English Bulldog Puppies for Sale in San Buenaventura, CA

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If you’re coming to Ventura, forget pricey glam and try to channel the Dude. “Vintage,” “rustic,” “dog-friendly” and “flip-flop casual” are the code words for this beach town at the western end of the 101 Freeway before it starts heading north.

People strive to be outside in Ventura. During the COVID-19 pandemic, I was lucky enough to find a house to buy here. I’m in a residential area a few miles from the beach, and every day I see dozens of people walking their dogs; escorting their children to school, coffee cups in hand; running while pushing three-wheeled baby strollers; or cycling in pairs in the bike lanes, deep in shouted conversations.

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Beyond exercise and errands, quick scenic hikes abound around this city, so you can easily hit the trail and still have plenty of time for shopping and/or playing at the beach.

When they aren’t recreating, Venturans like to chill. For a city with just 110,000 people (a quarter of Long Beach’s population), there are plenty of good places to eat and drink. We have at least three excellent bakeries making their own breads and pastries, and breakfasting out is particularly popular, as is hanging at brewpubs playing trivia or listening to music, browsing thrift stores or just grabbing a spot at the beach to watch the sun go down.

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This is the corporate home of Patagonia, an environmental champion and maker of ultra-hip outdoor gear, but lest you think you’re in tree-hugger central, note that the Ventura Raceway (located at the Ventura County Fairgrounds) hosts weekly races from which the whine of circling cars can be heard for miles. And heading east on Highway 33 toward Ojai (just 20 minutes away), you’ll see plenty of oil rigs bobbing along the highway.

Not far from the ocean, Ventura’s farmland grows crops like berries, celery, citrus and avocados. And unlike in Santa Barbara to the north, where almost every square inch of foothills seems covered with houses, the community here fought to keep most of their foothills undeveloped. At least for now.

Affordable housing is increasingly hard to find in Ventura, even as new townhouses and apartments are springing up all over, to the relief of some and fury of others who want to preserve the city’s vintage vibe.

So, like everyplace on Earth, Ventura is changing, but it’s still easy to bask in its simple pleasures. Just bring a wrap — summer and early fall evenings can get chilly here — along with an appetite for excellent eats and laid-back adventures, which you can pursue or not. Whatever moves you, dude. It’s all good.

NEW YORK – An historic California mission founded by the controversial St. Junípero Serra has announced that a bronze statue of the saint, removed in 2020 from the local city hall amid protests over Serra’s legacy, will be installed at the mission later this month, as work on its concrete base has already begun.

Serra, an 18th century Franciscan priest who founded nine missions in California, is considered a founding father of Catholicism on the West Coast. However, his legacy has also drawn fire from critics over the years who argue that he lent spiritual cover to the abuses of European colonialism against Native Americans.

Serra’s defenders have argued that the missionary did everything he could to protect people under his care, claiming today’s criticism is unjustified and anachronistic.

In 2020, the Ventura City Council unanimously approved a motion to permanently remove two statues of Serra from its San Buenaventura City Hall. One is a 9’-3” bronze piece that was located outside of city hall, while the other, which was located in the atrium, was a wooden replica put in the other place while the original was repaired in the early 1980s.

The bronze cast replaced an original 1936 concrete statue located in a small park overlooking downtown Ventura and the Pacific Ocean. In 1988, a group of student artists at the California Sculpture Center at the College of the Desert in Palm Desert created a bronze cast of the sculpture using the wood replica. The bronze cast was unveiled in front of Ventura City Hall at a ceremony on October 20, 1989.

As part of the 2020 motion to remove the statues, the city council agreed to relocate the bronze piece to Mission San Buenaventura, which was the last mission founded by Serra in 1782.

The vote followed multiple special public meetings that lasted more than seven hours and saw over 200 speakers weigh in on the display of the statues on public grounds. The meetings and vote came after an online petition was started to get the statues removed, which garnered almost 12,000 signatures.

