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Ventura and the Channel Islands
By Pam Froman
Just a short drive up the coast is a little beach town and a pristine layer of islands whose natural wildlife remains untouched and preserved. It's Ventura and the Channel Islands.
When you arrive in Ventura, the first thing you should do is eat a scrumptious breakfast, The best spot for this is Egg's 'N' Things. Eggs 'N' Things is family owned and opened its doors in 1974. In addition to yummy food, each meal starts with a free blackberry crepe to start. Enjoy such gems as the California Scrambled, which is Bacon, Tomato, Mushrooms, Avocado 'n' Swiss Cheese served on an English Muffin with Hollandaise Sauce. Or indulge your sweet tooth with Fresh Strawberry Pancakes with Whipped Cream. (www.eggsnthings.net)
Ventura is especially known for its beaches. So obviously, the best way to enjoy your day there is on the water. Whale watching and an exploration of the Channel Islands is the perfect fit. The company Island Packers offers half-day and all-day tours which allow plenty of time for observing marine life like seals, sea lions, dolphins and of course, whales. They provide first rate transportation services for island hiking, camping, kayaking, whale watching, school field trips, sightseeing and harbor cruises.
There are five islands, and seven destinations available for you to visit in the Channel Islands National Park. Island Packers lands at Anacapa Island's Landing Cove, and two destinations on Santa Cruz Island, Scorpion Anchorage and Prisoners' Harbor, year round. During certain days of the year with very low tides, Frenchy's Cove at Anacapa Island can be visited for tidepool exploration.
On all Island Packers’ trips to the Channel Islands there is an open eye for wildlife, especially everyone's favorite, whales and dolphins. There are two seasons each year where they specifically go out into the waters of the Santa Barbara Channel and the Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary just to look for whales. The annual gray whale migration in the local area is best viewed from late December through March. Shortly after the gray whale migration has passed, there is a chance to see other large whales like the endangered humpback and the blue whale. All day tours land on the Channel Islands with exploration. Tours are small, friendly and informative.
For something a little more intimate, Island Packers harbor cruises and special tours is just the ticket.
The Bill of Rights, a 137' double mast gaff rig top sail schooner built in 1971, is available for three-hour coastal cruises with Island Packers both Saturdays and Sundays at 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. Individuals can enjoy a sailing adventure while keeping a watchful eye out for marine life, or experience a more adventurous role by helping the crew to sail the historic ship.
Throughout the year island Packers offers a number of evening Harbor Dinner Cruises open to the public. During the cruise you can enjoy food catered by one of the harbor areas finest restaurants. There is no host beer, wine and soft drinks on board. When the seas and winds are calm, they tour the local coast to view the historic Ventura Pier. In addition to the quaint scenery of the local harbor you may be entertained by live music provided by a variety of local artists. Dinner cruises are usually 2 hours long.
Or you can try the "A Taste of Ventura Harbor Cruise", a 1 hour cruise of the harbor, and then wine and dine yourself at one of the restaurants in the Harbor Village. (805-642-1393)
www.islandpackers.com
There are many other ways to enjoy Ventura and the Channel Islands.
Diving
Kelp forests, caves and coves of the Channel Islands offers some of the best diving areas in the world. You can explore the remains of buried shipwrecks. Underwater photography is a great way to capture your time diving.
Boating and Kayaking
Explore sea caves and breathtaking views of scenic coastline.
Fishing
The wildlife of the Channel Islands supports year-round fishing opportunities. You must have a valid fishing license.
Downtown Ventura - Main Street
Main Street is eclectic and fun. You can find trendy upscale shops sporting $150 handbags next to thrift shops with $1.50 handbags. You will find 50s-era burger joints and hotter than now Thai eateries within earshot of each other. And who could forget to mention the oh-so numerous antique shops and almost as numerous book stores?
Walk west on Main Street and you will come to the prettiest part of Ventura, the mission and plaza. Don't miss this romantic spot.
Where to Stay
The Crown Plaza Hotel is the perfect place to stay while in Ventura. It is known as the only hotel on the beach. The subtle sounds of waves crashing against the sand will sooth you from the moment you wake up to the time your head touches the pillow for the night.
The hotels' amenities are:
- Adjacent to Ventura's Historic Pier
- Walking distance to Historic Downtown Ventura, and AMTRAK
- A Full Service Beachfront Hotel
- Newly renovated rooms and suites with ocean views and balconies and an oceanfront swimming pool and convenient parking
(http://www.cpventura.com/)
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