ventura tourist center

Ventura Visitors Center

Top ways to experience nearby attractions

• Ventura Station • 9 min walk

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Ventura Visitors Center - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024) - Tripadvisor

• Sun - Sun 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
• Mon - Sat 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
• (0.08 km) Bella Maggiore Inn
• (0.25 km) Motel 6 Ventura Downtown
• (0.33 km) Amanzi Hotel, Ascend Hotel Collection
• (0.36 km) Crowne Plaza Ventura Beach, an IHG Hotel
• (0.44 km) Clocktower Inn Ventura
• (0.05 km) Bombay Bar and Grill
• (0.05 km) Banzai Marina
• (0.09 km) Lure Fish House
• (0.06 km) Cafe Fiore Restaurant
• (0.15 km) Busy Bee Cafe

Ventura Visitors Center

Location & Hours

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101 S California St

Ventura, CA 93001

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About the business.

Located in Historic Downtown Ventura, the Ventura Visitors Center is a great place to stop for information, souvenirs, and friendly assistance! Stop on by with any questions you have, then take a short walk up to Main Street for eclectic shopping and eateries or walk down to the Ventura Pier and the never-ending beachfront. …

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Stopped into this lovely visitor center while visiting Ventura with friends. The center is much larger than meets the eye from the outside and the folks working there are super friendly. As with many visitor centers, there are a number of items for sale with Ventura written on them, everything from t-shirts to prints for the wall and even handmade jewelry made by a local artist. My friend picked up some adorable beachy note cards to bring back home with her . The folks working there are able to answer almost any question one may have about the city of Ventura and will also give you a map before going on your way. If you've never been, consider stopping by sometime. There are so many facts about this beautiful city that folks working will share with you!

Stop here if you are a tourist or a local. You are sure to find all that you need. Tons of pamphlets about Ventura and nearby locales like Carpenteria and Ojai. The staff are knowledgeable and super friendly. Tons of cute shirts, frisbees, and bags with Ventira logos for sale. They also feature local artists' works. You can also pick up the free trolley out front. It will take you to the Marina or Pierpont. Great way to see the area.

Lots of info and Ventura sheaf for sale.

We travel a lot throughout the states and have been to others Visitor centers in other states After stopping here and reading these other reviews I would norecommend not stopping at this "Visitor Center" I thought visitor centers had bathrooms to use for "visitors ". I understand the homeless issue, they could have it where you need to be "buzzed" in to use. Or have small items like gum or water to make a purchase to be a "paying customer

Lots of info on Ventura and the surrounding area. Being fairly new to 805 I was curious as to what I could learn about Ventura and the surrounding here. The young lady (worked on Saturday ) was very helpful as I asked a few questions. There is lots of good photography by local photographers, t shirts and a large rack of pamphlets with info on wineries, whale watching and more.

The interior.

Beautiful San Buenaventura! Oh yes, She is! Take one step into the downtown area and immediately feel connected. Connected to the great,, gentle energy our city has. The Visitors Center has a wealth of information on Historical Ventura, The Channel Islands and local events and hotspots throughout the city. They provide detailed information about the rich history of Ventura stemming back to Chumash Indian beginnings right through the construction of our lovely San Buenaventura Mission. Entertainment? Art in every form--the Majestic Ventura Theatre, music venues, performing art theatres, art galleries and museums abound in this City and you'll find a brochure touching a little of each at the VVC. Fun History? Discover the Ghosts of yesteryear still roaming Ventura and Others galavanting the coastline through books offered at the VVC...this can be entertaining, spiritually enlightening or hauntingly spooky, depending on how you look at it. :0) The people who run the Visitors Center are very informative and friendly. Whether you're a visitor or a local...step inside this place for 30 minutes and walk out with a new perception. ;0) You'll appreciate this lovely city much more than you already do! Remember: Our city has many small businesses, so our Visitors are loved and appreciated here! :0) So, don't pass us by! Instead, experience the warm hospitality our city has to offer. :0) Reviewed by Yvette Leilani Brownstone Ventura CA

Went in to shop for gifts for my kids teachers...one of which lost her home in the Thomas fire. Thought a local Ventura gift would be nice. While shopping, my 6 yr old had to use the restroom. I saw a locked door that said "for customers only" and figured this was the restroom. When I asked the employee if they had a restroom, she 1st asked me where I was from. When I responded with "Ventura" I was told we needed to use the one at Starbucks. I then questioned what was behind the "for customers door." She confirmed it was a restroom, but that we did not meet the criteria as being "customers." Wow. Needless to say,we will not be purchasing gifts and supporting our local visitor center, as we initially intended.

I was in town for business a couple of months ago and walked into the Visitor's Center to ask where in town I could find a public restroom. There was a young man at the counter. I pointed behind me toward the streets and asked if there was a restroom around town. He told me I could use their restroom, which was a nice surprise. He did ask to keep my shopping bag from another store at the desk, which was fine. I came out to the desk to get my bag, and he wasn't there, but an older woman was. As she gave me my bag, she asked if I had used the restroom, and then started a 5 minute nasty monologue about how the restroom was only for visitors and people doing shopping. Well, who did she think I was? But I merely tried twice to tell her I never asked to use their restroom, the man offered it to me. That didn't matter to her. She was right, even if she was wrong, and just had to have her rant. As I realized she was never going to shut up, I just turned toward the door and walked out.

Ok, so the Anacapa Brewery was our first stop in town, but the visitors center was #2! The ladies inside were really friendly and asked us a couple questions, shared the highlights of the town recommended some places to eat and sent us on our merry way with a good supply of maps and visitor guides. Sites: The cross - nice windy drive up to a lovely view that overlooks all of the area! Great tip - would be a nice place for a picnic and a little hang if the weather was sunny! The mission - small, fine place to spend about a half hour. Main St - full of little shops, bars and restaurants City Hall - never actually made it - but it was a nice building to look at! The pier - you're at the beach! You should visit the beach! The marina - not bad, a bit of a tourist trap - fine place to grab lunch and spend a little bit of time. The visitors center is great, it is close to free parking and centrally located in the heart of town!

The guy in there was very unfriendly and made us feel welcomed the whole time. I'm confused as to why because it's a visitors center.

