Ventura is an interesting mixture of old and new, rich
and poor. It's European history dates back to the founding
of the Mission. There's also the Courthouse, a marvel
of rock work, and housing a wonderful art collection.
But it's also a bustling tourist town, boasting the
longest pier in California.
Look back from the pier, and you'll see a coastal city
that moves back into the hills, like Santa Barbara but
without the snobbishness.
Los Olivas Adobe Park
While there are the usual tourist
things to do, make sure you head downtown to the Mission,
and then around the corner to the Courthouse. There's
a large mall with over 200 tenants, the Olivas Adobe Historical
Park, and the Murphy Auto Museum . Don't forget the Channel
Islands National Park Visitors Center while you're in
the area.
