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Ventura today is a center of agriculture and oil production, yet it retains its link to the ocean with beaches, a public pier and marinas. If you plan to work on your tan, check out the beach chair and umbrella rentals. Ventura lies on a scenic stretch of US 101.
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Ventura also serves as the gateway to Channel Islands National Park. The Robert J. Lagomarsino Visitor Center in Ventura Harbor at 1901 Spinnaker Drive, offers hands-on exhibits, panoramic views, island literature and a 25-minute film describing the Channel Islands.
Visitor Centers
Ventura Visitors & Convention Bureau 101 S. California St. Ventura, CA 93001. Phone:(805)648-2075 or (800)333-2989
Shopping
Downtown Ventura offers a plethora of art galleries, antiques stores, boutiques and historic sites and museums. Pacific View Mall, 3301 E. Main St., contains JCPenney and Macy's among its 150 establishments. Ventura Harbor Village, on Spinnaker Drive about one-half mile west of Harbor Boulevard, offers forty-plus specialty shops and eateries, as well as a carousel and free entertainment on the weekends.