Location: Santa Paula
Top Things to do in Santa Paula
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The 10 Best Things to Do in Santa Paula, United States
Santa Paula is a city in Ventura County, California, United States. Situated amidst the orchards of the fertile Santa Clara River Valley, the city advertises itself to tourists as the "Citrus Capital of the World." Santa Paula was one of the early centers of California's petroleum industry. The Union Oil Company Building, the founding headquarters of the Union Oil Company of California in 1890, now houses the California Oil Museum. The population was 29,321 at the 2010 census, up from 28,598 at the 2000 census.
Restaurants in Santa Paula
1. California Oil Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 51 reviews
Reviewed By So_Cal_Illini_81 - Pasadena, California
Three different areas to this museum.
First is the main display area. Very well done displays showing natural seeps, early uses of oil, history of oil companies in CA, geology and extraction. Displays were clean and well written. One of the nicer small museums I've visited. Really exceeded my "huh" quotient for the little exclamations I make when I see something new or that I hadn't realized before.
Second is the cable rig building. Even though the young women at the desk had warned us it would start when we entered that building it gave us a little care when it cranked up. Fascinating to watch. I wish they provided chairs or a bench, it was hypnotic and I could have stayed a while.
Third is the upstairs. A docent offered a tour of the upstairs. I asked how long and he said it would take about 30 minutes. I didn't want to get trapped there so I said we would take a peek and leave. We ended up spending more than the 30 minutes. It was worth going up just to see the pictures of the Summerland and Santa Fe Springs oil fields. Or just to see the beautiful tile fireplaces, or to see Orcutts office with many of his personal things. Or to see the genuine ledgers open to entries 120 years ago. You get the picture, lots of things to see. The docent was very good too.
We spent about 1 hour 15 minutes total. Suggested donation is $4 per person.
I also noted they have a Thursday evening lecture series. Most of the topics sound very interesting and I regret missing most of them.
2. California Welcome Center
Overall Ratings
5 based on 194 reviews
Make the California Welcome Center, Oxnard the first stop on your Central Coast adventure. You'll find a wine tasting room where you can sample Ventura County wines, info on local, regional and statewide attractions and tickets. Gifts and souvenirs from local merchants, free wifi, clean restrooms, and above all, friendly and professional staff to assist you with your travel planning needs. Specializing in locally produced merchandise. Open 7 days a week! Stop in along the way or even if you are dreaming of a get-away.
Reviewed By Gary D - Edgerton, Kansas
These folks really know what's happening in not just Oxnard, but all over the area, Ventura, Santa Barbara, down to Los Angeles. They were very friendly and oh so helpful! Locals know what's going on and where to go. Just tell them what you're inetested in, or let them suggest.
3. Camarillo Public Library
Overall Ratings
5 based on 143 reviews
Reviewed By Frederick L - Camarillo, California
The Camarillo Public Library is a destination all it's own. It is a beautiful building with children's library in a pirate ship. There is lots to do as there are computers, a café, and a bookstore in addition to the many books (paperback, hardback, e-reader) as well as DVDs and videos available for checkout.
4. Somis Nut House
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 14 reviews
Reviewed By Evilson - Oxnard, California
Located off Lewis Road & 118/LA ave split......going west....
Somis Nuthouse is DEFINITELY a neighborhood gem!!!
Stopped off coming home from a trip....made sure I went there!!!
It's a bit overwhelming as you wanna grab it all....then return the
following week....haha!!! They have online catalog too....
5. Santa Paula Art Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 24 reviews
Located in beautiful downtown Santa Paula, California, the Santa Paula Art Museum, Jeanette Cole Art Center features rotating exhibitions of vintage and contemporary art, educational programming for children and adults, artist talks and demonstrations, musical performances, a gift shop, and more.
Reviewed By SuzanneHolmerSmith - Chatsworth, California
Pretty little art museum in Santa Paula. Changing exhibits often feature local artists, of which there are several who are well recognized. The Museum us expanding! The building next door will become an art center offering classes! Keep your eyes open for the opening date and schedule. It sounds like it will be a special place!
