Fun Cheap Things to Do in Ventura

Having fun doesn't have to break the bank
(that's no fun!)

Here's our growing list of our favorite fun cheap things to do in Ventura...

THE GREAT OUTDOORS

Ventura Beaches
Feeling the sun on your back, the sand between your toes and the water over your feet is still free!  Here's our Beach by Beach Guide, with quick reference symbols of activities, amenities, and services.

Ventura's Bicycle paths
Soaking-up the beautiful sights on Ventura's bike paths with the breeze in your face doesn't cost a thing. Even if you don't have a bike, rentals are very affordable, so this  is still one of the fun cheap things to do in Ventura. Let's roll!

Harbor boat/kayak rentals
In Ventura Harbor Village across from Coastal Cone
With 4-person paddle boats and motor boats that hold up to 8, a family of any size can enjoy a boating experience for $15 to $65. Click here for more info.

Arroyo Verde Park Trails
Enter at Foothill and Day Road
Most of the trails here are an easy gradual climb, but it doesn't take long before you find yourself at a spectacular vista point. It's also 1 of the 2 dog parks in Ventura. On weekends and holidays there is a parking fee of $2 per hour or $5 all day, but even then it's still one of our favorite fun cheap things to do in Ventura . 

Marina Park
Enter at the South end of Pierpont Blvd
It's all here: A beach for sun-bathing, a park for family BBQ's, swings and slides, a fishing dock, and walking paths with a great view of the sailboats leaving the marina. Read more.

McGrath State Beach Campground
Enter from Harbor Blvd, one mile South of Ventura Harbor Village
This camping spot is adjacent to uncrowded beaches, nature trails and a bird estuary. And to round it nicely, it's only a mile from Ventura Harbor Village. Read more

Outdoor Yoga at Harbor Village
On the lawn at the end of the shopping area
$5.00 buys you a yoga experience with a backdrop of the harbor boats cruising by. Click here for more info

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ENTERTAINMENT

Regency Theater
1440 Eastman Ave.
805-658-6544
With $3.00 shows (current, cult and other favorite films), and cheap date night deals, the Regency is keeping movie going one of the fun cheap things to do.

Downtown Century Cinema
555 E. Main St.
805-641-6555
First matinee every day - $5.00
Seniors every Monday - $5.00

The Improv
www.venturaimprov.com
Ventura Improv Company
34 North Palm Street
805-643-5701
These funny folks have been providing comic relief in downtown Ventura for 20 years. Shows are $8.00 for college students, military, seniors and kids under 12. The rest of us pay $10.00. Be ready to participate!

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SHOPPING

Downtown/Midtown Thrift Stores
A great find is waiting for you at the right price at one of several thrift stores in charming downtown. Combined with the great variety of shops downtown, even shopping is one of the cheap fun things to do in Ventura. Read more

Farmer’s Market & Local Fruit Stands
The colorful display and tantalizing smell of fruits, veggies, nuts  and salsas at Ventura’s farmer's markets or one of the many farm fresh produce stands practically begs you to take juicy bites right there on the spot.

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ARTS & CULTURE

Art galleries in Downtown Ventura
Paintings, photography, sculptures, crafts and more by local artists are featured in galleries and on display in the shops on an around Main Street. You may see something you simply must have, but looking (and appreciating) doesn't cost a thing. Browse Ventura Art Galleries

Bell Arts Factory
432 N. Ventura Ave
805-643-1960
Free art classes for kids on Saturdays. The unique collection of studios are a great way for kids and adults to watch local artists in action. www.bellartsfactory.com

Museum of Ventura County
89 S. California St.
805-653-0323
Admission is free. This is a temporary location during an 18,000 sq ft expansion of the main building. Not only a great place to view historical pictures and artifacts, but it also showcases the work of local artists and photographers on a rotating basis. Click here for more museums

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EATING

Nature’s Grill
566 E. Main St.
805-643-7855
A veggie grill that proves healthy doesn't mean boring. One of our favorite lunch spots. 

Vagabond Inn Restaurant
E. Thompson Blvd.
800-522-1555
This is the most affordable sit-down breakfast in town that I know of with decent food and good service.

Little Caeser's Pizzeria
67 West Main St Suite A
805-667-2038
$5 Pizzas ready to go (pick-up and cash only).
Gourmet pizza it's not, but not bad for the price, and they don't skimp on the peperoni.

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SIGHTSEEING

Panoramic Views from the Crown Plaza
450 Harbor Blvd
805-648-2100
For an amazing panoramic view of Ventura take the elevator ride up to the “Top of the Harbor” Ballroom. Read more.

Grant Park
From City Hall on Poli St, head up Brakey Rd and wind all the way to the top, turn left, then keep right
Spectacular panoramic views of Ventura. Save money on lunch and have a picnic here. This is one of favorite fun cheap things to do in Ventura.

Surfers Point
Take a short walk up the promenade near the Crowne Plaza Hotel or make it a rest stop on a bike ride and watch surfers and kite surfers in action and sailboats drifting by. Read more about Surfer's Point

Ventura Harbor Village
Enter from Spinaker Road off of Harbor Blvd
On land or water, there are so many  fun cheap things to do here.

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