Ventura, Coastal city in Southern California, United States
Ventura is a coastal city in southern California, roughly 65 miles (105 km) northwest of Los Angeles, nestled between the Pacific shoreline and the Santa Ynez Mountains. Downtown runs along Main Street with low-rise buildings and palm trees, while residential neighborhoods spread across gentle hills toward the mountain slopes.
The Spanish mission was founded in the late 18th century as the last in a long chain along the California coast, aiming to convert the indigenous population. In the early 20th century, oil discovery transformed the local economy and drew workers from across the country.
The name comes from the Spanish mission, and streets in the downtown area still follow the colonial grid laid out centuries ago. Locals use the pier for fishing and the boardwalk for evening strolls, while surfboard shaping remains an active craft in small workshops around town.
Mild weather year-round keeps temperatures between 60 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit (15–24°C), allowing visitors to explore the waterfront in any season. Beach parking fills quickly on weekends, so arriving early in the day or visiting midweek makes finding a spot easier.
Remnants of oil derricks still stand scattered on hillsides above town, reminders of the era when thousands of workers labored in the oilfields here. Today some of these old rigs serve as historical markers, while others quietly rust and slowly return to the landscape.
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