Rock and Roll High in Ventura
/Rock and Roll High is a school of rock based in Ventura at 70 S. Oak Street. Grades K-5 can form a band, learn songs, play shows and even record an EP. Learn more at www.rockandrollhigh.com or call 805.907.8933.
Live Comedy In and Around Ventura County
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Click the smiley face for a compilation of comedy venues and shows around Ventura County.
El Pescador Beach in Malibu
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El Pescador Beach ("The Fisherman") has the distinction of being the closest beach in terms of auto mileage from central Thousand Oaks, located at 32900 Pacific Coast Highway, just east of the intersection of Decker Canyon Road and PCH. Along with La Piedra Beach and El Matador Beach, El Pescador is part of the Robert H. Meyer Memorial State Beach.
El Pescador Beach is located about 2 1/2 miles east of Leo Carrillo State Beach and 5 miles west of Zuma Beach. Along with the other two beaches, El Pescador has a parking area (for a fee) and a porta-john. Dogs are not allowed on state beaches. There is also limited parking on PCH available, but be sure to look at the signs to make sure you don't park in a "no parking" zone.
Steep, uneven stairs lead you to the beach. Not particularly stroller friendly as a result, but it's not that far to go. This beach never seems to be crowded, which is a good thing.
You can explore trek over to La Piedra Beach from here, at least when the tide is not too high.
Bottom half of the steps from the parking lot to El Pescador Beach.
More information at www.lamountains.com/parks.asp?parkid=146 and at www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=633.
Mugu Beach at Point Mugu State Park
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Mugu Beach is the first publicly accessible beach area south of Naval Base Ventura County off of PCH, located adjacent to the prominent Mugu Rock. For the most part this is the most quickly accessible beach to Camarillo and Conejo Valley residents. There is paid parking ($12 for the day last time I was there) as well as parking available on PCH. Not a big beach, not a fancy beach, but quite convenient. The more popular Sycamore Cove Beach is just 3.3 miles southeast of Mugu Beach.
Public Beach Access Between Sycamore Cove and County Line Beach in Malibu
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Between Sycamore Cove Beach at 9000 Pacific Coast Highway, which is part of Point Mugu State Park, and County Line Beach, across the street from Neptune's Net and Yerba Buena Road at 42505 Pacific Coast Highway, there are three or four access points to the beach.
Look for the brown "Coastal Access" signs.
The first access point is just over a mile southeast of Sycamore Canyon at about 10302 Pacific Coast Highway. There is parking on PCH and an old staircase adjacent to a Call Box.
The not particularly well taken care of steps to the beach at (approximately) 10302 PCH.
Another access point is another 1/2 mile east is at approximately 9999 Pacific Coast Highway, near the juncture of Deer Creek Road. You'll see another brown Coastal Access sign and blue Call Box. Park on PCH and look for the staircase. I call this 26 Steps Beach.
Staircase at 9999 Pacific Coast Highway
The final southeast stretch of PCH between the access point above and Neptune's Net has even less distinguishable areas, but you can pull over to the side and park over most of this stretch (except when there are No Parking signs).
CLICK HERE FOR PUBLIC BEACHES STRETCHING FROM OXNARD TO MALIBU
Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History
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Founded in 1916, the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History makes for a great excursion to Santa Barbara with the kids. There are eight exhibit halls with permanent exhibits featuring birds, mammals, insects, ocean life, a planetarium and more. Many of the exhibits are "hands on" with buttons and interactive features that kids particularly enjoy. There are an additional two halls for changing exhibits.
You and your kids can roam the nature paths and visit the well stocked gift shop, full of educational items. I can vouch for the fascination kids (and adults) have at this Museum. It is a very comfortable museum that in my experience is rarely is crowded. The "Museum Backyard" area and gardens has a picnic area, stream and other enjoyable features. The pond and stream often have tadpoles that captivate the kids.
The museum is open 7 days a week and is closed certain holidays. As of July 2019, admission is $15 for adults, $12 for 65+ seniors and teens (13-17) and $9 for children 2 to 12 years of age. Become a Museum member and you don't have to pay for admission. The Museum also offers birthday parties for members. Tax-deductible family memberships are currently $99/year.
Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History is located at 2559 Puesta del Sol Road, Santa Barbara. More information at www.sbnature.org or 805.682.4711.