In recent years, statues of Serra in other California cities had been vandalized or destroyed. And a mission he founded was also subject to an arson attack.

Serra was canonized by Pope Francis in Washington, D.C., on Sept. 23, 2015.

On June 19, 2020, then-Ventura Mayor Matt LaVere, Father Tom Elewaut, pastor of Mission San Buenaventura, and then-Chair Julie Tumanait of the Barbareño/Ventureño Band of Mission Indians (Chumash) issued a joint statement recommending the statue be moved to the mission.

The priority, according to the statement, was to provide an inclusive environment where all community voices could be heard and respected with the goal of honoring the cultural heritage of Ventura and its earliest residents.

The statue has been in storage ever since.

Of the news that the statue will relocate to the mission, Elewaut said the church is happy to have Serra back.

“We welcome back home the bronze image of St. Junípero Serra,” he said in Feb. 13 statement.

“On the ancestral land of the Chumash, Junípero Serra sought to be a spiritual father to the indigenous people in Alta California,” Elewaut said. “He defended their dignity and rights before Spanish magistrate.”

“It is fitting that his image will continue to invoke peaceful and open dialogue regarding the history of the indigenous people, the Mission era and Spanish conquest, the Mexican occupation, the Gold Rush, and finally California statehood in the United States of America, all of which have impacted and influenced the history of this land,” he said.

Joe Schroeder, Mayor of Ventura, said the relocation is the right solution to the controversy.

“The statue and mission hold significant historical importance for Ventura,” Schroeder said.

“Moving the St. Junipero Serra statue to the Mission Basilica San Buenaventura underscores our dedication to preserving our community’s rich history and honoring the legacy of our earliest residents,” he said.

Follow John Lavenburg on X: @johnlavenburg

The landmark Ventura Elks Lodge in Downtown Ventura could have met its fate with a wrecking ball if not for the vision of new owners.

Instead, the architecturally significant building is set to open next month as Hotel San Buena, featuring a third-floor “Velvet Hall” event space once used as the Elks grand lodge room, which can accommodate weddings with 150 guests.

The San Buenaventura Conservancy for Preservation held a fundraiser billed as a “sneak peek” on June 11 to highlight the adaptive reuse of the 1928 lodge built in the Spanish Colonial Revival architectural style. The ornate building at 11 South Ash Street with soaring ceilings and stained-glass windows was home to Elks Ventura Lodge No. 1430 until 2004, when the organization moved to Knoll Drive.

Most of the building’s character-defining features were preserved even as hotel rooms were carved into spaces not originally designed for that purpose. Furniture and decorations were sourced to honor the building’s historic use as a community gathering space, including elk-themed fixtures purchased from another Elks Lodge that was being renovated. Beamed ceilings in the hotel’s lobby have been repainted with original color patterns that were covered up with white paint long ago, and an inviting cocktail bar was added to the entrance space that opens up into two separate open-air courtyards.

Stephen Schafer is president of the conservancy, which advocates for the preservation of architectural and cultural history, and said the event’s $30 tickets sold out because there was so much curiosity about the years-long conversion process, which included a new guest room building next door. The two structures don’t quite touch for permitting and seismic reasons, but are connected by walkways. When asked by the Ventura County Reporter about people’s response to seeing the hotel’s new interior, Schafer said there’s one word he heard over and over.

“I just hear ‘Wow’ a lot,” he said. “I guess the word of the day is ‘Wow’. . . Everybody peeks into a room and can’t believe they’ve been shoehorned, wedged in, and all these cool elements have been brought out, and so that’s the exciting thing.”

When the Elks put the building up for sale it was a “big unknown” if such a unique and single-purpose building could be reconfigured at all, or would need to be replaced with something new, Schafer said. The lodge needed a lot of repairs, and other developers might have seen an opportunity in demolishing it and building a new mixed-use development at the prominent downtown location on the corner of Main and Ash streets.