This place is a gem! I have been to Ventura so many times through the years, but recently found and visited the Visitors Center for the first time. The volunteers are friendly and informative. They have lots of info re local points of interest, also told us about the free trolley. There are items to buy, tshirts, sweatshirts, postcards and other local items. Definitely worth the visit. I especially appreciate that the manager, Michele, came out of her office to talk with us. She heard that we were planning our high school reunion at the beach, and she offered us some great tips. If you are planning a vacation, a wedding or a reunion in Ventura, touch bases with Michele.

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Top ways to experience nearby attractions

• Ventura Station • 9 min walk

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Ventura Visitors Center - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

• Sun - Sun 10:00 am - 4:00 pm
• Mon - Sat 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
• (0.08 km) Bella Maggiore Inn
• (0.25 km) Motel 6 Ventura Downtown
• (0.33 km) Amanzi Hotel, Ascend Hotel Collection
• (0.36 km) Crowne Plaza Ventura Beach, an IHG Hotel
• (0.44 km) Clocktower Inn Ventura
• (0.05 km) Bombay Bar and Grill
• (0.05 km) Banzai Marina
• (0.09 km) Lure Fish House
• (0.06 km) Cafe Fiore Restaurant
• (0.15 km) Busy Bee Cafe

Ventura Visitors & Convention Bureau

We are excited to welcome you to our little piece of paradise on the Central Coast! Here are a few fun facts to get you acquainted with our beautiful beachside community. Ventura lies nestled between the hills and the water on California’s Central Coast and along iconic Highway 1 welcoming visitors to endless summers and an average of 275 days of sunshine each year. The city was founded in 1782 by Saint Junipero Serra and is home to the last mission he founded : Old Mission San Buenaventura – still a working church located on Main Street in Ventura’s historic downtown. After the mission was founded, a large wooden cross was planted atop the hill overlooking the church. To this day, Serra Cross in Grant Park is a local and visitor favorite offering the best view in all of Ventura just above the botanical gardens.

Ventura enjoys miles of pristine beaches complete with one of the longest wooden piers in California, home to a local favorite taco shack and a fresh seafood market. The beach is enjoyed year-round whether to surf, fish, boogie board, sunbathe, stroll, or watch a captivating sunset over the blue waters of the Pacific Ocean. San Buenaventura State Beach is special for many as one of the few beaches in southern California that allow alcoholic beverages, while other beaches like Marina Park and Surfer’s Point, are beloved as dog-friendly playgrounds for furry friends . Ventura Beach Promenade is also the starting point for two amazing bike paths -a coastal route that leads to Santa Barbara, and a mountain route that descends into Ojai.

Another stop along Ventura’s coast is Ventura Harbor, the site of one of the largest squid offloading harbors in North America. Market squid is California’s largest and most lucrative commercial fish, making Ventura Harbor the largest squid harbor on the west coast. The harbor lies amidst Ventura Harbor Village where visitors find an array of restaurants, boutique shops and galleries to explore along a flower-lined promenade with views of the marina. Kayaks, canoes, pedal-boats or stand-up paddleboards are available to rent for a slightly different perspective and the opportunity to get up close with the sea lions and seals that live nearby. And when you’re ready to head downtown, take the free Downtown Harbor Trolley!

Just off Ventura’s coast lies Channel Islands National Park and Marine Sanctuary, often referred to as North America’s Galapagos. Smugglers Cove on Santa Cruz Island is considered one of the top 10 beach hikes in California. This eight mile round-trip trail ascends along a grassy plateau that provides great views of the Pacific Ocean and the other islands, before winding down through a scenic olive grove to a stellar beach that reflects both the blue sky and the water, amidst complete solitude. Other activities available around the islands include snorkeling, diving, sea cave kayaking, whale watching, bird watching, and camping.

Just a couple of blocks away from the water, there is something for all the senses in Ventura’s historic downtown. Listen to live music from jazz to hip hop almost any night of the week; Taste an array of ethnic cuisines or wow your palette with a flight of Central Coast wines; Discover unique art by local artists at one of the many galleries; Transport yourself with a tour of historic sites; Visit antique stores to look for hidden gems or remnants of your childhood; And be sure to visit during special events like the Winter Wine Walk and Street Fair, Ventura County Fair Parade, and California Beer Festival, when downtown enjoys an extra dose of fun.

With so much to offer, it’s up to you to discover what Ventura means for you. Share your experience with us at #VisitVentura and don’t forget to come by the Visitor Center for even more local tips!

Developed by Destination Innovate

26 Best Things To Do In Ventura California (By a Local)

Ventura is the perfect Central California coastal destination for those wanting to spend a few days relaxing near the beach, enjoy fun outdoor activities like surfing and hiking and indulge in fresh, drool-worthy seafood. And we should know! As locals living in Ventura County for the past several years, we have discovered so many incredible things to do in Ventura California .

Whether you’re heading on a weekend trip to Ventura from out of town, just moved here, or planning a pit stop on a road trip from Los Angeles to San Francisco , our Ventura guide is here to help!

In this post, I’ll cover some of my favorite things to do in Ventura for a fun coastal trip.

We have personally been to all of these locations and this is where we take our family and friends whenever they come to visit.

Best Things To Do In Ventura California:

1. san buenaventura state beach.

Spending a couple of hours at the San Buenaventura State Beach is one of the top things to do in Ventura for both locals and out-of-town visitors alike. This pristine beach is a great spot for sports such as surfing, swimming, volleyball or just laying out on the sandy shoreline.

San Buenaventura State Beach is also the beginning of the Ventura Beach Bike Trail that you can take down to the Ventura Pier and past it. Along the way, you can enjoy views of scenic sand dunes, fresh air, and unique futuristic-looking restrooms (yep, you read that right!) .

For day visitors there are plenty of picnic tables where you can enjoy a lunch with a view. If you don’t want to bring your own food, I highly recommend stopping by The Jolly Oyster Ventura seafood truck that’s situated within San Buenaventura State Beach.

We usually order the grilled oysters along with fried oyster tacos. For something a bit more unique try the Uni Ceviche Tostada that comes with Santa Barbara Sea Urchin.

Do note that dogs are allowed along the bike path and within The Jolly Oyster Ventura food truck area but not on the beach itself.

