Over 140 Summer Camps and Programs In and Around Ventura County

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Looking for a summer camp within range of Ventura County? Here's a list of over 140 summer day camps and residential camps and programs in the area.

We've categorized the camps into three main groups; Traditional/Learning, Sports and Music/Arts, though many camps cover numerous fun activities all in one.

Know of more? Submit them here!

No doubt there will be some typos/errors on this list, so let us know if you find one.

Traditional Day Camps, Overnight Camps and Other Camps

Sports Camps

Music/Arts/Science Camps

Wine Tasting Options in Ventura County and Adjacent Areas

According to the Wine Business Analytics, there were 11,654 wineries in the United States in January 2024, 42% of which were in California. These wineries produced 325 million cases of wine in 2023.

So where can we imbibe here in Ventura County and adjacent areas? Here's a compilation.

(Note: Contact us for changes/additions. We have attempted to include only those places that currently offer wine tasting to the general public.)

Agoura Wine & Beer Co. in the Whizin Market Square, 28851 Agoura Road, offers 2 oz and 5 oz pours of all wines offered in the bar. The bar is open daily; hours vary. www.agourawine.com 818.337.8832

Alma Sol Winery wines are poured, on a limited, reservation only basis at Sunland Vintage Tasting Room, 1321 E. Thousand Oaks Blvd, #108, Thousand Oaks www.almasolwinery.com Schedule a tasting appointment on their website.

Back Patio Cellars is located at 930 Flynn Road, Suite F, Camarillo, offering mostly red wines such as Syrah, Zinfandel, Petite Sirah and blends. Open Friday 4-7PM, Sat 1-5M and Sun 1-5PM. www.backpatiocellars.com 805-388-3457

Barrel 33 is a wine bar at 1067 E. Thompson Blvd in Ventura is a wine bar that also serves food. Due to space limitations, they ask that you call in advance at 805-652-1810 for reservations. barrel33.squarespace.com

Beckmen Vineyards is a working vineyard located at 2670 Ontiveros Road, Los Olivos. Wine tasting daily 11am to 5pm. www.beckmenvineyards.com 805.688.8664

Boar Dough Tasting Room at 5015 Cornell Road, Agoura Hills Open Wed through Sun. Hours vary. 818.889.2387 www.boardoughtastingroom.com

Boccali Vineyards and Winery at 3277 E. Ojai Avenue in Ojai. Open for wine tasting weekends from 12-5PM. 805.669.8688. www.boccalivineyards.com

Buddy’s Wine Bar is located at 1786 E. Main Street in Ventura. Open for tastings Wed-Fri 3-10PM, Sat 1-10PM and Sun 1-8PM. www.buddyswinebar.com

Buttonwood Farm Winery and Vineyard at 1500 Alamo Pintado Road in Solvang is open daily 11am to 5pm. Children welcome, as are well-behaved, leashed dogs. 805.688.3032 www.buttonwoodwinery.com

Cantara Cellars has a tasting room at 126 Wood Road, Suite 104 in Camarillo that is open Thursdays 2-8pm, Fridays 2-9pm, Saturdays 1-9pm and Sundays 1-6pm. www.cantaracellars.com 805.484.9600

Cavaletti Vineyards is an artisan winery that produces authentic wines from hand farmed estate vineyards in Ventura and Los Angeles Counties. Cavaletti offers outdoor tastings by appointment on Saturdays and Sundays from noon to 6pm at 165 Poindexter Ave, Suite D, Moorpark. www.cavalettivineyards.com

Cork Dork Wine Bar at 1125 Lindero Canyon Road in Westlake Village offers a selection of high-end wine pours that usually are not available by the glass at restaurants, as well as a full menu of farm-to-table, locally sourced California cuisine and a curated selection of local beers. Open Mon-Sat 4:30-9;30PM. www.corkdorkwinebar.com 818.532.7284

Cornell Winery and Tasting Room is located at 29975 Mulholland Highway in Agoura www.cornellwinery.com. Its tasting room is open noon to 7pm Thursday through Sunday. 818.735.3542

Deep Sea Wine Tasting Room opened at Ventura Harbor Village, 1591 Spinnaker Drive, Suite 115, Ventura in September 2022. Siblings John, Gillian and Tom Conway’s Deep Sea and Conway wines can be enjoyed by-the-glass, by the bottle or in one of the Signature or Reserve Tasting Flights. Chocolate pairings and cheese and meat plates available. Learn more at conwayfamilywines.com or call 805-321-9463.

Fess Parker Winery and Vineyard at 6200 Foxen Canyon Road in Santa Ynez www.fessparkerwines.com 805-688-1545

Firestone Vineyard, 5017 Zaca Station Road in Santa Ynez Open for walk-in tastings 11am-4pm Thursday through Monday. 805.688.3940. www.firestonewine.com

Four Brix Winery is a craft winery with a tasting room open 12-4pm Friday through Sunday at 2290 Eastman Ave, Suite 109, Ventura. 805-256-6006 fourbrixwine.com

Friendly Noise Wines & Ciders is an independent winery with a tasting room at 111 Poindexter Avenue, Suite D, Moorpark. It opened in November 2024. Currently open 4-9pm Friday and noon to 7pm Saturday/Sunday. friendlynoise.com

Gainey Vineyard at 3950 East Highway 246, Santa Ynez Open daily 11am to 5pm. 805.688.0558 www.gaineyvineyard.com

Giessinger Winery & Tasting Room in Fillmore at 365 Santa Clara Street (open Wednesday through Sunday; closed Tuesday; hours vary) 805.524.5000 and 3059 Willow Lane, Westlake Village (open Wed/Sun 2-6PM, Fri/Sat 2-7PM) (805.405.5557) giessingerwinery.com

