We're flying in to LAX on 1 July and have decided not to stay in Los Angeles itself. But we do want to just relax for a few days without spending too much before we head further north. We thought that one of the hotels/motels in or near Ventura might fit the bill. But we can't get a real idea of what it is like there. Any advice would be appreciated.
Reply to this Ventura might not be a bad choice. But, I have a few questions before I give a final answer.
Is this your first trip to the States?
If it is your first time in LA you may want to take a quick peak at Venice Beach before you head north. It is unique and where all the craziness of LA happens. It is a freak show but worth looking at.
Venture isn't a bad choice because you can also take a look at Santa Barbara and not have to pay those prices. Another option would be San Luis Obsipo.
The drive from LA to Seattle is wonderful
When you say you are heading further north-- where are you going? Will you be driving?
Reply to this Thanks for the advice, Dave and Merry Jo. We're looking at renting cars and possibly a camper later in the season, or perhaps even a train or bus or two, to see as much of the US and eastern Canada as is possible in the time we have left. We haven't planned the itinerary in detail yet - can't rush these things!
Reply to this Rushing would be counter productive. If you get near San Francisco let's hook up for dinner.
Reply to this After living 15 of my first 18 years in Ventura County (about 25 mintutes SOuth of city of Ventura) and then the next 5 1/2 years in Santa Barbara (where I went to college), I would highly recommend Santa Barbara over Ventura. While it is more expensive, there is a reason, it is one of the greatest small cities in USA (biased). The beaches, mountanis, wine, food, weather, etc. Sundays on the beach with the art shows, going whale watching, walking down State Street, okay....now I wish I was back.
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You've got some valuable information. Do you know of any reasonably priced places to stay in Santa Barbara? I'm not sure how long it has been since you have been there.
We are giving some thought to heading that way for a weekend in the next few months.
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In response to: Msg #135484
I've lived in Santa Barbara ever since I went there for the university decades ago. It's really one of the most beautiful towns in the world--beaches, mountains, museums, architecture. I'd love to give you a list of fab low-cost/free things to do there. SB is not cheap, but there is a hostel near the train station with private rooms, and I'll write to a friend who often stays in a beach motel and gets a lower price than listed. I'm in Chile, but I'll get back to you soon, but be ready for sticker shock.
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We are not going right away so enjoy Chile. Wish we were there with you!
Reply to this I love Santa Barbara, but Ventura is really nice as well. It depends on what you want to see and do. If you want a little adventure then from Ventura it is an easy, wildlife-filled boat ride out to the Channel Islands, which are a string of mostly undeveloped islands just off the coast. You can camp on several of the islands, or, if you just wanted a day trip, the scuba diving is amazing. If you want to stay on land and explore Southern California culture then Santa Barbara would give you more options for entertainment.
Reply to this Tara would be a much better resource than I would be for hotels, etc as it has been many years.
Reply to this Thanks to all of you for your advice. You've certainly given us plenty to think about and Santa Barbara is now definitely on our list of 'must go to' places.
Reply to this Although I adore SB, I must admit that sweet little Ventura has its charms, and its beach is probably quite similar to SB's. I've not yet heard back from my friend about the SB beach motel,but if you find a reasonable place to stay in Ventura, you can catch the cheap, local SB-Ventura express bus (cheaper than Greyhound) and just go up to SB once or twice to see the beach, harbor and Sunday arts show; up Mission Canyon for the Mission, Rose Garden and Botanic Garden (buses to the latter on the weekend); and midtown for the art museum (free on Sunday), the history museum (by donation), interesting presidio museum, and the not-to-be-missed courthouse and tower (free).If you're there on the 4th of July, there's a free pops concert on the lawn of the courthouse at about or 4 o'clock (though a bit patriotic for my taste). A very tasty, popular and cheap place to eat is Super-Rica Taqueria on Milpas (loved by Julia Child). The first Thursday evening of each month, there's an art walk and many galleries and museums are open and have music and treats. I do hope you visit my beloved city for at least a day--enjoy your holiday!
Reply to this OK, the cheapest places to stay in SB are the Pacific Crest Motel, room 111 has an ocean view and the motel 6 next to it as well as the hostel by the train station. Once you're there, hotels will often give you a discount (for seniors, for example) if you ask, so the internet rate tends to be higher. However, on a long July weekend, you will pay top rates. Maybe cheaper in Ventura. Good luck!
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