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Editor’s Note
Have you ever heard of the term “earworm?” As in, a song that gets stuck in your head? I’ve been humming Sublime’s Doin’ Time for days now: “Summertiiiiime and the livin’s easy …” I realize there are a LOT of songs with those same lyrics, but as an elder Millennial, Bradley Nowell’s take on the classic is the one most firmly planted in my memory.
Not that that has much to do with this magazine, other than we’re both talking about the same time of year. And the fact that summers on the Central Coast tend to lodge themselves into the same nostalgic corner of your brain as your favorite songs from high school.
No matter what you’re listening to, we’re here to help you pair them with some amazing summer experiences!
CA 101 In Oxnard, they have a new saying: “Ox marks the spot.” And it’s becoming the spot for more and more these days. It’s long been a beach community and gateway to the Channel Islands, but it’s also growing as an excellent food, wine, and entertainment hub, as well. Check out Nicole Leonetti’s story for the details.
CA 101 Paso Robles also has a thriving and expanding foodie scene. Writer Don Sonderling takes us along on a tour of some of the newer restaurants in the area
SPRING 2025 ® YOU CAN ENJOY THIS AND, ALL OF OUR PREVIOUS EDITIONS ONLINE AT
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— from the fresh and adventurous, to the fresh takes on comfort foods. No matter where you go around here, you’re sure to leave with a full and happy belly.
CA 101 Speaking of happy, I don’t think Mike Miller’s ever been so happy to play a round of golf than he was recently at Pebble Beach. Like most golfers, he’s long had this Monterey County course on his bucket list, and for (many) good reasons. Besides the course itself, there are the views, the history, the food, the accommodations…
CA 101 If you’re looking for a different kind of sport, might we suggest scuba diving? Some of the best diving on the planet is right here off our coast at the Channel Islands National Park. We chat with Ventura Dive and Sport to learn about this Disneyland under the sea. Whether you’re a pro or looking for your very first lesson, these guys have you covered.
CA 101 Rather dive into sweets than the Pacific Ocean? Don Sonderling takes us to some of his best-loved bakeries, where passion meets pastry. Some of their recipes have been passed down through the generations; some of them will have you wondering “Is it cake?” But all of them will have you saying, “It’s worth the calories!”
CA 101 We’ve also got you covered for just about anything and everything else you could want to eat, drink, and experience in our events calendar. Love mac n cheese? Or rare British cars? Or talking like a pirate? Or buckin’ broncos? We’ve got it all, and a lot more!
Born and raised in Ventura County, area specialists Desti Centineo and Michele Losey along with their team have managed thousands of real estate transactions across Ventura, Oxnard harbor and the surrounding areas.
The Desti and Michele Group brings decades of experience, passion and hard work to make your real estate transactions as seamless as possible to guide you all the way to closing. Whether selling or purchasing a home, looking for an investment opportunity or a 1031 exchange, we are here to help.
3300 Ocean Drive 3+3 with ocean views rooftop deck + elevator
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with Large yard one in from the sand
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private guest retreat Paradise at Hollywood By The Sea 1553 Windshore 2+2 Luxury at the harbor Experience refined coastal living
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3+4 with Roof top deck 2 in from the sand
8 Pebble Beach Golf Links The experience of a Lifetime By Mike Miller
21 Paso Robles’ NEW Vibrant Dining Scene By Don Sonderling
35 Handcrafted Heavenly Sweets Pastries on the Central Coast By Don Sonderling
51 On the Oceanfront Tacos, dolphins, and more in Oxnard By Nicole
Leonetti
66 Slow down, cool off and dive in with Ventura Dive and Sport By
Marlowe Haas
79 Events
Events in Ventura, Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo and Monterey counties By Misty Hall
By Jonathan Tolins
By Joel Surnow and Sean Callery
by Jonathan Larson
By Sam Shepard
John Patrick Shanley
P E B B L E
By Mike Miller
As an avid golf junkie, playing some of the best golf courses in the world is a mission of mine. Regardless of how you define a “top golf course,” Pebble Beach Golf Links has to be on that list.
B E A C H THE EXPERIENCE
OF A LIFE TIME...
Pebble Beach 17-Mile drive. (Above) The Inn at Pebble Beach.
Photo courtesy of Pebble Beach Company
Pebble Beach is a golf destination that is rich with history. I not only love to play golf, but I am also drawn to watching the best players in the world compete at the highest levels the sport has to offer. I grew up watching Tiger Woods dominate the competition at Pebble Beach. I watched in amazement as Jordan Spieth hit his famous cliff shot on number eight, risking life and limb to save his par back in 2022. The memories of great golf moments at Pebble Beach go on and on.
So, when a friend recently called me to ask if I would be interested in a weekend of golf at Pebble Beach, it took me exactly three seconds to respond!
After weeks of
planning, we hit the road for a quick guy’s weekend from Santa Barbara to the beautiful Monterey Peninsula. We drove the 17-mile loop and took in the breathtaking views, but for me, my mind was fixated on our final destination. Would it be all that I imagined?
The answer is a resounding yes. If you have never golfed on the Monterey Peninsula, put it on your bucket list as soon as possible. After checking into our
suite, which overlooked the first fairway, I took a stroll around the property and ended up standing along the 18th green. Along with about 100 other guests, I watched foursomes finish their rounds, and the crowd would applaud good approach shots and finishing putts. It added a little pressure to the experience, and you could tell that having spectators made the experience just a little better for the players as they finished their round. I was very much looking forward to my turn.
I decided to stay on the property for dinner and enjoyed an amazing steak dinner at The Tap Room, which you can just tell has seen its share of legendary tales over the years.
Photo courtesy of Pebble Beach Company
The relaxing Tap Room.
Photo by Kodiak Greenwood Lodge bedroom.
In the morning, I woke up early and made my way over to the Pebble Beach Golf Academy, where I warmed up for my round and tried to get a feeling for the greens. Thankfully, I also got in a little bunker work, because it would turn out that I would need it later. The Pebble Beach Golf Academy is a full-on experience in itself. The facility offers everything a golfer would ever need to improve their game.
As I checked in for my tee time, I’ll admit that I was quite nervous. After all, I was about to step foot on one of golf’s greatest and most storied courses. Despite wobbly legs, I got to the first tee and drilled my drive right down the middle of the fairway.
My second shot was equally good, and right out of the gate, I had a green in regulation. The one thing that stood out to me early on was how small the greens appeared compared to what I was used to seeing on television.
Despite hitting my first green in regulation and the greens not feeling overly intimidating, I also carded my first three-putt of the day — and it wouldn’t be my last. Regardless of not playing
great golf over my first four holes, I was still scoring OK. Starting on No. 5, which is a fun par three, I finally woke up and stopped looking around at everything besides my golf ball. I suspect it’s common for even the best golfers to get distracted when they play Pebble Beach for the first time. I spent far too much time thinking about all the epic golf battles that I’d watched take place at Pebble Beach over the years, and trying to remember what golfers did on each of the holes I was playing.
I ran into my first major issue of the day on the storied sixth hole. The hole has been a stage for legendary shots and major championship drama. For example, in the
View over hole 7, enjoy!
Photo by Bart Keagy
Hole 7 approach.
2019 U.S. Open, Tiger Woods famously hit a midiron to the green in two shots from vintage U.S. Open rough, which was one of the finest shots in golf
history. But, for this amateur, I overshot the green and struggled to recover. Pebble Beach served me up a triple bogey, and told me to like it!
