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Why explore a unique place in just one afternoon? That was our dilemma. Toward the end of our 2-week California road trip, we had barely 24 hours and a list of things to do in Ventura, California, with kids.
Our starting point in the morning was Solvang, California. The drive from Solvang to Ventura should take less than 1.5 hours. We were set to explore some Ventura history in the afternoon, so it would be no problem getting there in time. With kids, however, non-stop journeys (even this short) are often not possible or desired.
For this leg of our California history road trip, Santa Barbara was right in the middle, and what does Santa Barbara have for kids? Let’s take a quick bonus detour before heading to Ventura.
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Bonus Detour!: Kids World in Santa Barbara
On paper (or Google Maps, as it were), it seems like we could drive straight through from Solvang to Ventura. When Santa Barbara is right in the middle of this leg of the road trip, however, the kids will appreciate making a stop in the “American Riviera.” Not for the beach. Not for the history. For Kids World!
Kids World was constructed in 1993 and is not your normal playground. Our kids, as with other playgrounds, would’ve stayed a lot longer, but our stomachs were telling us it was lunch time.
We had an unplanned lunch at Handlebar Coffee Roasters in Santa Barbara. When you go there, you must try the “Crunchy Hippie Cookie!”
History-Based Things to Do in Ventura, California, with Kids
Are you ever pressed for time but still want to see the highlights of a destination? That was the case for us in Ventura, California. We literally had one afternoon to see as many historical sites as possible.
Here’s what to do in Ventura, Cailfornia, in terms of history-based highlights that can be covered in just one afternoon.
1) Historic Hotel in Ventura
We were looking forward to staying at a historic property in Ventura, now well into our 2-week California history road trip.
The Pierpont Inn hosted our stay in Ventura. All opinions are my own.
The Pierpont Inn has been welcoming guests since 1910. It stands out among Ventura hotels with its vibrant history. There are regular guest rooms, suites, and cottages available. Our 2-queen bed guest room had an ocean view.
Ventura, California, is rich in history, including The Pierpont Inn. #ventura #travel Click To Tweet
I will mention that California Highway 101 sits between The Pierpont Inn and the Pacific Ocean. The hotel even provides ear plugs for guests. However, we never felt the need for using the ear plugs.
The grounds are beautiful and well-maintained. A rose garden surrounds the area where the cottages are located, and there is greenery and color everywhere.
While breakfast is not included at The Pierpont Inn, there are several included amenities (see box below).
The main building (lobby and restaurant) has been under historical renovation for some time. Both the lobby and restaurant have been relocated to other areas of the property, but this did not affect our stay at all.
What did affect our stay was this. The Pierpont Inn was the 8th (yes, 8th) hotel on our 2-week California history road trip. Out of all those hotels, The Pierpont Inn had the most comfortable beds and the most updated bathroom. In terms of comfort, those are some of the most important features for us!
After getting settled at The Pierpont Inn, we ventured out seeking more Ventura history.
2) San Buenaventura City Hall
Our first stop was the Ventura (short for San Buenaventura) City Hall building. Back when I worked for a city, I wish our building was this beautiful!
Use the crosswalk right in front of City Hall to get to the statue of Junipero Serra on the other side. Up and down the California coast, you will see and hear a lot about Junipero Serra. Throughout his lifetime, he established nine of the 21 missions in California, with Mission San Buenaventura being his last.
When you turn around and face the ocean, you will look straight through downtown to the Pacific Ocean beyond.
3) The Cross
From City Hall, nearby Ferro Drive will take you up and up and up, until you come to a parking area and a panoramic overlook featuring The Cross at Serra Cross Park.
A cross was first placed on the hill shortly after the founding of Mission San Buenaventura in 1782. The cross that currently stands was placed there in 1941. The Thomas Fire destroyed much of Serra Cross Park in December 2017, but the cross itself was amazingly saved, and the grounds have been beautifully renovated.
After gawking at the views from atop the hill, we went down, down, down to Mission San Buenaventura, the last mission we planned to visit on our road trip.
4) Mission San Buenaventura
As with all the other California missions, Mission San Buenaventura is unique in its own way. One of the most obvious features is the inclusion of a full-size replica of the Pietà, Michelangelo’s famous sculpture.
Outside the church is the original settling tank which first supplied the mission reservoir in approximately 1829.
We were barely in town for 24 hours, but we definitely made the most of it!
So, when your kids ask…Is there any stuff to do in Ventura, California, besides the beach?…you’ll have this list of history-based things to do in Ventura, CA, ready to go!
Check out this other history-rich city in California!
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Have you been to San Buenaventura (Ventura)? Please share in the comments below!
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