Fun things to do in Ventura

Some of the best beaches and surfing in Ventura County are not right off the freeway. Sometimes you have to travel through town a bit to get there. And sometimes the locals aren't as friendly as they should be. But weekdays at Silver Strand in Oxnard can be a delight. Those kinds of days make me wonder why I work.

Once again I will say I feel blessed to see such a wonderful exhibit as this. It travels across the country, but this museum has a portion of his collection continuously on exhibit in the museum's Smith Gallery. Oh my goodness! I can't tell the detail in the faces of these dolls. The customes are excellent. He trives to make them as accurate as he can from drawings, paintings or what is available as far as history provides. "Excellent!"

Parking:
There is a free parking lot on the West side of the Museum, which is accessible from both Main and Santa Clara Streets. There is also parking along the street on both Main and Santa Clara Streets.

Museum Hours:
10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Tuesday through Sunday. Closed Mondays.

Also closed for New Year's, Thanksgiving and Christmas.

Admission:

Members Free
General (18-61) $4.00
Senior and AAA $3.00
Children (6-17) $1.00

Does any one remember their first bike? Raise your hand! Hmm, I see, many do! I remember for my 8th birthday, my dad took me to K-mart and as always I just followed. I followed him to the bike department and he said, "It's your birthday, pick the bike you want!" I can't tell you how precious that moment that was. I picked of course what was popular. A blue banana seat bike with the high handle bars with the little basket that hanged in front. It is a good thing my mom never watched me much when I rode my bike......lol! See, I think this exhibit will bring back so many memories of those precious yesteryears:-) It is small, yet wonderful! Much to enjoy here!
Museum Hours:
10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Tuesday through Sunday. Closed Mondays.

Also closed for New Year's, Thanksgiving and Christmas.

Admission:

Members Free
General (18-61) $4.00
Senior and AAA $3.00
Children (6-17) $1.00

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Rent one of the many unique cycles offered at Wheel Fun Rentals. They have traditional beach cruisers and mountain bikes, as well as fun trikes and four wheelers. They even offer three to eight passenger surreys- great for the whole family.
The location at the Ventura pier has bike tours to Ojai that come with multi speed bikes, helmets, locks, maps, and more to enhance your enjoyment.

The current Ventura City Hall is in the old Ventura County Courthouse. It is up the hill from the rest of downtown and looks over the town with a nice view towards the Pacific Ocean. It is a fairly impressive building, and because it was the old courthouse for the entire county, it is far larger and more ornate than anything the city itself would have had from the same time. It has an impressive, dominant position over the town.

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This was one of the later missions, finished in 1809 and is still an active parish today. The grounds are somewhat limited due to modern Parish buildings but it's still a peaceful oasis in downtown Ventura.

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The lovely, peaceful and serene MISSION COURTYARD contains a fountain, gardens, Star Pine trees and a shrine to the Blessed Virgin.
Under Padre Cambron, a seven mile-long aquaduct was constructed to bring Ventura River water to the Mission. With this water, the Mission was able to maintain its flourishing gardens and orchards.
I really enjoyed this area of the Mission and even saw a teeny hummingbird fluttering near the fountain.

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Established in 1782, the MISSION SAN BUENAVENTURA was the 9th and last mission founded by Padre Junipero Serra. The Mission was named in honor of Saint Bonaventure.
The Mission's Bell , which was donated by a long-time parishioner, hangs in the bell tower above the four ancient hand-operated bells.
Inside the Mission Church, which was quite dark, you can see simple wooden pews, the confessionals, Baptistry in the Serra Chapel, Stations of the Cross paintings, wooden consecration crosses, the main altar and the shrine to the Crucifixion. You may also light one of the candles in the area next to the altar.
Donation: $2.00