Happy Accidents is a small batch winery from Santa Barbara with a tasting room located at 607 E. Main Street in Ventura that opened in late 2023. Open 5-8PM Wed, 5-9PM Thu-Fri and 1-9PM Sat/Sun. 805-628-3947 happyaccidents.co

Herzog Wine Cellars at 3201 Camino Del Sol in Oxnard offers tastings daily, except Saturday, herzogwine.com. 805.983.1560

Labyrinth Winery and Tasting Room is located at 607 East Main Street in Ventura www.LabyrinthWinery.com Open Wednesday through Sunday; hours vary. 805.585.2238

Lester Family Cellars Winery and Tasting Room is located at 6650 Crescent Street, #8, Ventura. Open weekends from 1-6PM or by appointment. lesterfc.com 562.714.9465

Lion’s Peak Winery Tasting Room is located in the Northstar Plaza at 1321 E. Thousand Oaks Blvd., Thousand Oaks. Open Thursday through Sunday, 1pm to 6:30pm (7pm on Saturday). https://lionspeakwine.com/tasting-room 805.423.1134

Lucas Sellers Winery operates a tasting room at The Alley in Moorpark at 330 Zachary St #108. Open Tue-Fri 4-9pm, Sat noon-10pm and Sun noon-7pm. Live music on Sat night. www.facebook.com/LucasSellersWine

Magnavino Cellars is located at 961 N. Rice Avenue, Suite 5, Oxnard and its tasting room is open Fri 5-8pm, Sat 12-6pm and Sun 12-6pm. Visit www.magnavino.com or call 805.276.1353

Majestic Oak Vineyard is located at 321 East Ojai Avenue in Ojai. Their tasting room is open daily from noon to 6 pm. No reservations required. Visit majesticoakvineyard.com or call 805.794.0272 for more information.

Mizel Estate Wines is located in Hidden Valley in Thousand Oaks. Mizel offers wine tasting in its stunning vineyard every fourth Saturday of the month. Reserved seatings at 1pm and 2:30pm. Call 805-795-2506 or email info@mizelestate.com to reserve your spot. www.mizelestate.com

NABU Wines offers tastings at 2649 Townsgate Road, Suite 200, Westlake Village and is open for wine tasting daily 12-6PM, Fri/Sat 12PM-11PM with music 8-11PM. Visit nabuwines.com or call 805.778.1100 or 818.835.3704.

Nectar of the Dogs Wine is a Simi Valley based boutique wine company with a tasting room at 791 Chambers Lane, Suite 110 in Simi Valley. Open 3-7pm Thursday, 4-9pm Friday and 12-6pm Saturday/Sunday. www.nectarofthedogswine.com. Visitors must be 21+. No children allowed. Only well-behaved, leashed, service dogs are permitted inside the tasting room.

Oak Creek Ranch Winery is located at 10024 Old Creek Road, Ventura. Located on an 850 acre cattle ranch in the Ojai Valley. oldcreekranch.com 805-649-4132

The Ojai Vineyard Tasting Room is located at 109 S. Montgomery Street, Ojai. Open 7 days a week. Visit ojaivineyard.com or call 805.798.3947.

Pantess Cellars Tasting Room is located at 537 Constitution Avenue, Suite D, Camarillo pantesscellars.com. Tasting room open Fri 6-9pm, Sat/Sun 1-6pm. 805.388.3279

Plan B Wine Cellars is a working winery located at 3520 Arundell Circle, #107, Ventura Open for tastings on weekends from 1-5PM. 805-233-1453

Rancho Ventavo Cellars is at 741 South A Street in Downtown Oxnard 805.483.8084

Roblar Winery is at 3010 Roblar Avenue in Santa Ynez www.roblarwinery.com 805.686.2603

The Naturalist (previously Casa Barranca Organic Winery) is located at 208 East Ojai Avenue in Ojai Tasting room hours are 12-5PM Sun-Thurs and 12-6PM Fri/Sat. www.naturalistwine.com 805.640.1255.

The Stonehaus at 32039 Agoura Road, Westlake Village is open 7 days a week (hours vary) for wine tasting. the-stonehaus.com/wine 818.483.1152

Strey Cellars is located at 951 N. Rice Avenue, Oxnard and is open weekends from noon to 5PM. Visit www.StreyCellars.com or call 805.988.1087.

Sunland Vintage Winery and Tasting Room in Thousand Oaks www.SunlandVintageWinery.com is open Thursdays/Fridays 6-9PM, Saturdays 1-6PM and Sundays 1-5PM. 805.379.2250

Sunstone Winery at 125 North Refugio Road, Santa Ynez is open for walk-in tastings 11 am to 5pm daily, with the last seating at 4PM..www.sunstonewinery.com 805.688.9463

The Barn at Cielo Farms at 31424 Mulholland Hwy, Malibu offers wine tasting Wed through Mon. Reservations required at woodstockmalibu.com/the-barn-tasting-room 424-234-7242

Ventura Wine Co. "The Cave" wine tasting at 4435 McGrath St #301, Ventura thecaveventura.com 

Wades Wines Wine Tasting at 30961 Agoura Road, Ste 321 Westlake Village www.wadeswines.com open Thursday to Sunday.

We Vino Restaurant and Wine Lounge will be soft opening in early 2025 at 31149 Via Colinas #601 in Westlake Village (Lindero Oaks, across the street from the Four Seasons Westlake), offering fine dining and wines. Stay tuned for updates at www.we-vino.com

West Tasting Room is located at 1867 E. Thousand Oaks Blvd in Thousand Oaks. Open Tuesday through Sunday. Hours vary. Showcases wineries from the California, Oregon and Washington. Learn more at www.westtastingroom.com.

