With year-round sunshine and breathtaking scenery, Camarillo is a hidden gem in Southern California that offers endless possibilities for outdoor fun and exploration, from tranquil hikes alongside dramatic coastal bluffs to intrepid leaps out of a plane going 120 mph, hundreds of thousands of feet above the city. Whether you’re a nature lover, an adrenaline junkie, or someone just looking to escape the daily grind of life and get into the great outdoors, this charming getaway is sure to have the outdoor adventure you’ve been searching for.
But where to begin? Lace up your boots and grab your sunscreen, because we’ve split up our favorite activities by region—land, air, and sea— to give you a full glimpse at all the outdoor fun that Camarillo has to offer. For itineraries, guides, announcements, fun, and more, check out the rest of our blogs!
Find Your Base for Adventure
First thing’s first: every storied adventurer, every explorer of land, air, and sea needs a place to come back to at the end of a long day, a safe space to rest and relax after soaking up the gorgeous Camarillo sunshine. Our city has 11 exceptional lodging options, ranging from affordable inns to flagship hotels. Each one offers an ideal base for visitors looking to explore the region, conveniently located near many of the city’s top attractions, activities, and sights. Explore our full selection of accommodation options and choose a home base to kick off your journey.
By Land
Trailblazers, rejoice! Not only is Camarillo home to 28 parks, Camarillo has some of the best hiking and biking trails around, all of them artfully wound through the area’s stunning and diverse landscape. On your excursion through the great outdoors, you’ll encounter everything from wildflowers to waterfalls. If you’re lucky, you might even spot some of the local wildlife! Just 20 minutes from Camarillo is Point Mugu State Park, featuring five miles of ocean shoreline with rocky bluffs, sandy beaches, sand dunes, rugged hills and uplands, and more than 70 miles of hiking trails. One popular trail is the Mugu Peak Trail, a 2.7-mile heavily-trafficked loop trail where you’ll see some breathtaking views on your way to the top.
If you’d rather explore on two wheels, that’s cool too. Bikers of all skill levels can revel in the rolling hills, peaceful trails, and year-round sunshine of Camarillo as they peddle across some of the area’s most beloved trails. Beginners, or riders simply looking for a flat, tranquil bike path with no cars, can wind alongside the east side of Camarillo for 2 miles on the Calleguas Creek Bike Path, a trail with a gentle paved slope, picturesque views of the surrounding scenery, and convenient passage under Highway 101.
By Air
Take your adventure to new heights with an experience set several thousand feet above the beautiful California coast. Orbic Helicopters offers a variety of tour packages and flight experiences for those wanting a one-of-a-kind bird’s eye view of Ventura County’s coastline. The Ventura Coast tour takes guests directly to the beach, where you’ll be treated to views of Ventura Harbor, the pier, C-Street’s world-famous surfing beaches, and the breathtaking Ventura State Beaches.
Lovers of history and airborne adventure can also take to the skies thanks to the Commemorative Airforce – Southern California Wing’s Warbird Ride Program! This special program allows fliers of all ages to climb aboard an authentic World War II aircraft and step back in history as they experience the rush of true flight. Take your pick of available aircraft, including the PBJ, the PT-19, the SNJ, and the Ercoupe, and get ready for a flight you won’t want to miss.
If you’re looking for even more of a rush, look no further than Skydive Coastal California. With a convenient location at the Camarillo Airport, Skydive Coastal California welcomes seasoned skydivers and first-timers alike who are looking to make the fearless leap out of a plane going 120mph, hundreds of thousands of feet above the breathtaking California coast. Book your tandem jump and finally cross ‘skydiving’ off your bucket list!
By Sea
If you’re looking for an adventure on or around the high seas, you’re in luck! Camarillo is centrally located to a wide variety of beaches, parks, and an island chain that allows direct access to California’s stunning coastline. Channel Islands National Park is a fantastic day-trip location, boasting adventures that range from wildlife viewing to snorkeling in the Channel Islands’ kelp forest waters. Even traveling into the park is a spellbinding outdoor experience, with a 15 minute drive and 60 minute scenic ferry ride all that stands between you and the park’s endless seaside adventures.
The perfect place to soak up the sun and catch some waves? Say no more. Oxnard State Beach Park is located only 20 minutes from Camarillo, offering an impressive range of activities that includes volleyball, biking, surfing, picnicking, and more. Stroll on palm tree-lined pathways that wind along white sandy beaches, try to catch a wave, or sit back for a moment and enjoy the stunning view of the Channel Islands.
Well folks, that’s a wrap on our tour of the best outdoor adventures in and around Camarillo, California. We hope we’ve inspired you to get out and enjoy the sunshine, fresh air, and unforgettable memories that are made when we venture out of doors. Check out our Adventure Weekend Itinerary for more adventure-centered trip ideas, or start searching for the perfect place to stay on our page of accommodation options.