Whale Watching and Other Marine Mammals
On all Island Packer’s trips to the Channel Islands we cruise with an open eye for wildlife, especially everyone’s favorite, whales and dolphins. There are also two seasons each year where we specifically go out into the waters of the Santa Barbara Channel and the Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary just to look for whales.
http://www.islandpackers.com/whalewatch.html


BEACHES

Ventura has a long coastline of beaches including San Bueanaventura State Beach which has picnic areas, barbeque pits, a snack bar, and summer bike rentals.

Santa Cruz Island		Anacapa Island
The Santa Cruz Island Reserve is the largest NRS site and the biggest of the Channel Islands located off the Southern California coast. The island has two major mountain systems flanking a central valley that formed along an active fault zone. The mountains are rugged and cut by steep-sided canyons, some with perennial streams and freshwater springs. The coastline is mostly steep and rocky, with some protected coves and sandy beaches. Diverse habitats include rocky intertidal zones, coastal sage scrub, chaparral, grasslands, oak woodlands, and bishop pine forests. The reserve contains breeding grounds for harbor seals, seabird nesting colonies, many endemic plant and animal species, and well-preserved archaeological sites. Santa Cruz Island Reserve is protected, owned, and managed by The Nature Conservancy (TNC); the remainder of the island is managed by the National Park Service as part of the Channel Islands National Park.		Crossing the channel to Anacapa Island, one begins to understand why the island’s name was derived from its Chumash Native American Indian name, “Ennepah.” Seeming to change shape in the summer fog or afternoon heat, the three islets of Anacapa look like an island of deception or a mirage.
San Miguel Island		Santa Barbara Island
Wind and weather constantly sweep across the North Pacific to batter the shores of the westernmost of all the islands, San Miguel. This extreme weather creates a harsh but profoundly beautiful environment. The 9,500-acre island is primarily a plateau about 500 feet in elevation, but two 800-foot rounded hills emerge from its wild, windswept landscape.		The smallest of the Channel Islands is deceptive. From a distance, this one-square-mile island looks barren, uninteresting, and forlorn. Upon closer examination, the island offers more than one would expect—an island of resting elephant seals, blooming yellow flowers, tumbling Xantus’s murrelet chicks, and rich cultural history.
Santa Rosa Island
Santa Rosa Island was included as part of Channel Islands National Park upon the park’s inception on March 5, 1980. However, it wasn’t until December 1986 that the island came under the ownership of the National Park Service.

MUSEUMS

San Buenaventura Mission
Founded in 1782, the mission includes a restored church, Holy Cross School, and a small museum. The San Buenaventura Mission is located 0.6 miles northwest of our ventura Hotel at 225 East Main Street.

Ventura Country Museum of History
The museum displays Native American, Hispanic and pioneer influences in the area. Located at 100 East Main St, the museum is 0.7 miles northwest of our Ventura Hotel.

NEARBY CITIES/TOWNS

Ojai
Located in a valley surrounded by high mountains, Ojai is a popular artists' colony and retreat. The Ojai Valley is 15 miles north of our Ventura Hotel along scenic Highway 33.

PARKS

Ventura Harbor Village
Harbor cruises, kayak rentals and sailing lessons are available at the Ventura Harbor, along with many shops and restaurants. The Ventura Hotel is located on Spinnaker Drive, 5 miles south of our Ventura Hotel.

SHOPPING

Pacific View Mall
Formally the Buenaventura Mall, the Pacific View Mall has been completely renovated and contains over 200 stores. The Pacific View Mall is located 2.7 miles east of our Ventura Hotel at 363 Miles Road at Main Street.

ACTIVITIES

Beach
There is a foot bridge at the ba ck of the inn. It lets guests walk to the beach & Ventura pier.

Bicycling / Jogging Trails
Bicycling and joggin trails are available at the beach: 5 mins away.

Boating to Channel Islands National Park
The chain of eight islands was dedicated as a national park by Congress in 1980. Trips to the islands can be arranged through the Ventura Harbor (5miles North), the Channel Islands Harbor in Oxnard(9.2 miles South), or Santa Barbara Harbor (27.3 miles North).

Diving / Snorkeling
Diving and snorkeling is availabe at the Ventura Marina : 5 miles.

Fishing
Fishing is available at the Ventura Marina : 5miles. The Ventura Pier also allows fishing.