Location: San Buenaventura State Beach

2. Marina Park

One of the first places that I visited after moving to Ventura was Marina Park. This is one of the most popular Ventura attractions so you’ll see it popping up on Google Maps as one of the best things to do in the area.

Marina Park is situated right next to the ocean and consists of 15 acres of walking paths and a grassy area where you can enjoy a beachfront picnic. It’s a great place to come for families with kids or if you’re looking for somewhere to take your dog for a walk.

Marina Park has a beachfront playground and a large ship in the sand where kids can go to play in. The park is situated right next to the ocean and Ventura Harbor if you want to dip your toes into the water.

Location: Marina Park

3. Ventura Harbor Village

Ventura Harbor Village is one of the top places to go in Ventura, especially for out-of-town visitors. Ventura Harbor Village is an outdoor shopping area situated in the perfect location between the ocean and Ventura Marina.

Here you can walk along the harbor and check out local shops, seafood restaurants, cafes, and dessert spots. A few of the most popular seafood restaurants include Brophy Bros. , Andria’s Seafood , and Baja Bay Surf n Taco .

If you have a sweet tooth, be sure to stop by Coastal Cone & Parlor for a cone of soft-serve ice cream! They offer lots of flavors including some more interesting choices such as Fishzookies and Mermaid Yaki Fish Cone.

From Ventura Harbor, you can also go on a boat ride to Channel Islands National Park which can be arranged through Island Packers Cruises.

Location: Ventura Harbor Village

4. Ventura Botanical Gardens

Ventura Botanical Gardens is a beautiful outdoor space just north of downtown Ventura. If you’re looking for relaxing activities in Ventura, put Ventura Botanical Garden on top of your list!

As locals, we come to Ventura Botanical Gardens quite often for the stunning scenery and excellent ocean views . This outdoor garden offers several miles of hiking trails that climb up to the top of a hill offering unobstructed ocean views along the way. The trails are very easy so it’s a great place to visit for families with little kids.

Ventura Botanical Gardens price for entrance is $7 per person , but they offer free visitor days on Fridays. This location also allows leashed dogs, but only on Wednesdays and Fridays. On all other days, dogs are not allowed.

There is a small visitor parking lot next to the Ventura Botanical Gardens welcome center where you can park your car and pay for the entrance fee before heading into the trails.

Location: Ventura Botanical Gardens

Hiking Tip:  Before heading out hiking, we like to download an offline map from the  AllTrails hiking app . This way we always have access to the trail map, even if we lose reception or get lost!

5. Take a Surfing Lesson

If you’ve never tried surfing before, but it’s always been on top of your bucket list, you’re in luck! Ventura has some of the best surfing conditions on the Central Coast making it a wonderful place to learn surfing for beginners.

For the best experience, book this Ventura Surf Lesson which takes place on Mondo’s Beach, just 10 minutes north of Ventura. During the surfing lesson, the experienced instructors will teach you how to stand up on the surfboard, find your balance, and ride waves all the way to the shore.

I’ve taken numerous surfing lessons myself and it’s the fastest way to catch a wave without previous surfing experience . This Ventura surfing lesson includes all the necessary gear so you don’t have to worry about a thing!

6. Spencer Makenzie’s Seafood Restaurant

Spencer Makenzie’s is one of the most iconic seafood eateries in all of Ventura . While there are some fancier seafood restaurants in town (such as Brophy Bros. and Lure Fish House ), Spencer Makenzie’s remains our favorite.

Spencer Makenzie’s is known for their world-famous fish tacos that are a must-try! This family-operated no-frills restaurant is affordable yet creates food only using the best, freshest ingredients. Because of this, you can always expect to see a long line of customers waiting to try their food.  

You can order food at the outdoor counter and the order will be called out when it’s ready. There is some seating outdoors and indoors, but the outdoor seating is very limited and tables get snatched up quickly.

Besides the fish tacos, a few of our favorites include the calamari tacos, grilled fish & shrimp burrito, Fish & Chips, and clam chowder.

• Rating on Google:  4.6 out of 2600+ reviews
• Location:  Spencer Makenzie’s
• Website:  Spencermakenzies.com

Read More: 15 Best Places To Eat In Ventura, California

7. Stay At Waypoint Ventura

If you’re planning a trip to Ventura from out of town and are looking for a memorable place to stay overnight, be sure to check out Waypoint Ventura ! This property is located near the beach and features unique accommodations in luxurious vintage trailers .

Waypoint Ventura is a great choice for couples or groups that want to enjoy a bit of privacy, but still be close to each other. The property offers excellent amenities such as BBQ areas, cornhole games, and complimentary bikes that you can ride around downtown Ventura and to the beach.

Each of the trailers features modern upgrades including air conditioning, flat-screen TV, a shower, and a fridge. This hotel-style campground is also a short walking distance of popular local eateries such as Spencer Makenzie’s, Toppers Pizza Place , and Frontside Cafe .

Read Next: 15 Best Places To Stay In Ventura CA Near The Beach

8. Ventura Pier

A visit to Ventura would not be complete without stopping by the Ventura Pier . This is the oldest pier in California where you can come for a sunset stroll, go fishing, or watch surfers catch waves in the ocean.

At the beginning of the pier, you can stop by Eric Ericsson’s Fish Co and MadeWest Brewing Co to enjoy fresh seafood and craft beer overlooking the water . If you’re looking for something a bit more budget-friendly, Beach House Tacos is a popular outdoor taco stand in the same location.  

From the pier, you can also walk down the Ventura Promenade which offers excellent ocean views. If you have little kids, be sure to check out the Ventura Promenade Beach Playground that’s situated right on the sandy beach!

Location: Ventura Pier

9. Surfers Point At Seaside Park

Surfers Point At Seaside Park is one of the most popular beaches in Ventura that’s great for surfing, windsurfing, and bird watching. We like to come here on the weekends to go for a walk along the ocean and bring our dog for a bit of play on the beach.

Parking for Surfers Point can be a bit challenging, especially on the weekends. We usually park along Shoreline Drive which has 30-minute free visitor parking or you can pay a small fee and park in the Public Parking @ surfers point .  

From Surfers Point you can walk along the Ventura Promenade which turns into a bike path. If you’re looking to get away from the busy tourist crowds, Surfers Point Dunes is a quiet beach just a short walk west.