Art and Wine Sipping Options

Painting With a Twist in Camarillo

Ventura Spirits at 3891 N. Ventura Ave, #B2A, Ventura has a tasting room that is open for drop-in tastings Mon to Fri 12-5pm; reserved tastings available Fri-Sun.. venturaspirits.com 805.232.4313

HOW ABOUT A BEER!? LOCAL AREA FRESH BREWED BEERS

Wine No More

Gone West Cellars at 5963 Olivas Park Drive, Ste A, Ventura closed in December 2016.

We Olive & Wine Bar Tasting at The Oaks Mall closed permanently in August 2018.

The Tasting Room at River Ridge at River Ridge Golf Club (closed 10/6/17)

SIP Malibu Grapes in Agoura Hills www.sipmalibugrapes.com (SIP was destroyed by the Woolsey Fire of November 2018; but stay tuned at their website for possible rebuilding plans)

VinTura Tasting Room & Wine Rack at 14 S. California Street in Ventura (closed February 2019)

DeLiese Cellars opened a tasting room at 1850 E. Thousand Oaks Boulevard, Thousand Oaks in late December 2016. but closed in March 2021.

The Topa Mountain Winery property in Ojai was acquired by the Ojai Valley Inn but they continue operating online at www.topamountainwinery.com

The Painted Cabernet in Oxnard closed its doors on March 18, 2024.

Very sad to report that the Rosenthal Winery and Tasting Room at 18741 Pacific Coast Highway in Malibu was destroyed by the Palisades Fire in January 2025 Check for updates for future rebuilding plans at www.rosenthalestatewines.com.

Hazardous Waste Disposal and Recycling Programs in Ventura County

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The California Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery (CalRecycle) website highlights common products that we use in our daily lives that contain potentially hazardous ingredients, thus requiring special care when disposed of.

Items that are banned from the trash are as follows:

Lights, Batteries and Electronics

  • Fluorescent light bulbs and tubes ("old school" incandescent bulbs can be thrown in the trash.). Remember that LED light bulbs and holiday light strands are considered hazardous waste and must be disposed off properly. Here’s a Home Depot guide on how to dispose of light bulbs.

  • Batteries of all types and sizes, AAA, AA, C, D, button cell, 9-volt, etc., both rechargeable and single use, as well as lead-acid batteries such as car batteries.

  • Computer and television monitors including cathode ray tube (CRT), liquid crystal diode (LCD), and plasma monitors.

  • Electronic devices including computers, printers, VCRs, cell phones, telephones, radios and microwave ovens.

Household and Landscape Chemicals

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  • Flammables and poisons such as oil-based paints and reactive and explosive materials

  • Acids, oxidizers, and bases including some pool chemicals and cleaners

  • Pesticides and herbicides

  • Paints and Solvents - latex paint, oil-based paint, non-empty aerosol paint and solvent cans, and solvents such as paint thinners, nail polish remover, etc.

  • Building materials that contain asbestos and wood treated with chromium copper arsenate.

  • Automobile items including antifreeze, batteries, motor oil and filters and tires (tires are not considered hazardous but are banned from the trash for other reasons).

  • Items Containing Mercury including electrical switches and relays in old appliances, old style thermostats, pilot light sensors in some gas appliances, some gauges and mercury thermometers.

  • Other items such as propane tanks, hypodermic needles, syringes, expired/unwanted medications etc.

So what to do with these items? Recycle and reuse them! Here are some local Ventura County resident options:

The City of Thousand Oaks has a Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) Disposal Facility with details at toaks.gov/hhw. Appointments are required for HHW drop-offs. Materials accepted during regular operating hours include household items like aerosol sprays, nail polish, used frying oil, etc., items in the garage like antifreeze, brake fluid, oil, etc., as well as things like paint thinners, fertilizers, pesticides, etc. Click the link above for more detailed information.

City of Thousand Oaks battery recycling centers listed at toaks.gov/hhw. Dropoff options as of January 2025 include Borchard Community Park (front entrance), Dos Vientos Community Center (front lobby), Goebel Senior Center (front lobby), Thousand Oaks Library (both entrances), Newbury Park Library (front entrance), Thousand Oaks City Hall (front entrance), Thousand Oaks Community Center (front entrance) and Thousand Oaks Transportation Center (lobby).

Thousand Oaks area computer and electronics recycling centers at toaks.gov/e-waste.

Unwanted and/or expired medications can be dropped off throughout Ventura County at designated police stations. Details at THIS LINK.

Medications and needle and sharps disposal locations in Thousand Oaks at toaks.gov/medsandsharps

The City of Westlake Village offers free monthly hazardous waste collection service via Waste Management. www.wlv.org/faq.aspx?TID=25

City of Simi Valley hazardous Waste Drop-Off Program on six Saturdays per year at THIS LINK.

City of Simi Valley household battery recycling options at THIS LINK includes Simi Valley Public Library, G.I. Industries/Waste Management and Anderson Rubbish.

City of Camarillo hosts household hazardous waste program drop-off events on the 2nd consecutive Friday/Saturday of each month. View upcoming dates and make appointments at www.cityofcamarillo.org/residents/trash___recycling/hazardous_waste.php.