Fitness Center / Gym
Nearby fitness center : YMCA : 2.6 miles

Golfing
Nearby golf courses: Olivas Park Golf Course : 3.8 miles; Buenaventura Golf Course: 6.6. miles

Tennis
Nearby Tennis COurts: Oxnard Tennis Center: 11.6 miles; Moranda Park Tennis Complex: 12.8miles

Volleyball
Volleyball courts are available at the beach : 5 minutes away.

Wine Testing
Wine testing is available at Cafe Zack, which is within walking distance of the hotel.



Local Attractions:
   0.28 mile(s) from Pacific Ocean
   0.3 mile(s) from beach and the longest wooden pier in California
   0.3 mile(s) from city hall, a marble and stone masterpiece, the scene of many a movie
   0.4 mile(s) from Albinger Archaeological Museum, (artifacts dating back 3,500 years)
   0.6 mile(s) from historic Buenaventura Mission, established in 1782 by Father Juniperro Serra
   0.6 mile(s) from County Museum of Art and Local History
   0.7 mile(s) from Ventura County Fairgrounds, off-track betting, and auto raceway
   6 mile(s) from A.J. Comstock Fire Museum
   3 mile(s) from Olivas Adobe Ranch and Hacienda, (built in 1840's)
   3 mile(s) from Ventura County Government Center
   3 mile(s) from Ivy Lawn Memorial Park
   4.5 mile(s) from Lazarstar Amusement Park (arcade games)
   5 mile(s) from Channel Islands National Park, Aviation Concessionaire, and Marina (whale watching, flights to Santa Rosa Island)
   5 mile(s) from Leeward Winery, (tours and tasting)
   15 mile(s) from Ojai, (town where there is horseback riding)
   16 mile(s) from Lake Casitas, (boating, camping, watersports)
   30 mile(s) from Angeles National Forest, (camping available)
   30 mile(s) from Santa Barbara Winery
   45 mile(s) from Magic Mountain Amusement Park

Shopping:
   0.2 mile(s) from art galleries and antique shops

Recreation:
   0.28 mile(s) from Ventura State Beach Bike Path, bicycles for rent
   0.4 mile(s) from tennis courts and golf courses
   3 mile(s) from Golf N' Stuff (miniature golf)
   5 mile(s) from Harbor Village Sportfishing (charters)
   5 mile(s) from Ventura Harbor, (cruises, fishing, dining, comedy club, dive boats, hockey)
   5 mile(s) from Bay Queen Harbor Cruises, (harbor cruises, kayak and electric boat rentals, dinner and sail charters)
   30 mile(s) from Ranch Oso, (horseback riding)
   30 mile(s) from Lake Piru, (boating, skiing, camping)

Nearby Cities:
   7 mile(s) from Oxnard
   15 mile(s) from Carpenteria
   35 mile(s) from Santa Barbara
   55 mile(s) from Burbank
   60 mile(s) from Los Angeles

Transportation:
   0.4 mile(s) from Greyhound Bus Terminal
   0.7 mile(s) from Amtrak Train Station
   30 mile(s) from Santa Barbara Airport
   65 mile(s) from Los Angeles International Airport

Education:
   3 mile(s) from Ventura Community College
   30 mile(s) from University of California - Santa Barbara (UCSB)