But when the building was purchased by the Becker and Jonker families around 2007, preservation was the order of the day. The new co-owners even worked to have the lodge declared Ventura City Landmark No. 99 in 2008.

Schafer said it’s one of the most significant adaptive reuse projects in Ventura history.

“In this particular case, they really knocked it out of the park. I have been telling people that there are two historic adaptive reuses of this scale so far in this town. One of them is the courthouse on the hill which is now city hall. There was talk at one time of demolishing that because it needed so much work,” he said. “That was in 1974 and now here we are in 2023 and another grand gesture of that scale is happening, which is exciting.”

The hotel includes 32 rooms and suites, 19 in the lodge building and the other 13 in the building next door which includes an elevator and two levels of underground parking.

Kelsey Jonker worked on interior design and construction coordination. Upon acquiring the building there were different ideas about how it could be used, such as dividing it up to rent out portions for commercial uses, Jonker said.

“We pivoted to do a hotel because it just made more sense with the space,” she explained. “And instead of dividing it up into different units for a commercial space that people wouldn’t really get to enjoy, this allowed it to be more of a community-serving purpose.”

Part of the design goal in blending old and new was to make guests feel that the boutique hotel is a cool place to hang out, and not just a place to sleep.

“We want it to be more of an experience. That you would want to stay on the property and enjoy the spaces and the environment,” Jonker said about the décor which includes historic photographs mixed with contemporary artwork. “Making sure that people feel like they’re really welcome, and that it is just a warm, curated, family feel.”

Hutton Becker worked on design as a construction consultant, and said the project took far longer than originally anticipated due to its complexity as well as pandemic-related issues. She’s thrilled to be preparing the space for its public unveiling.

“It’s really exciting,” Becker said. “It’s been obviously a few years coming and it’s just cool to be able to see people walking in the door, and leaving with a smile, and super happy to be able to see what we’ve done with the place and why it’s taken so long.”

If romance and great music are your theater passions, then the Rubicon Theatre’s new production of “Once” is your opportunity to be captured, coddled, swooned and sweetened. With ye olde Dublin as the backdrop and a full Irish band primed to perform, you’ll fall in love with the story all over again. Remember the 2007 movie? Yes. I know. Who can think that far back? Well, even if you haven’t seen the film, the play is just as good.

On a lonely Dublin street corner, a man identified as “Guy” (Shawn William Smith) sings a bitter ballad about his breakup with his girlfriend, who has since moved to New York City. He’s ready to abandon his guitar, his music and any hope of a musical career. After finishing the song, he is ready to walk until a woman identified as “Girl” (Maddie Eaton) calls out to him and asks him questions about the song.

When he tells her the back story, she encourages him not to quit. In fact, if he agrees to continue, she will trade him a song of her own on the piano. In exchange, he will fix her vacuum cleaner at his dad’s nearby repair shop. She’s beautiful and charming. She’s also from the Czech Republic. The combination for Guy is irresistible. At a local music store, she grabs some sheet music from his coat, and they sing together his new song, “Falling Slowly.” Of course, the falling for Guy is not slow, and after he fixes her vacuum, he invites her to his room above the shop and makes a pass at her. It’s an ill-timed move, and she hurries off angrily.

Guy must start from scratch and get to know Girl. When they meet again at the store, he apologizes. Girl invites him to her house to meet her family: her mother, Baruška (Cynthia Marty), her daughter, Ivonka (Harper Roisin Ham) and some fellow Czech housemates. It’s a better beginning. Guy and Girl form a bond and agree to work together to make a demonstration tape to present to a record company. The goal is to get him to move to New York City, ignite his music career, and reunite with his old girlfriend.

But as you might guess, Guy adores Girl, even though Girl is married with a daughter and reluctant to move to New York. It’s a complicated relationship fraught with perilous choices and thin strands of hope. Throw in the difficulties of pulling a band together for rehearsal, and you have the makings of a good story.

