Smart Meetings

Founded in 1782 as San Buenaventura, the City of Good Fortune, Ventura is one of the oldest communities in California. 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 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. Outdoor space totals 150,000 sq. ft. citywide; Seaside Park (seasidepark.org), set on 62 acres with 100,000 sq. ft. of event space, is the city’s largest venue.

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. 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.

Not To Be Missed

Beach activities - For a sense of place, try beach volleyball, evening bonfires, ATV’ing or horseback riding on the Oceano dunes (San Luis Obispo).

Winery tours and tastings - When in wine country…. Plus, if you’re touring the Santa Maria Valley, pair the wine with an authentic Santa Maria barbecue (green salad, pinquito beans, salsa and perfectly grilled trip-tip).

On the water - Charter a boat; rent kayaks, paddleboats or personal watercraft; or surf at the point break at “C” Street (California Street, aka Surfer’s Point) in Ventura, which was named the second-best U.S. surfing destination, after Haleiwa, Hawaii, by Outside Magazine.

Wildlife watching - View elephant seals at Piedras Blancas (near Cambria); Monarch butterflies in Pismo Beach; hundreds of bird species at Morro Bay and in Santa Barbara; and migrating whales off Ventura, Oxnard and Santa Barbara.

Channel Islands National Park and National Marine Sanctuary - Kayak, hike and picnic at the “American Galapagos,” five rugged islands whose unspoiled terrain and waters teem with protected wildlife and sea creatures.

Hearst Castle - Take in the introductory movie for the “big picture,” then tour the crown jewel of the coast.