Camarillo

Camarillo sits in Ventura County between the Santa Monica Mountains and the Pacific coast, spreading across residential areas, shopping zones, and agricultural land. The town follows the path of US Route 101, which connects the center and surrounding neighborhoods together.

Adolfo and Juan Camarillo founded the settlement in 1898 on the former Rancho Calleguas land and built St. Mary Magdalen Church as the first central structure. During the 20th century, the settlement grew into the present town, combining agriculture and suburban development.

The town takes its name from brothers Adolfo and Juan Camarillo, who managed and developed the land in the late 19th century. Visitors driving through the streets still see citrus groves and strawberry fields lying between residential neighborhoods today.

The town is best explored by car, as many shops and farms lie spread along the main roads. Visitors arriving in spring see blooming fruit trees and fresh strawberries in the fields along the town edges.

The former Camarillo State Hospital grounds now house California State University Channel Islands, which opened in 2002. Visitors can walk across the campus and see some of the old hospital buildings converted into administrative and teaching spaces.

Location: Ventura County

Inception: 1898

Shares border with: Thousand Oaks

Website: https://ci.camarillo.ca.us

GPS coordinates: 34.22556,-119.03222

Latest update: December 12, 2025 21:59