There is so much talent on this stage, starting with the folk Irish band that serves as cast and crew, musicians, singers and actors. Shawn William Smith as Guy is quite moving as a singer. The straw that stirs the drink, though, is his counterpart, Maddie Eaton, who provides the grit, charm, musicianship and hope in abundance in the role of Girl. Add to this a rowdy and amusing supporting cast of characters, including music store owner Billy (Adam Huel Potter), Cynthia Marty as Baruška, and Guy’s father Da (Matt Foyer).

It’s not hard to fall in love with this story, even if you’re averse to musicals or romance-driven tales. It’s the music that catches the spirit of the story. Folk, rock, ballad, Irish — heart-driven stuff that gets into your feet and makes you want to dance. It’s an album’s worth of good music that you want to carry home and play more than once. Maybe a dozen times. It’s the heart of what creates “soul” in the songs and the play. It’s also a story that asks two critical questions: How do we conquer fear to make art? More importantly: How do we conquer fear to fall in love?

“Once” through Oct. 6 at the Rubicon Theatre, 1006 E. Main Street, Ventura. For tickets and more information, call 805-667-2900 or visit www.rubicontheatre.org.

Embarking on a journey to the oldest towns in Southern California is like stepping into a living history book. As you wander through the narrow streets and gaze upon the centuries-old buildings, a sense of awe and wonder engulfs you. In San Diego, the birthplace of California, you can explore the storied Mission San Diego de Alcalá and immerse yourself in the vibrant Gaslamp Quarter. In San Juan Capistrano, the echoes of Spanish influence resonate at the Mission San Juan Capistrano, where time seems to stand still. These oldest towns in Southern California offer a glimpse into the region's past.

More in SoCalDiscover the best small towns to retire in Southern California.

San Diego

Established in 1769 by Spanish explorers, San Diego, California, is significant in California's past. As you explore the city, you'll encounter remnants of its colonial past, including the iconic Mission San Diego de Alcalá. This historic Spanish mission stands as a testament to the town's origins. The Gaslamp Quarter, with its Victorian-era buildings, offers a glimpse into San Diego's bustling past. Explore the city's historical heart at Old Town San Diego State Historic Park, which transports you back to the early days of Spanish colonization. Stroll along the Embarcadero, soaking in bay views and visiting iconic landmarks like the USS Midway Museum. Explore and enjoy San Diego's past and present.

Los Angeles

Offering a blend of history and culture that will captivate visitors, Los Angeles's history stretches back centuries since established in 1781. The largest city in California, the area that is Los Angeles, originally belonged to the Tongva and Chumash Native American tribes. You can visit the beautiful Mission San Gabriel Arcángel or stroll through the colorful marketplace of Olvera Street, where you can find authentic Mexican cuisine and unique souvenirs. The nearby El Pueblo de Los Angeles Historical Monument is a must-see, featuring a collection of historic buildings from the city's early days. Sunny beaches, Hollywood glam, and delicious food – LA has it all!

San Juan Capistrano

A town that grew around the mission of converting indigenous people to Christianity, San Juan Capistrano, California, history dates back over 200 years. A visit to San Juan Capistrano should include exploring the iconic landmark of Mission San Juan Capistrano, known as "The Jewel of the Missions." Nearby you will find the Los Rios Historic District, charming adobe houses, and colorful gardens. In addition to Ronald W. Caspers Wilderness Park and Los Rios Park, visitors can stroll along the San Juan Creek Trail or meander through the verdant gardens.

Santa Barbara

With a presence and influence still honored and celebrated in the Santa Barbara community, the Chumash people were the first settlers of the Santa Barbara area, with the region soon falling under Mexican rule in 1822 and American power in 1848. Today, visitors can enjoy the Santa Barbara Waterfront, where you can bask in the coastal beauty or walk along Stearns Wharf, offering stunning views of the Pacific Ocean. Stroll down State Street, and explore the eclectic mix of shops, art galleries, and boutiques, offering everything from designer brands to local crafts. Escape the bustling streets and appreciate the natural beauty of the Santa Barbara Botanic Garden. Embrace Santa Barbara and create unforgettable memories.