Location: Surfers Point at Seaside Park

10. Emma Wood State Beach

If you keep going along the bike path past Surfers Point Dunes, you will eventually reach Emma Wood State Beach . This is a popular location for RV camping with campsites situated right next to the sandy beach . This campground offers primitive campsites meant for self-contained vehicles like RVs and campervans.

Although we haven’t camped here ourselves, we like to take our bikes for a spin along the adjacent bike path to enjoy the scenery. Often you might spot wildlife in the ocean like dolphins swimming along the shoreline.

Emma Wood State Beach is tucked away in a secluded location so you’ll rarely encounter many people here. Overall, this is one of the things to do in Ventura Beach if you want to get away from the crowds!

Location: Emma Wood State Beach

11. Walk Around Downtown Ventura

Downtown Ventura’s Main Street is one of the top places to visit in Ventura! This area consists of several blocks of pedestrian walking area that is closed off to car traffic.

Along both sides of Main Street, you’ll find many restaurants, bars, cafes, yoga studios, and antique shops. We like to come here to go on a stroll, stop by for a drink at one of the local restaurants and browse through the boutique stores.

On the weekends Ventura’s downtown is buzzing full of out-of-town visitors and tourists seeking a getaway on the coast. This area often hosts fun events like Ventura Wine Walks, St. Patrick’s Day Parade, and Holiday Tree Lighting.

12. Mission Basilica San Buenaventura

The Old Mission Basilica San Buenaventura is one of the most notable things to do in downtown Ventura. This historic building is located along Main Street so it’s a great place to stop by as you’re walking around downtown to learn more about Ventura’s history.

Mission San Buenaventura is open to visitors from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm every day . There is a small fee of $5 to enter the Mission with discounts for seniors, active military, and youth.

With the admission, you can explore the church, garden, the interior, and see various artwork and sculptures. It takes about an hour to walk through the mission grounds which makes it a great little stop!

Location: Mission Basilica San Buenaventura 1782

13. Serra Cross At Grant Park

Serra Cross is an iconic Ventura landmark that can be seen from afar! This oceanfront park features a giant cross and sweeping panoramic views overlooking the Ventura County coast.

Serra Cross is situated at the summit of Grant Park which you can reach by foot or by car. At the top, there is a small parking lot and walkways that lead to a viewpoint of the Serra Cross.

This historic monument was originally placed by a Spanish missionary in 1782 to guide people traveling to Mission Basilica San Buenaventura. Over the years the wooden cross has been replaced several times but remains a major Ventura attraction.

Location:  Serra Cross

14. Dinner & Drinks At Rumfish y Vino

Whenever our friends come to visit us in Ventura for the first time, we always take them for dinner and drinks at Rumfish y Vino restaurant in downtown Ventura. Rumfish y Vino is also a great place to dine if you’re looking for romantic things to do in Ventura for couples.

This gastropub-style restaurant has a beautiful modern interior with a relaxed, beachy vibe . Their dinner menu is limited but features drool-worthy choices such as Caribbean Fish Stew, Cochinita Pibil Tacos, Belize BBQ, and many seafood options.

For starters, we usually pick a few appetizers to share. Some of my favorites include mussels in mustard crema sauce, Peruvian ceviche, and garlic fries.

If you’re looking for a fun spot where you can enjoy a few cocktails and delicious food, this is where you’ll want to go!

• Rating on Google:  4.6 out of 780+ reviews
• Location:  Rumfish y Vino
• Website:  Rumfishyvinoventura.com

15. Ice Cream At McConnell’s

Have a bit of a sweet tooth? Ventura is home to McConnell’s Fine Ice Creams which has been serving delicious treats to Central Coast locals for over 70 years . The original store was established in Santa Barbara in 1934 with a newer location in Ventura that opened 14 years ago.

McConnell’s motto is to ‘ Leave the world just a little sweeter than we found it ’. And that is exactly what they strive to do!

The staff at Ventura McConnell’s is always so welcoming and friendly whenever we come in. They have two ice cream stations displaying the various flavors that you can pick from for a variety of taste preferences. I usually go for the Santa Barbara Strawberry and Toasted Coconut Almond Chip combo.

• Rating on Google:  4.7 out of 600+ reviews
• Location:  McConnell’s Fine Ice Cream
• Website: Mcconnells.com

16. Channel Islands National Park

One of the first times that I came to visit Ventura years ago was to go on a day trip to Channel Islands National Park . Located just a short boat ride from Ventura Harbor, Channel Islands is a popular nature getaway for California locals.

Channel Islands National Park consists of five islands:

• Anacapa Island
• Santa Cruz Island
• San Miguel Island
• Santa Barbara Island
• Santa Rosa Island

Within these islands, you can enjoy plenty of fun outdoor activities like camping, kayaking, snorkeling, wildlife sighting, and hiking amongst pristine landscapes. To reach the islands you will need to reserve a boat ride with Island Packers Cruises that depart from Ventura Harbor.

Some of the islands like Anacapa and Santa Cruz can be visited year-round while the other islands have limited visitor seasons. As an option, you can also reserve wildlife and whale-watching cruises that travel next to the islands without departing the boat.

17. Go Biking Along Ventura – Ojai Bike Path

The Ventura – Ojai Bike Path is a long, paved pathway that travels for 15 miles from Ojai to downtown Ventura . This is a great route to bike, trail run or walk if you’re looking for a longer place to stretch your legs.

I’ve walked parts of the Ventura Ojai bike path when looking for a quick escape into nature with my dog. I’ve also run the entire length as part of the annual Ventura Marathon. The pathway is fairly flat with a little bit of downslope ( if you start in Ojai ).

With plenty of trees, lush vegetation, and views of the mountains, the Ventura Ojai bike path is one of the best places to take a bike out for a spin in Ventura!

Location: Ventura River Bike Trail

18. Grab a Beer At a Local Brewery

For being a small beach town, Ventura is known for having quite a few popular local breweries . No matter where you end up staying, the chances are that there is a brewery within a few blocks from your hotel or vacation rental!

