Ventura Harbor Gets Busy

 

Now that the pandemic is winding down, Ventura Harbor is heating up.

From the development of  PortSide Ventura, a new housing and shopping venue on the east side of the harbor, to new businesses and a revitalized, redesigned Harbor Village, there are few more enchanting places to be.

Over on the east side of the waterfront you'll see that new quays are being built out in front of the yacht dealerships, and new lighting brightens the whole length of the promenade that surrounds the many slips. 

The boatyard, the deepest north of LA before you get to San Francisco, hums with activity, even while the Gentry Eagle sleeps quietly, waiting for her next adventure.

Seafood restaurants, seafood markets, an ice cream shop and a genuine carousel compete for your attention with the swan boats that wander the bubbling waves. 

Meanwhile, on the other side of the keys, the City of Ventura runs a sailing and kayaking camp out of the Leo Robbins Sailing Center.

Here's something we learned during the pandemic: there are picnic tables across the harbor, at the boat launching ramps. Enjoy your lunch at the boat launching ramps, and then stroll the promenade that now extends from the ramps all the way around to the Channel Islands National Park visitor's center. The wind is fresh and invigorating, and the tang of the sea makes everything taste delicious. 

Something else that's new: harbor seals and sea lions have taken up residence on many of the boat slips!

Now that the pandemic has eased, I can hardly wait to wander the many shops and restaurants, breathe in that fresh sea air, and make myself at home in the harbor!