Ventura Lodging near Beaches and Downtown Ventura Located one hour north of Los Angeles and 25 minutes south of Santa Barbara, Country Inn & Suites provides an ideal home base for exploring our exciting local area. Our hotel is a two-block walk from both Ventura Beach and historic downtown Ventura. Lodging with us provides easy access to several other Ventura attractions, such as the Ventura County Fairgrounds, Ventura Harbor Village, Island Packers Cruises, Camarillo Premium Outlets, and Limoneria Ranch. Whether you choose to ride a surrey cycle or bike along the waterfront, see breathtaking views from Ventura Pier or take a picnic lunch to Surfer's Point, you will enjoy the choice location of our Ventura lodging -- right in the center of it all. Don't miss these attractions while lodging in Ventura: Camarillo Premium Outlets: For shopping in Ventura, visit the Camarillo Premium Outlets, where you will find impressive sales and quality fashion at all your favorite stores. (805) 445-8520 740 E Ventura Blvd Camarillo, CA 93010 15 miles from hotel Derby Club: The Derby Club offers guests and patrons hassle-free wagering at track odds, full service bars and restaurants as well as a beautiful beach location at the Ventura County Fairgrounds at Seaside Park. (805) 653-2533 10 W Harbor Blvd Ventura, CA 93001 0.6 miles from hotel Island Packers Cruises: For fantastic hiking, camping, kayaking, whale watching and sightseeing, visit the Island Packers and travel to all five islands in the Channel Islands National Park. (805) 642-1393 1691 Spinnaker Dr Suite 105 B Ventura, CA 93001 4 miles from hotel Limoneria Ranch: The Limoneria Ranch offers several different tours such as the Back Country Jeep tour and the Citrus Ranch tour, as well as a variety of fun activities including hot air ballooning, horseback riding and even gourmet orchard dining. (866) 321-9995 1141 Cummings Rd Santa Paula, Ca. 93060 4 miles from hotel Majestic Ventura Theatre: Considered the best venue between LA and San Francisco, the Ventura Theatre offers exquisite 1920s mission style architecture, excellent acoustics and nearby parking. (805) 653-0721 26 S Chestnut St San Buenaventura (Ventura), CA 93001 0.2 miles from hotel Mission San Buenaventura: This Catholic parish in the Archdiocese of Los Angeles was the ninth and final California mission founded by Blessed Junipero Serra in 1782. For historical value and beauty, this Ventura attraction is a must see. (805) 643-4318 211 E Main St Ventura, CA 93001 0.5 miles from hotel Ventura County Fairgrounds: This 62-acre ocean-front location is the site of the annual 12-day Ventura County Fair and hosts a variety of events such as business meetings, trade shows, concerts, expositions and equestrian events. (805) 648-3376 31st District Agricultural Association 10 W Harbor Blvd Ventura, CA 93001 0.5 miles from hotel Ventura Harbor Village: Ventura Harbor Village offers breathtaking coastline views, kayaking, paddle boating, beaches, fine or casual dining and several fabulous specialty shops and boutiques. (805) 642-8538 1583 Spinnaker Dr Ventura, CA 93001 4 miles from hotel Surfer's Point: Ride the waves or simply enjoy a picnic at Surfer's Point, a world renowned coastal break near the fairgrounds famous for its rolling waves and stunning sunsets. 0.5 mile from hotel San Buenaventura State Beach Park: Swim, surf and picnic along this two-mile stretch of coastline, or stroll the 1,700-foot pier. Just one mile from our Ventura lodging. 1 mile from hotel Ventura Shuttle Service Shuttle service is available just one block from the hotel and travels to Ventura Harbor, Ventura Pier, beaches, Amtrak, Ventura County Fairgrounds and the Historic Downtown cultural district. Shuttles run every 40 minutes from 7am-9pm daily. One-way fare: Adult/Youth $1.25, Seniors $0.60 and Children under 45" ride free. Exact change is required. Additional Ventura Transportation Options Amtrak Hertz Roadrunner Shuttle Ventura County Airporter Shuttle City Bus Vista (Freeway Bus) Yellow Cab of Ventura

About Oxnard About an hour north of Los Angeles, Ventura County looks out affectionately on the expansive Pacific Ocean. Initially settled by Chumash Indians, the region was discovered by Portuguese and Spanish adventurers in the mid-16th century. Not long thereafter, Spain began to construct missions along the coast, and San Buenaventura (Ventura's original, official name) was established in 1782. Small communities and sprawling ranches grew around it, giving rise to the eventual town. In the 19th century, California saw an influx of settlers, and Ventura County became an agricultural capital, a title it holds yet today. In fact, the town of Oxnard derived its name from brothers who built a factory there to process sugar beets, a profitable early crop. Thanks to fertile lands and abundant rainfall, the area now serves as a top producer of strawberries, lima beans, lemons, and celery. The oil industry and the military also rank as major employers, along with electronics and tourism. Throughout its periods of growth, Ventura County has had the foresight to maintain its communities' small-town charm, as well as their history. Naturally, the coast is a perpetual draw, and area beaches are frequented by residents and visitors alike. Off the coast, the Channel Islands are a favorite of outdoor enthusiasts as well. While you're around, you'll definitely want to visit San Buenaventura Mission, Ventura Harbor, and Ventura's City Hall, not to mention Carnegie Art Museum and Heritage Square in Oxnard. They're just brief indication of the all-American appeal that brings folks to the county for business, for pleasure, and for fun.