Camarillo is located along I-101 just
an hour north of Los Angeles. Kind of
bordering what's considered Southern
California and Central Coast, the
lifestyle combines both. Camarillo is at
the bottom of the Conejo Grade, a steep
hill that cars must ascend or descend to
access the valleys and Los Angeles. Camarillo
in Ventura County, just north of L.A.
once was a sleepy place, but like so
many towns that provide an escape from
big cities such as Los Angeles, it was
inevitable that it would grow. And it
has.
For tourists passing through, the
highlights include the many restaurants
along the highway and the chain stores
you can stop and shop at.
There are some special treats to discover that showcase the city's history from its early days as Camarillo Ranch.
The Camarillo Ranch House operates as a museum today, and is available for tours with docents dressed in Victorian era costumes. The beautiful house and grounds are also available for rent as a wedding venue. It has become the most popular place to have a wedding in the region, and is especially popular for romantic affairs hosted on the grass lawns that provide plenty of shade. It really is picture perfect.
As you drive up there's a big red barn on the left of the road.
Camarillo has a community park named Dizdar, where a bronzed statue of Adolfo Camarillo, mounted on his famous white stallion, Sultan, (the official horse of Camarillo) provides a photo op for those who like to document their "off the beaten path" journeys.
Descendents of Sultan have appeared in the Tournament of Roses Rose Parade, and the legend of the Camarillo White Horses dates back to 1921 when Adolfo Camarillo purchased Sultan at the California State Fair in Sacramento.
Be sure to visit the historic Camarillo Ranch, home to the city's founder. It is a 17-room Victorian home that has some of the artifacts and relics of the era. Location: Highway 101 at Flynn Road where you can find Camarillo Ranch Road adjacent to 101.
Another part of Camarillo's heritage on display is Old Town with eclectic and old-fashioned shops. Camarillo Old Town Association (COTA) hosts an annual Heritage Days festival in the summer with carnival rides, a car show, craft vendors, foods, live music and free admission.
Camarillo also features an air museum at Camarillo Airport. Operated by The Commemorative Air Force (CAF) all-volunteer organization dedicated to preserving the history of combat aircraft which were flown by all military services of the United States, it is located at 455 Aviation Drive at Eubanks Street at the Camarillo Airport.
What would this fantastic airport be without an air show? They call it the 'Premier Air Show on the Central Coast of California' but its official name is Wings Over Camarillo. Far enough from L.A. (55 miles northwest) and slightly inland from the coast (10 miles, approx.) where the Pacific Ocean can create morning fog conditions, the Camarillo air show is better set for blue skies each summer, making for great photos as the vintage aircraft arrive.
The City of Camarillo has one of the finest Parks & Recreation departments (pvrpd.org) in California which not only manages over 20 parks, hosting locals, visitors and events throughout the year, but also produces and promotes a busy roster of special events that attract all ages. Among some of our favorites are:
Camarillo Summer Concert Series: During the summer months the city of Camarillo invites the public to free rock, R&B and other popular genre concerts featuring tribute bands performing the classic songs and top hits you'll recognize. In addition to this concert series, there's also free Camarillo Community Band Concerts.
Christmas Celebrations: Camarillo Christmas Parade is one of the seasonal highlights to a busy winter in which Parks & Rec offers hands-on classes with holiday themes and play days for kids. In addition to the parade, it wouldn't be Christmas without the ceremonial Lighting of the Tree in Old Town Camarillo.
Other holiday traditions bring out the youngster with their baskets to gather goodies in the annual Easter Eggstravaganza held outdoors in one of the parks, typically just before Easter.
Halloween in Camarillo is a don't miss holiday where the parks department produces multiple events catering to young and old alike. From a Spooky Swim to the Seniors' Spooktacular Bash or Ball with dancing, from Trick or Treat Trail to Howl-o-Ween for Dogs, nobody's left out in this town!
Location: 17 miles east of Ventura
Named: after Juan Camarillo who came to San Buenaventura in 1857 and purchased Rancho Calleguas in 1875.
Weather: Average annual
high temperature: 72 degrees Average
annual rainfall: 13.40 inches
Certified Farmers' Market - Saturdays,
8:30 a.m. 12 Noon Ventura Boulevard
between Elm & Fir. Locally grown fresh
flowers, fruits & veges and bakery
items.
Golf - 18 Hole Public Courses
Buenaventura Golf Course 5882 Olivas
Park Drive, Ventura 805-642-2231
Camarillo Springs Golf Course 791
Camarillo Springs Road 805-484-1075
Olivas Park Golf Course 3750 Olivas Park
Drive, Ventura 805-642-4303
Sterling Hills Golf Course Sterling
Hills Dr, Camarillo 805-987-3446
More information can be found at cityofcamarillo.org