sweet Lady Jane

Craving dessert? Visit this Manhattan Beach outpost for a slice of its legendary triple berry cake.

Pages

Support some of the neighborhood’s indie shops such as Pages, a bookstore that hosts engaging author events.

Go Gently Nation

Browse a gorgeous selection of made-in-L.A. children’s and women’s wear, as well as home goods by Fog Linen. Founder Kristin Coia opened up shop after she gave birth to her son and saw a need for more eco-minded kids’ wear.

4. Huntington Beach: Dog-friendly spots, a sizable park, and shops and restaurants

World-famous surf town Huntington Beach is also a world-class destination for dog lovers. Orange County’s most populous beach city is home to Corgi Beach Day (October 28) and the Old World Village Wiener Dog Races (October 15), as well as a plethora of pet-friendly restaurants, parks, and attractions. Both dogs and owners can have their day in Surf City USA.

Park Bench Café

The umbrella-shaded tables at this family-owned eatery in Central Park are a pet-family favorite. Dogs can sprawl out on the grass and devour favorites such as the Hot Diggity Dog and the Rover Easy scrambled eggs.

Huntington Central Park

Keep your eyes peeled for squirrels as you stroll the trails at this 356-acre park. Don’t miss the Secret Garden, a showcase of drought-tolerant plants that’s been lovingly restored in recent years by Huntington Beach Tree Society volunteers.

Pacific Hideaway

Grab one of the high tables on the patio overlooking the Huntington Beach Pier at this upstairs restaurant in the dog-friendly Kimpton Shorebreak Resort. The menu evokes surf cultures from Latin America to Southeast Asia.

Huntington Dog Beach

This 1.5-mile stretch of sand just might a pup’s happiest place in the world. For a true Surf City experience, book a surfing lesson for your water-loving canine with Good Kharma Surf ($75 for 1 hour). Perhaps you’ll discover the next Surf Dog champion.

The Doggie Spa

Your sandy companion will appreciate this spa’s all-natural shampoos and reliably warm water. No appointment is necessary to use the elevated, self-service bathtubs.

5. Oceanside: Surf culture, a California mission, and nature walks

Sun, sea, and other fresh-air pursuits reign in this breezy community that’s home to a museum dedicated entirely to surfing. Visitors can explore an evolving food-and-drink scene along the coast. Farther inland and equally enthralling is Mission San Luis Rey de Francia, California’s “King of the Missions.”

Camp Coffee Company

Start the day off right with a s’mores-inspired mocha (complete with a toasted marshmallow) or another caffeinated drink, plus pastries like blackberry banana nut muffins and vegan blueberry lemon scones.

Waverider Helicopter Tours

Enjoy a bird’s-eye view of the city and the coast on a 40-minute, round-trip flight down to La Jolla Cove, or head north along the dramatic coastline to Laguna Beach and back. All flights are private and depart from Oceanside Municipal Airport. Prices vary.

The Plot

Dig into crunchy rolls or a lentil-and-wild-rice loaf with a beet demi-glace at this plant-based, zero-waste restaurant. Leave room for the dark-chocolate torte.

Buena Vista Lagoon Ecological Reserve

Spot brown pelicans, barn owls, red-shouldered hawks, and other feathered wildlife at this roughly 200-acre freshwater wetland located between Carlsbad and Oceanside. The Buena Vista Audubon Society offers monthly bird-watching walks.

The Rising Company

Browse for mementos such as ethically sourced turquoise jewelry, South African handwoven baskets, and lavender-scented candles at this spacious artists’ cooperative.

Mission San Luis Rey de Francia

Learn about early-California history while strolling the state’s largest former Spanish mission, built in 1798. Explore the museum, Spanish Colonial–style church, recently restored courtyard, and former open-air laundry area. Docents lead 75-minute tours on weekends. Adults, $8; Behind-the-Scenes tour, $12.

California Surf Museum

Check out the surfboards and colorful historical displays at this 5,600-square-foot museum. View permanent artifacts and rotating exhibits, such as the story of courageous surfer Bethany Hamilton, who lost her left arm to a tiger shark in 2003 while surfing off Kaua‘i. Adults, $7.