Ventura - Premier Visitors Guide 2007-2008 - (Page 22) around town OCEANFRONT Living the real California life — Ventura style and the Omer Rains Bike Trail stretch from the pier along the beach. This is one of the favorite biking/strolling/skating/people-watching venues in Ventura. Need equipment? Stop at Wheel Fun Rentals (850 Harbor Blvd. at the pier, 650-7770, www.wheelfunrentals.com), which rents surrey cycles, three-wheelers, mountain bikes, tandems, pedal gocarts, kayaks, inline skates and more. T he Oceanfront district and exquisite beaches are the shining jewels in Ventura’s crown. Stretching from Ventura County Fairgrounds to Ventura Harbor, the area’s beachfront includes surf breaks, a historic pier and promenade, San Buenaventura State Beach, the Seaward Avenue beach district, several parks, miles of scenic bike paths and a thriving marina. Festivals and special events enliven the oceanfront district throughout the year; to find out what’s going on during your visit, call the Visitor Center at 648-2075 or log onto www.ventura-usa.com. Most visitors begin their oceanfront exploration near the San Buenaventura City Pier at the end of California Street. Originally built in 1872, this historic landmark is one of California’s oldest wooden piers. A $3.2-million renovation in 1993 restored its original grandeur and then some. It now features interpretive display panels, a bait shop, a snack bar, benches, restrooms, a fullservice seafood restaurant, a gift shop and spectacular views of the Channel Islands, coastline and mountains. A mile-long landscaped promenade 22 VENTURA VISITORS GUIDE quilt display, blue ribbon foods and plants, livestock, a petting zoo and of course, the fair’s famous beachside Ferris wheel with sweeping views of the coast. The remainder of the year, the 62-acre park hosts hundreds of special events, from concerts and trade shows to rodeos, motor sports and festivals. Call 6483376 for the current event schedule, including surf contests and special events “One of the last true beach towns in… California.” —Boulder Magazine The promenade leads to Surfer’s Point, one of California’s premier surfing and windsurfing spots. Promenade Park, next to the beach, commemorates the site of an ancient Chumash village. Beach and park facilities include restrooms, showers, a spacious lawn and picnic tables. Across the street from Surfer’s Point lies Ventura County Fairgrounds (10 W. Harbor Blvd.) Every August, folks flock to the site for the Ventura County Fair, one of the state’s best and most picturesque fairs, featuring a rodeo, across the street at Surfer’s Point. You can also visit www.VenturaCountyFair.org and click on What’s Happening. The elegant Derby Club at Ventura County Fairgrounds (653-2533) offers simulcast horse race wagering yearround. Watch your favorites streak down the track while enjoying cocktails and fine dining in an elegant, upscale atmosphere. The panoramic view from the upstairs Island View Club is open to the public on weekends and holidays. MARK DOLYAK http://www.wheelfunrentals.com http://www.ventura-usa.com http://www.VenturaCountyFair.org
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