Ventura, also referred to as the City of San Buenaventura, is the official seat of the county of Ventura in the state of
California, United States. The city has been inhabited for thousands and thousands of years, having been established back in 1782. Growth and development have set the city intricately developed in all the possible sectors, including road and transport, infrastructure, finance, and economy.
The city has a convenient location along the United States Route 101, on the Ventura Freeway between Santa Barbara and Los Angeles on the California coast. A part of the city spreads over to the region along the Ventura River, another to the Santa Clara River, and another to the alluvial coastal and Oxnard Plain.
The cityscape of Ventura has one of the most beautiful settings, encompassing a unique blend of both ancient and modern structures. The Mission San Buenaventura is one of the unique landmarks, built as far back as 1782 as a Spanish mission center. Another one is the Elizabeth Bard Memorial Hospital that has since been named The Elizabeth Bard Memorial Building, built-in 1901, complete in a terrace design with a beautiful bell tower standing three stories tall.
The Cross at Grant Park is another religious landmark, set in the slightly-raised platform amid a scenic greenery setting of well-manicured garden lawns. The Junipero Serra statue stands in memory of Saint Junipero Serra y Ferrer, a Roman Catholic priest of the Franciscan Friars. Several museums around the city offer visitors a chance of learning a thing or two about the history of the city while partaking in the beautiful views of the displays of decorative art and craft masterpieces.
Outdoors are vibrant on the San Buenaventura State Beach, a unique spot with a long Ventura pier from where views can be enjoyed and pictures taken. More fun is available at the Surfer's Point, where lovers of high water surfing and windsurfing crowd for their fun activities.
The city of Ventura enjoys a Mediterranean climate according to the Köppen climatic classification. The seas breezes from the Pacific Ocean are instrumental in moderating the temperature ranges, as is typical of most other coastal California cities. The significant characteristics include moderately warm and humid summers and mild and tolerable winters. The annual average temperature averages highs of 69.8°F (21°C) and lows of 51.8°F (11°C). Extremely high or low-temperature ranges are rare, and as such, snowfall is a rare occurrence.
Much of the rains come in winter, albeit in minimal amounts of not more than 3.9" (99.1mm) for the rainiest month.
The peak of the travel season is between
June and
August, during the height of the warm and pleasant summer season. Thanks to the lovely weather, it is the peak of beach-going and other outdoor activities. It is also during this time that most events and festivals are held, attracting crowds from near and far.
In
July, the annual Surf Rodeo brings together both local and international surfers in one of the most intriguing surfing games and competitions. Beachside shows and concerts are a common thing during the time, and street parties go on till late into the evening. In August, the city of Ventura comes together in the Ventura County Fair, where splendid livestock shows are displayed, and carnival rides are enjoyed, with a dramatic culmination in beautiful firework displays. Then in
October, visitors can enjoy a detailed tour of galleries and photo studios during the ArtWalk Ventura.