I didn’t have time to lick my wounds, because the world-famous hole seven was waiting for me. This was an experience I had been waiting for. The
Photo courtesy of Pebble Beach Company Hole 8!
Photo courtesy of Pebble Beach Company
Sunrise dreams.
Infomous hole 18 approach.
downhill par three offers one of the best views in golf, and I was determined to recover from the previous hole. I stepped up and put a good swing
on the ball and hit the center of the green while one of my playing partners took a video of my shot. I have since watched that video at least 100 times as
I marveled at the beauty of the scenery. I managed a two putt and recorded my par, but couldn’t resist taking a moment to pause on the green.
Photo by Evan Schiller
Photo courtesy of Pebble Beach Company
I was actually playing Pebble Beach! I was humming along on the back nine until I came to the 14th, which is a long par five with a difficult approach to the green. Not knowing the course definitely bit me in the backside on this hole. More short game woes forced yet another triple on a par five — inexcusable, but then, I was playing Pebble Beach! So I forced myself to keep things in perspective.
As the final holes were approaching, I felt like a kid who was just about to hear the whistle at recess, knowing that the fun was just about to end. As I stood on the 18th tee box, my mind began to wander yet again. How many tournament-winning holes started on that spot? How do I avoid going left and hitting it on to the beach?
Despite my roaming mind and reluctance for the round to end, I still managed to hit a drive up the righthand side of the fairway, but a wayward second shot brought the famous tree into play. Sure enough, I clipped a branch on my approach shot and heard the jeers from the crowd gathering around the green, as I did the day prior. My day finished with a bogey, but it was an unforgettable experience.
After my round, I once again enjoyed all of the conveniences the property had to offer, including the fireplace in my suite, where I sat drinking a few beverages as my group recapped a truly special day.
The next day I took the opportunity to play The Hay, the short course that was recently redesigned by Tiger Woods. The Hay is a great stop for kids and
other guests, regardless of their level of golf experience. When asked how I would describe the overall experience, the first thing that came to mind was, “Disneyland for golfers.”
Pebble Beach etched itself into my soul. It was love at first sight. I had just played one of the best courses on the planet, and enjoyed myself. Until my final days, I will always remember the experience. I aim to return, and when I do, I fully expect it to be just as special.
Pebble Beach will host the Men’s U.S. Open Championship in 2027, so make sure you start planning your future trip soon. For more details on Pebble Beach and golf on the Monterey Peninsula, visit pebblebeach.com.
THE EXPERIENCE OF A LIFE TIME...
Photo by Joann Dost
The Inn at Spanish Bay firepits.
July 15 - 27
CA Mid State Fair - July 23 Free Pancake Breakfast
August 6, 13, & 20 6 - 8 pm
Concerts In The Park (tickets required) parkcinemas.com
August 22 9 am - 3 pm
Lets Make A Deal, Paso! (Trading Day) & Kids Flea Market. Free Admission
September 6 7 pm
Classic Movie Night “The Sting” 1973 classic
September 19 11 am - 4 pm
30th Annual Taste of Downtown & Arte de Tiza (tickets required) my805tix.com Arte de Tiza starts at 8 am
MYSTIC HILLS VINEYARD
Mystic Hills Vineyard is a boutique, family-owned vineyard nestled in the beautiful rolling hills outside of Paso Robles, California. We focus on sustainable estate-grown Bordeaux style wines that showcase our passion for excellence and our tenacity for a memorable bottle of wine.
Owner Joel Cox is an Academy Award winning Film Editor who brings his professional and creative love of film to his wine. His meticulous and diligent eye for a well-crafted scene in a movie is brought to life in our beautiful and extraordinary wines that will surely captivate your palette and produce an unforgettable delight for you to savor.
Combining Elegance with Practicality
“The Atascadero Inn proudly unveils its fully reimagined guest rooms, designed to offer both elegance and unparalleled comfort. Our comprehensive renovation has introduced a sophisticated aesthetic, with new furnishings, vibrant patterns, and contemporary lighting. The chic new bathrooms, boasting sleek vessel sinks, ambient back-lit mirrors, and stylish tiling, provide a luxurious retreat after a day of exploring the Central Coast.”
Perfectly situated for exploration, the Atascadero Inn offers easy access to local gems like the Central Coast Zoo. (Formerly Charles Paddock Zoo) Close to everywhere you want to be, Atascadero offers access to hundreds of wineries, championship golf and the Central Coast’s only accredited zoo. We look forward to welcoming you to your newly enhanced home away from home, and proudly cater to our diverse guests with multilingual staff. Atascadero Inn has been a cherished part of the community since May 1, 2019, building on a legacy of hospitality at this location since 1993.”
For your convenience, every room includes a coffee maker, microwave, and refrigerator, along with a comfortable work desk and seating. Our dedicated 24-hour front desk staff is always on hand to assist, and ample free parking is available for all guests.
Celebrate creativity, community, and fall fun at the annual Cambria Scarecrow Festival this October 2026
Throughout the month, Cambria and San Simeon transform into a whimsical wonderland of imaginative scarecrows and larger-than-life displays. Stroll through Cambria Village, along Moonstone Drive, and on Castillo and Hearst Drives in San Simeon to discover hundreds of creative creations.
In addition to individual scarecrows and vignettes, each year CSF puts up large displays. Returning favorites include “Fantastical Cove,” featuring
mystical creatures, colorful mushrooms, gnomes, a unicorn, and a sea serpent, along with the crowd-favorite “Crowchella” musical display starring iconic rock-inspired characters. New this year is a playful sleep-themed “PJs in the Patch” complete with bedtime stories, a granny pillow fight, camping adventures, and more.
From charming individual scarecrows to elaborate vignettes and immersive displays, this year’s festival promises unforgettable fun for visitors of all ages.
For special events, scarecrow locations, information, and newsletter signup, visit cambriascarecrows.com
Alchemists’Gardenisagreatplaceforparties.
Alchemists’ Garden could well have been named “The Miracle,” “Timing is Everything,” or “We Will Survive,” because after committing to the space, starting renovations, and planning for a grand opening, lightning struck in the form of the COVID-19 pandemic. Somehow, between March 2020 and late January 2021, when virtually all businesses were shuttered, Alchemists’ Garden survived — and now, it thrives. The magical combination of Alexandra Pellot, Andrew Brune, and four other partners pulled off the impossible, but isn’t that what alchemists do? Create magic.
This eclectic eatery has something for everyone, every taste, and every age. Have
Paso Robles’ NEW Vibrant Dining Scene
By Don Sonderling
My first exposure to Paso Robles dining came in the late ‘60s and early ‘70s, when I spent many summers at Camp Roberts for army training. At that time, some of the best dining options in Paso Robles were Foster’s Freeze (which closed in 2016), Denny’s, and the Paso Robles Inn. Slim pickings.
However, over the last 15 to 20 years, as Paso Robles’ wine reputation has grown and earned national and international acclaim, the city has developed a vibrant, diverse diningX scene that includes two Michelin-starred and several Michelin-recommended restaurants, with a variety of creative chefs offering just about any type of food a foodie could want. Dining in Paso Robles is lively, flavorful, and innovative — and it continues to be amazing.
PhotobySarahKathleen
In the last several years, there has been an explosion of new, exciting restaurants, each offering different types and styles of food and with their own personality.
