One tank trips from Ventura and Oxnard offer numerous opportunities to see the sights nearby. Visitors often like to travel to Magic Mountain, and Pyramid Lake, as well as the Santa Monica Pier, not to mention the fun for the whole family at Universal Studios in Hollywood. Here are some other suggestions for where to take your family in your El Monte RV that are not too far away.
You can get to Palm Springs, San Diego or even Big Bear in the mountains within only 2 – 3 hours of driving from Ventura.
Big Bear: This mountain town is home to L.A.’s closest ski slopes in winter, but don’t discount a summertime trip, when a dip in a mountain lake is the best way to keep cool. Rent a kayak or paddleboard to tour the water, and keep an eye out for the white-domed Big Bear Solar Observatory perched at the water’s edge on the north shore. This observatory is owned by the New Jersey Institute of Technology which partners with the Big Bear Valley Astronomical Society. The hiking here is also plentiful and offers some amazing views. If you’re a bit more adventurous, stop by Bear Valley Bikes and rent a mountain bike; there are fire roads for beginners and lots of technical, downhill single tracks for more seasoned riders. Back in town, check out the Bowling Barn and the Alpine Slide, both of which are a blast with or without kids in tow.
Laguna Beach is only an hour away so don’t forget to stop and visit this easygoing oceanfront city, which is gorgeous, with its lush vegetation, tidepools and a very picturesque rocky coastline. The Main Beach is the spot of choice for downtown sunbathing, but you’ll find pristine, less crowded beaches at tide pool-filled Treasure Island, camper-friendly Crystal Cove or hidden Victoria Beach with its weathered, castle-like turret. Walk the city’s downtown area to find a mix of shops, galleries and restaurants; many eateries cater to the well-heeled, so you might want to bring a picnic lunch to enjoy on a bench at the hilltop Heisler Park.
Try a visit to Los Alamos: Only about 2 ½ hours away. Once a major stagecoach stop, this small, easy-to-miss town looks stuck in the past with its Old West style—but behind the facade are trendy treasures waiting to be discovered. Inside Bob’s Well Bread Bakery is a hip, stylish setup serving artisan breads—including gluten free options—croissants, sandwiches and more. Exploring antique shops and art galleries can easily fill a day here, just be sure to call ahead, as some places are only open on weekends. A big draw of the Los Alamos area is its wine tasting—this is Santa Barbara County, after all—which can be done at Bedford Winery, Municipal Winemakers and other local tasting rooms. If you indulge too much to drive home, make a pit stop at 1880 Union, an event space with an authentic stagecoach saloon.
San Juan Capistrano:
Just an hour and a half away you will find a piece of real California history and a vibrant quaint old town. San Juan Capistrano is off-the-beaten-path for a unique day (or overnight) trip with a lot of charm and a little learning. Stop for a good cup of coffee at Hidden House Coffee. From there, you can tour Mission San Juan Capistrano, founded in 1776 and arguably one of the mission chain’s prettiest links. This mission used to be known as a migratory destination for swallows in February, but the famous birds have been spotty in recent years. If you have your heart set on getting up close with some animals, check out Zoomars (reservations recommended), a petting zoo for kids of all ages, which adults love, too. It’s a historic ranch where you can also pan for gold like the California miners did. You’re also very close to the Los Rios Historic District, which has some historic homes and museums that are perfect for a walking tour. When you get hungry, you have several options: Heritage Barbecue serves remarkable Texas-style smoked meats, Ramos House is a romantic spot known for great food and huge Bloody Mary’s on weekends and Five Vines is a nearby wine bar with snacks and sandwiches. If you want to catch the night life here, head over to Swallow’s Inn, the local dive bar, where bras hang from the ceiling and bands play late into the night.
Balboa Island:
Only an hour away, visitors to Balboa Island in Newport Beach can enter the man-made island by driving onto it via Marine Avenue, but it’s far easier—and more fun—to park your RV on the Balboa Peninsula and take the Balboa Island Ferry for a quick and scenic five-minute trip across the water. The first order of business: getting your hands on one of the island’s famed frozen bananas. Choose from rivals Sugar N Spice or Dad’s Donut & Bakery Shop; both claiming to be the originators of the chocolate-covered frozen treat. Take a jaunt up and down the 1.6-mile boardwalk surrounding the island, passing by multi-million-dollar homes and streets named after gems, before strolling down Marine Avenue, the island’s main artery. Here you’ll find plenty of restaurants (Wilma’s Patio is a staple), boutique shops, art galleries and the Balboa Island Museum and Historical Society. Of course, there’s plenty to do out on the water, too: kayaking, parasailing, paddle boarding and the like. If you’ve got kids along with you, try the Balboa Fun Zone on the peninsula which hosts a Ferris wheel and plenty of arcade games.