Dreamscapes Travel & Lifestyle Magazine
Issue link: http://read.dreamscapes.ca/i/889690
FALL/ WINTER 2017 DREAMSCAPES 19 where a rich history is celebrated in the 1892 Queen Anne Victorian-style house museum. Enjoy the rotating exhibits and learn about the ranch and its Camarillo white horses. OXNARD Home to four wineries and tasting rooms, Oxnard is ideal for foodies chasing multi- cultural tastes. It's a town where you can indulge in the fruit of the vineyard harvest as well as fresh produce sold at the farmers' markets in downtown Oxnard and Channel Islands Harbor. The harbour is one location in Ventura County Coast where outdoor lovers can access Channel Islands National Park. But it's also a destination in itself, with a dedi- cated swim beach at Kiddie Beach Park, a well-loved surfing spot at Silver Strand Beach, and a recreation area with views of the Channel Islands from Hollywood Beach. Get a better feel for the coast here, where you can rent kayaks and stand-up paddle- boards, take a dinner cruise aboard a paddlewheeler or head out on whale- watching or fishing excursions. At the end of the day, enjoy a family barbecue dinner at Oxnard Beach Park. PORT HUENEME Port Hueneme blends a history-rich Naval Construction Battalion Center with wide, sandy beaches. The U.S. Navy Seabee Museum celebrates the history of the U.S. Naval Construction Force—better known as the Seabees—and the U.S. Navy Civil Engi- neer Corps. Educational exhibits, historical relics and a great makerspace are ideal for family discovery. Also for families, Port Hueneme Beach Park has walking paths, volleyball courts, picnic areas, barbecue pits, and a long strip of soft white sand for a full day of coastal pleasures. Even wandering along the beach searching for sand dollars and sea glass is relaxing. The wooden Port Hueneme pier has a funky zigzag shape, thanks to a 1968 exten- sion onto the original 1956 construction. Stroll along the pier or take advantage of its location to fish for dinner, while taking in views of the Channel Islands. VENTURA Early California history can be seen through- out Ventura's Historic Downtown Cultural District, which began as Father Junipero Serra's final mission settlement. Here, streets are dotted with historic homes, museums, bou- tiques and restaurants—and the thriving music scene guarantees a great soundtrack. Families love Ventura Harbor Village, with its old-school attractions that include a carousel, an arcade and an ice-cream shop. After playtime, an outdoor table over- looking the ocean is perfect for kids and adults to indulge in fresh seafood caught from the offshore waters. It's also the head- quarters for Channel Islands National Park and the launching point to board a boat and cruise to the islands. Vibrant Ventura's south-facing water- front and breaks along the beaches lure surfers from all over. Get in the water to try OPPOSITE: Sailboats in the marina at sunset, Ventura. Homercles/Shutterstock TOP: Surfer in the seaside community of Port Hueneme. Ventura County Coast ABOVE: Point Mugu Arch in Oxnard, Ventura County Coast. You-Touch-Pix-of-EuToch/Shutterstock