Pleasant Valley Historical Society Museum and Botanical Garden in Camarillo

NOTE: MUSEUM CURRENTLY (AS OF JULY 2022) CLOSED FOR AN EXPANSION PROJECTION PROJECT. GARDEN IS CURRENTLY OPEN ON SATURDAYS FROM NOON TO 4PM CHECK THE MUSEUM WEBSITE FOR UPDATES.

The Pleasant Valley Historical Society Museum and Botanical Garden at 720 Las Posas Road in Camarillo is dedicated to the preservation of the history of Pleasant Valley, the Oxnard Plain and adjacent areas where many of Camarillo’s pioneers settled before there was a City of Camarillo. Admission is free. Donations are accepted. The Museum and Garden are open from noon to 4:00 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday, except holidays. More information at www.pvhsonline.org.

The museum is located in a small building on the property which contains a variety of antiques and items of local historical interest. Resident docents are genuinely interested in sharing stories about local history in the facility. I can almost guarantee you will learn something new every time you visit!

Old items and newspaper clippings from years past on display.

The Charles L. Honn Botanical Garden, associated with the Historical Museum and located behind it, is a beautiful park-like area that features plants and trees indigenous to the Pleasant Valley and the surrounding region. The garden includes a large gazebo that is available as a breathtaking setting for weddings, anniversaries and similar functions. Kitchen facilities are available. Donations are accepted for use of the garden/gazebo.

Call 805.482.3660 or visit www.pvhsonline.org for more information.

The Charles L. Honn Botanic Garden starts to brighten up after the winter rains.

William Rolland Gallery of Fine Art at Cal Lutheran Thousand Oaks

The William Rolland Gallery of Fine Art at Cal Lutheran is located adjacent to the William Rolland Stadium. It opened in October 2011.

The gallery has featured such exhibits as: Western Salon featuring sculptures and paintings from the Bob Eubanks and William Rolland Collections; Resonating Images I 1900-1950 featuring representational masterpiece paintings, drawings and prints from the first half of the 20th century; and Resonating Images II, exhibiting representational works by modern and contemporary masters including Chuck Close, Fernando Botero, and Picasso. Exhibitions rotate approximately 4-5 times a year.

The Gallery also hosts a parallel educational series of events. The specific events vary by exhibition, but typically include foreign language tours and lectures by professionals in the visual arts. Curator- or docent-led tours are available for free; they request that you make reservations beforehand.

The Gallery is open to the general public Tuesday through Friday, 10 am to 4 pm and Saturday from 11 am to 3 pm. Admission is free. Free parking is available. Location is 160 Overton Court.

Learn more at rollandgallery.callutheran.edu.

Soter Point at Marina Park in Ventura

Dedicated in 2011, Soter Point at Marina Park in Ventura consists of a shaded picnic area, benches, attractive landscaping and a 15 foot mermaid statue. Soter Point is the result of a private/public partnership between local Ventura residents and the City of Ventura.

The inscription on a plaque on the Mermaid of Soter Point tells the story:

This stunning landmark overlooking the Ventura Harbor represents a trailblazing cooperative effort to beautify our community through private citizens working with public agencies. Andy Soter developed and landscaped the area in memory of his daughter Andrea, a successful and much admired investment manager. The mermaid sculpture and its foundation were donated by Russian emigrants Alec and Tatyana Benke, as an expression of love for their new country, America. Samuel Povar created the first collaboration of this nature in 2007 as a tribute to his late wife Orianna and worked tirelessly to make this Marina Park project a reality. And, the Ventura City Council and the Coastal Commission gave their enthusiastic blessing. Now Povar, Soter, and Benke, all Ventura residents, hope to inspire others to use private capital along with public cooperation and support…to envision something beautiful and make it happen.

Soter Point is located at the southernmost point of Marina Park, a short walk from the main playground area of the park. With beautiful views looking out toward Ventura Harbor and picnic area cooled by sea breezes, Soter Point does not Disa-Point.

Bench faces south toward Ventura Harbor Village

DIRECTIONS TO DOZENS OF LOCAL AREA BEACHES

Pedego 101 Electric Bikes in Westlake Village

Pedego 101 Electric Bikes, located in the Westlake Village Industrial Park at 31332 Via Colinas #107, Westlake Village, offers rentals, sales and service of electric bicycles.

