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City Guide: Ventura

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(credit: Desiree Eaglin)

Known as a quintessential beach town, the city Ventura of is located less than an hour (60 miles) north of Los Angeles and offers a relaxed, small town beach vibe and plenty of things to do and see. Luring day trippers and vacationers alike, Ventura is a city anyone will enjoy.

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(credit: Desiree Eaglin)

Marriot Ventura Beach
2055 E Harbor Blvd
Ventura, CA 93001
(805) 643-6000
www.marriott.com

Centrally located between Downtown Ventura and Ventura Harbors, the Marriot at Ventura Beach is the perfect place to stay while visiting Ventura as you'll easily be able to get around to your favorite activities. The hotel is also just steps from the beach and the San Buenaventura State Beach Park, two of Ventura's top attractions.

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(credit: Desiree Eaglin)

Ventura Pier
750 Harbor Blvd
Ventura, CA 93001
(800) 333-2989
www.ventura-usa.com

Originally built in 1872, The Ventura Pier remains one of California's oldest wooden piers. Taking a stroll on the pier will certainly send you back in time and and hints of California's beaches cities long-ago. With views of the Channel Islands ahead and the rolling hills of Ventura County behind, this experience will leave you breathless.

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(credit: Erin K./Yelp)

Ventura County Fair
10 W Harbor Blvd
Ventura, CA 93001
(805) 648-3376
www.venturacountyfair.org

Home of the famous Ventura County Fair, the fairgrounds are also home to a year round activities such as flea markets, concerts, rodeos, festivals, motorsports, trade shows, dances and tons more. The Ventura County Fairgrounds welcomes thousands of people year round.

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Downtown Ventura
101 California Street
Ventura, CA 93001
(805) 648 2075
www.downtownventura.org

With a wide range of vintage shops, art galleries, fancy boutiques, cool bars and gourmet restaurants, Downtown Ventura is the place to be whether it is day or night. Downtown Ventura is accessible from most parts and offers plenty to do, see and eat.

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Ventura Harbor Village
1583 Spinnaker Dr
Ventura, CA 93001
(805) 477-0470
www.venturaharborvillage.com

A gorgeous stretch of pristine Ventura beach, a harbor full of ships, boats and yachts and over 33 acres of shopping, casual dining and fun to experience is what you can expect from the Ventura Harbor Village. Stroll along the promenade and soak in the California sun, this is what living in California is all about!

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(credit: Desiree Eaglin)

The Wine Rack
14 S. California Street
Ventura, CA 93003
(805) 653-9463
www.thewineracklounge.com

Located in the heart of Downtown Ventura is a great hangout bar that offers over 100 different wine labels. You can take a "wine flight" around the world and taste test wines from all over the globe in just 30 minutes or sit back and relax. The ultra-relaxed setting, excellent wine choices and super friendly staff makes this bar a must see on your Ventura vacation.

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(credit: Desiree Eaglin)

Watermark Restaurant
598 E Main St
Ventura, CA 93001
(805) 643-6800
www.watermarkonmain.com

What was once a bank in the 1920's is now an upscale restaurant with a modern twist. A rooftop lounge named W2O that is made up of blue hues and Downtown Ventura views and a Seafood Raw Bar rounds out the modern twist to the otherwise old world classic. This restaurant is an absolute must and the old 1920's bank vault now houses top shelf liquor as well.

Desiree Eaglin is a lover of food, wine and above all-traveling. She blogs at Sarcastic, Funny and Brutally Honest (link with http://www.DesireeEaglin.com).
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