This Walkable Stretch Of Shops And Restaurants In Downtown Ventura in Southern California Is The Perfect Day Trip Destination
By Natasha Kayes|Published January 12, 2023
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Natasha Kayes
Author
I was born and raised in sunny Southern California and will never tire of the West Coast, although I spent several years living in Southeast Asia, about as far from California as you can get. Wherever I am in the world, I love straying from the beaten path, experiencing local life, and discovering hidden gems - camera in hand. The beach is my happy place and when I am not there (or writing), you will usually find me baking, watching movies, and cuddling my pugs. I have traveled around the country and around the world, and it never, ever gets old. Being able to combine my passion for travel and my love of writing is nothing short of a dream.
There are cities and towns in Southern California that are known for their shopping districts, famous restaurants, epic beaches, or cute main streets. Then again, some quietly amazing places offer a little bit of all of that, along with some unexpected surprises, in one place. Take, for example, Ventura with its walkable downtown in Southern California that is worthy of a little day trip.
With its beachside location, Downtown Ventura has an artsy, laid-back vibe with plenty to do in the way of shopping, dining, and entertainment.
A great place to shop small with its collection of art galleries, independent coffee houses, thrift and antique stores, book shops, and more. Add to that a diverse selection of restaurants and bars, from a casual 50s diner and an Irish pub to fine dining and cocktail bars.
The area boasts several historic buildings with beautiful architecture. One of these, the historic Bank of Italy building, is now the home of Bank of Italy Cocktail Trust, serving a fun selection of Italian comfort food dishes, specialty cocktails, local beers, and natural wines. Stop in for Happy Hour on weekday evenings or Montenegro Mondays for a selection of unique cocktails.
Nurture your inner traveler at Passport Habits, a locally-owned shop that carries artisanal treasures from every part of the globe, items, and crafts that are unique to the places and people from which they come.
A day of walking and shopping definitely calls for a great cup of coffee or tea, and Palermo is a great choice. Not only does it offer a unique menu - with specialty drinks like Viennese Latte, Ancho Chili Mocha, and five types of Chai tea latte - but you can enjoy a wide selection of pastries, chocolates, and gelato. Did we mention Palermo is also a cool gift shop?
Family-owned Rice by Mama is a local favorite for Thai food. This cute, contemporary restaurant has both indoor and outdoor seating, and offers authentic dishes plus a few house specialties.
The Majestic is a historic landmark, a luxury theater - the only one of its kind in the area at the time - built in the 1920s. It has a beautiful marquee and a restored opulent interior. Spacious, but with an intimate feel, the theater now hosts a variety of concerts and performances.
The Main Street of Downtown Ventura is just a few short blocks from the beach where you will find the oldest pier in California, golden sand, views of the Channel Islands, and stunning sunsets.
