The city of Ventura, California may seem like just another quiet oceanside town along the West coast. However, Ventura is actually a vibrant place, full of passionate locals who are proud of their city. Nowhere is this pride more visible than at the centerpiece of Ventura, the Ventura Pier and Promenade. Here is where locals and visitors alike have gathered for over a hundred years to enjoy ocean breezes, favorable waves, and take in the best sights of the city!
The Ventura Pier was first established in 1872 as the hub of industry in the city. The pier was the cornerstone for the construction, agriculture, and oil industries which brought prosperity to Ventura. Since then, it has remained as a gathering place and a point of pride for citizens of the city. In 1993, residents established the Pier into the Future Foundation, which is devoted to maintaining the pier for future generations. In 2015, the pier had taken severe damage from the ocean waves and was closed for renovations. However, in 2016, it reopened, repaired and better than ever!
When you visit the Promenade Park in Ventura, there is no shortage of fun things to do! Walk down the pier and enjoy cool ocean breezes. As you reach the end of the pier, you will be rewarded with a stunning view overlooking Pierpont Bay. On a clear day, the view stretches all the way out to the Channel Islands. As you head back towards the Ventura Promenade, stop and relax on one of the inviting benches, and strike up a conversation with one of the many fishermen that gather here.
Once you have walked the pier, spend some time on the Ventura Pier Beach or in the water. Bicycles, beach chairs, and body boards are available for rent 7 days a week during the summertime, and during the weekends in the winter. Lastly, take a stroll or a bike ride down the paved Promenade path that leads to Surfers Point Park.
Located near the lively downtown district of Ventura, there is plenty of parking that services the Ventura Pier and Promenade. A parking structure at the Crown Plaza Ventura Beach Hotel is just across Harbor Boulevard from the pier, and another parking lot sits at San Buenaventura State Beach, which is an easy walking distance from the pier.
When you are in Ventura, there is no better place to enjoy a day at the beach than by visiting the Ventura Pier and Promenade! And there is no better place to stay than Ventura vacation rentals from Paradise Retreats!