Let’s take a look at just a few of these tasty new additions to the already booming Paso restaurant scene that have opened their doors in the last several years, offering a variety of creative flavors and inventive dishes, but most of all: hospitality!
a seat in the spacious dining room with live plants on the walls, or at the bar, or on the front porch. Wherever you sit, there will be good energy, good vibes, and just plain good fun.
Upon entering, your senses come alive. The décor, colors, spacious dining area, bar, and patio, are all filled with an exciting joie de vivre. Enthusiasm, exuberance, and excitement fill the air, the plates, and especially the drinking glasses.
Once seated, your first impression of the Alchemists’ will be the front of the menu. As you turn the pages, playful descriptions will come alive. But, what to eat and what to drink? Here are a few suggestions.
Photo by Sarah Kathleen Oysters and champagne at Alchemists’ Garden.
Perusing the drink menu, what jumped out at me was the Jalisco Snowstorm. My wife, meanwhile, loved the Theory of Forms. The moment your server arrives, order “the bunch of fries” for the table, with varied options for dipping sauces. If you like oysters on the half shell, their sustainably farmed oysters from the Morro Bay Oyster Company rock! Prepared by Chef Andrew with passionfruit foam, they are unlike any oysters you have tasted. And the mushroom medley will put any mushroom lover into salivary heaven. The menu will sometimes change, but if available, the harrissa-charred prawns are mouthwatering, and the pesto vegetable lasagna is a great choice for vegetarians and non-vegetarians alike.
Ready for dessert? Six of us splurged by ordering four desserts. Just do it! After dinner, head to the bar, mingle, make new friends, and raise a glass to the restaurant that defied all odds, The Alchemists’ Garden.
The Alchemists’ Garden is located at 1144 Pine St, Paso Robles. For reservations and more: alchemistsgarden.com
Grace and Rose (named after the middle names of Julie and Justin Fischer’s daughters) opened their doors in August 2025 and hit the ground running. Of course, these restaurateurs were no strangers to the Paso restaurant scene, having owned the Paso Robles Wine Merchant located in the Paso Market Walk for several years.
ThepatioisalwayshoppingatGraceandRose.
PhotobyDonSonderling
“the best” of locally sourced, creatively prepared, and served comfort food. Just a few favorites we’ve enjoyed with friends:
But this is more than just a wonderful farm-to-table restaurant, offering seasonal dishes that make your taste buds throw a party in your mouth. The location was also a passion project for Julie and Justin. In 2023, the Fischers purchased this 1915 farmhouse (which was badly in need of serious TLC) and lovingly restored it. Now, you can dine and let your mind wander to “times of yesteryear,” especially on the wraparound porch on a pleasant evening, with a light breeze blowing away the hustle and bustle of the more populated Paso Park area. You can almost imagine horsedrawn carriages traveling down the street.
The seasonal menu is thoughtful and
• Goat cheese-stuffed dates with pistachios and hot honey, and you must order the Bread Bike Country Loaf.
• Roasted beet salad, and don’t forget the charred Brussels sprouts (and the buzzword among friends: share, share, share).
• For a main, the brick chicken and the butterfly branzino will really get the salivary party going. We’ve had all the mains, and you can’t go wrong with any of them.
• And for that sweet ending: Share the Basque Cake and the Leo Leo Gelato!
Now, to wine:
Grace and Rose offer a
Photo by Don Sonderling Grace and Rose’s menu changes with the seasons.
carefully chosen selection of local, domestic, and imported wines, many available by the glass. But there is also a special “Library” wine list featuring many of Paso Robles’ most awarded wineries, with rare and older vintages. The wine list has been lovingly prepared by wine director (and former professional violinist) Kristina, who has done a magnificent job of curating a wine lover’s wine list.
In addition to preserving “Old Paso Robles” architecture, Grace and Rose focuses on a dinner-and-wine menu featuring creative dishes and flavors, emphasizing locally sourced products. It has become a community gathering place, regularly hosting casual winemaker events.
As for hospitality, that word has defined Julie and Justin since they opened their first restaurant. The staff is excellent, knowledgeable, and super friendly. Shout-out to Kaitlyn, whom we met on our first visit to this new, exciting California cuisine restaurant in Paso Robles. We make a point of asking for her every time we dine there.
Grace & Rose is located at 745 Park St, Paso Robles. For reservations and more: graceandrosepaso.com
Junction Tapas and Wine Bar was opened by Nick and Ingrid Holguin about four years ago and is a somewhat “hidden gem” in the downtown area, next to the historic train depot. Specializing in Spanish tapas (small appetizers meant for sharing), this is the place to experience an authentic “bite of Spain.” When you go, be sure to go with friends, because you will want to share the flavorful tapas on the menu. The space is cozy and comfortable, with an outdoor patio to enjoy those wonderful Paso evenings. While the focus is on Spanish tapas, you will also find tantalizing assortments of Latin American bites, typical of Chile, Peru, and Argentina.
Start your meal with a glass of local wine and order one of the cheese or charcuterie boards while perusing the menu. Some of our favorite shareables include the Argentinian beef empanadas, tortilla espinola, stuffed piquillos, and don’t overlook the lamb lollipops and shrimp borrachos!
There are plenty of choices to explore, and most of the dishes on the Junction menu are unique to this restaurant; you just won’t find them elsewhere. And before you finish your meal, the churros and chocolate will put you in chocolate heaven.
To get the full “flavor” of Junctions’ food, service, wines, personality, and hospitality, you just have to go. This is another of Paso’s unique, fairly new, and exciting restaurants, where you can eat, experience new flavors, relax, and make new friends.
Junction Tapas and Wine Bar is located at 710 Pine St, Paso Robles. For reservations and more: junctionpaso.com
Monarca Restaurant, located just across the street from the Park, has been open for just over a year. Serving breakfast and lunch (and dinner on Friday and Saturday), it has become my new “go-to” place for breakfast or brunch. This family-owned and run restaurant specializes in Mexican cuisine and offers a variety of breakfast items, including omelets, egg dishes, and pancakes and waffles. The food is full of flavor, reflecting its Mexican heritage. Portions (especially the omelets) are often large enough to share, and it is the perfect place to start your day, energizing and fortifying you for a day of wine tasting!
Aside from the food, what makes Monarca stand out is its quaint, inviting atmosphere, with Monarca’s butterflies on the wall. Enjoying a meal at Monarca feels like stepping into your abuela’s (grandmother’s) home kitchen: warm, inviting, friendly, and relaxing, with the assurance that your appetite will be sated, and you will enjoy a full, and flavorful, meal.
photo courtesy Monarca Monarca’s freshly made strawberry lemonade
Photo by Don Sonderling Egg dishes abound at Monarca.
In addition to their freshly squeezed orange juice and freshly made strawberry lemonade, Monarca offers a wide selection of local wines, cocktails, margaritas (of course), and guava mimosas!
This is another of Paso’s newer, creative restaurants that adds to the allure of the growing Paso Robles food scene, offering just about any type of food and atmosphere you could want, from breakfast through dinner.
Monarca is located at 1104 Pine St, Paso Robles. For reservations and more: monarcarestaurantca.com
S’Aranella, the “sister” restaurant to Les Petites Canailles (LPC), opened in spring 2025 by Julien and Courtney Asseo and was an instant success. The Asseo family (of L’Aventure winery) may be French, but S’Aranella reflects the heritage, fun, and flavors of France’s neighbor, Spain. I have three words to describe this fun, flavorful, casual, inviting restaurant: Paella, paella, paella! The menu has a Basque focus, so come ready to eat and share the “pintxos” or tapas, then dive into paella, choosing from meat, seafood, or vegetarian. You can also choose your paella with rice or fideuà (small pasta).