Ventura

Ventura, California, was established in the late 18th century with the arrival of Spanish settlers and the establishment of Mission San Buenaventura in 1782. The Ventura County Museum of History and Art offers visitors a chance to delve deeper into the region's heritage, showcasing artifacts and exhibitions that tell the story of Ventura's past. The town boasts many parks, including the Ventura Botanical Gardens, Grant Park, and the Ventura Harbor Village, where visitors can explore hiking trails, relax on scenic beaches, or embark on a boat excursion to witness the breathtaking coastal landscape. As you wander through its streets, immerse yourself in the tales of early settlers, admire the architectural gems, and embrace the vibrant cultural scene.

San Gabriel

Step back in time and discover the captivating history of San Gabriel, California, where tales of Native Tongva heritage, Spanish missions, and cultural legacies intertwine in a tapestry of historical significance. The annual San Gabriel Mission Fiesta pays homage to the town's Spanish and Mexican roots, featuring traditional music, dance, and delicious cuisine. Visit the magnificent Mission San Gabriel Arcángel, a cornerstone of California's colonial past and marvel at its impressive architecture, explore the peaceful gardens, and gain insight into the lives of the early settlers. Attend a San Gabriel Mission Playhouse performance, participate in community events celebrating the town's heritage, stroll through Vincent Lugo Park, or sit back and enjoy the scenery.

Riverside

Uncover the fascinating history of Riverside, California, where tales of citrus groves, the birth of the California citrus industry, and a pioneering spirit converge amidst scenic beauty. Prominent horticulturist Eliza Tibbets planted two Washington Navel orange trees in Riverside in 1873, marking the birth of an empire. Stroll through the historic Mission Inn Hotel & Spa, which boasts stunning architecture and beautiful gardens. The Riverside Art Museum showcases contemporary art and hosts a variety of special exhibits throughout the year. Mount Rubidoux Park and the Sycamore Canyon Wilderness Park are parks and reservoirs for nature lovers. Visiting the old town of Riverside is a fun and exciting trip to California.

Anaheim

Disney and theme park lovers will love Anaheim, California. A town founded by German immigrants in 1857 did not become the home of the original Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure Park until 1955. Take a walk down Main Street, USA, and ride the iconic attractions like Space Mountain and Piratown. There is also the Anaheim Packing District, a hip food hall with over 20 artisanal food vendors, and the Angel Stadium of Anaheim, home of the MLB's Los Angeles Angels. Yorba Regional Park features playgrounds, picnic areas, and walking trails, while Anaheim Coves Nature Preserve provides scenic river views and hiking trails. Visiting Anaheim is genuinely a dream come true.

San Bernardino

After discovering gold in nearby Holcomb Valley in San Bernardino, California, they witnessed a gold rush in the mid-19th century. With many flocking to the area to gain riches, the city also emerged in the citrus industry, pushing the population and economy to new growth. In addition to the San Bernardino Asistencia and California Theater of Performing Arts, visitors can also visit other iconic landmarks. Indulge in classic American comfort food, savor authentic Mexican cuisine, or try international flavors worldwide. Visit nearby parks and green spaces, such as Perris Hill Park or Seccombe Lake Park, where you can stroll, picnic, or relax amidst the beauty of nature.

Redlands

The land where Redlands, California, now stands was inhabited by the Serrano and Cahuilla Native American tribes. Amidst the area's natural splendor, these indigenous communities formed a deep connection with the land and left a cultural imprint still felt today. Today, visitors can stroll through the Kimberly Crest House and Gardens, a stunning example of French Château architecture, or explore the Morey Mansion, a beloved local landmark. Enjoy the majestic peaks and cascading waterfalls in the San Bernardino National Forest, or explore the lush flora at Smiley Park, a historical Redlands Conservancy park with lush vegetation. The iconic Redlands Bowl is a venue for concerts and plays that visitors can enjoy.

