Smart Meetings

While its "fortune" as a seaside resort has grown over the years, it remains more affordable than some other coastal destinations—of particular interest to the association business it books. Ventura's Mediterranean climate means that many days of the year the beach, about five minutes away from most hotels, is wonderfully habitable. A 13-mile coastal biking trail, a classic California mission, and a whole sheaf of whale-watching excursions are highlights.

Ventura boasts a two-mile sandy beach with a lengthy pier jutting out into the ocean and a promenade that invites walking and biking. But its beach is only three blocks from Main Street, the heart of the city's thriving downtown cultural district.

Ventura has more than 2,100 guest rooms citywide and more than 50,000 sq. ft. of indoor meeting space, primarily at its downtown hotels.

Seaside Park (seasidepark.org) on 62 acres of oceanfront property is the area's largest venue, offering satellite downlink and teleconferencing. The Crowne Plaza Ventura Beach (258/17,000 & ichotelsgroup.com) completed a top-to-bottom $10 million renovation at the end of last year and is the only property in Ventura located directly on the beach. Also in Ventura is The Pierpont Inn & Racquet Club (78/10,000 & pierpontinn.com). Built in 1910, the freshly restored property is a recent addition to "The Historic Hotels of America" roster. The appealing unpretentiousness of the Craftsman - style architecture and furnishings is enriched by the ocean views and gardens.

Ventura's array of unique venues and activities include rock climbing with Seastone Adventures; trail rides and cattle roping with Rancho Temescal on their 6,000-acre working cattle ranch; and instruction at Jim Hall Kart Racing School, America's most renowned karting academy (jhrkarting.com), which offers a custom curriculum and catered lunches.

Take to the waters in a kayak to explore "America's Galapagos," the Channel Islands National Park, up close. Guided tours can incorporate picnics, camping and bird watching.
Less exertion is required to hold your meeting barefoot right on the beach with the help of the Yellow Umbrella Company. They will supply the umbrellas and color-coordinated beach chairs, as well as décor and food.

As you'd expect, Ventura is a hotspot for beach activities, including a little-known but fantastic option for groups. San Buenaventura State Beach (parks.ca.gov) has an on-staff events coordinator who can "permit" you the entire state beach area, Ventura Visitors & Convention Bureau (ventura-usa.com). In fact, the coordinator can arrange a quintessential California beach activity with no muss, no fuss. Catering is easily accessible through the Ventura Beach Marriott (marriottventurabeach.com), next door.

On the water, Island Packers (islandpackers.com), the official ferry concessionaire for Channel Islands National Park, is available evenings for private parties, including sunset cruises. Ventura Boat Rentals (venturaboatrentals.com) has a veritable armada of paddleboats, kayaks, electric boats and power boats for group and team-building activities.

Getting There

Ventura County/Oxnard Airport (ventura.org/airports) serves the county with flights daily by United Express.

LAX  or via Amtrak's Pacific Surfliner which stops in the community's historic downtow.

Not To Be Missed

Beach activities
Winery tours and tastings
On the water
Wildlife watching