The 10 Best Hidden Gems Things to do in Ventura County Coast, Ventura County Coast

Ventura Food Tours are guided walking tours, lasting between three and four hours, in downtown Ventura, downtown Ojai, and downtown Santa Barbara. Each tour stops at 6 different locations, where guests will enjoy tastings of some of the areas best food finds. As we walk the tour route, you'll meet chefs, entrepreneurs, and learn about the history of the area. Our tasting tours are intimate and informal, giving you a behind the scenes look into some of our gourmet food producers and culinary purveyors. Clam chowder, Polynesian food, handmade truffles, California olive oil, wine, cheese, and gelato are amongst the tasting options on the Downtown Ventura Tasting Tour.

Stacy Margolin Potter & Ian Potter are experienced guides who offer guided outdoor biking, hiking. rock climbing, and tennis. Private and groups offered. All equipment, snacks, water and complimentary transportation provided. Rentals available upon request.

Admission is $5. Guided tours are $10. Led by Kevin Wallace, Director of the Center, the guided tour includes the Permanent Collection, Current Exhibitions, and Beatrice Wood’s Studio. Wallace shares insight into Beatrice Wood’s involvement in the New York Dada Movement, the Theosophical Society, the creation of the Happy Valley Foundation, and Beatrice Wood’s unique approach to art and life. The Center is located ten minutes from downtown Ojai. Who was Beatrice Wood? Beatrice Wood was an important contemporary artist, craftsperson and writer. Her life ran the course of the 20th century and included many of the figures that shaped it. Ultimately, her genius was in the marriage of wide-ranging influences in her work. The spirit of Dadaism, impact of Modernism, embrace of Eastern philosophy, influence of folk art and even the ornament of ethnic jewelry were all combined in her ceramics.

The Museum’s collection is a treasure trove of maritime paintings, ship models, and artifacts that rival some of the finest European and U.S. collections. Sumptuous seascape paintings by 17th century Dutch masters, 18th and 19th century English Romantics, French Impressionist painter Boudin, and unparalleled contemporary maritime painters complement the finest museum-quality ship models on the West Coast, including the Marple Models: nine exquisite, highly detailed scratch-built warships; and intricate “bone models” carved by French soldiers held captive during the early 19th century Napoleonic wars. The Upper Deck hosts interactive contemporary exhibits, featured temporary exhibitions, art receptions, and engaging Third Thursday lectures. Museum windows look out over the Channel Islands Harbor’s passing sailboats and gorgeous views. The Channel Islands National Park sits just offshore, and the sea lions on the dock out front add tremendous character to the traffic stream. Visitors are invited to view the art on their own or take advantage of the museum’s knowledgeable, free guides. If your idea of a maritime museum is limited to rusty anchors and old salty sea dogs, come and discover a vibrant cultural venue in the Channel Islands Harbor that celebrated local maritime achievements through contemporary interactive exhibits and displays outstanding examples of centuries of fine art from around the world.

The mission of Meditation Mount, a nonprofit organization, is to promote the building of an enlightened and compassionate world through the power of creative meditation, inspirational educational programs, and community-based events focused on the practical application of universal spiritual principles. We have an International Garden of Peace, Meditation Room, Reading Room and gift shop to explore. Please observe the quiet of this sacred space. Meditation Mount is supported entirely by visitor donations. Alcoholic beverages and smoking are strictly prohibited on our grounds and food must only be consumed on the terrace tables. Please observe silence throughout the garden, the viewpoint and the Meditation Room. The entire Mount property is CLOSED to the public during our recovery from the Thomas Fire. The office is open Wednesday 12:00pm-1:00pm for phone inquiries.

Ojai Olive Oil is a fourth generation family owned and operated farm, and the oldest producer of extra virgin olive oil in the region. In addition to award winning olive oils, we also produce an array of delicious balsamic vinegars and wonderful food grade olive oil based skin care products. We are open 7 days a week from 10am-4pm for Free Tastings & Shopping, and are open on most holidays. On Sundays you can also find us at the Ojai Farmers Market in the middle of town from 9am-1pm. We do not require any reservations, and all tastings are free. Come visit our 170 year old heritage olive trees, learn about how olive oil is made, and get all of your questions about selecting, storing, and cooking with olive oil answered. We are certified organic, biodynamic, and also one of the few local examples of a working permaculture farm. Ojai Olive Oil is proud to be one of the Ojai Valley's most unique and well enjoyed destinations, and we look forward to seeing you at our farm :)