A few of our favorite Ventura breweries include:

• Transmission Brewing . This brewery is situated next to Toppers Pizza Place with an adjacent door and shared seating area so you can grab a beer and food at the same time.
• Ventura Coast Brewing Company . One of our favorites in downtown Ventura for its overall vibe and modern setting. VCBC often features food trucks on their outdoor patio.
• MadeWest Brewing Co . MadeWest arguably has one of the best locations situated right on the Ventura Pier! This is where you’ll want to go if you want to enjoy views of the Pacific Ocean as you sip on your craft beer.
• Topa Topa Brewing Co . Topa Topa is one of the most popular local breweries with several locations on the Central Coast including Ventura, Santa Barbara, Ojai, and Camarillo.
• Rincon Brewery-Ventura . This brewery is a great choice for larger parties or if you want to enjoy a laid-back setting with plenty of food options.

Read Next: 5 Great Breweries In Ventura For Amazing Local Beers

19. Go On a Hike At Arroyo Verde Park

Arroyo Verde is a local park in Ventura where you can spend time outdoors surrounded by a green hills and beautiful hiking trails . There are several miles of trails that you can enjoy here with plenty of visitor parking.

For the longest hiking option, we recommend following the Arroyo Verde Park Loop route from the AllTrails hiking app . The higher you climb, the better the views will get!

We especially enjoy visiting Arroyo Verde in spring when the entire park is full of blooming flowers. This park is also very dog friendly so it’s the perfect place to bring your four-legged friend for exercise and play.

Location:  Arroyo Verde Park

Visitor Tip:  In the summer months, keep an eye out for rattlesnakes, especially when the weather starts getting hot. I like to carry a  snake venom extractor kit  when going on hiking adventures in California, especially in dry coastal areas.

20. Pete’s Breakfast House

Pete’s Breakfast House is an iconic Ventura breakfast spot that is a must-try at least once! This casual breakfast joint was featured on Food Network’s famous Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives show which created quite the local buzz.

Pete’s Breakfast House takes pride in serving delicious food at affordable prices that won’t break the bank. Not sure what to try? Order the Chorizo Burger or Pancake Roll with yogurt and berries that Guy Fieri himself called ‘ righteous’ .

This breakfast restaurant is open from 7:30 to 2:00 and fills up quickly, especially on the weekends. Be sure to come early in the morning to get a spot on their charming outdoor patio.

• Rating on Google:  4.7 out of 1200+ reviews
• Location:  Pete’s Breakfast House
• Website:  Petesbreakfasthouse.com

21. Grab Coffee At Prospect Coffee Roasters

If you’re looking to grab a cup of coffee in the morning before exploring Ventura, I recommend stopping by my favorite coffee shop in town – Prospect Coffee Roasters.

This inviting coffee shop boasts a beautiful modern interior complimented by some of the best coffee on the Central Coast. I usually go for the Batch Brew drip coffee but they sell plenty of drink choices such as Americano, Latte, Cold Brew, Hand Pour, and Matcha Latte, along with others.

Prospect Coffee Roasters sources coffee from small farms around the world such as Peru, Mexico, Colombia, and Ethiopia. The coffee sold at Prospect is very strong with notes of sweetness and acidity.

• Rating on Google:  4.6 out of 370+ reviews
• Location:  Prospect Coffee Roasters
• Website:  Prospectcoffee.com

Read Next: 12 Best Coffee Shops In Ventura, California

22. Go On a Day Trip To Ojai

If you want to switch things up on a trip to Ventura, plan to spend a day in the nearby city of Ojai! Ojai is a small town just 30 minutes north of Ventura where you can find lots of charming art studios, wine-tasting rooms, spas, and restaurants.

A few of the most popular wineries and tasting rooms in this area include:

• Old Creek Ranch & Winery
• The Ojai Vineyard Tasting Room
• Majestic Oak Vineyard and Wine Tasting

Surrounded by lush trees and mountains, Ojai is the perfect place to spend an afternoon on the weekends. Nearby you can also find excellent hiking trails such as the Ventura River Preserve Trail .

23. Four Brix Winery And Tasting Room

Don’t want to go all the way to Ojai for wine tasting? You’re in luck as Ventura has its own wine-tasting room at the center of the town!

At the Four Brix Winery and Tasting Room, you can try a selection of high-quality wines sourced from grapes grown on the Central Coast in Paso Robles, Santa Ynez, and Ojai. This tasting room is open with limited hours Friday to Sunday from 12:00 pm to 4:00 pm.

On the weekend evenings, they often host fun events such as live music, wine and cheese pairings, paint & sip, and many others! For details be sure to check out the Four Brix Winery event calendar here .

Location: Four Brix Winery and Tasting Room

24. Harmon Canyon Preserve

Harmon Canyon is another one of our favorite local places for spending time outdoors in Ventura. This preserve covers over 2100 acres of land with longer hiking and mountain biking trails.

Within minutes of entering Harmon Canyon, you’ll feel fully submerged in nature. This location is especially beautiful in spring when all of the mountains are covered in green grass and there is water flowing through the creeks.

For a longer hike follow the Harmon Canyon to Overlook Bench route from the AllTrails hiking app . For a shorter option, take the main Harmon Canyon Road or head into one of the narrow side trails to explore various scenery.

Location:  Harmon Canyon Preserve

25. The Collection Riverpark

Many people come to Ventura for its world-renowned beaches, seafood, and outdoor activities. But while that sounds fun for some, retail therapy is a fun way to spend an afternoon on a weekend for others. Thankfully in this small beach town, you can do both!

The Collection Riverpark is a great shopping mall just a few minutes drive east of Ventura on the border of Ventura and Oxnard. A few of the most popular stores here include REI, H&M, Whole Foods, Victoria’s Secret, and Ulta Beauty amongst many others.

This outdoor shopping center also has a lot of great restaurants that we like to frequent for dinner such as Gen Korean BBQ House , Yardhouse, and Kabuki Japanese Restaurant .

Location: The Collection at RiverPark

26. Museum Of Ventura County

The Museum of Ventura County is a local museum situated in downtown Ventura near Mission Basilica San Buenaventura 1782. This museum is small but features artwork and several different exhibits along with an outdoor play area for kids featuring straw huts and musical instruments.

Within the museum, you can learn more about Ventura’s history, Chumash native people, and their culture. Admission to the museum is free and it only takes about an hour to walk through the entire museum and see the exhibits on display.

