Ventura is a premier vacation destination with lots of shops, restaurants, and history… plus that glorious ocean! Learn more here. There are free trolleys that pass between downtown and Ventura Harbor, via the Marriott, as well as a walking path from near the hotel to downtown. The ocean is only a block from the hotel. And wintertime in late February is pretty nice: the average low temperature is a balmy 45 degrees F and the average high temperature is 66 degrees.
One very special local attraction is the Channel Islands National Park. Day trips to the islands — and half-day whale-watching trips — are available most days. Make reservations via Island Packers (the only licensed transport to the Islands) online or by calling 805) 642-1393.
Strawberries are an even bigger crop in this part of California than caneberries, and harvest should be underway during the time of the conference. Learn more here from the California Strawberry Commission. Experience more California agriculture at Ventura’s farmers markets: Downtown on Saturdays and Midtown on Wednesdays.
Come early or stay on to explore further afield: Take a trip north to the Santa Maria berry production area… and see lots of grapes and avocados also. Keep going towards Watsonville/Salinas, and you’ll see lettuce, winter greens, and more berries. Drop down to Los Angeles (about 1.5 hours), to see some of its many attractions: film industry tours, the renowned Getty Museum, the Griffith Observatory (featured in the recent movie La La Land), and much more.
