With Earth Day right around the corner, it is the perfect time to truly reflect on how our daily choices impact our planet–especially when it comes to something as simple as how we get from place to place. And what better place to do just that than Camarillo? With year-round sunshine, charming shopping areas, and endless opportunities for outdoor adventure, it is the ideal spot for making the most of an eco-friendly outing. Slow down, appreciate all that Camarillo has to offer, and choose one of the many local transportation options that make this Earth Day a success.
The Importance Of Earth Day
Earth Day, celebrated annually on April 22, serves as a global reminder of our shared responsibility to take care of the planet–our one and only home. The idea for this holiday was born following the release of Rachel Carson’s book, Silent Spring in 1962, which called attention to the link between pollution and public health. This book undoubtedly created a ripple effect among citizens and those in power, eventually leading to Senator Gaylord Nelson, the junior senator from Wisconsin, and young activist Denis Hayes organizing the first Earth Day on April 22, 1970–or the birth of the modern environmental movement. Around 20 million Americans took to the streets that day in order to voice their concern and demonstrate against the impacts of industrial development. Today, Earth Day continues to bring individuals and communities together to face the climate crisis head on through meaningful action. One popular and impactful way to participate is by opting for a more sustainable mode of transportation–as even just this small shift in the way we do things can drive real, lasting change.
Getting to Camarillo
Amtrak Pacific Surfliner
The Camarillo train station is conveniently located across from Old Town Camarillo, what is widely considered to be the vibrant heart and soul filled with specialty shops, bars, and restaurants. Discover a variety of locally-owned small businesses and both unique and antique storefronts.
Metrolink (Ventura County Line)
Metrolink’s Ventura County Line offers an affordable and eco-friendly form of travel to Camarillo. A quick hop on the Ventura County Line to the Camarillo Station, and from there you can enjoy a quick and easy ride on the Camarillo Trolley Service to the Camarillo Premium Outlets. Looking to make it a family trip? They offer free train rides for children 17 years old and younger on Saturdays and Sundays when accompanied by a fare-paying adult, as well as $10 Weekend Day Pass which are valid system-wide on either Saturday or Sunday.
VCTC Intercity Bus
VCTC Intercity Bus provides service throughout Ventura County and beyond with routes to Santa Barbara and Warner Center. They also offer a Free Fare Days Program, which includes Earth Day, along with Clean Air Day (October 2), Veteran’s Day (November 11), Transit Equity Day (February 4), and Dump the Pump Day (June 17). Youth and student riders can also ride any public transit bus for free through the Youth Ride Free Promotional Program and the College Ride Program–by simply showing their school or personal ID.
Getting Around Camarillo without a Car
Camarillo Trolley
The Camarillo Trolley is an incredibly easy way to travel and explore the city. The route begins at the Metrolink train station and makes stops along the route on a 30-minute schedule and operates Sunday through Thursday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Friday and Saturday until 9 p.m. You can also flag down the trolley to board anywhere along the route–making it the ultimate way to travel around town.
CAT (Camarillo Area Transit)
The Camarillo Area Transit offers safe and easy options to get around the city–the Fixed Route bus stops at pre-determined locations, and the Dial-A-Ride bus operates on a reservation basis. To book Dial-A-Ride, call during office hours up from 2 hours to 2 weeks in advance. Pickup typically occurs within 10 minutes of your requested time.
Biking & Walking
Camarillo is truly a cyclist’s dream–being both bike and walking friendly it is perfect for taking in the town’s scenery at your own pace. With lots of trails, routes, and accessible streets, admiring the everyday bustle on the back of a bicycle or by foot is a fun and healthy way to get around. You’ll never get a more immersive and eco-friendly option!
Rideshares
The Ventura County Transportation Commission, or VCTC’s, Rideshare Program is a cost-saving, time-saving, eco-friendly alternative for travel through the city. Whether by way of carpooling or vanpool, this makes for a sustainable and efficient way to get around and see the sites.
Camarillo provides a wealth of sustainable transportation options that make participating in the day’s call for action easily achievable and fun to do. Beyond contributing to a more healthy planet, finding outside means of travel also encourages you to experience something new. This Earth Day, immerse yourself in the unparalleled beauty of Camarillo while doing your part to reduce our carbon footprint and create the lasting change you want to see in the world.
Start planning your eco-friendly Earth Day adventure to Camarillo today!