PrintEmail

Olivas Adobe

Olivas Adobe Historical Park, (4200 Olivas Park Drive, 644-4346) placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1979, affords visitors the opportunity to experience the expansive adobe home and courtyard built between 1847-49 by wealthy Don Raymundo Olivas on his 4,700-acre Rancho San Miguel. The grounds are open daily while the house, a beautiful example of Monterey-style adobe architecture, is open for tours on weekends or by arrangement and the facility is available for rental.

Click here to view the Olivas Adobe web pages

Other Historic Sites

Albinger Archaeological Museum, (113 E. Main St., 648-5823) located next to Mission San Buenaventura, was once the home to five different cultures spanning 3,500 years of history. Learn about the Chumash Indians, Chinese immigrants and others who resided on the site by viewing displays, a brief slide presentation and archaeological digs uncovered in 1974. Placed on the National Register of Historic Places, the museum is currently open by appointment only. Visit www.albingermuseum.org for details.

City Hall Municipal Art Collection, 501 Poli Street,  housed in historic Ventura City Hall, is open weekdays 7:30 am-5 pm (closed alternate Fridays). Call 805.658.4759 to schedule a free docent-led school or service group tour of the art collection and historic architecture. More info at www.cityofventura.net/publicart

Discover Ventura Historical Walking Tours & Outdoor Adventures - visit the Tours & Travel web pages for more info

Download the Downtown Ventura Historic Walking Tour Guide covering the Downtown Ventura Cultural District here.

Historic Dudley House (corner of North Ashwood & Loma Vista) hosts an Open House the first Sunday of each month, 1-4 pm as well as other special events. Contact 805/642-3345 or www.dudleyhouse.org for details.

Figueroa Mall Historical Rose Garden is located one block south of Mission San Buenaventura. The garden features over 120 roses of many classes. Specimens date from prior to 1633 ("Rose of Castille") to modern times.

Mission San Buenaventura, (211 E. Main St., 643-4318) established in 1782, was one of the first of 21 inspiring missions founded each a day’s journey apart along the California coastline by Franciscan Father Junipero Serra. The mission is open to visitors Monday through Friday 10 am - 5 pm, Saturdays 9 am - 5 pm and Sundays 10 am - 4 pm.

Ortega Adobe Historic Residence (215 W. Main St.) is an architectural example of smaller adobe homes that once lined Main Street in sharp contrast to the residences of wealthy landowners nearby. It was within this adobe that Emilio Ortega first began fire-roasting chiles, believed to be the first commercial food operation of its kind in California. Grounds are open daily 9 am - 4 pm.

Ventura County Museum of History and Art (100 E. Main St., 653-0323) contains the major collection of Ventura County artifacts, photographs, exhibits and research library materials. Located across from the Albinger Archaeological Museum, it is open to visitors Tuesday through Sunday 10 am - 5 pm. Website: http://www.venturamuseum.org/

Reservations

Many of the parks and facilities listed within this brochure may be reserved for weddings, meetings, parties, group barbecues, receptions, sports activities or other special events. Fees vary for each of the site with reservations available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Parks and Facility reservations should be made at least two weeks prior to a planned function. many locations book a year in advance, especially Grant Park, a poplar wedding site. For 24-hour recorded information, call Park/Facility Reservations at 652-4594 or 652-4550 for personal assistance.