For a group of four to get a good sense of S’Aranella – as recommended by personal experience – order croquetas de champiñones, a charred Caesar complete with
boquerones (anchovies), the Moorish lamb, and follow that with one of the paella dishes. You won’t go home hungry! Enjoy one of their craft cocktails or a bottle of wine, but as the saying goes, “When in Rome (or, in this case, Spain),” I’ll choose the Sangria Rojo.
S’Aranella is located at 835 12th St. A, Paso Robles. For reservations and more: saranellarestaurant.com
Sabor and Sazón (meaning “flavor” and “seasoning”) opened in late summer 2024 and has been going strong since day one. Owner/Chef Jorge Magdonal has culinary roots in the Paso Robles community, having worked as a chef on the Central Coast for 25 years. This restaurant is the culmination of a dream to open a place focused on the flavors of his native Honduras and to share his and his family’s warmth with the tight-knit Paso community and its visitors.
Upon entering the intimate, comfortable space, you will be warmly greeted, most likely by a family member: son (Jorge, Jr.), daughter (Belyn), uncle, cousin, or inlaw. You will immediately feel welcome in the family.
My suggestion before you even look at the menu: order a corn soufflé (or two) for the table so you can peruse the menu leisurely, as you tease your taste buds with what is to follow.
Photo by Don Sonderling
One of Saranella’s many paellas.
Photo by Don Sonderling
A sweet treat from Saranella.
If you are going with another couple or two, you may want to order several appetizers and a few mains to share! If you are a seafood lover, the black squid-ink fettuccini with crawfish, lobster, and shrimp is mouthwateringly delicious. If you are a chocolate lover, I have only ONE comment: Tarta de Chocolate!
Now in their second year, Sabor and Sazón also offer rotating specials and winemaker dinners. P.S. You may also want to end with sharing a chocolate peanut butter mousse.
The restaurant’s motto is: El sabor es nuestra esencia (“the flavor is our essence”). But it’s more than that.
Sabor and Sazón and their family exude friendliness, warmth, and inclusion, along with a burst of creative energy and flavors that will
keep you coming back time and again, as it does for us.
Sabor and Sazón is located at 841 13th St., Paso Robles. For reservations and more: saborsazon.com
These are only a few of the inventive restaurants that have joined Paso Robles’ food scene in recent years. Each one is unique, so go to Paso for wine country, then explore Paso Robles’ vibrant, creative, and exciting food scene. Check out many of the others — there is a world of wonderful, inventive food awaiting you in Paso Robles.
Don Sonderling is a freelance writer covering California’s unique lifestyle culture of wine, food, and adventure, from Santa Barbara to Napa Valley and beyond. He may be reached at: donsonderling@gmail.com
Photo by PrettyMediaCreations Corn souftle from Sabor & Sazon.
Photo by PrettyMediaCreations
A hearty seafood dish from Sabor & Sazon.
Photo by PrettyMediaCreations
Sabor & Sazon’s Jorge Jr, Chef Jorge, and Belyn.
Luffa Farm Wednesday - Sunday 10:00 am - 4:00 pm Educational fun for the whole family!
85 Bell St�eet Los Alamos Ca. 93440 (805) 344-4404 charliesfood.com/los-alamos Sunday-7:00am-7:00pm Monday-Sat�rday- 8:00am-8:00pm Winter hours var�, call to verif�
Feel the Heart of Solvang
Danish Village Bakery and Coffee Shop
Handcrafted Heavenly Sweets
Pastries on the Central Coast
Story and photos by Don Sonderling
The Central Coast can be called “foodie heaven.” There are many options to satisfy your taste buds around here. But sometimes — especially around breakfast time — the only thing that’ll do is a sugary, carb-loaded pastry. Luckily, we’ve got plenty of small, local bakeries that will please your sweet tooth and get your salivary glands working overtime. So, let’s explore some of these mouthwatering treats waiting for you to discover.
Ventura County
Bake House is located on the southern edge
in Agoura Hills. Emil, a Swiss master baker, started his business in West Los Angeles in 1962, where he built a reputation for creating European-quality pastries. After four decades, Emil sold the business to his longtime employee, Christian Kaufmann, an Austriantrained baker, who continued producing high-quality, European-style baked goods. He eventually relocated the business to Agoura Hills in late 2019.
As Christian notes, “a few months later, Covid hit — tough times.” However, through dedication and a commitment to quality, Emil’s Bake House has firmly established itself in the community, building a well-deserved reputation. Now, you can enjoy these delicious treats in Ventura County. My advice: just go!
Emil’s reputation and legacy have endured over the years not only because of Christian but also because of Librado Mendoza, who began working at Emil’s as a teenager and specializes in quiches and Swiss tarts. Both Christian and Librado honor Emil and the timehonored profession of creating fine European pastries.
Step into Emil’s cozy space and let the sweet aromas excite your salivary glands. As you browse the bakery cases, you might want to
Emil’s
of Ventura County, just a minute off the 101 Freeway at Kanan Road
• Pretty cakes at Emil’s.
• A selection of sweets at Emil’s Bake House.
order an extra to enjoy outside with a coffee. Their cream puff — with its lighter-than-air pastry filled with the sweetest, freshest cream imaginable — will take your taste buds to a place they have never been.
Whether it’s cakes, breads, quiches, or their signature croquembouche (a Christmas tree-shaped tower of cream puffs, drizzled with sugar and hard caramel), Emil’s is the place to go for amazing pastries that are as artistic as they are palate-pleasing. Most ingredients are imported from France, Germany, Switzerland, and Austria. And each individual pastry creation reflects the dedication to authentic old-world European quality and baking techniques — no shortcuts taken.
Emil passed away in 2023, but his legacy and reputation have endured, offering customers 64 years of exceptional flavor under the guidance of his longtime friends, Christian and Librado.
On a personal note, growing up in West Los Angeles in the ’60s, my parents would serve Emil’s Croquembouche at social gatherings and special events. Its name means “crunch in the mouth.” For me, it was always simply pure deliciousness.
Emil’s Bake House is located at 5005 Kanan Rd, Agoura Hills. For more: emilsbakehouse.com
Awkward Pastry in Ventura, a tight-knit ocean community, threw a party for my taste buds when I visited and sampled some of their baked goods. I’ll get straight to the point: Awkward makes the best, gooey chocolate chip cookie I’ve ever tasted. And if you’re a carrot cake fan, OMG! Jess’s carrot cake will blow you away. The light buttercream frosting alone can send you straight to heaven. And their chocolate pie! For chocolate lovers, this is definitely a place to visit.
The person behind the baked goods is Jess Baker (yes, that’s her last name!). Jess started her journey as a self-taught baker while in Poland for a year, craving “good old American sweet treats.” After moving back to the US a year later and spending time in Los Angeles for baking training, Jess
Croquembouches at Emil’s.
The unassuming entrance to Awkward Pastry.
ruity and chocolaty bites at Emil’s.
A multi-tiered work of art from Awkward Pastry.
began her business in her hometown of Ventura. Through word of mouth, Yelp, and pop-ups, her reputation grew.
Six years into working with special orders, including collaborations with commercial kitchens and other venues, Jess opened Awkward Pastry in mid-2025. On the day I visited, the daily sweets were: carrot cake with honey buttercream, chocolate cream pie, chai snickerdoodles, salty chocolate chip cookies, and a gluten-free lemon bar.