Cities of Oxnard and Port Hueneme household hazardous waste collection events www.oxnard.org/household-hazardous-waste

Cities of Oxnard and Port Hueneme Antifreeze, Batteries, Oil and Paint Recycling www.ci.port-hueneme.ca.us/index.aspx?NID=1022

City of Moorpark hazardous waste drop-off events www.moorparkca.gov/150/Hazardous-Waste

Ventura County needle collection facilities crma.org/home-generated-sharps

City of Ventura hazardous waste collection events www.cityofventura.ca.gov/2103/Household-Hazardous-Waste-HHW-Events

City of Ojai hazardous waste collection options at THIS LINK (pdf doc)

Hazardous waste collection in Calabasas at THIS LINK.

Hazardous waste collection in Agoura Hills at THIS LINK.

Craft Breweries with Onsite Tasting Rooms In and Around Ventura County and Adjacent Areas

According to the Brewers Association, there were 9,761 craft breweries operating at the end of 2023 in the U.S., which is over five times the total in 2010. As of December 2023, there were 2,092 microbreweries, 3,511 brewpubs, 3,771 taprooms, and 261 regional craft breweries in the U.S.

A craft brewer is defined as being small (annual production of 6 million barrels of beer or less), independent and traditional (flavors derived mostly from traditional or innovative brewing ingredients).

We've seen and experienced this growth in and around Ventura County, so how about if we summarize them right here! This list includes local craft breweries with onsite tasting rooms ranging from the Conejo Valley out just past Ventura County into Carpinteria.

Conejo Valley (Westlake Village, Thousand Oaks, Agoura Hills)

14 Cannons Brewery and Showroom opened at 31125 Via Colinas, Suite 907 in Westlake Village in September 2017, featuring a handful of freshly brewed craft beers as well as an actual brewery showroom. www.14cannons.com 818.652.6971

Figueroa Mountain Brewing Company opened its Westlake Village taproom at The Shoppes at Westlake, 30770 Russell Ranch Road, in December 2015. Offers craft beers brewed onsite as well as at other locations in Santa Barbara. Also a full-service restaurant with indoor/outdoor seating. Open daily. www.figmtnbrew.com 818.874.1305

Tarantula Hill Brewing Company opened in July 2019 at 244 E. Thousand Oaks Boulevard, Thousand Oaks. They offer numerous brews on tap, along with several ciders and wine. Fantastic outdoor patio, wood-fired, organic pizzas, sandwiches, salads, tacos, appetizers, fresh ice cream and more. tarantulahillbrewingco.com 805.538.1191

Pedals & Pints Brewing Company is located in The Oaks mall east parking lot, between Olive Garden and Bank of America. Along with fresh brewed beer, Pedals & Pints offers artisan pizzas, delicious crispy baked tater tots loaded with flavor, wings and other small plates. www.pedalsandpintsbrewing.com

Naughty Pine Brewing Co. opened its doors on September 25, 2021 at 767 Lakefield Road, Unit A in Westlake Village. This 2,200 sq ft microbrewery and tasting room offers classic and contemporary beers. They also offer live entertainment and trivia nights. www.naughtypinebrewingco.com

Naughty pine brewing co. on lakeview drive, just east of hampshire road in westlake village

Ventura

Topa Topa Brewing Company is a microbrewery with taprooms at its headquarters location at 4880 Colt Street in Ventura (805.535.4366) (also a nice outdoor beer garden area with tables, cornhole and food trucks) and at 104 E. Thompson Boulevard in Ventura. www.topatopa.beer 805.628.9255

Poseidon Brewing Company opened its tasting room on August 11, 2014 at 5777 Olivas Park Drive, Unit Q, Ventura and is open Tuesday through Sunday.www.poseidonbrewingco.com 805.477.0239 Also a dog-friendly tasting room.

MadeWest Brewing Company opened in January 2016 and is located at 1744 Donlon Street, Ventura, offering a variety of craft beers, plenty of indoor/outdoor seating, food trucks and more. www.madewest.com 805.947.5002 MadeWest also operates a taproom on the Ventura Pier.

Ventura Coast Brewing Co. is at 76 S. Oak Street in Downtown Ventura. Offers indoor/outdoor patio seating, flights, 4 and 16 ounce pours of its creations. Open 7 days a week. www.vcbc.beer

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Leashless Brewing opened in July 2017 at 585 E. Thompson Blvd, Ventura, offering organic, Belgian style ales. Over 10 beers on tap. www.leashlessbrewing.com. Open Mon-Thu 4-10pm, Fri 3-11pm, Sat noon to 11pm and Sun noon to 9pm. 805.628.9474

Transmission Brewery and Tasting Room opened in January 2020 at 1098 East Front Street, Ventura, offering 15 different beers on tap. transmissionbrewing.com

Seaward Brewing is open at 1920 Goodyear Ave., Suite D, Ventura. Seaward is a microbrewery offering craft beer brewed onsite with 10 rotating taps. Food trucks available on weekends. Food can be brought in. Family and pet friendly! Hours are Tue-Thu 3-9pm, Fri 3-10pm, Sat Noon-10pm and Sun noon-7pm. www.seawardbrewing.com

A second Rincon Brewery (the original one is in Carpinteria) is open at 4100 Telegraph Road, Ventura. Follow their Facebook at www.facebook.com/pg/rinconbreweryventura and visit rinconbrewery.com/ventura-location. 805.676.0020 Open Sunday to Thursday, 11am to 9pm and Friday/Saturday 11am to 10pm.