Elite Theatre Company in Oxnard
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The Elite Theatre Company (ETC) has been entertaining, educating and enriching its audience since 1994. It is located at the Fisherman's Wharf at Channel Islands Harbor at 2731 S. Victoria Avenue, Oxnard.
ETC brings together the local talents of amateurs and professionals who share a passion for theater and who generously volunteer their time on the stage and behind the scenes. This collaboration creates a variety of quality live theatrical productions showcased in ETC's unique setting.
ETC is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization as well as a proud member of the Four Star Theater Awards Committee and the alliance of Ventura County Theaters.
Learn more at www.theelite.org.
Lake Piru Recreation Area
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The 60 acre Lake Piru Recreation Area is located on the western shore of Lake Piru, an artificial lake in the Los Padres National Forest. Lake Piru offers 238 tree-shaded campsites, coin-operated hot showers and a store. Each site has a picnic table, fire ring and grill top.
The dam is owned and operated by the United Water Conservation District of Santa Paula and a third party operates the campsite; visit campone.com/campsites/lake-piru for more information. Boat rentals and fishing available as well as a newer children's playground area. Make camping reservations by calling 805.521.1500.
Disneyland Park in Anaheim
/Everyone knows about Disneyland Park (originally called just Disneyland) in Anaheim, so here in this post we will summarize some key tidbits about this amusement park.
Disneyland Park and sister theme park Disneyland California Adventure together form Disneyland Resort, along with three hotels (Disneyland Hotel, Disney's Grand Californian Hotel & Spa and Disney's Paradise Pier Hotel) and Downtown Disney, an outdoor shopping and restaurant area connecting the theme parks and hotels.
Disneyland Park Sections (or "Lands")
Disneyland is divided into the following "lands," or themed sections: Main Street, U.S.A., Adventureland, New Orleans Square, Frontierland, Critter Country, Fantasyland, Mickey's Toontown and Tomorrowland. Ground breaking for a new section, "Star Wars Land," began in April 2016. Star Wars Land will encompass 14 acres when completed at a future date.
The eight existing lands occupy 85 acres. The original lands when Disneyland opened on July 17, 1955 were Main Street U.S.A, Adventureland, Frontierland, Fantasyland and Tomorrowland. Later on came New Orleans Square (1966), Bear Country (later changed to Critter Country) in 1972 and Mickey's Toontown in 1993.
The "lost" land is Holidayland, which opened in 1957, a 9 acre area with a circus and baseball diamond, that closed in 1961. (Good to know this, trivia buffs!)
Disneyland Park Attractions by Land
Visit touringplans.com/disneyland-resort/closures for updates on rides that are closed for renovation.
Opening May 31, 2019: Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge: Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run
14 acre expansion of Disneyland
Opening later this year: Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance
Reservations required from May 31 to June 23, 2019
Main Street U.S.A: The Disney Gallery, Disney’s "Aladdin” Sneak Peak, Main Street Cinema and Main Street Vehicles (turn of the 20th century vehicles)
Adventureland: Enchanted Tiki Room, Indiana Jones Adventure, Jungle Cruise, Tarzan's Treehouse
Critter Country: Davy Crockett's Explorer Canoes, The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh, Splash Mountain
Frontierland: Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, Frontierland Shootin' Expedition, Mark Twain Riverboat, Pirate's Lair on Tom Sawyer Island, Sailing Ship Columbia
Frontierland, representing the “Frontiers of America,” opened as on of five original lands on July 17, 1955.
Big Thunder Trail is a walkway between Frontierland and Fantasyland and also serves as one of the entrances to Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge.
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad’s 40th anniversary is September 2, 2019
Eateries in Frontierland include The Golden Horseshoe and Stage Door Cafe for quick service options and Rancho del Zocalo Restaurant (Mexican food) and River Belle Terrace (comfort food) for sit down and dine options.
