It feels like you've traveled back in time when you walk along the streets of downtown Santa Paula. Main Street, with its quaint historical buildings, is the center of an entirely walkable town built on a grid system. The town is sleepy, even midday on a weekend. Mom and pop stores of a Latin flavor abound. At 932 E. Main St, there's an Irish pub called Garman's. There's a red railroad depot and a pretty Danish inn called Glen Tavern Inn. Veterans Memorial Park offers a huge skatepark, a lawn with lovely mountain views, and a toddler playground. California Oil Museum is a fun weekend diversion with a working 1890s oil rig out back. Other than a few Mexican restaurants, there's not much else to do in this town surrounded by citrus and avocado fields and high mountains. I don't recommend the Museum of Ventura County, as it is very musty and there's not much to see. It is in an old red barn and is filled with old tractors. There is one tiny area for kids with a few oranges they can stick on a tree, and there's a cute statue of a cow by the restrooms.

The ocean breeze reaches inland to Santa Paula making this town more pleasant than the roasty towns further in, like Fillmore or Santa Clarita. Drive along Santa Paula Street and enjoy the pretty, historic homes.
Nearby, Fillmore Fish Hatchery makes kids of all ages super happy- it's definitely worth visiting.

Directions

From Highway 101, take Highway 126 inland. Exit at 10th Street in Santa Paula and head north. Turn left on Main Street and park along the road.
Garman's Irish Pub, 932 E. Main St, call (805) 933-4600.

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