Walk-in days and hours are limited, so arrive early to avoid missing out. Awkward’s hours are Wednesday from 3 to 5 pm, Thursday and Friday from noon to 5 pm, and Saturday from 10 am to noon. You can also opt for delivery (for a fee) north to Santa Barbara and Goleta and south to Thousand Oaks. And when you drive down Main Street in Ventura, look for the Native Pizza sign hanging above Jess’s storefront. (Even though Native Pizza is no longer in business, the mural still makes the location easier to find.)
Awkward Pastry is located at 1751 E Main St, Ventura. For more: awkwardpastry.com
San Luis Obispo County
Just Baked, a dessert boutique, is located in downtown Paso Robles across from the park. Libby Ryan, owner and chief baker, started the business in 2010 as a single mom who couldn’t afford to buy a cake for her son’s birthday. Over the years, through dedication and hard work, Libby steadily built her business and reputation, moving into her current 12th Street location in August 2023. And what a sweet move that has been.
If you’re passionate about pastry and baked goods and haven’t visited yet, it’s worth making a special trip. My wife says the oatmeal raisin cookies are the best she’s ever had. We both agree that the cranberry muffins are unmatched and worth a special trip! And if you love almond croissants, look no further; this is the place to go.
Pastries are beautifully displayed and are works of art in their own right. There is a wide variety to choose from, including: Libby’s “Flagship” chocolate chip cookie (selling over 25,000 in the last year), plus about seven other flavors; muffins, muffins, muffins; five varieties of croissants; assorted cupcakes, coffee cakes, breakfast tarts, scones, cream puffs; and many other fresh-baked treats to satisfy your sweet tooth and hunger. There are also daily specials that magically appear.
Just Baked’s reputation has received recognition and several awards, including (but not limited to) Best Bakery in north SLO County, and Best Dessert in north SLO County. It has been featured on the Food Network, too.
Visit the website to see many of the individual items and events that Just Baked offers, from workshops and classes (for adults and kids alike) to special events catering for weddings or that special party.
Love pastries? Love great service? Walk, run, bike, grab a scooter, or drive to Just Baked — it’ll be a sweet trip. My only advice: get there early because Just Baked often sells out.
Just Baked is located at 725 12th St, Paso Robles. For more: justbakedslo.com
Cookies of all kinds at Awkward.
A cute custom order from Just Baked. More clever custom bakes from Just Baked.
Santa Barbara Open Studios Tour: Celebrating 25 Years
of the
Santa Barbara Studio Artists
Labor Day weekend, Saturday–Monday, Sept. 5-7, 2026, 11-5 pm
Opening Reception Friday, Sept. 4, 5:00–8:00 pm, Community Arts Workshop (CAW), 631 Garden Street, Santa Barbara Don’t miss one of the Central Coast’s most celebrated cultural events: Santa Barbara Studio Artists’ Open Studios Tour! Celebrating its 25th year, this visual extravaganza invites art lovers into the private workspaces of some of the area’s most talented and accomplished professional artists.
The weekend kicks off with a reception and preview on Friday, Sept 4, from 5-8 pm at the Community Arts Workshop, 631 Garden Street. The tour itself takes place Saturday through Monday from 11 am to 5 pm at studios stretching from Goleta through Hope Ranch, downtown Santa Barbara, and into Montecito. Experience the full weekend for just $25 including the festive Opening Reception on Friday. Children under 12 are free.
This year’s tour boasts 24 artists, whose studios will be open to the public and marked with distinctive yellow flags. Maps of participating artist studios are available at the opening reception and throughout the weekend at the Community Arts Workshop.
This year’s tour showcases a diverse array of disciplines, including sculpture, contemporary abstract painting, symbolism, paper art, and assemblage. All 2026 Participating Artists by Neighborhood
• Santa Barbara & Montecito: Misa Art, Danuta Bennett, Ann Shelton Beth, William Dalziel*, Jeanne Dentzel*, Leslie Ekker, Karen Fedderson, Brian Kuhlmann*, Kathy Leader, Paulo Pereira Lima*, Cynthia Martin, Sarita Reynolds, Joan Rosenberg-Dent, Francis Scorzelli, Susan Tibbles, Brian Woolford.
• West Santa Barbara, Hope Ranch & Goleta: Pamela Benham, Marilyn McRae, Jean Range,* Nurit Ruckenstein,* Eric Saint Georges, Ann Sanders, Marlene Struss, Gerry Winant.
*Denotes New Member
Tickets are available online now (www.santabarbarastudiorartists.com) and will also be available at the Community Arts Workshop during the reception and throughout the tour weekend.
This year’s beneficiary of a portion of ticket sale proceeds is Adam’s Angels (https://www. adamsangels-sb.org/), an all-volunteer nonprofit that provides essential clothing, toiletries, and food to Santa Barbara’s unsheltered residents.
For more information about the 2026 Open Studios Tour, visit www.SantaBarbaraStudioArtists.com or call (805) 280-9178. Featured artists for 2026 pictured here:
Danuta Bennett at work on a painting in her studio. Paper artist Marilyn McRae is one of this year’s featured artists.
Cynthia Martin surrounded by her contemporary abstracts
Susan Tibbles will exhibit both paintings and assemblages.
Eric Saint Georges surrounded by his sculptures.
Leslie Ekker displays some of his assemblages.
Sarita Reynolds, shown with one of her contemporary abstract paintings.
Susan Willis Ltd.
Susan Willis Ltd.
4488 Carpinteria Ave., Carpinteria CA 93013 (805) 684-5085 www.susanwillisltd.com
4488 Carpinteria Ave., Carpinteria CA 93013 (805) 684-5085 www.susanwillisltd.com
“Spring has sprung and you do not want to miss this hidden gem, located on the north end of Carpinteria Ave. off the beaten path! Susan Willis LTD, is a very classy and eclectic gift shop that has been here for 27 years, with it’s own parking lot, it is easy and convenient to access. Come browse through her many choices of perfectly selected seasonal items. Susan has a knack for picking just the right items to get us out of he winter blues and Into feeling our spring step again. From, “not your ordinary” little stuffed animals to yummy scented lotions and spring treats. Treasures, to many to mention. Great gift ideas for your Easter Baskets and your table!” Monday- Saturday 10-5
“Spring has sprung and you do not want to miss this hidden gem, located on the north end of Carpinteria Ave. off the beaten path! Susan Willis LTD, is a very classy and eclectic gift shop that has been here for 27 years, with it’s own parking lot, it is easy and convenient to access. Come browse through her many choices of perfectly selected seasonal items. Susan has a knack for picking just the right items to get us out of he winter blues and Into feeling our spring step again. From, “not your ordinary” little stuffed animals to yummy scented lotions and spring treats. Treasures, to many to mention. Great gift ideas for your Easter Baskets and your table!” Monday- Saturday 10-5
Casual nook with outdoor seating, offering Thai classics along with beer & sake. We offer both dining room and pet friendly outdoor seating. Togo and delivery available through our website.
Seize this rare opportunity to reimagine this light, airy Mid-century ranch style home on one acre in one of Ojai’s most sought-after neighborhoods. Surrounded by majestic oaks, the 3,597 sqft 4br/4ba home features vaulted beam ceilings, stone fireplaces, floor-to-ceiling windows, and a converted flex space. The expansive grounds include a pool, spa, level lawns, and room for a studio or ADU—ideal for creating a private retreat that embraces Ojai’s celebrated indoor-outdoor lifestyle and enduring natural beauty.