Fantasyland: Alice in Wonderland, Casey Jr. Circus Train, Dumbo the Flying Elephant, King Arthur Carrousel (yes, this 1955 original ride is spelled with two r's), Mad Tea Party, Matterhorn Bobsleds, Mr. Toad's Wild Ride, Peter Pan's Flight, Pinocchio's Daring Journey, Sleeping Beauty Castle Walkthrough, Snow White's Scary Adventures, Storybook Land Canal Boats, “it's a small world”
Mickey's Toontown: Chip 'n Dale Treehouse, Donald's Boat, Gadget's Go Coaster, Goofy's Playhouse, Mickey's House and Meet Mickey, Minnie's House, Roger Rabbit's Car Toon Spin
New Orleans Square: Haunted Mansion, Pirates of the Caribbean
Tomorrowland: Astro Orbitor, Autopia, Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters, Disneyland Monorail, Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage, Space Mountain Ghost Galaxy, Star Tours - The Adventures Continue, Star Wars Launch Bay, Star Wars: Path of the Jedi
Various Areas: Disneyland Railroad
Character Experiences and Live Entertainment
There are various opportunities to meet Disney characters throughout the park. Visit disneyland.disney.go.com/entertainment/#/character-experiences for details. And for live entertainment opportunities, visit disneyland.disney.go.com/entertainment.
Pricing
Retail pricing is as follows as of May 2019 and of course is subject to change:
1-Day, 1 Park: Varies from $104 (Value) to $129 (Regular) to $149 (Peak) (For Ages 10+; Ages 3 to 9 are about $6 less per ticket)
2-Day, 1 Park Per Day: $225 or Park Hopper $280
3-Day, 1 Park Per day: $300 or Park Hopper $355
4-Day, 1 Park Per Day: $325 or Park Hopper $380
5-Day, 1 Park Per Day: $340 or Park Hopper $395
Annual Passports: There are 5 to choose from and they vary from $399 to $1,399 per year. The $1,399 Disney Signature Plus Passport gets you in to both park every day of the year.
One Day Parking: $25
Learn more at disneyland.disney.go.com.
Ventura County Wine Trail
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Ventura County Wine Trail offers 14 family-owned, award winning wineries right here in Ventura County and adjacent areas! Unique wine tasting tours, five star restaurants, luxury hotels, wine events and attractions, make an amazing wine country destination getaway.
Visit www.venturacountywinetrail.com.
Here are the 14 wineries (updated April 2019) that are part of this trail.
Alma Sol Winery in Thousand Oaks www.almasolwinery.com
Back Patio Cellars in Camarillo www.backpatiocellars.com
Boccali Vineyards and Winery in Ojai www.boccalivineyards.com
Camarillo Custom Crush Winery www.camarillocustomcrush.com
Clos des Amis in Ventura www.closdesamis.com
Herzog Wine Cellars in Oxnard www.herzogwinecellars.com
Labyrinth Winery and Tasting Room in Ventura www.LabyrinthWinery.com
Magnavino Cellars in Oxnard www.magnavino.com
Malibu Sundowner in Westlake Village www.malibusundownerwines.com
Millesime Cellars in Camarillo www.millesimecellars.com
Panaro Brothers Winery in Ventura www.panarobrotherswinery.com
Rancho Ventano Cellars in Oxnard www.ranchoventavo.com
Strey Cellars in Oxnard www.StreyCellars.com
Sunland Vintage Winery and Tasting Room in Thousand Oaks www.SunlandVintageWinery.com
ImmotionVR at The Oaks Shopping Mall in Thousand Oaks
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We were just passing through The Oaks mall recently when we looked up and saw ImmotionVR on the first floor near Aveda. ImmotionVR offers up virtual reality experiences for $8 per ride (5-8 minutes), $25 for 30 minutes and $40 for 60 minutes.
VR experiences offered include Delta Zero, Jinx Thriller, Legend of Lusca Adventure and more.
Hours are 10am to 9pm Mon to Sat and 11am to 7pm Sun. immotionvr.com/us/
Hook's Landing Sportfishing in Oxnard
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Hook's Landing Sportfishing is located in Channel Islands Harbor in Oxnard at 3550 South Harbor Boulevard. Hook's has 2 boats. The Coroloma is a 3/4 day boat that leaves at 6am and returns at about 3pm. The New Hustler and takes you on overnight fishing trips. The Outrider is offered up for all day trips.
More information at www.hookslanding.net or call 805.382.6233.
NAMBA Performing Arts Space in Downtown Ventura
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NAMBA is a multi-disciplinary performance space located in Ventura’s historic downtown arts district. The programming focus is on culturally relevant stories that serve our community.
Namba provides the community with an intimate experience where artists entertain and share stories through artistic collaboration, unique programming, showcases, workshops, and classes.
Learn more at nambaarts.com or call 805.628.9250.
