Ventura California Accommodations

When to Visit Ventura, CA

The best time to visit Ventura is in the summer months, from June through August. These months are optimal for outdoor activities like swimming, snorkeling, kayaking, and sailing. It's also the best time of year for humpback whale watching and when the sea lions start having pups on the Channel Islands just off the coast. The coastal warmth and animal interest also draw more tourists, and summer can be a very busy time for families trying to get away while school is out. Be sure to book your accommodation far enough in advance that you find the right hotel without overpaying.

If you're looking to beat the crowds, consider visiting Ventura during the Spring or Fall months, either March through May or September and October. The Channel Islands are still alive during this time, with wildflowers blooming and seabird nesting in the spring or northern elephant seals arriving in the late fall. The fall waters are particularly clear, with diving visibility exceeding 100ft in some places and water temperatures still around 70 degrees from the summer sun. On land, guests can hike through Camino Real Park from October through February to take in the monarch butterfly migration. Natural wonders await around every corner.

If you arrive during winter, don't worry; there's still plenty to see and do. Harbor seals start pupping, and many locals claim the best sunsets occur in December and January. January through March is the best time to visit if you're interested in seeing Pacific Gray Whales, and there are many tour companies that know exactly where to find them. With temperatures in the 50s and 60s, who wouldn't want to escape the snow of the north to visit? These months are also the best for finding the best hotel deals, without the tourists crowds driving up demand.

Best Discounts in Ventura, CA

On top of already great deals, savvy visitors can save even more depending on where they stay. The Best Western Plus Inn of Ventura offers an 11-percent discount to both AAA and AARP members. This hotel is located right next to the Ventura Pier and close to Downtown Ventura. To save even more, enjoy a complimentary breakfast daily, along with coffee and tea in common areas.

Visitors can also save at the Country Inn & Suites By Carlson Ventura. AAA and AARP members save 5 percent on their accommodations, as long as they show their membership cards at check-in. This hotel has free breakfast and newspapers in the lobby and free use of a nearby fitness center. If you need some beach reading, stop by their lending library and borrow a book and relax in the sand.

If you serve or have served in the military, the Wyndham Garden Ventura Pierpont Inn offers up to 30 percent off your stay. While this resort might be pricer, the military discount balances out the extra cost with added value. Enjoy the outdoor pool and fitness facilities, with close proximity to San Buenaventura State Beach. This hotel has a wonderful atmosphere and makes a great location for a wedding or honeymoon getaway.

Best Value Options in Ventura, CA

If you're looking to stay a little outside of downtown Ventura, consider hotels near the Channel Islands Harbor. The Embassy Suites Mandalay Beach Hotel & Resort is less than a mile from the harbor and boasts beautiful views of the ocean. Guests can enjoy a free breakfast and then relax by the outdoor pool, or catch a cruise to the Channel Islands to take in the local wildlife.

The Hampton Inn Channel Islands Harbor/Oxnard also offers free breakfast but boasts a view of the harbor itself, rather than sandy beaches. If you're planning to spend your trip diving and sailing, then you'll want to stay right where the action is, and there are plenty of aquatic activities nearby.

Finally, the Casa Via Mar Inn & Tennis Club is always one of the first hotels to get fully booked near the Channel Islands. There are sprawling tennis courts and an outdoor pool and hot tub for relaxing after a heated match. There are also free breakfast and free Wi-Fi, proving the value of this popular accommodation.

Arts and Culture in Ventura, CA

While Ventura is a hub for nature, wildlife, and water sports, you can't overlook the diverse art scene that's grown here. While you're near the harbor, check out the Buenaventura Harbor Village Gallery, open Tuesday through Sunday from 11 a.m. - 6 p.m. Then visit the 643 Project Space, which is meant to give students and young artists a leg up through gallery exposure. Both of these exhibits are incredibly colorful and unique, and can't be missed.

For history buffs, visit the San Buenaventura Mission located inside Mission San Buenaventura Historic Park. The park itself is a collection of archaeological sites, and it is one of only three historical mission sites located in a downtown area in California. This allows guests to step into history after walking only a few feet from the bustle of the city.

The Albinger Archaeological Museum has preserved 3,500 years of artifacts and proudly displays them to guests year round. The artifacts range across five different cultures, from ancient natives to the Chumash Indians who resided in the area as early as the 1500s. The museum is only open on weekdays, but makes an exception during the warmer months by opening Saturdays and Sundays. Before you go, check with the museum, as these hours and days are subject to change.

Whatever you stop and see in Ventura, you're sure to be amazed by the beauty of nature or the talent of local artists. It's truly a relaxing getaway to enjoy the coast and cool breezes coming off of the Pacific Ocean. In the same way that adventure isn't far away, neither are accommodating hotels that can meet whatever budget, family size, or plans that you have.