Offered at $2,775,000
Oxnard, one of California’s most unexpectedly diverse coastal cities, could be characterized as a beach town, or an agricultural powerhouse, or an idyllic suburb. Here rich farmland meets wide sandy beaches, and strawberry fields sit minutes from scenic harbors and surf breaks.
Beyond geography, Oxnard’s layered history stretches back thousands of years, when the region’s coastline and the nearby Channel Islands formed part of the homeland of the Chumash people. Many centuries later during the Mission era, the fertile Oxnard Plain became an important agricultural and grazing area for Mission San Buenaventura.
Modern Oxnard began to take shape in 1897, when Henry T. Oxnard and his brothers built a massive $2 million sugar beet factory that transformed the area into a booming company town. Oxnard officially incorporated in 1903 when, as legend has it, the founders hoped to name the settlement Zachari, the Greek word for sugar. After running into bureaucratic delays, Henry Oxnard simply named the town after himself.
Although the sugar factory closed in the 1950s, the city continued to evolve into a hub for agriculture, manufacturing, and aerospace. Today, Oxnard remains famous for its year-round growing season and enormous strawberry harvests, while its beaches, dunes, wetlands, and near-perfect weather make it an easy place to love.
With so much natural beauty and history packed into one destination, I couldn’t wait to start exploring.
On the Oceanfront: Tacos, dolphins, and more in Oxnard
Image created by Dennis DeLano
Story and photos by Nicole Leonetti
Eat
I love to get a feel for a city by eating my way through it.
I headed to Channel Islands Harbor to Mrs. Olson’s, a local institution that has been serving hearty breakfast and lunch favorites since 1974. Be sure to choose the outdoor patio, where you can enjoy views of boats gliding through the harbor while you dine. My personal favorite, the Breakfast Burrito, came stuffed with scrambled eggs and chorizo and topped with house-made tomatillo sauce, jack cheese, sour cream, and green onions.
Another excellent breakfast option, Hollywood Beach Cafe, sits just steps from the sand. This popular neighborhood spot draws a crowd on weekends, so I suggest arriving early. The indoor/outdoor seating creates
kickstarts the day. I paired mine with the Breakfast Tacos filled with scrambled eggs, chorizo, red bell peppers, and shredded cheese.
For a caffeine jolt, stop at Honey Cup Coffee House & Creamery the Channel Islands Harbor. This charming café embraces a honeybee theme throughout and features an impressive drink menu. Creative options include a Hot Honey Lavender Latte, Coconut Hazelnut Latte, and even cereal-inspired lattes. Beyond coffee, you will find gelato, smoothies, milkshakes, and an enticing pastry case filled with croissants, scones, babka, cookies, and specialty treats like a Dubai Chocolate Croissant. Honey Cup offers a perfect , tucked inside a historic 1911 Craftsman farmhouse in Heritage Square. The family-run café sits within a peaceful garden setting and doubles as a gift shop featuring locally made
Soothing harbor views from Mrs. Olson’s back patio.
(top) Some of the many gelato flavors at Honey Cup Coffee House & Creamery .
pepperoni, sausage, and bacon. Get the Nashville Hot chicken wings flavor if you can handle a little heat.
For a leisurely harbor front meal, Waterside Restaurant & Wine Bar provides indoor and outdoor seating overlooking the water and is especially gorgeous around sunset. Highlights included the flavorful Dippin’ Trio featuring pepper dip, eggplant dip, and tzatziki, the juicy Wagyu Burger, and the slow-braised short ribs
dinner. The extensive California-focused wine list pairs well for an excellent evening meal.
Wine lovers should also make time for Tierra Sur at Herzog Wine Cellars. This acclaimed restaurant showcases kosher New American cuisine with a farm-totable approach, sourcing many ingredients from local growers. Signature dishes include Saffron Risotto, premium steaks, and decadent desserts like Hazelnut Chocolate Gâteau.
Now onto my absolute favorite part of visiting Oxnard: exploring the city’s Taco Trail! The self-guided trail highlights dozens of family-owned taquerias, taco trucks, and restaurants. From birria and carnitas to fish tacos, barbacoa, and vampiro tacos, the variety astonished me. I visited three spots before tapping out, but felt like I had barely scratched the surface.
House of Tacos impressed me with its signature Oxnard Taco, featuring grilled meat, Anaheim chili, melted cheese, and fresh pico de gallo on a made-to-order blue corn tortilla. I paired the taco with a refreshing cucumber lemonade agua fresca. At Carnitas El Rey, their beautiful, tender pork stars in tacos, burritos, and family-style platters alongside rice, beans, and house-made salsa. On weekends, get the menudo, a traditional Mexican soup made with beef tripe and hominy in a rich, red chili-pepper broth. Meanwhile, Birria Mi Rancho takes the traditional slow-cooked Mexican beef stew and transforms it into everything from
(top) Toppers Meatinator! Say no more, I dare ya. House of Tacos mural.
I love to blaze a wine trail everywhere I travel, and I relished the variety and quality of Oxnard’s wine scene.
We started at Herzog Wine Cellars. The Herzog family’s winemaking heritage dates to 1840 in Europe, and its California chapter began in 1985. Today it is the largest fully kosher winery in the United States. It remains family-owned and is operated by the eighth generation of the Herzog family. I especially loved their Dignitary Pinot Noir from Sonoma. The tasting room features a beautiful bar where guests can pair wine with dishes such as Ahi Tuna Poke, a Ribeye Smashburger, and Sweet Potato Fries.
Next, I headed to Strey Cellars. Helmed by husbandand-wife team Scott and Katie Ballew, Strey celebrated its 12th anniversary this year and aims to “stray from the norm” in winemaking. While Strey also operates a tasting room in Camarillo, its wine production all takes place in Oxnard, and this is where you will find its flagship tasting room. The winery features a beautiful barrel room complete with twinkling lights and a stage, which hosts live music on Saturday evenings and Sunday afternoons. My favorite of the Strey offerings is the Slanted 5.0, a rich blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Tannat, Zinfandel, and Syrah, sourced from premier vineyards throughout California.
Just down the street, Magnavino Cellars concentrates on crafting bold, expressive wines. Guests can enjoy a tasting alongside pizzas and other food offerings, and the winery regularly hosts events ranging from live band karaoke to dueling pianos. Beer lovers will love Public Realm Brewing Company, connected to Magnavino Cellars through their back door. In addition to Public Realm’s own beers, the tap
a fun build-your-own seltzer experience, allowing guests to customize flavors to suit their tastes.
Speaking of beer, we had a fantastic time at Red Tandem Brewery. Located near the beach, this microbrewery features eight taps, including the award-winning Double C-Hag Double IPA, a first-place winner in its category. They brew all the beers on-site, and tours are available upon request. I enjoyed a refreshing Mexican Lager while
(top) Wine tasteing at Herzog Wine Cellars. (bottom) Magnavino Cellarstasteing bar.
Shop
Visiting a local farmers’ market provides a pleasant way to experience any new destination, but especially an agricultural mecca like Oxnard. The Channel Islands Farmers Market takes place every Sunday at Channel
charming red barn stocked with seasonal fruits, vegetables, and flowers seven days a week. Their strawberries, some of the sweetest I’ve ever tasted, and fresh cherries give you reason enough to stop by during the summer months.