6. Camarillo Premium Outlets
Reviewed By GARY W - Westbury, New York
Easily accessible off major highway in Camarillo.
Adequate parking.
Be sure to obtain a site map to help locate the retailers that you may like to visit.
Spent a few hours visiting about 8 different retailers.
Very reasonable pricing.
All staff were very friendly and helpful
7. Beatrice Wood Center for the Arts
Overall Ratings
5 based on 85 reviews
The history of the Beatrice Wood Center for the Arts is largely the story of Happy Valley. When Annie Besant, a supporter of progressive movements, from female suffrage to Indian independence, first saw the land which is now called Happy Valley, she envisioned that it would be a center for people who would usher in a new world. Besant’s vision contributed to Ojai’s development during the 20th century as a spiritual center and art community, and Beatrice Wood moving to Ojai in 1947 was central to this growth. Her history as part of the NY DADA movement, alongside Marcel Duchamp, and her later involvement in ceramics, led to her being an important figure in art history. In 1926, Dr. Besant wrote that future plans included an art center and a school. The Beatrice Wood Center for the Arts exists as part of this original vision - a place where arts and education are paramount. It is closely affiliated to the Besant Hill School (formerly the Happy Valley School) and students often exhibit at the Center or participate in workshops. Aside from the permanent collection and a regular exhibition schedule, there are art workshops and performances. The Beatrice Wood Center for the Arts presents a continuum joining the artists, writers and others who shaped Happy Valley and those who are working today, as well as a bridge between the International art world and the local community. Beatrice Wood is both the heart and inspiration for the Center.
Reviewed By Cosmorory - Kailua, Hawaii
Having had the good fortune to visit the Beatrice Wood Center on two visits to California, I highly recommend visiting this amazing place. First of all, the venue is gorgeous with sweeping views of Happy Valley, which is bursting with life. It's both restful and stimulating.
The BWC is located in Beatrice Wood's former home and is a museum that showcases her work with the luscious luster glazes she developed. The Center has workshops for both children and adults, as well as lectures, concerts, and internships.
It was fascinating to see Beatrice Wood's studio and observe contemporary artists working on their own pieces. There is also a well stocked gift shop.
Recently, they opened a wood studio where woodturning/carving demos are held. The diverse programming is wonderful and is a testament to director Kevin Wallace's dedication.
The BWC has shows that change every few months. I've seen incredible ceramics, wood, both turned and carved, paintings and glass there.
I will definitely return every time I'm in Ojai. It's impossible to capture the magic of BWC in a few paragraphs. It's truly a gem!
8. Museum of Ventura County - Agriculture Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 30 reviews
Reviewed By SoCalRambler - Tujunga, CA
If you like local history and agriculture in general, you'll love this museum. Lots of farm equipment and photos describing the ag history of the Santa Clara River Valley, plus aviation artifacts, descriptive displays and a large gift shop. There's an arid backyard enclosure with rusting farming equipment and native / crop plants being grown -- again, you have to love this stuff to enjoy this kind of collection. Tractor fans will definitely dig this. The few dollars for admission is definitely worth it, and there is more than ample free parking out front. There are several museums in Santa Paula, and I recommend seeing all of them. (We go on day trips to Santa Paula every other month or so, and always include a museum stop along with lunch, vintage shopping, local fruit-buying and architecture-spotting.) Do stop inside "the big red barn" for an interesting change of pace.
9. Institution Ale Company
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 82 reviews
Reviewed By Elizabeth M - Camarillo, California
I’ve been here many times and it is always lively and busy - for a good reason. The beers are creative, delicious and reasonably priced. The limited food menu of gourmet pizza and soft pretzels and mustard is outstanding. It’s like a neighborhood beer hall! You have to try it out!
10. Santa Paula Theater Center
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 17 reviews
Reviewed By LoveChickens - Santa Paula, CA
A great intimate theater that offers great productions! A gem in Santa Paula that people really need to enjoy as often as they can. Ticket prices are very reasonable and every seat in the place is awesome! The plays are funny, thought provoking and truly entertaining!
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