Next UpExplore 11 most picturesque small towns in Southern California.

From the sun-soaked shores of San Diego to the picturesque streets of San Juan Capistrano, Ventura, and Riverside, each town offers a unique glimpse into the past. The well-preserved missions, charming architecture, and intriguing stories within these towns transport us to a bygone era, evoking nostalgia and appreciation for Southern California. Whether exploring the birthplace of California or wandering through the historic streets of the inland settlements, celebrate the diverse tapestry of the region's past.

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Halfway between LA and Santa Barbara lies the coastal city of Ventura. It starts at the top of the steep Ventura foothills and winds its way down to the Pacific, overlooking Channel Islands National Park. The city is reputed — amo …

Halfway between LA and Santa Barbara lies the coastal city of Ventura. It starts at the top of the steep Ventura foothills and winds its way down to the Pacific, overlooking Channel Islands National Park. The city is reputed — among those in the know, that is — for its epic surf conditions, its nearly endless green space, and its 10,000-year history. And while other cities may have been hogging the California spotlight until now, it’s high time we started talking about Ventura instead. Here are 12 ways to start the conversation. 1. The city’s actual name is San Buenaventura Locals call it Ventura for short, but the city’s formal name, San Buenaventura, comes from Mission San Buenaventura, a Spanish mission established in 1782 by Father Junípero Serra. The mission still stands in the historic downtown district and is much loved and well-visited — especially after Father Serra was given sainthood by Pope Francis in 2015. A statue of Serra in front of City Hall also resides on the city’s official seal, alongside the mission.

And — fittingly — Buenaventura means “good fortune” in Spanish. 2. You don’t have to go any farther than Ventura for world-class soccer Year-round ideal weather and easy access to Los Angeles is very attractive to players, luring both prospects and teams looking for a friendly match. Ventura’s local team, the Fusion, became the first in the Premier Development League’s history to play against international teams, including a first-of-its-kind exhibition match against an English Premier League team in 2009.

Players are also being exported from Ventura. Over 70 players have moved on from the Fusion to professional teams in the EPL and elsewhere, including the number one Major League Soccer draft pick of 2008, Chance Myers, and Gyasi Zardes, who now plays for the LA Galaxy and the US Men’s National Team.

3. In Southern California, Venturans have cornered the market on the outdoors Patagonia Outdoor Clothing & Gear has its headquarters downtown, and it’s a fitting corporate presence for the city. To the west is the Pacific Ocean, where in the early morning and evening the silhouettes of surfers can be seen catching waves. To the north and east is Los Padres State Park and its winding hiking trails. The Ventura Botanical Gardens begin behind City Hall and climb to Serra Cross Park, where couples gather in the evening to watch the sunset across the sea.

Sport sailing vessels depart from Ventura Harbor on a daily basis. Venturans love to fish and head out early to snag tuna, and divers go deep for the local spiny lobsters. Sea urchin caught off the Ventura coast is prized worldwide.

4. Gluten-free is a Ventura original… Though most agriculture happens elsewhere in the county, Ventura was the first place in the world to produce lima beans outside of their native Peru, and it’s from this source that “gluten-free” was introduced to the world.

In the 1920s, a baker by the name of William Baker (who’d changed his name from William Koch) began working at a bakery in Ventura, later opening the Bill Baker Bakery in Ojai, where he perfected what he called his “wheat-less” flours, utilizing soy and lima beans from Ventura. Everything from bread to pastries was made with the flour and marketed as health food nearly 100 years before gluten-free evolved into the trend it is today.

5. …and chili peppers became a thing here If you’ve ever had an Anaheim chili pepper, you have Ventura native Emilio Ortega to thank. In the 1890s, Emilio traveled from Ventura, where his family operated the state’s first commercial pepper plant — the Ortega Chili Company in downtown Ventura — to New Mexico and returned with hatch chili pepper seeds. The peppers grew so well in the Ventura soil that they became prolific and were later named “the Anaheim” after Emilio moved operations south. The original Ortega chili peppers and salsa can still be purchased today, and you can visit Emilio’s home, the Ortega Adobe, in Ventura.

