How to plan a fun filled visit to Camarillo, California
Planning a visit to Camarillo, California? When visiting a new city I look for a few key things: A great cup of coffee, something yummy to eat, definitely ice cream, cute shops, fun activities, historical must-sees, and gorgeous views. Camarillo has all of these!
Most known for it’s agriculture, the Camarillo Ranch and the Camarillo Premium Outlets, it’s a wonderful place to live. Nestled at the foot of the Conejo Mountains it’s sunny almost all year round. You’ll find a wonderful sense of community in Camarillo. From friendly people to the charm of Old Town you’ll love the small town feel of this city.
About an hour drive from Los Angeles, it’s just 15 miles from the Pacific Ocean! Coming from LA my favorite route to take to Camarillo is the Pacific Coast Highway so I can enjoy the ocean views all the way home.
Having lived in Camarillo for eight years, if I only had one day in Camarillo it would be pretty hard to narrow it down! Whether you come for the day or stay for the week you’ll be sure to enjoy the relaxed vibe of the city!
Here’s my highlight reel for a fun filled visit to the city of Camarillo.
Around Town
Camarillo Ranch House
The Camarillo Ranch is a wonderful community gathering place in Camarillo. Formerly owned by Adolfo Camarillo, the ranch is a nationally registered historic landmark owned by the City of Camarillo. It’s also one of the prettiest properties in Camarillo. I love visiting the ranch and wandering through the gardens.
On the ranch, you will find the beautiful Camarillo Ranch House, where Adolfo Camarillo and his wife lived. Adolfo built the Queen Anne-style ranch house for his bride Isabel, in 1892.
The existing 4.5 acres, house, barn and stables have been beautifully restored. The house has been reconstructed as a living museum and can be toured with a docent dressed in period clothing!
Open to the public daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., visitors are welcome to walk the grounds and stroll through the gardens. Popular events at the ranch include Adolfo Camarillo’s Birthday Celebration, Christmas at the Ranch with Santa, and Throwback Thursday #TBT Food Truck Events.
This 19th century ranch is also a fabulous wedding venue. I’ve worked several weddings at the Ranch with Lisa Stone Events. Each wedding has been unique to the couple with the ranch as one of the most beautiful settings in Camarillo to get married in.
Check out their website and calendar for more information about the historic Camarillo Ranch.
Camarillo Library
The library in Camarillo is one of the most beautiful libraries I have ever seen. It’s Spanish-style architecture invites you into a foyer that is beautifully tiled, with gorgeous wooden beams and a grand staircase that leads to the second floor.
The kid’s section is truly something to see. Murals are carved into beautiful wooden doors leading into the kids section, with a sign that says Discovery hanging over the double doors.
One of the most unique features is a magical sunken Pirate Ship. On the ceiling two fantastical paintings hang, one of Peter Pan and one of the mermaid Ariel. Making this a library you will wants to sit and read in all day.
Website: camarillolibrary.org
Located at 4101 Las Posas Rd, Camarillo, CA 93010.
Camarillo Premium Outlets
We are definitely spoiled here in Camarillo having the Premium Outlets to shop at anytime we want to! Not only can great deals be found, there are tons of amazing brands to shop. A day alone could be spent shopping at the outlets.
For more about shopping at the outlets my friend Debora of deboradahl.com has these fabulous posts you should check out!
- How to Make the Most out of Outlet Sales
- Get Summer Ready at the Camarillo Premium Outlets
- Christmas Shopping at the Camarillo Premium Outlets
Website: premiumoutlets.com/outlet/camarillo
Located at 740 Ventura Blvd, Camarillo, CA 93010.
Hop on the Trolley!
Take a ride on the free Camarillo Trolley. The trolley runs Sunday through Thursday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and on Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Take a nostalgic ride in Camarillo to shopping and dining destinations. The trolley route starts at the Metrolink train station just east of Old Town, and runs west on Daily Drive, south down Las Posas Road, and then east on Ventura Boulevard returning to the Metrolink station. The trolley runs on a 30 minute schedule, stopping at shopping centers all along the route. You can even flag down the trolley to hop on anywhere along the route!
Visit the City of Camarillo website for the LIVE Trolley Tracker, Trolley Route Map, and Trolley details.
Related Post: Ten Tips to Creating Unbelievable Travel Memories
Outdoors Activities
Calleguas Creek Bike Path
We love taking our bikes out and going for a ride on the Calleguas Creek Bike Path. Take a walk or bike ride along this almost 2 mile path that runs along the Calleguas Creek bed. The path can be easily accessed from the corner of Flynn and Upland Road as well as the surrounding neighborhood or the Pleasant Valley Fields (located at 100 Village at the Park Drive).
