Ventura Harbor Village has long stood as one of Southern California’s most complete waterfront destinations, a place where boaters, anglers, and travelers can dock, dine, and gather just steps from the sea. Combining a working harbor with a lively visitor experience, the Village captures what Ventura does best, a blending of maritime function with coastal recreation in a setting that feels both local and world-class.
Situated between the open Pacific and the calm waters of the marina, Ventura Harbor Village serves as both a hub for the boating community and a favorite gathering place for visitors. On any given morning, the harbor awakens with the sounds of diesel engines and seagulls as commercial fishing vessels unload their catch, dive charters prepare tanks and gear, and pleasure cruisers cast off for a day around the islands. By midday, the same docks welcome kayakers, families strolling the promenade, and visitors lounging on waterfront patios with a cold drink in hand.
That duality — a genuine working harbor that also thrives as a tourist haven — is what gives Ventura its authenticity. According to Jennifer Talt Lundin, Marketing Manager for Ventura Harbor and Ventura Harbor Village, that balance is no accident.
“It’s a very complementary arrangement,” she said. “Visitors have the unique opportunity to watch the commercial fisheries in action, especially during squid season, when seiners come in the morning to offload their catch, then head out again in the afternoon.” The sight of nets, cranes, and the bustle of harbor life adds texture to the experience, reminding guests that Ventura Harbor remains a living, breathing maritime community.
Talt Lundin noted that the Village Marina continues to support the local fishing industry in tangible ways. “Ventura Harbor Village Marina is home to these commercial fisheries,” she said, pointing to a growing partnership between working fishermen and tourism efforts. In fact, the harbor recently received a grant to build a new fisheries building — a project she described as a story worth exploring in greater depth in the near future. For visitors, those connections mean every bowl of clam chowder or fish taco served along the promenade has roots in the local waters.
While Ventura Harbor maintains its working-harbor integrity, it has evolved into one of California’s most scenic and approachable visitor destinations. “California offers such a wealth of amenities to visitors, including an opportunity to enjoy the seaside lifestyle and waterfront attractions found at California harbors such as Ventura Harbor Village,” said Talt Lundin. “Ventura Harbor Village is unique in that it is perched between the marina environment and the soft sands, beaches, and dunes — just steps away.” The location places it squarely between the adventure of the open ocean and the leisure of the shore, making it one of the most accessible and picturesque spots along the Central Coast.
Cruising the famed Ventura Highway — “where the days are longer, the nights are stronger than moonshine,” as described by the band, America) — or driving up iconic Highway 1, visitors often find the harbor an irresistible stop. Its pastel-colored buildings, framed by distant mountains and shimmering water, that evokes the scenery from a painting. The promenade loops gracefully around the marina, inviting both locals and travelers to slow down, breathe in the salt air, and watch the boats drift in and out of their slips.
But Ventura Harbor Village isn’t just about the view; it’s also a launching point for some of the region’s most extraordinary ocean adventures. “Ventura Harbor Village is home to Island Packers, the Channel Islands National Park concessionaire,” said Talt Lundin. “It’s the jumping-off point to travel out to the five spectacular islands of the National Park.” These excursions allow visitors to kayak through sea caves, hike windswept ridges, or dive into kelp forests teeming with marine life.
For those who prefer to stay closer to shore, Ventura Boat Rentals offers pedal boats, electric boats, kayaks, and stand-up paddleboards. “Ventura Boat Rentals is open daily to entice visitors to explore and immerse themselves in the harbor experience and wildlife,” Talt Lundin added. “They even offer fun character boats — ducks, swans, dragons, and more.” The harbor’s calm inner waters make it perfect for a leisurely paddle, with pelicans perched on pilings and seals lounging nearby.
Just steps away from the docks, Ventura Dive & Sport provides a full dive center complete with rentals, instruction, and guided excursions to the nearby islands. The proximity of these outfitters makes the harbor a true one-stop destination for anyone craving time on — or under — the water.
When the day winds down, the Village transforms into one of Ventura’s liveliest dining and entertainment areas. “Ventura Harbor Village offers visitors a variety of cuisines from which to choose, including Greek, American, French, Mexican, and seafood. And each is served with a waterfront patio view,” said Talt Lundin. “Popular restaurants such as Andria’s Seafood Restaurant & Market draw visitors from far and wide to dine seaside.”
Indeed, Andria’s remains a local institution, serving the same crispy fish-and-chips and hearty clam chowder that have made it a staple since 1982. Just a few doors down, Brophy Bros. Clam Bar & Restaurant offers sweeping harbor views and a bustling oyster bar that’s perfect for sundown cocktails. For casual fare, its sister spot On The Alley serves tacos and burgers that can be enjoyed steps from the water. Other favorites include Margarita Villa, known for its generous margaritas and lively patio atmosphere, and The Greek Mediterranean Steak & Seafood, a family-owned eatery blending hearty portions with harbor views.
