Ventura - Premier Visitors Guide 2007-2008 - (Page 23) Beachin’ It When the sun is shining, most folks just want to hang out at the beach and relax. Ventura’s miles of uncrowded beaches are well equipped with picnic areas, barbecues and other amenities and offer ready access to the Pacific Ocean. Remember to wear sunscreen! The Yellow Umbrella Co. (www.theyellowumbrellas.com, 794-8427) rents beautiful full-sized beach umbrellas by the hour and provides a range of services including towel rentals and delivery of food and beverages to the beach area just south of Ventura Pier (seasonal hours). San Buenaventura State Beach encompasses two miles of pristine beach and sand dunes, great for swimming, surfing, scenic trails and let the kids run free. Facilities include picnic and barbecue areas, a sand volleyball court, a children’s play area with a replica of an antique sailing ship and restrooms. Visit the Seaward Avenue Beach District—a charming neighborhood extending a few blocks up Seaward Avenue from the beach—and you can experience the atmosphere of a classic Dining At the Beach There’s nothing quite like fresh seafood, warm and tangy sourdough bread and an ocean view. Eric Ericsson’s on the Pier (668 E. Harbor Blvd., 643-4783, www.ericericssons.com) provides a classic setting for feasting on fresh seafood. Diners praise the eclectic menu (try the crab-stuffed poblano peppers), but they really come for the spectacular views of Surfer’s Point and the Channel Islands. Known for its beachfront patio dining, pampered beef and extensive wine list, Aloha Steakhouse (364 S. California St., 652-1799, www.alohasteakhouse.com) serves lunch and dinner daily. Joannafina’s Mexican Café at the Beach (1127 S. Seaward Ave., 652-0360) prepares authentic Mexican dishes accompanied by strolling musicians on Sundays. For a quick pick-me-up nearby, Full of Beans (1124 S. Seaward Ave., 648-5645) pours exotic coffees complemented by light pastries or ice cream on the side. For local Italian with a twist, head for Cappelletti Trattoria and Pizzeria (1141 S. Seaward Ave., 643-3644), a neighborhood restaurant with spectacular seafood pizza. Another neighborhood favorite, Meridians Café (2417 E. Harbor Blvd., 676-1756, www.meridianscafe.com) specializes in Italian deli fare, including sandwiches, pizza, salads and pasta. Perched on the bluffs overlooking Hwy. 101 and the Pacific Ocean, Austen’s at the Pierpont (550 Sanjon Rd., 643-6144, www.pierpontinn.com) combines panoramic views and award-winning California cuisine. MARK DOLYAK (2), COURTESY WHEEL FUN RENTALS barbecues and picnics. They also have a snack bar, bike trails and summer bike rentals. This beach is a popular venue for festivals, volleyball tournaments, triathlons and other special events. For special events information, call 648-4059. For general information, call 648-4127. Clockwise from above left: Ventura Pier, and surrey cyclers on the beachfront Promenade. California beach town. Stroll along the avenue and check out coffee houses and colorful restaurants, popular with locals and visitors alike. Surfing Experienced surfers head for Surfer’s Point (locals call it “C Street”) or the world-famous Rincon, on the Ventura/Santa Barbara County line. Insiders know, though, that there are beach breaks all along the coast from Mussel Shoals to Port Hueneme. So grab your boards and search for swells! Other Seaside Sights Marina Park, a 15-acre beachfront enclave at the south end of Pierpont Boulevard, is a great place to watch the boats cruise out of the harbor, walk the W W W. V E N T U R A - U S A . C O M 23 http://www.ericericssons.com http://www.theyellowumbrellas.com http://www.alohasteakhouse.com http://www.meridianscafe.com http://www.pierpontinn.com http://WWW.VENTURA-USA.COM
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