Pedego also offers guided tours once a month and a weekly group ride for anyone with an e-bike to join. I know folks who thoroughly enjoy their Pedego bikes and ride them quite regularly!

Learn more at www.pedegoelectricbikes.com/dealers/westlake-village or call 805.379.9245.

La Jolla Canyon Loop Trail in Point Mugu State Park in Malibu

Point Mugu State Park is at western edge of the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area, stretching from Newbury Park on the north to five miles of oceanfront. The Chumash Trail is the westernmost trailhead in Point Mugu State Park which in turn gets you to the La Jolla Valley Natural Preserve area (which also can be accessed from the Ray Miller Trail, about two miles southwest of the Chumash Trail trailhead).

The Chumash Trail trailhead is accessible off of PCH, about 2 1/2 miles from where Las Posas Road connects to PCH in Camarillo, and about 10 miles from the intersection of Las Posas Road and Highway 101.  It is across the street (PCH) from a Naval Base Ventura County training range. Look for the left turn into a small dirt parking area that has space for perhaps 15 or so cars.

The Chumash Trail is an initial, quite steep and technically challenging .7 mile climb, to a juncture where you either turn right to the Mugu Peak Trail (MORE AT THIS LINK). If you turn left (north), continue another half mile until you reach the La Jolla Valley Loop Trail.

Map snippet courtesy of California State Parks

The La Jolla Valley was acquired by the State of California in 1966 as part of Point Mugu State Park and was established as Natural Preserve in 1972. 

One thing I find of particular visual interest on the La Jolla Canyon Loop Trail is the Naval Base Ventura County satellite tracking station situated at the top of nearby Laguna Peak. 

View of the Boney Mountain Range up ahead from within the La Jolla Valley Natural Preserve. This is such a peaceful grasslands area back here. Most folks go for the ocean trails, leaving this area a bit less utilized.

When I look up at the tracking station, The Jetsons come to mind.

Another 1 1/2 miles of hiking on the La Jolla Valley Loop Trail gets you to a small campground area with as I recall, 3 or 4 campsites accompanied by picnic tables, a vault toilet, but no water. No campfires allowed out here in the back country either. Although these appear to be rarely used, the only problem coming in from the Chumash Trail instead of the Ray Miller Trail (and La Jolla Canyon Trail) area is that you must pay for the campsite at the Ray Miller Trail area. Thus, if you do plan to stay at these back country campsites, keep that in mind and pay first.

You will pass by this sign on your way towards the campground if you want to take a shorter loop.

Here is where the La Jolla Valley Trail Campsites are, marked by the vault toilet up ahead. I don't get back here very often and when I do, I see no one. But I did notice there was TP in the room, which is good for those in need.

You're definitely in the back country back here, though in reality you are only 2.7 miles from the Pacific Ocean.

That said, the La Jolla Canyon Trail (not to be confused with the La Jolla Canyon LOOP Trail) has been closed since January 2015 because of mudslides that made that particular trail too dangerous to use. Confused? Yes, this can be confusing. Bottom line is that you pay for the camping at the La Jolla Canyon/Ray Miller Trailhead area but access the camping from either the Chumash Trail, or a longer route via the Ray Miller Trail.

So after you reach the campground area, you can either head back the way you came, or take the loop back around to the Mugu Peak Trail, where you will be treated to views, views and more views. Or hike to the top of Mugu Peak for the best views of all.

This Mugu Peak Trail sign is located near the south end of the Loop Trail.

Angel Vista Peak in Newbury Park

The 1,530' elevation Angel Vista Peak in Newbury Park may well have the most spectacular views of the Conejo Valley. You can see the entire Conejo Valley, stretching from the Conejo Grade to central Thousand Oaks, Agoura Hills, Hidden Valley, Boney Mountain and beyond from here!

Angel Vista can most easily be accessed via the Rosewood Trail at the southern terminus of Regal Oak Ct, off of Lynn Road) Or for a much longer hike, take the Los Robles Trail (either the Thousand Oaks side accessible at South Moorpark Road and Greenmeadow Ave or Newbury Park side off of Potrero Road). The Conejo Open Space Foundation provides a useful map at www.cosf.org/website/html/los-robles-angel-vista.html. There's a bench as well as a picnic table up there with wonderful views.

The hike is about 3 1/2 miles round trip.

You'll eventually see this sign if you make the trek up the Rosewood Trail.

The bench is in sight!

Fun to see at least a portion of Hidden Valley from up here.

