News

Ventura Port District Board of Commissioners Approves Emergency Action for Hunga Tonga Tsunami Damages

Photo by Kathy Oleson   Ventura Harbor experienced unpredictable currents and damaging surges following a massive undersea volcanic eruption near Tonga on Saturday, January 14, 2022. As a result, the Ventura Port…

Take to the Great Outdoors with an Island Packers Winter Whale Watching Excursion

Island Packers, the official boat concessionaire to the Channel Islands National Park, has daily departures to the Channel Islands National Park from Ventura Harbor Village and is now offering Winter Whale…

Parade of Lights 2021 Recap

What a stunning weekend it was on the waterfront in Ventura Harbor for Parade of Lights 2021! Here you’ll find a recap of boater participants and prize winners. Thank you so much…

2021 Ventura Harbor Parade of Lights Friday, December 17th & Saturday, December 18th 6:30 PM

The holiday tradition returns this weekend of twinkling lights on the water with fireworks overhead at Ventura Harbor’s 2021 Parade of Lights & Fireworks.

Celebrate Joyous TIDEings Seaside

It’s the most wonderful time of the year and Ventura Harbor invites visitors to celebrate joyous TIDEings with friends and family in true nautical style. Holiday goers from near and far…

Happy Seafood Month

The sun is shining, the sea is glistening, and spiny lobster season is finally here – HAPPY SEAFOOD MONTH!  Let your taste buds determine your next overnight vacay with delicious seafood…

New Owners + New Menu at Baja Bay Surf N’ Taco

Farm to Table Ingredients are on the Menu at Baja Bay Surf N’ Taco Inspired by the coastal cuisine of Ensenada, Baja California, the new owners of Baja Bay Surf N’ Taco in…

Ventura Art & Street Painting Festival Returns to Ventura Harbor

Ventura Art & Street Painting Festival 2021 Celebrating its 12th year, Ventura Art and Street Painting Festival takes place September 11th and 12th, from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., at the Ventura Harbor…

Lifeguards Return to Ventura Harbor Beaches for Summer

As the summer season approaches, daily lifeguard service will be provided at Ventura Harbor beaches along Spinnaker Drive. In a unanimous vote on April 21, the Board of Port Commissioners authorized…

Fish Markets

Channel Islands National Park News Release

Channel Islands Encourages Public Engagement for Proposed Backcountry and Wilderness Management Plan Ventura, CA — On April 26, the National Park Service (NPS) will begin seeking public input on the Channel…

Ventura Port District Announces Key Decision For Ventura Shellfish Enterprise Project

Over the past six years, through two successful Sea Grant awards, the Ventura Port District, in partnership with expert volunteers and consultants, developed extensive research of the Santa Barbara Channel for…

Channel Islands National Park Hosts Over 167,000 Visitors in 2020

Outdoor island experiences provided refuge from the pandemic for over 167,000 visitors to Channel Islands National Park in 2020. Although overall visitation dropped, specific locations within the park had significant increases.…

Whale Watching Excursions Safe and Open

Whale Watching and Excursions to the Channel Islands National Park Safe and Open! Island Packers, family owned and founded in 1968, is the official concessionaire for boat transportation to the Channel…

2021 March Mermaid Month At Ventura Harbor Village

Channel your inner mermaid and take in all things Mermaid during Ventura Harbor Village’s 6th Annual March Mermaid Month, a mer-mazing salute that honors the mystical aquatic creatures of the sea.…

Ventura Harbor’s Annual Dredging Receives a Bump in Congressional Funding

Article Repost from The Log newspaper by Jordan Darling – February 18, 2021 Ventura Harbor began their annual dredging process after the project received almost $6.3 million in funding from congress.…

Channel Islands National Park Safe & Open

Whale Watching and Excursions to the Channel Islands National Park Safe and Open! A winter Whale Watch excursion with Island Packers is a perfect way to gather with family and friends…

More of this in 2021

We’ve all endured a tumultuous year to say the least. However, we will be wiser and stronger with 2020 behind us. In this new year, we hope you make time for…

Seasons Greetings from Ventura Harbor

Ventura Harbor tops the list of magical, coastal destinations you’ll want to visit with your loved ones this holiday season. Not only are the seaside views stunning, but also there is an array…

Road Trippin’ the Coast to Ventura Harbor

On your travels along California’s Central Coast, a stop at Ventura Harbor and Ventura Harbor Village are an absolute must SEA. Come enjoy a host of activities and amenities available year-round:…