Parking and restrooms are available at Pleasant Valley Fields located at 150 Westpark Court, Camarillo, CA 93012.
Camarillo Grove Park
Camarillo has tons of fantastic parks. With so many wonderful parks in town to visit, you really can’t go wrong. But if you are looking for a view head to Camarillo Grove Park. The park was originally the location of a stagecoach stop. In 1940 Adolpho Camarillo donated the land to the County of Ventura for a park.
Pack a picnic, BBQ and enjoy two hiking trails, one of which leads to a wonderful panoramic view of the valley. There is a Nature Center, plenty of picnic tables and shaded areas, and an enclosed dog park. Visit the Nature Center and learn about the local ecosystems, flora and fauna.
Located at 6968 E Camarillo Springs Rd, Camarillo, CA 93012.
Outdoor Education Programs
The Pleasant Valley Recreation & Park District hosts Outdoor Education programs to help you get in touch with the natural environment! Programs include several amazing guided nature hikes such as their birding hike, connectivity to land hike (at Camarillo Grove Park), butterfly safari hike, sunflower family hike and more!
Find out more about these Outdoor Education programs on the Pleasant Valley Recreation & Park District website.
Skydive Coastal California
Looking for something adventurous to do while in Camarillo? Go skydiving with Skydive Coastal California. Based out of the Camarillo Airport, go on a tandem jump with an instructor and get an amazing view of the city from up high! For more details visit skydivecoastalcalifornia.com.
Where to Eat
Camarillo has an amazing selection of restaurants in town. A group of friends and I have a weekly lunch to try a new restaurant each week. It took us a few years, but we’ve eaten at every restaurant in town. Narrowing down just a few for this post wasn’t easy, but here are some of my favorite places to eat.
For breakfast, brunch, or lunch, I would recommend either Braxton’s Kitchen or the Waypoint Cafe.
Braxton’s Kitchen
Braxton’s Kitchen is fairly new to the city and became a fast favorite for its delicious menu. My current favorite is the Sausage and Cheddar bowl on a bed of Arugula with a fried egg and an avocado! It’s seriously so yummy.
They are very dog friendly and a portion of their monthly sales goes towards local rescues and nonprofits.
Located at 317 Carmen Dr, Camarillo, CA 93010.
Visit their website at braxtons-kitchen.com
Waypoint Cafe
Waypoint Cafe is a local favorite as it’s located at the Camarillo Airport. Score a table out on the patio and you can enjoy watching the planes come and go. And if you really want to treat yourself be sure to indulge in one of their amazing milk shakes.
When the sun is out they even invite you to bring a blanket and come have a picnic on the grass! Check out their website, thewaypointcafe.com, for more details.
Located at 325 Durley Ave, Camarillo, CA 93010.
Both are local favorites and you honestly can’t go wrong with either, but since they tend to be busy you’ll likely have a wait. If you go to Waypoint Cafe for breakfast you can always grab lunch at Braxton’s Kitchen. Or vice versa.
While out at the airport you can also visit the WWII Aviation Museum. (Currently closed due to COVID). If you are a Bachelor fan you may recognize the airport and museum from when “Bachelor” Peter Weber, of season 24, brought a group of the ladies on a date to Camarillo to visit the Commemorative Air Force’s Southern California Wing Museum.
Located at 455 Aviation Drive, Camarillo, CA 93010.
RELM Wine & Beer Bistro
RELM is my favorite restaurant in Camarillo. I love sitting out on the patio and dining al fresco! If you’re really lucky you may even get seated at their gorgeous glass fire pit.
On Friday & Saturday evenings there is live music at RELM. They bring in local, acoustic style, musicians from Ventura County, creating a relaxed atmosphere for the night.
I love the ambiance, live music on the weekends and the menu is amazing. My top recommendations are the Caprese Salad, Roasted Potato Skins, and Sweet & Savory Flatbread and the Flourless Chocolate Cake. Paired with the perfect glass of wine for a great evening out.
Website: relmcamarillo.com
Located at 390 Las Posas Road, Suite H, Camarillo, CA 93010.
Toppers Pizza Place
Most Friday nights are pizza night at our house! A Pepperoni pizza for Topper’s is our go-to. I also love going for lunch and getting the BBQ Chicken pizza with a salad from their amazing salad bar. Their pizza is award-winning and as soon as you have a slice you’ll know why. The crust is just the right amount of crispy and they have an amazing selection of signature pizzas. Top it all off with a giant homemade pizza cookie served freshly baked with vanilla ice cream.
