Imagine the perfect summer day: The sun’s warm rays on your face. The aroma of something delicious cooking on the grill. The sound of joyful laughter and splashing in the background, whether from the pool or sparkling Pacific Ocean.
That happy daydream is a daily reality in Camarillo, where the sun shines more than 300 days a year and local restaurants, attractions and hoteliers strive to make your visit easy like a sunny day (during summer and all year-round).
Here are the top three summer activities you simply can’t miss in Camarillo:
Savor the flavors of summer
Fresh grown produce takes center stage at restaurants, breweries and wineries here. In summer, that means ripe berries, tomatoes, and stone fruit, as well as crisp greens, beans, peppers and more. And then there’s the King of Summer…the grill!
Local favorites like Adolfo Grill & Bar, Sharky’s Woodfired Mexican Grill and Slate Bistro & Craft Bar are known for grilling up seasonal specialties all year round.
And, if you want to take a little bit of Camarillo home with you, Cantara Cellars owner Mike Brown recommends pairing barbecue with a rich Zinfandel (sourced from his family’s vineyard in Lodi), a West Coast IPA, or a Hendricks gin and tonic finished with a shot of Lillet Blanc. His entree of choice is a juicy tri-tip sous vide cooked for four to six hours at 129°F.
“I finish it with pecan wood smoke on my Weber barbecue for about 15 minutes—delicious,” he said. “What I enjoy most about the sous vide process is you create a beautiful, tender medium-rare tri-tip with only about 15 to 20 minutes of barbecuing. This leaves more time to enjoy the evening, your guests and your beverage of choice.”
Explore Camarillo from land to sea…or sky
Camarillo is your place for summer fun, whether you’re an adrenaline junky looking for your next outdoor adventure, a fashionista on a shopping mission, or a parent planning a multigenerational vacation.
For outdoor lovers, Camarillo boasts awesome hiking and biking trails, parks, and award-winning golf courses, as well as nearby access to multiple uncrowded beaches and the unparalleled Channel Islands National Park, also known as the “Galapagos of North America.” And the Camarillo Airport is home base for such thrilling activities as jumping out of a plane with Skydive Coastal California and soaring the skies with Skyrider Ultralights, Orbic Helicopters, and Channel Islands Aviation.
Good vibe seekers will definitely want to shop, drink and dine their way through the Camarillo Premium Outlets and Old Town Camarillo, both premier destinations for eclectic finds and totally satisfying culinary experiences.
Families will enjoy picking their own fresh produce at Camarillo’s many farms and fruit stands, checking out our local museums, and playing at our community and sports facilities.
Attend events everyone will love
As summer heats up, Camarillo is gearing up for some unforgettable events! Be sure to check event websites for further details and changes. Here are just a few summer event highlights:
- Fourth of July Fireworks: The City’s annual Independence Day fireworks show will be hosted from the Camarillo Premium Outlets parking lots. Plan to park and watch the 20-minute colorful display with family and friends. Local tip: Parking is first come, first serve, so arrive early to find a parking spot.
- A Taste of Camarillo: The “longest running wine, brew and food festival in Ventura County” takes place this July on the historic grounds of Camarillo Ranch House. Listen to live music while sampling local bites, wines, ciders, brews and more.
- Dallas Cowboys Training Camp: America’s Team, the Dallas Cowboys, will take the field in Ventura County Coast once again this July for their annual training camp. Many practices are open to the public, and there will be plenty of family-friendly activities and entertainment.
- Wings Over Camarillo: See all kinds of historic and specialty aircraft take to the skies over Camarillo this August! The tentative schedule includes the Pacific and European Theatre planes performing pyrotechnics and Wings of Blue, the USAF Parachute Team, jumping in formation.
Where to stay
Now that you know about all the fun things to do this summer, it’s time to start planning your trip! Camarillo is home to several brand-name hotels and boutique inns with full amenities, including bars, high-speed internet and swimming pools. Check out their websites for special seasonal deals!