6. Ghost hunters flock to Ventura The city of Ventura recently celebrated its 150th anniversary…and so have many of the town’s ghostly residents. Ghost hunting excursions are commonplace here, with popular destinations being the Olivas Adobe (where a mysterious lady in black has supposedly been seen for many years), City Hall (in which several ghosts are said to reside), and downtown’s Bella Maggiore Inn, where a ghost named Sylvia reputedly spooks guests.

7. It’s the gateway to the Channel Islands The Galapagos of the North is only a few miles off the Ventura coast. Channel Islands National Park is considered an environmental treasure and is made up of five islands — Anacapa, Santa Cruz, Santa Rosa, San Miguel, and Santa Barbara. Excursions launch from Ventura Harbor daily, with hikers on board looking to either camp or snorkel in the crystal clear waters.

The island fox, an adorable mammal native to the islands, was once considered endangered but has made a remarkable recovery thanks to local conservation efforts. The California condor, also once endangered, has made a triumphant return as well. Catch a glimpse of bald eagle hatchlings via a live webcam on Santa Cruz Island, and watch for seals, dolphins, and even whales that make their way through the Santa Barbara Channel on their annual migratory paths.

8. It’s ideally positioned for an epic coastal train ride If cars and planes are your only methods of travel, get to downtown Ventura to see what you’ve been missing. Trains may seem like a relic of the past, but the second you sit down in the glass-paneled observation car of the Pacific Surfliner and watch the ocean fly by underneath you, you may not want to hop on the 5 ever again.

Ventura sits pretty much right in the middle of the route, and 10 trains serve its downtown station daily. To the north lies a stretch of coast that’s widely regarded as some of the most scenic in the world; to the south sits the giant metroplex of Southern California. A journey in either direction doesn’t really require much planning — the next time you’re downtown to grab a quick bite to eat, the option of an after-lunch impromptu ride up or down the coast is always within reach.

9. Little Miss Sunshine actually ends in Ventura You wouldn’t know it, but the Redondo Beach beauty pageant that becomes the crux of the 2006 Steve Carell and Greg Kinnear comedy Little Miss Sunshine is actually in Ventura. The city’s promenade features during the film’s climactic rush to make the pageant’s deadline, with the local Crowne Plaza Hotel as the actual location the family was so eager to reach.

10. A long-lost tombstone was found off Surfers’ Point A cemetery from the 1860s that became the final resting place for many of Ventura’s founders is now known as Cemetery Memorial Park, popular with local residents, but its history is somewhat lost to time. Many of the buried are unknown, records destroyed and tombstones misplaced, including the tombstone of Mother Ida May Shively, buried in 1901 at what was then known as St. Mary’s Cemetery. The tombstone was uncovered at Surfers’ Point in 1993 and retrieved by Shively’s 91-year-old daughter.

11. You can get a real taste of Ventura at the local distillery Ventura Spirits churns out a slew of beverages using the native plants and herbs found in the nearby Los Padres National Forest and on Ventura’s beaches. Try a taste of the Wilder Gin, featuring purple sage, pixie mandarin orange peel, and chuchupate — all native botanicals that can be found right here in Ventura.

12. Ventura is loaded with musicians If they’re not on the streets busking on busy weekends, they’re traveling the country performing for flocks of fans. Not only does Ventura have more musicians per capita than practically anywhere else, there’s serious music history here as well.

In 1968, John Lennon played to the surprise of a small gathering at a Ventura beach bar while studying in Ojai. And Johnny Cash is revered as a native son around these parts; every year in Ventura, the Roadshow Revival, a tribute to Cash, is put on in late June and features a salute to the Man in Black and his Ventura roots. A perfect excuse to plan a trip.