Gondola Paradiso at Channel Islands Harbor

Founded in January 2014, Gondola Paradiso provides luxury Venetian-style cruises through the canals of the Channel Islands Harbor in Oxnard.

Cruises leave from Seabridge Marina, located off South Victoria Avenue at the Channel Islands Harbor, 1301 S. Victoria Avenue, Oxnard. To book a cruise, call (805) 612-4475 and for more information visit www.gondolaparadiso.com.

San Buenaventura Mission in Ventura

The San Buenaventura Mission was the 9th and last mission founded by Father Junipero Serra among California's 21 Missions and is now a Catholic parish of 3000 members. The beautiful Mission, founded in 1782, continues to serve as an active Catholic parish within the Archdiocese of Los Angeles. The Mission grounds include Holy Cross School (PreK - 8th grade), a museum and gift shop. The Church and Mission Garden are open to visitors every day. Access the Mission via the Mission Gift Shop on the right side of the Mission (when facing the Mission).

The Mission is included in the National Register of Historic Places.

The Mission Gift Shop and Museum are open daily except for major holidays (Easter, Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years Day). Hours are Mon to Fri 10 am to 5 pm, Sat 9 am to 5 pm and Sun 10 am to 5 pm. Admission is $2 for kids ages 5-17, $4 for seniors (65+), $5 for adults and $10 for families (parents with children).

Located at 211 East Main Street in Downtown Ventura, across from the Museum of Ventura County. More information at www.sanbuenaventuramission.org or call 805.643.4318.

Olivas Adobe Historical Park - Ventura

The Olivas Adobe Historical Park is operated by the City of Ventura and serviced by the Olivas Adobe Historical Interpreters. It is on the National Register of Historic Places and is State Historical Landmark No. 115.

The Adobe represents a superb example of a large home from the Rancho Period prior to California statehood in 1849. The home was started in 1847 and completed in 1849 through the efforts of local Chumash people, and occupied by Don Raymundo, his wife Teodora, and their 21 children until 1899.

Ultimately, the City of Ventura received the adobe and a large land parcel from the Max Fleischman Foundation that included 450 acres that extended from the Olivas Adobe to the ocean, where the Olivas Golf Course, the San Buenaventura Water Reclamation Facility and the Harbor are now located. The Park includes exhibits, extensive gardens, and the restored adobe buildings.

The Olivas Adobe is also available for weddings, receptions, fiestas and special events.

COVID UPDATE: After a long closure, the Olivas Adobe will open to visitors the 2nd Sunday of each month from 11 am to 3 pm beginning Sunday, May 9, 2021. Free of charge. Donations accepted.

The Park is located at 4200 Olivas Park Drive in Ventura.  Grounds are open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on weekdays and 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. on weekends. Free admission. Costumed docent-led tours of the house take place on weekends from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. (tour tickets are $5 for adults $3 for children under 12 and seniors and free to under 4). For more information, visit www.olivasadobe.org or call 805.658.4728.

Happy Camp Canyon Regional Park in Moorpark

Happy Camp Canyon Regional Park in Moorpark is a 3,000 acre wilderness area with 12 1/2 miles of trails maintained by the Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy. I've hiked back here from time to time and rarely see anyone in these quiet canyons!

There are a couple entry points to Happy Camp Canyon. The one shown above is adjacent to Rustic Canyon Golf Course, 15100 Happy Camp Canyon Road, Moorpark. The other main entry point shown below is at 14105 Broadway Avenue, Moorpark. Park here and hike to the canyon entrance point.

If you're looking for relatively flat trails well suited for comfortable hiking, mountain biking and horse riding, Happy Camp Canyon is a good choice.

You can take the main Happy Camp Canyon Fire Road for quite a ways and either head back the way you came or take the more strenuous Middle Range Fire Road back and catch some great views. I veered north up a steep maintenance road to some power lines shown below.

Or try the 8 mile, strenuous, South Ridge Loop (via the Middle Ridge Fire Road). Begin at the canyon gate; about 100 yards beyond, turn right and follow a dirt road up to the ridge top. Continue east along the Big Mountain Ridge to a junction, enjoying views on your right of Moorpark, Simi Valley, the Santa Monica Mountains, and all the way to the Channel Islands. At the junction, turn north and drop down into Happy Camp Canyon. When you reach an old corral (and picnic area), turn west and walk back to the entrance gate on Happy Camp Canyon Fire Road (in the canyon bottom), approximately four miles. 