Location: Museum of Ventura County

Looking for more things to do around the Central Coast? Be sure to check out these posts next:

• 10 Best Hiking Trails In Ventura, California
• 15 Top Dog Friendly Activities In Ventura, California
• 13 Best Pet Friendly Hotels In Ventura, California
• Carpinteria Bluffs Trail & Tar Pits Park
• 15 Best Santa Barbara Wine Tasting Tours
• 15 Best Places For Viewing Wildlife In California

Some of the links used in this blog may be affiliate links. At no extra cost to you, may I earn a small commission when you book through these links for which I am very thankful!

You May Also Like

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These 2 Ventura County spots may soon get national recognition as historic places. Here's why

A Queen Anne style farmhouse near Oxnard and a mid-20th century equestrian center in Bell Canyon may soon get national recognition as historic places.

The spots, both in unincorporated areas of Ventura County, have been nominated for the National Register of Historic Places. This week, the county’s Cultural Heritage board unanimously agreed to recommend that they met requirements for the list. The next step comes in May when a state commission will consider the nominations.

If the commission agrees they are eligible, the nominations are expected to go onto a review at the national level.

When was the farmhouse built?

The Scarlett-McGrath Ranch , also called the Scarlett Ranch, property covers roughly 5 acres mostly surrounded by farmland. A tree-lined road leads to the farmhouse that sits 600 feet or so off West Gonzales Road.

While continuous use has led to some changes, the property and buildings have retained their significance , county officials said.

John Scarlett bought nearly 700 acres near the Santa Clara River for $14,000 in gold coin in 1874, according to the property’s nomination documents. He reportedly farmed the land and raised horses, cattle and hogs.

Part of the farmhouse was built earlier, but in 1889, owners added the front and two-story portion of the home. It was described in publications at the time as a showpiece, the documents say. The farmhouse has an asymmetrical facade, window bays and decorative woodwork characteristic of a Queen Anne style, officials said.

Scarlett-McGrath Ranch includes century-old barn

A barn east of the home went up between 1929 and 1934. Nearby, a brick building once used as a tank house and a tractor shed were described as built around the turn of the century.

In the 1930s, the property appears to have transferred to the McGrath family, which had owned a nearby ranch. During this week's hearing, Beverlee McGrath, who currently lives there, thanked the local board for considering the nomination.

“It means an awful lot to me and the rest of the family,” she said.

'Bel Air of the San Fernando Valley'

The Bell Canyon Equestrian Center covers nearly 10 acres, including a main building, four stable barns, an arena and landscaped courtyard, in the gated community of nearly 2,000 residents, officials said.

The neighborhood sits on the southeastern edge of Ventura County, an enclave only accessible through the West Hills area of neighboring Los Angeles County.

Back in 1968, the Spruce Land Corp., a housing developer, bought a ranch for $3 million to develop what was initially called the Woodland Hills Country Estates, according to the nomination documents. The name later changed to Bell Canyon. An equestrian community, the spot was marketed as the "Bel Air of the San Fernando Valley."

Cliff May designs Bell Canyon Equestrian Center

Cliff May designed the equestrian center as its focal point with thickly applied stucco walls, an arched breezeway, cylindrical tower and other features, the applicant said.

The nomination called the center "a prominent example" of the California ranch architectural style by May, who designed thousands of custom homes.

A longtime resident advocating for the historic status called the center unique and said it attracted many people to the spot.

Cheri Carlson covers the environment and county government for the Ventura County Star. Reach her at [email protected] or 805-437-0260.

This article originally appeared on Ventura County Star: Ventura County nominates 2 spots for national historic status

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Ventura's Westview Village receives $1 million as next phase nears completion

Westview Village in Ventura received $1 million in federal funding earlier this month to complete construction of a community center, commercial kitchen, playground and early childhood center, all set to be operational by April.

These facilities are part of Westview Phase II, which includes 50 affordable apartments — 44 one-bedroom and six two-bedroom units. Property management and Section 8 teams are currently vetting applications and the leasing process will begin in April.

The overall project is located on 20.6 acres in west Ventura between Olive and Riverside streets. It is being built by the Housing Authority of the City of San Buenaventura, an affordable housing developer for eligible low-income residents, with BRIDGE Housing as co-developer. 

The housing authority submitted a funding request last spring through the late Sen. Dianne Feinstein, D-California, and Congressman Salud Carbajal, D-Santa Barbara, which was approved as Congress passed the Housing and Urban Development appropriations bill earlier this month. 

“I lived in public housing myself growing up in Ventura County and have had a chance to see the work being done to expand Westview,” Carbajal said via email. “These units and community amenities will help so many families and reduce the stress and the strain that can come for families worrying about the stability of their living situation."

A multi-phase development

The proposed project, which began in 2017, was to be built over four phases and involved demolishing 180 public housing units built in 1952 and constructing 320 apartments and homes in its place.

Westview Phase I was completed in 2019, with 18 two- and three-story buildings consisting of 131 one- to four-bedroom units. At least half of the families displaced after the demolition returned to live in Phase I, according to Sandy Sanchez, senior developer at the housing authority.

Westview Phase III went into construction next. It was built before Phase II because its fundraising took longer than expected. Phase III was completed in 2022 and included a 105-unit development with one- to four-bedroom apartments, Sanchez said.

Westview Phase II will be complete in a couple of weeks. The last stage, Westview Phase IV, will include 34 for-sale row houses and duplexes. It is still in the planning stage and the housing authority does not have an expected completion date yet.

While the total development cost for Phase II is approximately $38 million now, it was previously estimated at $35.7 million . This also includes the cost of building a public park and some public infrastructure like nearby streets.

The pandemic affected construction costs, said Ricardo Torres, senior policy and community affairs manager for the housing authority.

The construction for Phase I saw delays in the aftermath of the Thomas Fire and Phase III was delayed by five months due to COVID-19-related material shortages. The other phases have been completed "within anticipated timelines," Torres said.

The project will help the city meet housing goals, specifically serving a mixed-income community with affordable housing options. The city of Ventura's total housing goal between 2021 and 2029 is 5,312 units, including 1,187 units for very low-income and extremely low-income households. 

Free learning and youth programming

The new early childhood center built in Westview Phase II will be operated by Child Development Resources or CDR, a nonprofit that serves Ventura County through free and subsidized children’s programs. 

The two classrooms at the center will be a free preschool for 40 kids between 3 to 4 years old, from low-income households.