Bellringer Brewing Co. premiered on February 18, 2023 at 472 E. Main Street, Ventura (formerly Anacapa Brewing Co.), offering its own selection of brews and guest beers from other local breweries. They also offer a menu that includes burgers, tacos, hot dogs, salads and more. Open M/W/Th noon to 8pm, Fri noon to 10pm, Sat 11am to 10pm and Sun 11am to 8pm. 805-643-2337 bellringerbrewco.com

Bright Spark Brewing opened in November 2022 and is located at 4561 Market Street, Ventura in the space previously occupied by Concrete Brewing and Surf Brewing. Offers a selection of 10 of its own brews plus some guest taps. Their menu includes salads, burgers, pizzas, sandwiches and more. 805-322-8884 www.brightsparkbrewing.com

Camarillo, Oxnard

Institution Ale Company is a microbrewery and tasting room at 3841 Mission Oaks Boulevard in Camarillo. Food offered includes artisan flatbread pizzas and soft baked pretzels. Indoor seating with 7 TVs, game room and outdoor patio area with fire pit. institutionales.com 805.482.3777

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Casa Agria Specialty Ales is a small brewery located at 701 N. Del Norte Boulevard, Suite 310 in Oxnard, brewing up a handful of specialty beers since February 2015. There is now a small onsite tasting room open to the public Thursday through Sunday. www.casaagria.com 805.485.1454

Red Tandem Brewery is a nanobrewery featuring 7 high quality ales brewed onsite to customers at its tasting room at 109 Harbor Boulevard, Oxnard Shores at Channel Islands Harbor. Founded in September 2014 and opened in May 2016. Open Wednesday through Sunday. www.redtandembrewery.com 805.236.2105

Twisted Oak Tavern opened at 2433 Ventura Boulevard, Camarillo in the historic J.F. Lewis & Sons - 1916” building) on Monday, June 15, 2020. www.twistedoaktavern.pub

Flat Fish Brewing is a brewery co-owned and located with Cantara Cellars at 126 N. Wood Road, #104 in Camarillo. Taproom offers both beers (9 of them at last count) and wines. Currently open Wednesday through Sunday. flatfishbrewing.com 805.484.9600

Topa Topa Brewing Company also has a tasting room in Old Town Camarillo at 2024 Ventura Blvd, just east of Cedar. www.topatopa.beer 805.702.4091 Open daily.

Wagon Wheel Brewing Company opened May 4, 2023 at 2601 Wagon Wheel Road, Suite 15 in Oxnard. Wagon Wheel offers nine exclusive brews and another 11 collaborative and guest beers from other local breweries. They have a full menu, including burgers, sandwiches, salads and more. www.wagonwheelbrewingcompany.com 805.351.0449

Moorpark, Simi Valley

Enegren Brewing Company opened in July 2011 in Moorpark and is now located at 444 Zachary Street, #120 at The Alley where they operate up to a dozen taps.  www.enegrenbrewing.com 805.552.0602

Angry Ferret Brewing opened in mid-2021 at 11990 Hertz Street in Moorpark, specializing in English, Irish, Scottish beers. Open 3:30-10PM Mon-Fri, Noon-10PM Sat and Noon-7PM Sun. www.angryferretbrewing.com 805.209.5963

Other Local Cities

The Ojai Valley Brewery and Tap Room is located at 307 Bryant Street in Ojai. The taproom is open daily. ojaivalleybrewery.com 805.798.9282

Rincon Brewery at 5065 Carpinteria Avenue in Carpinteria is a craft brewery and restaurant open 7 days a week. rinconbrewery.com 805.684.6044

Institution Ale Company in Camarillo brewery/taproom has a 2nd taproom at 516 State Street, Santa Barbara. Open 7 days a week. Food offered includes artisan flatbread pizzas and soft baked pretzels. Indoor seating with 10 TVs, outdoor patio area and extended back room area. institutionales.com 805.482.3777

Island Brewing Company has been brewing in Carpinteria since July 2001 at 5049 Sixth Street (Linden at the railroad tracks). Its open redwood beam tasting room was originally built as a packing house for lemons and citrus. Open 7 days a week. www.islandbrewingcompany.com 805.745.8272

BrewLAB is an artisanal nano-brewery located at 4191-8 Carpinteria Avenue in Carpinteria. Tasting room is open Thursday through Sunday. www.brewlabcraft.com 949.922.9152

Topa Topa Brewing Company in Ventura also has a tasting room in Ojai at 345 E. Ojai Ave. www.topatopa.beer 805.798.9079 Open daily.

Red Engine Brewing Company is now open at 803 Ventura Street (Hwy 126) in Fillmore. This is a firefighter-owned, family operated brewery that will offer handcrafted beer, artisan pizzas and (soon) charcuterie boards. redenginebrewing.com 805.823.5479

Malibu Brewing Company Taproom & Eatery is located at Trancas Country Market, 30745 E. Pacific Coast Highway in Malibu. They offer 22 taps, with a selection of lagers and ales, food, wine, and more. Open daily at 11 a.m. www.brewmalibu.com 310.684.2408

Other Options on Tap

(Some additional craft beer tasting options in the area are highlighted below. These establishments serve local craft beers on tap from other breweries and/or produce the beer elsewhere. We have included on this list bars/taverns serving at least a dozen craft beers on tap.)

Conejo Valley

Bottle & Pint is a specialty craft beer store and taproom at 1714 Newbury Road, Suite G, Newbury Park. Open seven days a week, they have a revolving list with 20 beers on tap. Bring your own food or have it delivered. 805.480.9500 www.instagram.com/bottleandpint

The Crown and Anchor at 2891 E. Thousand Oaks Blvd, Thousand Oaks has 17 draft beers and ciders on tap, serves food, lots of TVs and periodic live entertainment. www.crownnanchor.com 805.497.0070

Boney Mountain Pizza Co., located at 722 N. Wendy Drive, Newbury Park, has 25 beers on tap, including a variety of craft beers. www.facebook.com/BoneyMountainPizzaCo 805.498.6511

Finney's Crafthouse & Kitchen is located at the Westlake Plaza, 982 S. Westlake Boulevard, Westlake Village. They serve 30 craft beers on tap. www.finneyscrafthouse.com 805.230-9950

Wades Wines at 30961 Agoura Road, Suite 321, Westlake Village offers over 50 beers on tap, wine tasting and thousands of other spirits for sale and tasting. Retail store is open daily. Tasting is open Thursday through Sunday. www.wadeswines.com 818.597.9463

Other Local Cities

Bottle & Pint has a 2nd location at The Annex, a cool food "court" area within The Collection at RiverPark in Oxnard.

