Photo by Maryann Hammers.

By Maryann Hammers

Ventura is the kind of California beach town you thought didn’t exist anymore: laidback, relaxed, uncrowded, and friendly, with a great wide beach, renowned waves, a scenic harbor, a historic downtown, and a free trolley to cart you around. You’ll always find something going on, from festivals to farmers markets and free concerts. History buffs will want to explore the Old Mission San Buenaventura (founded 1782); architecture admirers will love the quaint old Main Street brick buildings and the town’s stunning City Hall; and foodies will adore all the restaurants along Main Street. It’s easy to get around. It’s a highly walkable town, and a free trolley runs between downtown, the fairgrounds, the beach, several hotels, and Ventura Harbor, Wednesday through Saturday.

 

Convinced? Check out these military offers on accommodations (ocean front!), dining (delish!), and entertaining attractions (fun!) while you’re there.

 

View, anyone? For oceanfront digs, you can’t do better than the Crowne Plaza Hotel, where you wake up and see the sea. (A webcam shows you what it looks like right now.) The hotel sits directly on the beach boardwalk and promenade, so every room has an ocean view. For the most sweeping vistas, ask for a room — the higher the better — facing north. Downstairs, the sophisticated Aqua indoor/outdoor lobby bar opens out to the ocean with comfy overstuffed chairs, sofas, and intimate tables for two or four, with a great munchy menu and Happy Hour offerings. Ask for the Military Discount Program and get a 15-percent discount off the best available rate. Call (805) 652-5107 to learn more.

 

Ventura Harbor boasts an old-fashioned carousel, various souvenir shops, restaurants, and Channel Islands National Park headquarters. Servicemembers get discounts (about 10 percent off) at these harbor shops and restaurants: Barefoot Boutique, Casa de Regalos, Cory Tile Art, Cruzin’ Unique Boutique, The Greek, Harbor Cove Café, Harbor Wind & Kite, Hats Unlimited, Margarita Villa, Ventura Boat Rentals, Ventura Dive & Sport, Tina O’Brien Gallery & Studio, and Treasure Cove.

 

Like fast cars? Head to the Ventura County Fairgrounds Raceway, where you’ll get a $3 discount on admission. Here, “midget” cars, motorcycles, and more take to the track almost every weekend. Or get behind the wheel of a 160-pound high-performance cart with a 10-percent discount at Jim Hall Kart Racing, also located at the fairgrounds at Seaside Park, right across from Surfer’s Point.

 

How about a Channel Islands excursion? With 175 miles of undeveloped shoreline, pristine beaches, and wildlife sightings, the Channel Islands are called “America’s Galapagos.” Getting there is half the adventure: Pods of dolphins ride in your ship’s wake, pelicans and other sea birds soar overhead, and curious sea lions bob along. The real fun comes when you spot the flash of a whale’s tail, an arch of its back or its impressive blows. Island Packers, which provides transportation to the islands, offers active duty servicemembers and anyone over age 55 a discount of up to $6 off the regular adult fare on whale-watching trips, wildlife cruises, and camping on the islands.

 

For a memorable dinner, head to La Dolce Vita in nearby Oxnard’s Heritage Square. Located in a turn-of-the-century Victorian home, the authentic, family-owned, farm-to-table Italian restaurant makes for a perfect romantic dinner, family gathering, or group celebration. (For being such a special setting with such great food, the prices are refreshingly reasonable.) If the weather is warm, you can dine on the cozy front porch. Servicemembers get a 15-percent discount. Call (805) 486-6878 to learn more.

 

Also in Oxnard, flash your military ID for $5 off any show at Elite Theatre Company (or buy one ticket/get one free the first weekend of any show). Get 10 percent off merchandise or green fees at River Ridge Golf Club. Like classic cars? Check out the collection of beautiful vintage vehicles, dating from 1903, at Murphy Auto Museum. Active duty servicemembers with a military ID or who are in uniform get in free.