“It's the convenience of being located on-site,” said the nonprofit’s CEO Jack Hinojosa. “The facility has beautifully designed classrooms with ample space for a really high-quality learning environment."

The children will also be fed homestyle meals prepared at the on-site kitchen, Hinojosa added. 

CDR is currently working with the housing authority to finalize the lease agreement. Pending approvals, the early childhood center will begin operating in August with the start of a new school session. 

Although Westview already has two smaller community rooms, at the Phase I and Phase III apartments, residents are excited about the new community center at Phase II as it will be a bigger and better space, said Kate Simonson, who has served on the Resident Advisory Council at Westview for nearly nine years

Simonson lives in Westview Phase I and her family was one of 72 households displaced because of the demolition. As a program director for EPIC, a faith-based Ventura nonprofit, she has also been organizing after-school homework help and programming at the community rooms to help vulnerable youth.

'This is really our home?'

Denia Gonzalez has been a Westview Phase III resident for nearly a year. She lives in a two-bedroom apartment with her 17-year-old daughter Juliana.

They lived in a recreational vehicle for 13 years. Gonzalez ultimately sold it, and they led a nomadic life over the next four years, renting rooms and moving every few months. She said they were also homeless and separated for two months when they stayed with different friends.

When Gonzalez told Juliana their housing application was approved, they came to pick up the keys for a home in Westview together. They didn't expect to move into a brand new apartment as its first residents.

Phase III had 22 units set aside for homeless people. Phase II will also have five apartments as permanent supportive housing units for formerly homeless people.

“A month ago my daughter asked, ‘Mom, this is really our home, right?’" Gonzalez said. "And I said, ‘Yes.’”

She hopes the new community center will have a space for teens her daughter’s age. Although all ages are welcome at the children’s clubs and programs in Westview, Gonzalez said Juliana, being older than most kids in the area, isn’t always interested in them.

Jeffrey Lambert, CEO of the housing authority, said that the community center was designed as the center of the Westview Village. With an adjacent green space, a basketball court, a playground and even an amphitheater, the community center is the true heart of the community, he said.

The Resident Advisory Council hopes to host the first party in the community center. It will be both a Mother’s Day and Father’s Day celebration.

Dua Anjum is an investigative and watchdog reporter for the Ventura County Star. Reach her at  [email protected] . This story was made possible by a grant from the Ventura County Community Foundation's Fund to Support Local Journalism.

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Far Right’s Success Is a Measure of a Changing Portugal

Memories of dictatorship are fading. Dissatisfaction is mounting. It was a ripe moment for the Chega party to appeal to voter frustrations.

By Emma Bubola

Emma Bubola reported from Faro, Portugal, and several other towns across the Algarve, speaking to party officials, tourism workers, farmers and fishermen.

The sun-soaked Algarve region on Portugal’s Southern coast is a place where guitar-strumming backpackers gather by fragrant orange trees and digital nomads hunt for laid-back vibes. It is not exactly what comes to mind when one envisions a stronghold of far-right political sentiment.

But it is in the Algarve region where the anti-establishment Chega party finished first in national elections this month , both unsettling Portuguese politics and injecting new anxiety throughout the European establishment. Nationwide, Chega received 18 percent of the vote.

“It’s a strong signal for Europe and for the world,” said João Paulo da Silva Graça, a freshly elected Chega lawmaker, sitting at the party’s new Algarve headquarters as tourists asked for vegan custard tarts at a bakery downstairs. “Our values must prevail.”

Chega, which means “enough” in Portuguese, is the first hard-right party to gain ground in the political scene in Portugal since 1974 and the end of the nationalist dictatorship of António de Oliveira Salazar. Its formula for success mixed promises of greater law and order with tougher immigration measures and an appeal to economic resentments.

Chega’s breakthrough has presented Portugal as the latest version of a now familiar quandary for Europe , where the inroads of hard-right parties have made it increasingly difficult for mainstream competitors to avoid them .

The leader of Portugal’s center-right coalition, which won the election, has refused to ally with Chega, but experts say the result is likely to be an unstable minority government that may not last long.

Chega showed once again that taboos that had kept hard-right parties out of power, foremost the long shadow of a right-wing dictatorship from last century, were falling. Today the hard right has made gains in Italy, Spain and Germany, among other places.

Portugal had been considered the exception. It emerged from the Salazar dictatorship as a progressive society that supported liberal drug laws and showed little appetite for the far right. In recent years it became a booming tourist destination, flush with foreign investment , expatriates and a growing economy.

Even so, this month more than a million Portuguese cast what many saw as a protest vote for Chega.

The Socialist and the mainstream conservative Social Democratic party in recent decades have presided over a painful financial crisis and tough austerity period. But even in the country’s recent economic upturn , many have felt left out, anxious and forgotten.

Huge numbers of young Portuguese are leaving the country. Many of those who stay work for low salaries that have not kept up with inflation and left them priced out of an unaffordable housing market. Public services are under stress.

Chega campaigned promising higher salaries and better conditions for workers, who the party said had been impoverished by a greedy elite. It fought against mixed-gender bathrooms in schools and restitutions for former colonies.

A corruption investigation into the handling of clean energy projects, which brought down the Socialist government last year, handed Chega another talking point with which to attack the ruling class.

The party’s message struck a chord with many Portuguese who did not vote before and attracted young voters through powerful social media outreach. It also resonated with voters in Algarve who had voted reliably for the Socialist Party in the past.

“Here we have to work, work, work and we get nothing,” said Pedro Bonanca, a Chega voter who drives tourists on a boat to the fishing island of Culatra, off the Algarve coast.

“When I ask old people why they vote the Socialist Party, the only thing they can say is that they took us out of the dictatorship,” said Mr. Bonanca, 25. “But I don’t know about that. It was a long time ago.”

The top of his Instagram search bar featured André Ventura, the charismatic former soccer commentator who once trained as a priest before founding Chega in 2019.

In earlier campaigns, Chega used the slogan “God, Homeland, Family, Work,” similar to the Salazar dictatorship’s “God, Homeland, Family.” Before the recent election, Chega promised a mix of social policies that experts described as unrealistic, including plans to increase the minimum wage and pensions while also cutting taxes.