Barrelhouse 101 at 545 E. Thompson Blvd, Ventura has an insane number of craft and micro beers on tap...over 100. Open daily with full menu. www.barrelhouse101.com 805.643.0906

Finney's Crafthouse is also located at 494 E. Main Street in Ventura, They serve 30 local craft beers on tap. www.finneyscrafthouse.com 805.628.3312 Their newest location at The Promenade section of the Camarillo Premium Outlets opened in January 2023. 805.702.0010

The Golden Nugget Pub at 4435 Cochran Street, Simi Valley, offers 30 beers on tap at this dive bar established in 1964. www.goldennuggetpub.com (805) 583-9715

The Local Beer & Wine Bar is located at 795 Camarillo Springs Road in Camarillo, Suite E. It is open daily at noon (11am on Sundays). 16 rotating taps are offered. thelocalcamarillo.com

The Dugout Sports Grill serves about 22 taps of beer along with cocktails, food and 32 TVs at 109 W. Cochran Street, Simi Valleywww.thedugoutsimi.com 805.955.9200

Winchesters Grill & Saloon at 632 East Main Street in Ventura has over 30 beers on tap, mostly craft types. They also have a full menu and full bar. www.winchestersgrill.com 805.653.7446

Yard House at The Collection at Riverpark in Oxnard has well over 100 beers on tap of all varieties.  www.yardhouse.com/locations/ca/oxnard/oxnard-the-collection-at-riverpark/8349 805.981.8707

Two Trees Restaurant and Taps is located at 7822 Telegraph Road in Ventura, serving up 28 beers on tap along with full breakfast, lunch and dinner menus. www.twotreesrestaurantandtaps.com 805.659.3365

Fluid State Beer Garden, located at 692 E. Main Street, Ventura, offers craft beers, sourdough pizzas and more. www.fluidstatebeer.com 805.628.3107

LOOKING FOR WINE? CLICK HERE FOR LOCAL WINE TASTING OPTIONS

NIGHTLIFE OPTIONS IN AND AROUND VENTURA COUNTY

Beer No More

Darryl's Couch was a craft beer bar located at 795 Camarillo Springs Road in Camarillo.  www.darrylscouch.com They closed on Sunday, March 11, 2018, after operating for 5 1/2 years. Now located there is The Local Beer & Wine Bar.

Surf Brewery was the first packaging craft brewery in Ventura County when it opened in June 2011. It closed in early 2018. Now operating at this location is Concrete Jungle Brewing.

Westlake Brewing Company opened its small volume brewery in early 2016 at 31111 Via Colinas #200, Westlake Village. The taproom closed its doors in June 2019.

The Dudes' Brewing Company Tasting Room opened at Janss Marketplace in Thousand Oaks on July 15, 2016 and closed March 1, 2020 to refocus efforts on other locations.

Tap’d Ventura operated at 546 E. Main St, serving 43 taps of craft beer. Closed in the Fall of 2019.

Concrete Jungle Brewing was located at 4561 Market Street in Ventura in the former Surf Brewing location. Closed in mid-2020.

Cask Alehouse was located at 5952 Telegraph Road in Ventura (at Victoria), and offered a rotating selection of 32 beers on draft. Established in December 2016. Closed in 2020.

McGregor's Craft Beer and Wine was a tasting room/bottle shop at 144 W. Los Angeles Avenue #105 in Moorpark, with 16 rotating taps. Established in 2016. Closed in September 2020.

Draughts Restaurant & Bar at 398 N. Moorpark Road, Thousand Oaks closed in mid-August 2021.

Twisted Oak Tavern opened in 2015 at 30105 Agoura Road, Agoura Hills, offering a full gastropub experience with a full lunch/dinner menu and over 30 craft beers on tap made onsite. It closed on January 16, 2022 but its newer Camarillo location remains open.

Five Threads Brewing Company at 31133 Via Colinas, Suite 109, Westlake Village opened in October 2015. Offers fresh brewed craft beers in its tasting room seven days a week. www.fivethreadsbrewing.com 805.457.5990 FIVE THREADS’ LAST DAY OPEN WAS 1/30/22.

Anacapa Brewing Company opened its doors in 2000 with a seasonal rotation of over 25 beers in this full service restaurant/brewery in the heart of Downtown Ventura. Their last day open was Sunday, October 30, 2022 after 20 years in business.

Tavern Tomoko and Ladyface Brewery (formerly Ladyface Alehouse & Brasserie), the Conejo Valley's first microbrewery and brewpub, opened in November 2009 at 29281 Agoura Road, Agoura Hills. Sadly, they closed their doors on 12/22/24.

Eureka Brewing Company tasting room at Janss Marketplace in Thousand Oaks closed its doors in January 2025.

Guide to Finding Family Friendly Bike Paths In and Around Ventura County

As a casual cyclist with young kids I usually steer clear of riding on busy streets, particularly those that don't have any type of bike lane on them. Thankfully there are nearly 80 miles of bikeways in Thousand Oaks, including 3 miles of bike paths, 20 miles of bike lanes and 54 miles of marked bike routes.  

