What better way to connect to nature and the sea than with an inspiring virtual visit to Ventura Harbor Village, one of Southern California’s most iconic seaside visitor destinations off California Highway 101. The coastal enclave is embracing all the senses and gives families and adventure travelers the opportunity to travel outdoors as part of a daily ritual, discover ways to stay connected and tap into a variety of new experiences from the comfort of their own home during challenging times.
“We are stronger together than apart, and the picturesque videos of nature, as well as learning of ways to support small businesses, allows us to link to each other and the sea during stay well at home orders,” says Ventura Port District (VPD) General Manager Brian Pendleton.
One of the best ways to engage is to visit this visually rich destination Virtually Connecting Ventura Harbor Village to Visitors at Home, as part of a new armchair travel experience that takes visitors on a journey that features the best of Ventura Harbor Village. A series of webcams/video of both The Channel Islands National Park (celebrating 40 years in 2020) and Islands Packers, (the official concessionaire to islands with its whale watching wildlife and birding excursions) are top ways to keep the entire family entertained. From a host of five distinct Channel Islands National Park real time webcams, including “Anacapa Islands,” “Ocean Experience,” “Bald Eagles” “Peregrine Falcons” and “Mount Diablo,” Channel Islands National Park to a Channel Islands virtual tour and education experiences: Live Streaming; Virtual Tours; and Educational Experiences; Ventura Harbor Village has you covered.
Perfect for kids of all ages and a great addition to schooling at home, the Channel Islands National Park’s archived broadcasts by park rangers is a sure bet for children seeking something to do on spring break. Video clips showcase the remarkable natural and cultural resources of the islands, its surrounding waters and wild, isolated land and seascapes. It even includes curriculum for 4th, 5th & 6th graders, “Live Hikes,” “What’s in Your Backpack?,” “Seabirds,” and “Chumash” programs will certainly keep kids busy.
In addition, the Village boasts other ways to connect coastally and provides convenient access to all online services and products, including online shopping, takeout dining, and virtual recreation options. Easy navigation makes it simple to order take-out cuisine, purchase gifts for friends – or oneself – and plan future vacation get aways. The next best thing, of course, to being able to be at the Village.
As we all shelter-in-place during this unprecedented time, the Ventura Harbor provides ways to stay connected to the sea, Ventura Harbor, Ventura Harbor businesses and the Channel Islands National Park from the comfort of home. The Ventura Harbor’s primary concern is for the health, safety, and welfare of everyone and want to continue to share ways to stay in touch.
Here are the Village’s top ways to keep the wanderlust alive and Support Small Business:
- Live Streaming: Science has shown how important staying connected to nature is to ensure our mental and physical well-being. This is particularly true with people home-bound, now, and having to practice social distancing. Make Ventura Harbor Live Webcam showing the entrance to Ventura Harbor part of a daily schedule for a healthy, fascinating distraction. Plus you’ll be completely hooked on the multiple live webcams out at the Channel Islands. Everyone could use more joy and Ventura Harbor Village is listing up live streams on Facebook from comedy to live music to brighten your day.
- Virtual Tours: Virtual vacation breaks and getaways may be the perfect fit this Spring! A great place to start is viewing the 25-minute Treasure in the Sea, a visual feast in stunning high-definition narrated by local celebrity and actor, Kevin Costner. The exquisite natural beauty of the Channel Islands is captured perfectly in this wondrous video. You’ll be totally inspired to plan a trip to experience for yourself with Island Packers this fall. Plus, dive into the many virtual tours and videos of Ventura Harbor activities, entertainment, artisans and tours to start planning your summer vacation.
- Educational Experiences: Gather the kids around, and tap the link to Channel Islands Live Archived Programs, a thoroughly absorbing series of videos, graded for youngsters, fourth through sixth grades, explaining the underwater ecosystem of the Channel Islands. There are also segments on subjects related to “What is Kelp?” and the beautiful “California Spiny Lobster.”
- Supporting Small Business: Getting acquainted around the dinner table is even better accompanied by freshly prepared take-out or fresh fish at the much-loved Ventura Harbor Village eateries and fish markets. Residents are realizing that the return of Sunday night dinners, family holiday celebrations are back! In additional to supporting local dining spots, patrons will find it convenient to grab and go, or pick up meals curbside made simple by free parking. Ordering takeout once a week will keep small businesses flourishing. Support your local family of small businesses online via Ventura Harbor Village Shopping. Missing your favorite seaside boutique for Spring Break? Visit online to enjoy sprucing up your wardrobe or home décor this Spring and supporting locally owned small retailers. Purchase gifts for Easter baskets, grab sun shade for walks or time in the yard, or stay healthy with fresh bath products. Purchase a gift card at many of the boutiques listed here for future use or buy a gift or gift card online to thank a friend or loved one. Support local businesses in the many ways offered online, including tagging, sharing posts, sharing favorite memories, joining their E-newsletters.
Armchair travelers are encouraged to post their impressions on social media, tag their favorite video segment and share their photos on Facebook, and Instagram and tag @venturaharbor.
For more information about Virtual Ventura Harbor Village, visit https://www.venturaharborvillage.com/blog/connect-from-home/ Also contact Ventura Harbor Village at 805-477-0470, or visit VenturaHarborVillage.com.
Ventura Harbor Village is located at 1583 Spinnaker Drive in Ventura. Post, share, and like @VenturaHarbor.