“Chega became a sort of catchall party of all anxieties,” said António Costa Pinto, a political scientist with the Institute of Social Sciences at the University of Lisbon.

In the Algarve region, Chega appealed to underpaid waiters with unstable jobs, priced out of their hometowns or forced to emigrate. The party’s message resonated with aging fishermen who had to keep working to make a living. It spoke to farmers who said that they felt forsaken and that the government had prioritized watering golf courses despite looming drought.

“If we die, it’s because of them,” Pedro Cabrita, a farmer, said of the government. “My vote for Chega is a protest vote,” he said as he gazed anxiously at his orange grove, which he feared might dry out this summer.

In Olhão, an impoverished tourist town where Chega won nearly 30 percent of the vote, José Manuel Fernandes, a fishmonger, wondered why, despite the fact that Portugal is in the European Union, he could not aspire to the lifestyle of the German or French tourists around him.

“In the summer I see couples having a good time here, living in camper vans,” said Mr. Fernandes, who voted for Chega, as he cleaned a giant cuttlefish. “I have wanted to go on vacation abroad for 30 years,” he added, “but that moment never came.”

Economists say Portugal, which started from a lower economic point when it joined the European Union in 1986, has made progress but not the kind of productivity gains needed to catch up to its wealthier European partners. Instead it remains a relative bargain for European tourists and retirees, while many Portuguese feel increasingly plundered.

In the seaside town of Albufeira, as British bachelorette squads in blinking bunny ears cruised the streets, Tiago Capela Rito, a 30-year-old waiter, closed the cocktail bar where he worked. Despite working since he was 15, he still lives with his mother because he cannot afford his own apartment, he said.

He had never voted before, but he voted for Chega. “Ventura is telling us that we don’t have to leave the country to survive,” said Mr. Rito, who in the off season juggles construction and kitchen jobs, “that we can stay here and have a life.”

Down the road, Luís Araújo, 61, a waiter who also voted for Chega, said his son, 25, made more than triple his salary at a restaurant in Dublin.

“Our young people leave and these guys stay here,” he said of the influx of workers from Nepal and India who have arrived to fill low-paying jobs.

Though the numbers of immigrants arriving in Portugal has been smaller than in Italy or Spain, Mr. Ventura has cast a recent influx of South Asian immigrants as a threat.

“The European Union is being demographically replaced by the children of immigrants,” he said in Parliament in 2022, evoking the “great replacement” conspiracy theory. “Nobody wants that in 20 years Europe will be mostly made up by individuals from other continents.”

For some, Chega’s rise has brought back old fears, especially for members of the Roma community, one of Mr. Ventura’s early targets.

For some older Portuguese, too, the specter of the hard right’s revival has been unsettling.

As he cleaned his nets from small crabs and cuttlefish, Vitór Silvestre, 67, a fisherman on Culatra, said he still remembered being fearful to talk to the cobbler or even friends during the dictatorship years, never knowing who could be an informant.

“And now we are voting for the far right again?” he asked.

Tiago Carrasco contributed reporting from Faro, Portugal.

Emma Bubola is a Times reporter based in London, covering news across Europe and around the world. More about Emma Bubola

Portugal’s center-right wins general election, but surging populists want a say too

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A center-right alliance led by the Social Democratic Party has won Portugal’s general election by a slender margin and is set to form a minority government that could have a difficult term in office as a radical-right populist party that came third in the voting tries to get a hand on the levers of power.

Results published late Wednesday, after votes from abroad were counted to decide the last four lawmakers from the March 10 balloting, gave the Democratic Alliance a final tally of 80 seats in the 230-seat National Assembly, Portugal’s parliament.

The center-left Socialist Party placed second with 78 seats and has said it won’t stand in the way of the Democratic Alliance forming a minority government in an upcoming parliamentary vote.

World & Nation

Portugal’s election leaves the country uncertain of its future but boosts Europe’s radical right

A surge in support for a populist party in Sunday’s election has placed the hard right at the heart of Portuguese politics.

March 11, 2024

The hard-right Chega (Enough) party collected 50 seats, up from 12 seats in a 2022 election, in a staggering surge that upends traditional politics in Portugal, where the Social Democrats and Socialists have alternated in power for decades.

Chega leader Andre Ventura is demanding that the Social Democrats give his party a say in governing the country, either through granting it seats in the Cabinet or through a parliamentary alliance.

Final official results will be certified on Friday. By law, the parties have 48 hours to present legal challenges to the outcome.

Polls open in Portugal’s election with mainstream moderates trying to keep right-wing populists at bay

Portugal is holding a general election Sunday against a backdrop of corruption scandals and economic hardship that have eroded faith in moderate mainstream parties

March 10, 2024

President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, as head of state, invited Luis Montenegro, head of the Democratic Alliance and Social Democrat leader, to form a government at a meeting held after midnight.

Montenegro and his government are due to take office on April 2. The government then presents its policy proposals to Parliament, where other parties can bring a vote of no confidence. If that motion is successful, another party leader is invited to try to form a government, or another election is held.

Montenegro, the incoming prime minister, has so far ruled out any deal with the populists, many of whose policies are unpalatable for many Portuguese. But his hand could be forced by political circumstances because his minority government won’t be able to push through legislation on its own.

Ventura, the populist leader, has threatened to make life difficult for the new government in key votes, such as the state budget, unless Montenegro yields to his demands.

Anger over corruption and economy could help radical right party in Portugal’s upcoming election

Portugal’s election on Sunday is taking place because Socialist leader Antonio Costa resigned after eight years as prime minister.

March 7, 2024

Ventura has made common cause with other radical-right parties across Europe. He has built ties with Matteo Salvini, Italy’s deputy prime minister and head of the populist, right-wing League party, French far-right leader Marine Le Pen and the leader of neighboring Spain’s far-right Vox party, Santiago Abascal.

Ventura says he is prepared to drop some of his party’s most controversial proposals — such as chemical castration for some sex offenders and the introduction of life prison sentences — if that opens the door to power.

A slew of recent corruption scandals tarnished the Socialists and Social Democrats, and Chega ran under an anti-graft banner.

Low wages and a high cost of living — worsened last year by surges in inflation and interest rates — along with a housing crisis and failings in public health care contributed to a mood of disaffection with mainstream parties.

Hatton writes for the Associated Press.

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