10 Reasons to Escape Winter in Camarillo, CA

Camarillo boasts a distinct blend of Hispanic and Anglo flavours. With a warm Mediterranean-like climate, winters are more sand, than snow. Here are just ten reasons why you should escape to Camarillo when the season turns:

1. The weather

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As temperatures slide and fireplaces crackle in Canada, Camarillo is enjoying 52 weeks of great weather. Winter averages of 18°C will have you stowing the winter jacket and dusting off your suitcase. 
 

2. Local wineries & breweries

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If you like to 'trek' wine trails, Camarillo is home to two vineyards that are included on the Ventura County Wine Trail: Millésimé Cellars and Camarillo Custom Crush Winery. Want more variety? Bella Victorian Vineyard, Cantara Cellars, San Vicente Cellars and The Wine Closet all warrant a visit. 

Maybe you prefer barley to grapes? There's an ale for that. Institution Ale Company brews unique American beers and on any given day there are 15 or so seasonal beers on tap in their tasting room. If you’d like to take some to go, they also fill growlers. (The containers make for a great souvenir!) 

3. Family-friendly activities

You’ll find certified-organic fruits and vegetables galore at McGrath Family Farm. Pick your own seasonal produce, such as tomatoes and pumpkins, or stop by the roadside market to stock up.

If your family has more active interests, Sky High Sports has a freestyle dodgeball court, laser tag, a trampoline slum-dunk court, a wipeout ring, a rope swing and a foam pit. There's an area specifically suited to tots too.

4. Designer deals

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There are 160 shops for your shopping pleasure at Camarillo Premium Outlets. Savvy shoppers know it for factory pricing on brands like Guess, Banana Republic, Lacoste, Fossil, Ralph Lauren and more. The outlets are open Monday to Saturday 10 a.m.- 9 p.m. and Sunday 10 a.m.- 8 p.m. Check the website for special holiday hours.

 

5. Go skydiving

Skydive Coastal California, located at Camarillo’s public airport, has a five-star rating from the United States Parachute Association. Jump from 3,000 m (10,000 feet) and experience the thrill of a 40 second free-fall at 193 kilometres per hour. Just make sure you appreciate the stunning views of California that stretch across the horizon on your way down! 

6. Hit the links

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Camarillo Springs Golf, Sterling Hills Golf, Spanish Hills Country Club and Las Posas Country Club are four of the region’s most prestigious golf courses. Camarillo’s comfortable climate makes golf a year-round sport.

7. Explore the wild places

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The wild spaces enveloping Camarillo are brimming with trails to be hiked and natural features to be explored. Walk the trails of Camarillo Grove Park with Fido. Hike Camarillo Regional Park and stop by the “Scary Dairy,” an abandoned farm that makes an incredible photo-op. Mission Oak Park is a pleasant place to stroll, play a game of tennis, or lay out a picnic spread.

8. Uncommon museums

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There are plenty of educational, cultural and heritage sites to explore in Camarillo, none of which are a bore.

The Commemorative Air Force Museum is home to twelve WWII-era aircraft, some of which you can actually take a ride in—and the pilot might even give you the controls!

The Western Foundation of Vertebrate Zoology will entice animal-lovers with a natural history collection of bird eggs and nests.

Camarillo Ranch House is a Queen Anne Victorian home built in 1892 that looks like a giant dollhouse. Today, it functions as a museum with rotating exhibits and as a romantic venue for weddings and events.

9. DiningVisit Camarillo

Camarillo is serious about its dining - and for good reason. The surrounding agricultural lands yield a bounty of fresh produce and the ocean offers up tide-to-table dining.

So where to start? Twenty88 is Camarillo’s only modern martini lounge, wine bistro and contemporary gourmet experience all rolled up into one unique atmosphere. Waypoint Café is the best place to snag a classic American burger or Belgian bacon waffles. Read that again: Belgian bacon waffles. The Manhattan of Camarillo serves traditional, homestyle New York dishes. Don't miss the Manhattan signature cannelloni. 

One thing is for sure—you won’t go hungry on this holiday. 

10. Nearby beaches

You travelled south to escape the snow, right? So get some sand in your shoes at one of the Ventura County Coast's many beaches.

An afternoon of laying out on Channel Islands Beach could also include kayaking, sport fishing and a pulled-fresh-from-the-sea dinner.

Nearby Ventura is hailed as a surf nirvana—and rightfully so. The beaches that dot the shoreline yield breaks that are favoured by local surfers. Take the 101 freeway to sweet-spots such as Surfer’s Point Park in San Buenaventura State Beach.

Prefer not to get wet? The Ventura Promenade makes a lovely stroll, complimented by palm trees and classic coastal California views.

 

            

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