If you’re looking for something beyond food, make your way to Bougie Beach Co. I discovered this delightful boutique while waiting for a table at Hollywood Beach Cafe and adored its curated collection of coastal-inspired goods. The shop features products from primarily female-led brands, with items either made in the USA or ethically sourced. You will find clothing, jewelry, candles, greeting cards, children’s books and gifts, and plenty of beachy items that make perfect souvenirs.
For a completely different shopping experience, check out The Mystery Shop. Much more than a comic book store, the shop sells collectibles, gaming merchandise, comics, vinyl records, and pop culture memorabilia. While gamers and collectors will feel right at home, I found my own treasure in the record section, leaving with two Frank Sinatra albums. The store also hosts trading card tournaments, video game nights, workshops, live music, and other community events, making it a hub for local enthusiasts.
I always seek out a metaphysical shop whenever I explore a new city, and Botanica Oxnard did not disappoint. The store carries a wide selection of crystals, candles, incense, herbs, oils, teas, and wellness products, along with offering tarot card and palm readings. And yes… they even offer love spells, should you find yourself in the market for a bit of romance.
Channel Islands Harbor serves as a gateway to boating adventures, whale-watching excursions, kayaking, paddleboarding, sportfishing charters, and cruises to the nearby Channel Islands. Visitors can stroll the marina, dine at waterfront restaurants, browse local shops, and enjoy year-round events while taking in views of sailboats and the Pacific Ocean.
Get out on the water during your visit to Oxnard with Island Packers, a family-owned company that has been connecting visitors to one of California’s most extraordinary natural treasures for decades. Their excursions range from whale watching and birding trips to transportation and cruises within Channel Islands National Park. Often called “North America’s Galápagos,” the park protects five rugged islands and the surrounding marine environment, home to unique wildlife, dramatic sea cliffs, sea caves, pristine beaches, and miles of uncrowded hiking trails.
We opted for a non-landing shoreline cruise around Anacapa Island, and it was one of the highlights of our trip. During the 3.5-hour excursion, we encountered two massive pods of dolphins, more than I have ever seen in my life. The dolphins raced alongside our boat, jumped through the air, and seemed to revel in our encounter
before taking in stunning views of Anacapa’s lighthouse and the island’s iconic 40-foot
Arch Rock. Back on shore, the Channel Islands Maritime Museum offers another way to connect with the region’s maritime heritage. Knowledgeable docents guide visitors through exhibits covering Civil War naval history, whales, clipper ships, shipwrecks, Chumash culture, and maritime art. The museum also hosts special events throughout the year, including its popular annual Chowderfest, taking place this year on Sept. 9.
Channel Islands Harbor docks.
(top) Island Packers Vanguard cruising back into harbor>
the small sandy beach offers calm, shallow water ideal for little swimmers. The dog-friendly beach features seasonal lifeguards, restrooms, showers, and free parking, making it a convenient and relaxing spot for families spending the day by the water.
For those seeking a more natural coastal experience, Mandalay Beach offers expansive dunes, protected wetlands, and excellent birdwatching.
Adjacent Neptune Square Park
at Bowlero, where you can enjoy its giant arcade, impressive menu of upscale food and beverage offerings, or bowl a 65 like I’ve been known to do (85 on a good night!). I’ve recently learned the art of axe throwing, so The Mighty Axe is always a fun stop. If you aren’t an axe-throwing enthusiast, you can still enjoy locally crafted ales, craft sodas, and food from Oxnard favorite PizzaMan Dan’s.
For a glimpse into Oxnard’s agricultural roots, visit Oxnard Historic Farm Park. The park preserves some of the region’s oldest surviving agricultural structures, including an 1869 Brick Residence and Winery and an 1870s farmhouse. History enthusiasts should also make time for Heritage Square, the heart of Oxnard’s historic district. Eleven beautifully restored Victorian-era homes, along with a church, water tower, pump house, and storehouse, were relocated and preserved here to showcase the city’s architectural heritage. Today, the district houses shops, restaurants, offices, and hosts community events like concerts, salsa nights, and fundraising dinners. The oldest home dates to 1877, while the newest was built in 1912. My personal favorite was the Petit House, built in 1896 and every bit the Victorian dream home.
Just a short walk away, Oxnard’s Historic District surrounds Plaza Park, with the city’s iconic Pagoda standing at the center. Originally built in 1910 and redesigned in 1911 as a bandstand, the octagonal structure remains a beloved downtown landmark as one
Dunes on Mandalay Beach, lies directly on the sand. A Hilton property, this all-suite, pet-friendly resort has beautiful oceanfront rooms and a laid-back coastal atmosphere that immediately puts you in vacation mode. The resort does a great job blending luxury and fun, with amenities like Ox & Ocean restaurant, Sugar Beats (an Airstream serving brews and casual bites) and Henry’s Sundries & Gear Rental, where guests can borrow surfboards, paddleboards, binoculars, yoga mats, and other beach essentials. Also at the resort, Float Spa offers massages and body treatments, and the Cabana Cove pool area has private cabanas available to rent for a more elevated poolside experience. Check the calendar for a variety of special events, classes, and activities for the kids.
Another excellent option, Hampton Inn Channel Islands Harbor, provides spacious rooms overlooking the marina. Guests can enjoy a relaxing outdoor pool, complimentary breakfast, free Wi-Fi, and pet-friendly accommodations. Its location also makes it easy to explore the harbor, beaches, and nearby restaurants.
For travelers looking for something new, TownePlace Suites by Marriott opened in 2025 in Oxnard’s RiverPark neighborhood. The hotel affords convenient access to shopping, dining, and entertainment at The Collection, making it a great home base for visitors who want to balance beach time with city amenities.
When traveling with family or a group of friends, renting a beach
com (RE/MAX) furnish vacation rentals just steps from the sand, giving visitors the chance to fully embrace the relaxed beach lifestyle. Compared to many other California coastal destinations, Oxnard beach rentals can also offer surprisingly good value.
Oxnard has a way of surprising you, with its equal parts beach town, agricultural hub, and laid-back coastal community. I’ll gladly keep coming back for weekend escapes filled with beach walks, harbor sunsets, fresh strawberries, and as many tacos as possible. And who knows, maybe by my
(top) Zachari Dunes on Mandalay Beach common area. (bottom) Neptune Square Baech area.
Ojai • Meiners Oaks • Mira Monte
For just $1.50
ADA, Medicare Card Holders 1/2 Off.
Seniors 65+, Children under 45” tall and all students are FREE riders on the trolley
Ojai Trolley Service − Serving the Needs of the Ojai Valley
The Ojai Trolley Service, established in 1989, is owned and operated by the City of Ojai. The Trolley provides daily fixed-route transportation to approximately 9,000 riders per month throughout Ojai, Meiners Oaks and Mira Monte.
The Trolley is a well known feature in the Ojai Valley and, in addition, to the daily fixed -route service, participates in many local events, fund raising activities, community service and educational functions
Slow down, cool off, and dive in with Ventura Dive and Sport
By Marlowe Haas
When temperatures rise, Central Coasters know where to go: we head to the ocean. And there are few better ways to experience it than on a scuba diving trip to the Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary with Ventura Dive and Sport
Photo by Lisha Riabinina via unsplash
Anacapa Island from above.
Photo
For divers who have been only in warm tropical waters, the ever-fluid conditions of our famous kelp forests offer a whole new experience — and some of the best scuba diving in the world.