Ventura Harbor Halloween

BE-SPOOKED, BEWITCHED & BEDAZZLED AT VENTURA HARBOR THIS HALLOWEEN SEAside Destination Unleashes Tops 5 Ways ToPartake In A Safe SPOOKtacular Season Be-spooked, bewitched and bedazzled at Ventura Harbor Village! This popular…

National Seafood Month

Join Ventura Harbor as we celebrate National Seafood Month! Although delicious seafood is celebrated all year long at Ventura Harbor, we are taking this particularly special time to highlight the Top…

Enjoy Boating Without the Hassle of Owning

Ventura Harbor is home to not one, but two boat clubs located in beautiful Ventura Isle Marina which afford boat lovers a wonderful opportunity to enjoy boating without all the hassles and…

Anacapa Island Dock Replacement

Anacapa Island Dock Planned for Replacement Ventura, CA — Channel Islands National Park Superintendent Ethan McKinley announced today the beginning of the design planning process to replace the existing deteriorating dock at…

Channel Islands National Recognition

A volunteer team that maintains the native plant garden at Channel Islands National Park has received national recognition as the winners of the prestigious National Park Service (NPS) Hartzog Volunteer Group…

Ventura Harbor Increases Sustainability & Ventures into New EV Charging Stations

The Ventura Port District has installed five new SemaConnect charging stations for Ventura Harbor visitors. The new Series 6 charging stations replace a pair of charging stations previously installed at Island…

Summer Whale Watching with Island Packers

Island Packers is happy to announce that Summer Whale Watching excursions have been added to their schedule of trips to the Channel Islands National Park and National Marine Sanctuary. Passengers aboard…

Island Packers Cruises Open for Public Transportation

Island Packers, the authorized boat transportation concessionaire to Channel Islands National Park, is pleased to announce resumption of limited public transportation to the Channel Islands that became effective June 1, 2020 for…

Lifeguard Service Returns to Ventura Harbor Beaches

As beach use starts to peak in June, daily lifeguard service will be provided at Ventura Harbor beaches at Surfers Knoll and Harbor Cove Beach off Spinnaker Drive. In a unanimous…

Five Reasons to be Grateful

As things progress forward, we remain more thankful than ever. It won’t be long before we’re able to fully enjoy seaside attractions like Ventura Harbor Village and the scenic Channel Islands…

Ventura Harbor Retail Stores make it Easier to Stay Calm & Cozy at Home

As the stay-at-home order remains in place, several of Ventura Harbor Village’s retailers offer customers their favorite coastal items through convenient online shops. While staying in, COZY clothes and comforting items…

Ventura Harbor Boat Launch to Reopen with Guidelines

  Boaters will have access to the public launch ramp at Ventura Harbor starting Friday, April 24, 2020 at 12:01 AM with new guidelines in place, the Ventura Port District announced.…

Four Ways to Virtually Connect Seaside

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…

Ventura Harbor Restaurant Take Out Options

Still craving your favorite seaside restaurants at Ventura Harbor while at home? Ventura Harbor has you covered with delicious restaurants featuring a variety of cuisines, as well as seafood markets, now…

Refresh Painting Project Now Underway at Ventura Harbor Village

The Ventura Port District is pleased to announce the recent ReFresh Painting Project at Ventura Harbor Village that is now underway with a scheduled completion date between eight and ten months,…

Our Nation’s 40th National Park Celebrates 40 Years

Forty years ago, on March 5, 1980, Channel Islands National Park was established by Congress as our nation’s 40th national park. This act expanded the former national monument to include five…

Winter Whale Watching Cruises from Ventura Harbor

Ventura Harbor Village Set to Ring in the New Year Seaside Style

New Year’s Eve is about spending time with friends and loved ones to welcome in the New Year. This year uncork the magic at Ventura Harbor Village where celebrations of all…

Celebrate the Wonder and Magic of the Holidays at Ventura Harbor

This holiday season, Ventura Harbor Village will sparkle, dazzle and twinkle in a display of colored eye candy that visitors will find irresistible. Merely being there is certain to brighten spirits…

Ventura Harbor Announces Reopening of Dry Boat Storage

Ventura Harbor’s new Dry Boat Storage has recently been resurfaced and is now open with 88 dry storage spaces which can accommodate 14 to 43- foot size boats year-round. The Ventura…