Website: topperspizzaplace.com
Located at 425 Arneill Rd, Camarillo, CA 93010.
Treats
Rolling Pin
A trip to Camarillo would not be complete without getting donuts at Rolling Pin. A local favorite, there’s always a line, and for good reason! Local favorites include the croissant donut or a savory ham or turkey croissant. They also serve a giant birthday donut for an extra special treat. The donut stand is open 24 hours, Monday – Friday and 12am–12pm, 4pm–12am Saturdays and Sundays. So be sure to stop by for a donut while you are in town. For more about Rolling Pin visit them on Facebook.
Located at 2153 Las Posas Rd, Camarillo, CA 93010.
The Bread Basket Cake Company
Best cakes ever! The Bread Basket Cake Company has the best cakes in town! I ordered a lemon cake with lemon custard filling for Nick’s birthday one year and every bite was heavenly. Beyond their amazing cakes, they also have cookies, muffins, pastries, pies, tarts, truffles, freshly baked bread and so much more! You can also grab lunch from the deli counter. Order one of their specialty sandwiches or build your own. I love getting the boxed lunch that comes with a half sandwich, gourmet deli salad, strawberries, grapes, and a truffle.
Website: breadbasketcake.com
Located at 83 E Daily Dr, Camarillo, CA 93010.
Old Town Camarillo
Take a walk through Old Town Camarillo where you will find plenty of shops to peruse and some of the best spots to eat in town.
Where to Eat in Old Town
Twenty88
One of our favorite restaurants in town, Twenty88 has a delicious menu. They serve Mediterranean and California fusion cuisine prepared by award winning chef Alex Castillo.
We love going for happy hour, from 3-6 p.m., and getting the truffle Parmesan Fries, the Chef’s Tacos, and the Filet Mignon Skewers! Menu favorites of mine are the Tuna Tartare, Ahi Avocado Salad and the Burrata Caprese Salad. And there’s no way I’m leaving without having a piece of their flourless chocolate cake!
Website: twenty88.com
Located at 2088 Ventura Blvd., Camarillo, CA 93010
Coffee and Ice Cream
I’m always on the hunt for a good cup of coffee and I never say no to ice cream! One of my favorite things to do when visiting a city is to find the local coffee shop.
Café Ficelle
Grab a cup of coffee and an amazing pastry, macaroon or even a crepe at Café Ficelle. This French boulangerie and patisserie serves a delicious menu and you can grab breakfast, lunch or a snack. Not to mention they make incredible cakes too!
Website: cafeficelle.com
Located at 2024 Ventura Blvd Unit #110, Camarillo, CA 93010.
Rori’s Artisanal Creamery
I meant in when I said I never say no to ice cream. And I’m never too full for it either! Especially when it comes to Rori’s. Not only are the flavor options amazing, so is the taste. Rori Trovato creates all the ice cream, cookies, cones and candy recipes herself. Taking care to develop the incredible flavor balance that makes Rori’s Artisanal Creamery so delicious. This is ice cream at a whole other level.
Website: rorisartisanalcreamery.com
Located at 2024 Ventura Blvd, Camarillo, CA 93010.
Farmer’s Market
In town on a Saturday? Camarillo hosts a weekly Farmer’s Market in Old Town Camarillo on Ventura Blvd. Pick up local produce, fresh-baked breads and pastries, farm fresh eggs, meat. You can also pick up flowers, plants and market products like honey, preserves and jams. You can also grab a treat from one of the many vendors, you’ll find anything from chips and dip to tea or coffee, to tamales! There are also local artisans selling handcrafted items like candles, stained glass art, and pottery.
I love supporting local small businesses. The prices are good and the food and flowers are so much better than at the grocery store! I usually buy a couple of bouquets of lisianthus and ranunculus. There’s just something about having fresh flowers in my home that I love!
Website: camarillofarmersmarket.com
Located at 2220 Ventura Blvd, Camarillo, CA 93010.
Where to Stay
Bella Capri Inn & Suites
Staying overnight? Stay at the Bella Capri Inn & Suites right in Old Town Camarillo. Not only is it a charming place to stay, but you’ll also be right downtown and within walking distance of tons of restaurants and shops. Head downstairs to the Old Town Cafe for breakfast or lunch. Then walk just a few blocks over to the corner of Ventura Blvd and First Street where you can catch the Trolley (check the trolley tracker for schedule).