Bike routes are shared with vehicles

Bike routes are shared with vehicles

Class I Bike Paths are separate from auto traffic and thus are great for family friendly cycling. Class II Bike Lanes are striped, painted and shared lanes adjacent to automobile lanes. Class III Bike Routes are marked by green signs that signify sharing with autos.

We also love taking our bikes to other places in and around Ventura County to enjoy other sights and surroundings. So how about if we highlight Class I Bike Paths throughout Ventura County, stretching from Thousand Oaks to Ventura.

Conejo Valley

The Conejo Creek Bike Path is a 1.2 mile path in the heart of Thousand Oaks that connects Gainsborough Road on the south to Conejo Creek Park and the Thousand Oaks Library. This is a nice, flat path, good for kids.

Another access point to the Conejo Creek Bike Path on La Granada Drive.

Another access point to the Conejo Creek Bike Path on La Granada Drive.

There is another Thousand Oaks bike path, the .5 mile Greenmeadow Drive connector bike path accessible on the west at Greenmeadow and Yellowstone, on the south side of Los Robles Greens. This is not a particularly interesting path but it does enable cyclists and walkers a path around the golf course to the Los Robles trailhead and Moorpark Road from Newbury Park. A bit hilly, too.

Entrance to Greenmeadow Avenue connector bike path in Thousand Oaks

Entrance to Greenmeadow Avenue connector bike path in Thousand Oaks

There is also the .8 mile bike path on the north side of The Oaks mall as well as the .5 mile Read Road Connector path accessible off of Olsen Road just east of the 23 freeway.

Sign at the Read Road connector path on Olsen Road east of 23 Freeway.

Sign at the Read Road connector path on Olsen Road east of 23 Freeway.

Medea Creek Natural Park has hiking, biking and fitness trails that stretch from Calle Rio Vista and Oaks Hills Drive in Oak Park on the north, then south past Medea Creek Lane and Conifer Street to a cul de sac entrance to the park at the west terminus of Tamarind Street. About a mile to mile and a half of paths, including paved and dirt paths.

Nicely paved path at Medea Creek Natural Park in Oak Park

Nicely paved path at Medea Creek Natural Park in Oak Park

Ventura

My personal favorite bike path in Ventura County is the Omer Rains Trail that runs the entire length of San Buenaventura State Beach.

Senator Omer Rains Ventura Oceanfront Bikeway Sign on Main Street next to Ventura Beach RV Resort

Senator Omer Rains Ventura Oceanfront Bikeway Sign on Main Street next to Ventura Beach RV Resort

We park the car at Marina Park in Ventura and ride a short distance north on Pierpont Blvd to the bike path entrance. This oceanfront path takes you past the Ventura Pier, through the Promenade area, adjacent to the Ventura County Fairgrounds, Emma Wood State Beach and beyond. Or you can get to the path from anywhere along the Ventura Promenade area.

Bike path along San Buenaventura State Beach.

Bike path along San Buenaventura State Beach.

Omer Rains Bike Path near Ventura Beach RV Resort on Main St.

Omer Rains Bike Path near Ventura Beach RV Resort on Main St.

Nice, newer paved section of Ventura beachfront bike path near Surfers Point.

Nice, newer paved section of Ventura beachfront bike path near Surfers Point.

The Ventura River Trail is a 6.3 mile asphalt pedestrian and bike path that follows the old Southern Pacific Railroad right-of-way from Main Street in Ventura to Foster Park inland towards Ojai. You can easily connect from the Omer Rains Trail to the Ventura River Trail up to the Ojai Valley Trail for quite a long, nearly automobile-free ride.

The Ventura Harbor Bike Path takes you 1.2 miles from Market St and Arundell Ave in midtown Ventura southwest through farmland to E. Harbor Boulevard and Schooner Drive, near Four Points by Sheraton.

Bike path from midtown Ventura to the Harbor is not the most exciting path but it is a convenient way to ride to Ventura Harbor, Marina Park and adjacent areas.

Bike path from midtown Ventura to the Harbor is not the most exciting path but it is a convenient way to ride to Ventura Harbor, Marina Park and adjacent areas.

The La Conchita Bike Path between Rincon Point at the Ventura/Santa Barbara County Line adjacent to Highway 101 past La Conchita to Mobil Pier Road in Ventura was completed in September 2014. This path has leapfrogged into my own personal favorite in Ventura County because of its spectacular beach views. This is about 4 miles of bike path in the Oil Piers Beach to Mussel Shoals to La Conchita Beach to Rincon Point beach areas.

Bike paths rarely get better than this stretch along the southbound 101 and the Pacific Ocean in Ventura.

Bike paths rarely get better than this stretch along the southbound 101 and the Pacific Ocean in Ventura.

There's another short stretch of bike path at the east end of Navigator Drive that goes west, then south, around the Ventura West Marina.

Entrance to short bike path adjacent to Ventura West Marina.

Entrance to short bike path adjacent to Ventura West Marina.

There is a two mile biking and hiking on the east side of the lake at the Lake Casitas Recreation Area, 11311 Santa Ana Road, Ventura. The path starts at picnic area #1 and follows the east shoreline of the lake for a four mile round trip ride. The path is paved in the recreational area and becomes a dirt road outside of that. More information at www.casitaswater.org/recreation/amenities/bike-trail.

Ojai

The Ojai Valley Trail is a 9 to 10 mile trail that parallels Highway 33 from Foster Park on the outskirts of west Ventura, to Soule Park in Ojai. It connects to the Ventura River Trail.

The Ojai Trail runs parallel to Ventura Ave/Ojai Ave.

