Historic Places to Visit in Ventura, California

The city of San Buena Ventura, located approximately 90 miles North of Los Angeles, California, is a city full of history and surviving historical structures. For those interested in visiting historical locations, Ventura offers several, many located in the city's historic downtown district. Ventura's downtown area is a wonderful place to spend the day on a walking tour of the city's historic locations, as well as shop, and grab a delicious meal.

The most well known historical building in Ventura, is probably the Mission of San Buena Ventura. One of the original California missions, the Ventura mission was founded by Father Junipero Serra. When visiting the mission of San Buena Ventura, guests are allowed to tour the chapel itself, as well as the surrounding grounds. No admission is charged, and there is an adjacent museum and gift shop.

Located approximately two blocks from the mission of San Buena Ventura, is another historical building, the Ortega Adobe. This adobe, which represents the ones most commonly inhabited by many of Ventura's early residents, is the only one left standing of the many that used to line Main Street. Built in 1857, the Ortega Adobe is located at 215 W. Main Street in Ventura, and is open daily. No admission is charged.

Ventura's original courthouse, whose construction was completed in 1913, is located at 501 S. Poli Street in Ventura's downtown district. The courthouse is historical landmark # 847, and listed on the National Registry of Historical Places. It now serves as Ventura's City Hall. The original courthouse is a beautiful structure, unlike any other building in Ventura. With it's large columns at the entrance, and extensive use of marble throughout the interior, it is easy to see why the Old Courthouse, as it is often called by longtime residents, is a unique member of Ventura's historical buildings.

One of Ventura's most loved historical locations, is the Ventura Pier. Completed in the Fall of 1872, the Ventura Pier stands as a true witness to the city's vibrant history. Although the Ventura Pier underwent a major renovation during the 1990's, this historical structure still maintains the simplicity and charm of it's beginnings, well over a century ago. For those interested in visiting Ventura's historical locations, the Ventura Pier is not to be missed.

Another of Ventura's well known historical locations, is the Olivas Adobe. Although not located in Ventura's downtown district, the Olivas Adobe, located at 4200 Olivas Park Drive (near the Ventura Harbor), is one of Ventura's most impressive historical structures. In sharp contrast to the the Ortega Adobe in West Ventura, the Olivas Adobe is representative of the adobes built and owned by the wealthier early Spanish residents of the area.