There is no cost for parking here. For more information, visit mrca.ca.gov/parks/park-listing/happy-camp-canyon-regional-park.

NOTE: Because of sensitive habitat, dogs are not allowed past the entrance gate.

It greens (and purples) up quite nicely after the winter rains in Happy Camp. March/April/May are the months to check it out.

CSU Channel Islands University Park in Camarillo

CSU Channel Islands University Park is a 367 acre parcel located adjacent to CSU Channel Islands off of S. Lewis Road in Camarillo. It is a regional educational and recreation area owned and operated by California State University Channel Islands.

The park is open to the public daily from sunrise to sunset. Do note that there are no facilities at this park, like restrooms and drinking fountains. You can walk, hike, run, bike, etc. and perhaps come across some wildlife.

Disbanded dairy farm in the distance at CSU Channel Islands University Park

One item of historical interest at the park is the "Scary Dairy," a dairy farm located on the parcel that closed in the 1960s and was disbanded and subsequently vandalized and graffittied upon over the decades.

"Scary Dairy"

From Camarillo, take Lewis Road south to Camarillo Street and turn left (east).  Cross the bridge over Calleguas Creek and the entrance is on the left. Parking is $6 per vehicle (as of April 2019). Visit www.csuci.edu/cipark for more information.

Bring cash to pay for parking at entrance.

California ScienCenter - Exposition Park

My kids and I visit California ScienCenter in Exposition Park from time to time, roughly a 1 hour drive from Thousand Oaks. It is worth the drive. The ScienCenter is built in the location where the first State Exposition Building that opened in 1912.  The redeveloped building is modern and beautiful, with several floors of scientific exhibits of interest to all ages, including Ecosystems, Creative World, World of Life, Air and Space and Science Court. Entrance to the museum is FREE, although donations are greatly appreciated.  Parking is $12 (as of December 2017).

The "World of Life" exhibit on the third floor is a perennial favorite in our family, where we get to see everything from brains and lungs to live cockroaches, termites and animals. There's also a kids' "Discovery Room" with additional fun activities for the younger one.

If you have more time and energy on your trip to Exposition Park, visit the adjacent Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County and the California African American Museum as well as the Exposition Park Rose Garden (where they have 16,000 or so rose plants).

California ScienCenter is located at 700 State Drive at the corner of S. Figueroa and 39th Street in Exposition Park.  Visit www.californiasciencenter.org or call 323.SCIENCE (724.3623) for more information.

NOTE: AS OF APRIL 2021, TIMED-ENTRY RESERVATIONS ARE REQUIRED. THERE IS A $3 SERVICE FEE. SEE californiasciencecenter.org/visit/get-reservations-tickets.

The Space Shuttle Endeavor went on a flyover trip to the West Coast atop a Boeing 747 on Friday, September 21, 2012. The Endeavor completed 25 successful space missions between its first mission on May 7, 1992 and its final mission in May 2012 to the International Space Station, now resides at the ScienCenter in the Samuel Oschin Pavilion.

NASA named California ScienCenter one of only three museums in the U.S. to permanently exhibit a retired space shuttle.  We have visited the Endeavor and the exhibit is extraordinarily impressive. Learn more about the Endeavor at californiasciencecenter.org/exhibits/endeavour-experience/space-shuttle-endeavour.

Los Padres Chapter of Sierra Club in Ventura and Santa Barbara Counties

Founded in 1892,  the Sierra Club is the nation's largest and most influential grassroots environmental organization, with more than two million members and supporters.

The Los Padres Chapter of the Sierra Club serves California's Ventura and Santa Barbara counties. The Club encompasses everything from National Forest Wilderness areas of the San Ynez Mountains to the Channel Islands National Park in the Santa Barbara Channel.  

There are four groups in the Los Padres Chapter of the Sierra Club.  The Conejo Group and Ventura Network are based in Ventura County, while the Santa Barbara Group and Arguella Group (North County) are based in Santa Barbara County.

For upcoming Los Padres Chapter outings, visit www.sierraclub.org/los-padres.

For upcoming Conejo Group outings, visit www.sierraclub.org/los-padres/conejo.

For upcoming Ventura Sierra Club outings, visit www.sierraclub.org/los-padres/ventura.

And for Santa Barbara Group outings, visit www.sierraclub.org/los-padres/santa-barbara

General information about the Sierra Club at www.sierraclub.org.