Historic Sites & Parks

Historic Sites & Parks

The City of Ventura’s Parks Division is proud of its numerous historical sites, bike paths and parks, many featuring magnificent views and several located right on the beachfront. Please click here for more information on reserving a park or facility.

Historical Sites
Olivas Adobe Historical Park, (4200 Olivas Park Drive, 644-4346) placed on the National Register of Historic Places, 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.

• View Archeology month - May 2005 Events Flyer (pdf)

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 open Wednesday through Sunday.

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 10am - 5pm, Saturdays 9am - 5pm and Sundays 10am - 4pm.

The 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 10am - 5pm.

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.

The Ortega Adobe Historic Residence (pictured at left, 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.

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.