Todd Mitchell named new business operations manager for ventura port district

The Ventura Port District is pleased to announce the recent addition of Todd Mitchell as Business Operations Manager.  Mitchell comes to the Port District with a Bachelor’s of Science degree, a…

Bowl of Thanks Fundraiser Returns to Ventura Harbor

Ventura County Potters Guild Gallery presents the Third Annual Bowl of Thanks Fundraiser on Sunday, November 3rd from 11am – 4pm at the Ventura Harbor Village. The fundraiser benefits the Humane…

Celebrate National Seafood Month Seaside at Ventura Harbor

It’s National Seafood Month! In Ventura Harbor we celebrate and offer delicious fresh seafood year-round – but since it’s National Seafood Month, here are the Top 6 ways to celebrate (and reasons why!)…

Top this chocolate to celebrate grand opening of ultimate chocolate experience at Ventura Harbor Village

The Ventura Port District hopes getting into the aquaculture sector will help them further diversify their commercial fishing industry.
VENTURA—Imagine this: miles off the coast of Ventura, under the surface, hundreds of dangling ropes teeming with mussels.

Ventura Harbor Navigates Waters of Offshore Aquaculture

The Ventura Port District hopes getting into the aquaculture sector will help them further diversify their commercial fishing industry.
VENTURA—Imagine this: miles off the coast of Ventura, under the surface, hundreds of dangling ropes teeming with mussels.

New Pier and Crane Projects Enhance Visitor Safety and Access

Visitor Improvements Coming to Channel Islands National Park — New Pier and Crane Projects Enhance Visitor Safety and Access.

California Coastal Cleanup Day Sept. 21st

Coastal Cleanup Day is the world’s largest volunteer day to protect our environment. Volunteers from all over the world will do their part to clean local beaches, rivers, creeks and parks…

Ventura Port District to Host Goal Setting Workshop

Ventura Port District is hosting a Goal Setting Workshop with the Board of Commissioners on Saturday, September 14 from 1-5 pm at the Ventura Beach Marriott in Salon III inviting all…

Dazzling Art Featured: Ventura Art and Street Painting Festival Sept. 7th & 8th

The 9th Annual Ventura Art and Street Painting Festival (VASPF) is back at the Ventura Harbor Village this weekend- September 7th & 8th for an amazing weekend to enjoy art, street…

Harbor Village Painting Project

We’re excited to share our current and upcoming projects throughout the Ventura Harbor with you! Check back regularly for updates on the projects we have in motion. For all current and…

Ventura Port District Powers into New Fiscal Year

With the recent approval of a 2019-2020 budget and new leaders on board, the Ventura Port District is moving full steam ahead into the new fiscal year. Under the leadership of…

Make Waves All Summer Long – Ventura Harbor Sea-Sational Summer Activities

As if the stunning backdrop of majestic yachts, idyllic sunsets, and gentle ocean breezes were not enough to entice visitors, add to the mix live weekend entertainment, Waterfront Wednesdays, the summertime…

Take To The Sea With Island Packers New Dinner Cruises

From Blues to Rock, Visitors Enjoy A Stellar Line-Up of Live Entertainment At Sea Ventura, CA – With summer fast approaching, visitors to Ventura Harbor Village, Ventura’s top seaside attraction, can…

Ventura Harbor Village Celebrates 14th Annual Pirates Day

Yo ho, yo ho all ye landlubbers and buccaneers! Ventura Harbor Village is ready to hoist the flag for the 14th annual Pirates Day on Saturday, June 1, 2019 from 11:00am…

Brian Pendleton Announced as New General Manager of Ventura Port District

The Ventura Port District Board of Port Commissioners has announced the appointment and promotion of Brian Pendleton to General Manager of the Ventura Port District at the May 15, 2019  Board…

Ventura Harbor Village Marina Begins Major Transition

On the heels of a major upgrade at its Fish Pier, the Ventura Harbor Village Marina, operated by the Ventura Port District, is making another large investment as one of the…

Ventura Harbor Beaches Replenished for Summer

The annual Ventura Harbor dredge efforts have significantly replenished the scenic harbor public beaches of both Surfers Knoll and Harbor Cove Beach with cleaner sands and more recreation space for harbor…

Oscar Peña Announces Retirement After 20 Years Of Service

After serving a distinguished career with the Ventura Port District in Ventura, California, General Manager, Oscar F. Peña will officially retire April 30, 2019.  Peña has been at the helm of…