Website: bellacapriinn.com
Located at 2050 Ventura Blvd, Camarillo, CA 93010
For more about Old Town Camarillo visit camarillooldtown.org
Loving this post? Read my post – Hidden Gems: A Local’s Guide to Camarillo, written exclusively for Visit Camarillo.
Side Trip to the Beach
Just 15 miles from Camarillo you will find Sycamore Cove Beach, a local favorite for day trips to the beach. From Camarillo it’s a short drive down the PCH to several of my favorite spots.
Mugu Rock
The first is the iconic Mugu Rock! A rock you will likely recognize from movies and commercials shot on this stretch of the Pacific Coast Highway. One of the most notable shots of Mugu Rock can be seen in the movie Iron Man. You’ll have an iconic view of Mugu Rock from my next three favorite spots.
The Sandhill
Next stop is Sandy Dune, simply referred to by locals as the Sandhill. It’s a short hike to the top and one of the best spots to catch the sunset. But, don’t be fooled, the hike up to the top is a grueling calf workout! So be sure to bring a water bottle along for the climb. You’ll see the Sandhill shortly before reaching Sycamore Cove Beach. Free roadside parking is available along the coast.
Sycamore Canyon Trailhead
My third stop is Sycamore Canyon Trailhead, located in the Sycamore Canyon Campground across from Sycamore Cove Beach. This is one of my favorite trails to hike. It’s a moderate hike with some inclines that leads to an incredible view overlooking the ocean, the Sandhill and the PCH. Paid parking lot available.
Sycamore Canyon Beach
The fourth spot is Sycamore Cove Beach! One of the best beaches in the area, it has beautiful rock formations, tide pools that can be seen during low tide, and plenty of grills, fire pits and picnic tables. Families love coming to the beach to swim, explore and BBQ. Paid parking lot available.
Local Events
One of the best times to visit Camarillo is in the Summer when the city hosts a variety of wonderful city wide events! During the Summer notable events include the Summer Concert Series at Constitution Park, Friday night movies in the park at Community Center Park, and the Camarillo Fiesta Street Fair in Old Town. Unfortunately at this time, these events have been put on hold due to COVID. For current events in Camarillo be sure to check out visitcamarillo.com.
A Taste of Camarillo
If you are in town in July, A Taste of Camarillo is still on! The longest running wine, brew and food festival in the Ventura County, this event is one of my favorite community events to attend. Hosted at the historic Camarillo Ranch, you’ll enjoy live music from The Caught Red Handed Band while you try the best food, wine and beer the city has to offer. This year A Taste of Camarillo is happening on July 25th. Check out tasteofcamarillo.com for more details and how to get your tickets.
Wings Over Camarillo
If you are in town in August, you may just be around for the annual air show at the Camarillo Airport. 2021 will mark the 40th year for this two-day annual air show! Enjoy an airshow with aerobatic performances from classic warbirds, experimental aircraft, and military aircraft. There’s also an antique cars and motorcycles show and you can even book helicopter and airplane rides. Plus there’s lots of food and street vendors to get a bite to eat from. There’s lots to do and see for the whole family. They have an amazing STEM Program Pavilion where kids can learn how airplanes fly, build a lego airport, see robotics, and watch Drones and UAVs fly.
There is free parking and a shuttle service.
Website: wingsovercamarillo.com
Located at the Camarillo Airport.
Where to go to Church
In town on a Sunday and looking for a church to visit? Come visit Good Shepherd Church.
You will find a welcoming group of people who love Jesus and love people. You will find heartfelt Worship and solid Bible teaching for all ages.
The Worship Service begins at 10:00 a.m. Come a little early for a cup of coffee, hot chocolate or tea. You’ll be welcomed by a friendly greeter who can answer any questions you may have!
Good Shepherd is a church family committed to knowing God and sharing his love in our community. It is our desire that all people would discover the grace, forgiveness, and eternal life found in Jesus Christ. At Good Shepherd, we focus on the basics of the Christian faith and teach the Bible as the inspired and inerrant Word of God.
From their website: goodshepherdcamarillo.com
Visit their website, goodshepherdcamarillo.com, for the most up-to-date service times, details and to learn more about the ministry.
Located at 380 Arneill Road, Camarillo, CA 93010.
Enjoy your fun filled visit to the city of Camarillo! What would you add to the list of things to do in Camarillo?
xoxo Naomi
Please note that this post was written during COVID and may affect business hours and event happenings.
Looking for MORE about the charming city of Camarillo? Read my post – Hidden Gems: A Local’s Guide to Camarillo, written exclusively for Visit Camarillo.