Those craving dessert or a slower pace can stop at Coastal Cone Ice Cream, Boba by the Sea, or Le Petit Café, while wine lovers can sip local vintages at Deep Sea Wine Tasting Room, where the harbor lights reflect off the glass as the sun dips behind the hills. For many visitors, it’s not just the food that makes dining here unforgettable — it’s the soft murmur of the harbor, the scent of the sea, and the glow of sunset over the masts.
Beyond food and drink, Ventura Harbor Village has built a reputation for creativity and craftsmanship. The Village’s 35 shops and galleries provide a curated selection of coastal fashion, art, and gifts. Boutiques like Barefoot Boutique and Casa De Regalos offer beachwear and souvenirs, while Treasure Cove tempts shoppers with nautical antiques and collectibles. Art lovers gravitate to Harbor Village Gallery & Gifts and Ventura Pottery Gallery, where local artists and craftspeople display their handmade creations.
“The Village draws on local artists and entertainers to enhance the aesthetics and environment,” Talt Lundin said. “It’s a reflection of Ventura’s character, which is artistic, welcoming, and authentic.”
That authenticity extends to the harbor’s year-round calendar of community events. “The Ventura Harbor Village offers weekly opportunities for locals and visitors to engage in community along the waterfront,” Talt Lundin said. “Guests seem to enjoy making Ventura Harbor Village ‘their Harbor,’ even when living miles away.”
The lineup includes everything from live music on the promenade to seasonal festivals like Kids Seaside Trick or Treat and the Thriller Zombie Dance in October, to the Bowl of Thanks & Ventura Pottery Market in November. During December, the harbor transforms for the Annual Parade of Lights & Fireworks, when a flotilla of illuminated boats glides through the channel under a blaze of color. Families also flock to the Santa Paddle and Winter Wonderland & Holiday Marketplace, where snow, music, and twinkling lights create a uniquely coastal celebration.
According to Talt Lundin, the response from the community is overwhelmingly positive. “Year after year, visitors to the events share how they’ve grown up — or their kids have grown up — coming to the events at Ventura Harbor Village,” she said. “Many memories have been made and shared here. The Ventura Harbor continues to set a goal to provide engaging and memorable experiences for visitors and locals alike.”
The Village also remains an anchor for small businesses seeking to operate in a dynamic waterfront setting. “Surrounded by Pacific waters and some of the most popular beaches, this vibrant location offers stunning waterfront views and is surrounded by popular attractions, including shops, galleries, and recreational activities that draw both locals and tourists alike,” Talt Lundin explained. She added that upcoming renovations, including a new restaurant space and enhanced amenities, will “create a modern, inviting atmosphere ready for a restaurant to complete their culinary vision.”
For entrepreneurs, being part of Ventura Harbor Village means joining a built-in community with strong promotional support. “The Village provides businesses an opportunity to be part of a seaside community that draws in customers with monthly promotions, a destination website, and cross-promotion of products, cuisines, and services,” said Talt Lundin. “In the winter, the Village is decorated in ‘coastal holiday’ style with colorful trees and festive lights. It’s a magical place to do business.”
The Ventura Harbor Village and the larger harbor district are managed by the Ventura Port District, a special district of the City of Ventura. “The Ventura Port District is committed to providing a safe harbor that is an inviting, inclusive seaside destination and gateway to the Channel Islands National Park, with exceptional facilities for anglers, boaters, residents, and visitors,” said Talt Lundin.
That mission — to serve both the boating community and the public — is visible in every corner of the harbor. From the sight of seine boats offloading their catch to paddleboarders gliding past the promenade, the coexistence of industry and recreation defines the harbor’s unique character. “The Village draws on Ventura’s surf and boating culture,” Talt Lundin said. “Dozens of community events and waterfront activities highlight that spirit year after year.”
In many ways, Ventura Harbor Village represents the best of California’s coastal lifestyle — vibrant yet unhurried, community-oriented yet open to discovery. Arriving by car or boat, visitors find a harbor that feels personal. Year after year, guests describe their visits as scenic, beautiful, and relaxing, with “stunning and colorful sunsets over the boats and the beach,” as Talt Lundin noted.
What keeps people coming back isn’t just the scenery; it’s the sense of connection. Between the local artists and the live musicians, the restaurateurs and the fishermen, Ventura Harbor Village thrives because it stays true to its roots. It’s a working harbor that celebrates the sea not as a backdrop, but as its beating heart.
For travelers charting a course along California’s coast, Ventura Harbor Village is more than a waypoint. This charming destination invites you to slow down, walk the docks, taste the ocean air, and rediscover the joy of harbor life.
As Talt Lundin put it best, “It’s a wonderful place to connect — with the sea, with the community, and with the simple joy of life by the water.”
