Ventura Pier and Promenade

Ventura's pier is a lively area. You can walk along it, and enjoy the ocean breezes (these can be a little too chilly many days of the year) and views out to sea. There's a unique space-age style playground in the sand to the west of the pier! And there are some vendors selling colorful jewelry and knick knacks in the pedestrian square in front of the Colony Plaza Hotel. Walk from here across the bridge and you will come to Downtown Ventura. Better yet, walk along the wide tree-lined boardwalk which leads to the west all the way to Surfer's Point. It's fantastic to listen to the waves break right beside you as you walk along. There are plenty of benches where you can stop and people watch or observe the surfers gliding in on the waves at the popular surf break called C-Street. There is a small park here, Promenade Park, with restrooms, showers, and lots of palms. There are also restrooms in the Colony Plaza hotel.

If you're hungry, I highly recommend Eric Ericsson's Seafood Restaurant, which is at the beginning of the pier, right by the playground. It has two levels and you can eat outside on either level, or inside downstairs by the windows where it's warmer. Either way you'll have an amazing ocean view! The prices are great for seafood with a view- I had delicious trout with rice and fresh string beans and bell pepper for lunch for only $10.95! My son said, "This place tastes great!"
Next to the seafood restaurant, there's a new Taco place that also has great views.
Recently, I ate at C-Street Cafe in the Crowne Plaza Hotel. While it doesn't have a view, there is a nice outdoor area where you can sit- choose the comfy couchs over the metal chairs. The San Miguel Breakfast Wrap is absolutely delicious!
If you get too cold, walk north over the freeway on California Street to Plaza Park and Main Street in Downtown Ventura, where it's more warm and sheltered.
Another cool place to explore in Ventura is Seaward Avenue and the seven jetties, a hip little street with a nice beach for strolling. For a non-beach outing, walk the lovely gardens at Mission San Buenaventura and the amazing plaza with fountain across the street- this is the prettiest area of Ventura.
There is a popular 1.2 mile bike path between Ventura Pier and San Buenaventura Beach, with views of the dunes and sea. It has no shade, and some car noise. 

Directions

You can walk here from downtown. Just follow California Street south toward the ocean! You will come to the pedestrian square in front of the Colony Plaza Hotel, and the promenade. To your left will be the playground in the sand, and the pier.
Click "satellite" to see the area from above!
Or from the 101 Freeway, exit at Seaward Ave, and turn towards the ocean. Turn right onto Harbor Blvd, drive until you come to the Colony Plaza Hotel and park there for $2 an hour- that is the closest parking to the pier. You can get your parking validated if you eat at Eric Ericsson's Seafood Restaurant, or at the cafe in the hotel. Or you can park in one of the free parking lots on Harbor Blvd before you get to the pier or on Harbor Blvd if you continue west all the way to Surfer's Point.

Click on map for interactive view