Ethan McKinley Selected as Channel Islands National Park Superintendent

Welcome to Ethan McKinley serving as the new superintendent of Channel Islands National Park. McKinley has been serving as the park’s acting superintendent since last July. “Ethan is one of the…

Ventura Harbor Dredging Project Underway

Port District receives additional federal funds this year for the annual dredge program Thanks to generous federal funding, the annual dredging project underway at the Harbor will be much more intensive…

Lifeguards Return to Ventura Harbor Beaches for Summer

Once again this summer, daily lifeguard service will be provided at Ventura Harbor beaches off Spinnaker Drive. In a unanimous vote on Wednesday, March 20, the Board of Port Commissioners authorized…

Ventura Port Commission Announces New Appointments

The Ventura Board of Port Commissioners has new leadership and a new member, the Ventura Port District announced. Commissioner Chris Stephens is now chairman of the five-member board, taking the reins…

Ventura Harbor Boatyard Gets a New Lift

The largest full-service boatyard between Long Beach and San Francisco, Ventura Harbor Boatyard has doubled its lifting capacity with a new boatlift that is now operational. Installed last summer, the brand…

A Majestic Sight – Tall Ships Sail into Ventura Harbor

It’s time to plan an adventure to Ventura Harbor Village as the majestic Tall Ships are voyaging back into town just in time for Valentine’s Day and the Presidential Weekends! Hawaiian…

Warm Yourself Seaside at Ventura Harbor

To capture the warmth of the California sun, there is no better place to head than Ventura Harbor Village off of California’s Highway 101.  Whether it is a first time or…

Channel Islands National Park Islands Accessible to Public during Government Shutdown

During the shutdown of the federal government due to the lapse of appropriations, national parks will remain as accessible as possible while still following all applicable laws and procedures. At Channel…

Ventura Harbor Projects in the Works

Ventura Harbor provides a seaside destination and a navigable harbor that benefits residents, visitors, fisherman, and boaters to enjoy Ventura Harbor’s exceptional facilities, events, and services.
Current Harbor Projects Update

Ventura Harbor Village Painting Project

Ventura Shellfish Enterprise Project Description & Update July 2019

Ancient Sea Cow Fossil Returns to the Mainland from the Channel Islands

The fossil of an extinct species of sea cow discovered on Santa Rosa Island in 2017 returned to the mainland this week, millions of years after its journey to the island.…

Brian Pendleton Promoted to Deputy GM

The Ventura Port District announces the promotion of Brian Pendleton to Deputy General Manager. Hired in June 2015 as Business Operations Manager for the District ─ home to Ventura Harbor and…

Ventura Shellfish Enterprise Site Selection

On September 12, 2018 at 7:00PM the Ventura Port District Board of Port Commissioners will convene in Open Session at the Four Point Sheraton Ballroom, 1050 Schooner Drive, for its Regular…

Ventura Port District sets sights on $4.5 million dock replacement project

Board of Port Commissioners acquire loan through private bank and review agreement for professional services by Noble Consultants. With a vision for a renewed Ventura Harbor Village on the horizon, Ventura Board…

Half a Century Service by Island Packers to the Channel Islands

For a half a century, and through three generations of the Connally family, Island Packers has been providing visitor service to the Channel Islands. Inspired with a vision to share the…

Expansion starts on 40-new guest room at Holiday Inn Express & Suites

The scenic Holiday Inn Express & Suites hotel at Ventura Harbor Resort announces the start of construction on a 40 new guest room expansion to feature ocean views and guest amenities.…

Portside Ventura Harbor to Start Leasing in Summer 2018

The First New Major Development in the Harbor in Three Decades Will Feature Best-In-Class Apartment Residences, Live/Work Units, Shopping, Dining and Outdoor Recreation   VENTURA, Calif. (April 16, 2018) – Portside…

Plans for Sustainable Mussel Farm off Ventura Coast Move Forward

The Ventura Port District is moving ahead with a new project to farm mussels in the ocean off Ventura, an endeavor that would expand sustainable aquaculture and bring diversification and new…

Harbor Projects in Progress

We’re excited to share our current and upcoming projects throughout the Ventura Harbor with you! Check back regularly for updates on the projects we have in motion. For all current and…

Channel Islands National Park

The Channel Islands National Park, referred to as “The American Galapagos,” encompasses five remarkable and remote islands right off the Ventura coast: Anacapa, Santa Cruz, Santa Rosa, San Miguel and Santa Barbara. The Channel Islands and encircling waters are home to over 2,000 plants and animals