The Ojai Trail runs parallel to Ventura Ave/Ojai Ave.

Simi Valley

The Arroyo Simi Bike Path is a two lane bike path in Simi Valley that runs from Madera Road, just south of Easy Street on the west, ending at Tapo Street on the east. Over seven miles.

Arroyo Simi Bike Path/Trail in Simi Valley.

Arroyo Simi Bike Path/Trail in Simi Valley.

Camarillo

We enjoy the newer, flat roughly 2 mile Calleguas Creek bike path from Pleasant Valley Fields up to the corner of Flynn and Upland Roads in Camarillo. Quick access from the Conejo Valley and a nice, relatively easy path good for all ages.

Look at how nice and flat this bike path adjacent to Calleguas Creek is!

Look at how nice and flat this bike path adjacent to Calleguas Creek is!

Other Areas

There's an online bike map available on the Ventura County Transportation Commission website at www.goventura.org where you can find other Class I, II and II bike paths around the county. Here are some of them.

The Santa Paula Bike Trail takes you roughly 3 miles on the east near W. Main St and Peck Rd to (roughly) Dike Road on the west

The Fillmore Bike Path runs from south of Highway 126 (Telegraph Road) up past Shiell Park.

In Moorpark there's a .5 mile path at Country Trail Park, around the neighborhood to the west, back to Mountain Trail Street.

There's a bike path that starts at the ocean side of Oxnard Beach Park and takes you south all the way to Hollywood Beach and Channel Islands Harbor. Cross Harbor Boulevard and make your way into Channel Islands Harbor, where you can ride all the way to the south end of the harbor.

Bike path near Oxnard Beach Park and Channel Islands Harbor.

Bike path near Oxnard Beach Park and Channel Islands Harbor.

In Port Hueneme there's a bike path that starts off of Bard Rd, west of South J St, through Richard Bard Running Springs Park and takes you southwest all the way to Hueneme Beach.

If you're willing to venture a bit further away from Ventura County, the Marvin Braude Coastal Bike Path stretches over 20 miles, from Will Rogers State Park in Pacific Palisades to Torrance. Flat, adjacent to the ocean, and so many things to do along the way!

Marvin Braude Coastal Bike Path in Pacific Palisades

Marvin Braude Coastal Bike Path in Pacific Palisades

That should be enough to get you started! Looking for local cycling clubs? Find some of them at this link.

Compilation of Great Trails and Hikes In and Around Ventura County

TrailSign1.JPG

Looking for a good hike around Ventura County and nearby areas? We've highlighted a number of our favorite hikes in the Do Something section of Conejo Valley Guide.

HIKE TO A CONEJO VALLEY BENCH WITH A VIEW

HIKE TO AUTOMOTIVE RELICS IN THE CONEJO VALLEY OPEN SPACE

SEVEN FLAT, STROLLER FRIENDLY TRAILS IN THE CONEJO VALLEY

DOG-FRIENDLY TRAILS IN THE SANTA MONICA MOUNTAINS

Reminder: Please refrain from using the trails during rain events and afterwards, until they have dried. Doing otherwise causes damage to the trails.

Lone Oak at Rancho Sierra Vista/Satwiwa

Lone Oak at Rancho Sierra Vista/Satwiwa

Rancho Sierra Vista/Satwiwa in Newbury Park

Fossil Trail Loop in the Boney Mountain Wilderness

Oakbrook Vista Trail in Thousand Oaks

Rancho Potrero Open Space in Newbury Park

Wildwood Park in Thousand Oaks

Lynnmere Trail in Thousand Oaks (south of Wildwood Park)

Conejo Canyons Open Space (Western Plateau)

Tarantula Hill Hike in Thousand Oaks

Arroyo Conejo Trail in Thousand Oaks

Sunset Hills Trail in Thousand Oaks

Conejo Ridge Open Space in Thousand Oaks

North Ranch Open Space in Thousand Oaks/Westlake Village

Wishbone Trail in the North Ranch Open Space - Westlake Village

Hillcrest Open Space Preserve in Thousand Oaks

Powerline Trail in Newbury Park to Conejo Mountain

Lake Eleanor Open Space Hike in Westlake Village

Conejo Valley Botanic Garden in Thousand Oaks

Triunfo Creek Park in Westlake Village

Potrero Ridge Trail in Newbury Park

Marview Drive Trail in Thousand Oaks

Pentachaeta Trail and Westlake Vista Trail in Westlake Village

Rabbit Hill (Knoll Open Space) in Newbury Park

Hike to the Cross in the Hills Above Cal Lutheran in Thousand Oaks

Lynnmere Open Space views to the west.

Lynnmere Open Space views to the west.

Views from the Ray Miller Trail in Malibu.

Danielson Road trail in the Boney Mountain Wilderness.

Danielson Road trail in the Boney Mountain Wilderness.

Views of Simi Valley from the peak of Mt. McCoy in Simi Valley.

Views of Simi Valley from the peak of Mt. McCoy in Simi Valley.

Sunset Hills Trail in Thousand Oaks.

Sunset Hills Trail in Thousand Oaks.

Tree encampment along Los Padres Trail in Thousand Oaks.

Tree encampment along Los Padres Trail in Thousand Oaks.

Birthday Party Places In and Around Ventura County

Trying to figure out what to do for your kids' birthday parties in and around Ventura County? We've got you covered with this compilation of over 150 birthday party options in and around Ventura County, spanning from Ventura to Camarillo, Thousand Oaks, Moorpark, Simi Valley, Westlake Village, Newbury Park and surrounding areas. We have categorized venue by "type" as best we can.  Contact us if you have something to add!