Zach Cantrell, owner of Ventura Dive and Sport, instructs and takes divers out to these ocean forests, which just happen to be some of the most biologically diverse habitats on the planet. The Raptor, Cantrell’s 46-footlong dive boat, makes the trip to Anacapa Island — the closest to the mainland — in about an hour.
One popular dive location is the wreck site of the Winfield Scott, a steam-powered paddle boat that sank off
Anacapa in 1853. The site is on the National Register of Historic Places. Another popular spot is Landing Cove, a “phenomenal” dive site, said Cantrell, off the east end of Anacapa. Santa Cruz Island is the second-closest island to the mainland, and offers its own diverse dive spots, including protected coves, rocky reefs, and craggy walls.
Dive sites are selected to ensure the best experience, based on current conditions. “We primarily focus on the best day possible. Conditions can vary drastically,” said Cantrell. In one spot, he pointed out, there can be rough water with bad visibility, but 60 feet away, the water can be so clear, you can see shells at the bottom.
Rocky island cliffs above give way to kelp forests below.
Photo courtesy Ventura Dive and Sport.
Most of the dives occur in the shores off the north (mainland-facing) side of Anacapa, in 30 to 60 feet of water, within roughly 70 feet of the shoreline. This area is within the Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary, which covers about 1,470 square miles of ocean around the Channel Islands National Park. Although the Channel Islands are comprised of eight islands, the park itself includes just Anacapa, Santa Barbara, Santa Cruz, Santa Rosa, and San Miguel — all of which lie off the coast of Ventura and Santa Barbara counties.
The topography of this entire area is spectacular, unusual, and a large reason for its biodiversity. For the first eight miles, the sea floor off the coast of Ventura is essentially a sandbar. At 80 feet deep, it is the result of thousands of years of sediment run-off from the creeks, canyons, barrancas, and rivers. At mile 9 from the coast, the sea floor drops dramatically, to about 800 feet. Then, nearing the islands, the bottom rises again, and kelp clings to the rocky ocean floor. Here, an explosion of life uses this algae (yep, kelp is algae, not a plant!) as habitat.
Cantrell describes diving in a kelp forest like hiking in a forest on land, only in the ocean, “You get to choose the height of the trail.” You can stay along the sea floor, explore the canopy at the surface, or anywhere in between. This allows divers an opportunity to see a multitude of ever-changing ocean life.
“The more you look, the more you see. The slower you go, the more you see,” he said.
Photos courtesy Ventura Dive and Sport.
Diving the kelp forests with friends. (above) Colorful kelp forest species. (right)
Divers gliding along the ocean floor can see orange garibaldi, giant black sea bass, spiny lobsters, moray eels, rockfish camouflaged on the rocks, and even Spanish shawls — a bright purple-blue nudibranch with orange feather-looking gills that sway in the water. Divers in the canopy of the kelp forest will see juvenile fish finding safe refuge among the floating clusters of kelp (adult fish generally feed near the floor). Bat rays, leopard sharks, sea lions, and harbor seals glide and dart at varying depths. The dive totally changes depending on where you are in the water column.
The difference between diving in a tropical coral reef location and a cold-water kelp forest is that a kelp forest dive offers a myriad of species in ever-changing conditions. A diver can see different species, one after another, during a dive here. But when diving above a tropical coral reef, the same species of fish will be present over wide areas of the habitat, making dives very much the same. Same conditions. Same habitat. Same species.
“The kelp forest is dynamic,” said Cantrell, and that means it’s “more resilient,” and more diverse. The open ocean can be calm or rough. Moving slow or fast. Variations in visibility bring changes in species. Even in similar conditions, things change here. After all, Cantrell pointed out, kelp can grow 12 inches or more in a day.
“I’ve done professional diving all over the world,” said Cantrell, but the Channel Islands National Park sits near the very top of his list.
Learn to Dive
Not a diver yet? Ventura Dive and Sport has you covered with its three phase PADI Open Water Diver course.
Phase one is e-learning, which is about 10 hours of online classroom and book learning. Individual learning time may take longer, based on how long it takes to get through the online classes and material. Once that is completed, student divers move to phase two for inperson, onsite classes at the dive center over a weekend. Here, students learn basic diving skills — learning to use the equipment, breathing techniques, hand signals, safety and emergency protocols, etc. — and how to feel confident using the concepts they’ve been learning on their own, in the water. Phase three takes place out in the ocean, at the islands. Four open water dives over at least two days are required for certification. Ventura Dive and Sport provides all equipment except your personal gear such as swimsuit, mask, snorkel, and fins.
Cantrell said that learning to dive in a warm, tropical environment
Photo courtesy Ventura Dive and Sport.
Golden gorgonian coral. (above)
A bat ray skims the sea floor. (left)
can make open water diving in cold water seem “hard and scary.” It’s a common misconception. Students here go through these highly detailed classes taught by certified professionals, which give them the freedom and flexibility to dive safely in the Channel Islands National Park, and areas all over the world.
Once you’re certified, check out Ventura Dive and Sport’s many options for dives — day and night trips, spear fishing, multi-day trips, and more. There are also advanced classes in many areas, where you can get certified as a master diver, rescue diver, even a divemaster!
Photo by Erick Morales Oyola via Unsplash Sun streaming through the kelp forest. (left)
Photo by Erick Morales Oyola via Unsplash California sheepshead in the kelp forest of Santa Cruz lsland. (above)
Vibrant orange bat star. (below)
Photo by Erick Morales Oyola via Unsplash
Sea urchins, garibaldi and more on the rocky sea floor. (above) Sun streaming through the kelp forest. (bottom left)
Located just an hour north of Los Angeles alongside Highway 101, Camarillo embodies the perfect balance between the easy relaxation and excitement of Southern California living–without the added stress of large crowds. With year-round sunshine to light the way, there is ample opportunity to soak up all that this charming community has to offer.
CA101Summer 2026
CALIFORNIA 101 Travelers Guide -
By Jennifer Foytek
15. In Oxnard, they have a new saying: “ marks the spot.”
CALIFORNIA 101 Travelers Guide
JULY
July 11-25
Carmel Bach Festival
Now in its 89th season, Carmel’s celebration of Johann Sebastian Bach has grown over the years to include more than just live performances of the master’s works — it celebrates his ongoing influence on music of all kinds, from baroque to bluegrass. For more: bachfestival.org
July 15-19
Heritage Days Fiesta
Head to Old Town Camarillo July 15 to 19 for family fun and small-town vibes. Games, rides, food, a beer and wine zone, local vendors, a car show, and live music and performances (from the Ventucky Stompers to Mariachi and Folklorico dancers) complement the many tributes to Camarillo’s rich history. For more: camarillooldtown.org/ heritage-days
July 15-26
California Mid-State Fair
Mid-July in Paso Robles can only mean one thing: the Mid-State Fair! Folks come from around the state for the entertainment lineup each year, and for good reason. Here’s just a few of the legendary names coming in 2026: Chris Stapleton, Old Dominion, Ice Cube and Warren G, Lainey Wilson, Eric Church, Megadeth, Willie Nelson (see, we told you!). But you’ll find plenty of other classic fair favorites, as well. Think livestock exhibits, wild carnival rides, the rodeo, and you guessed it, deep fried everything!
For more: midstatefair.com
July 17-18
California Wine Festival
You know what pairs perfectly with great wine and food? Panoramic beach views! Join thousands of oenophiles in Santa Barbara for the California Wine Festival. It’s a great chance to explore
the region’s many wines, craft beers, and incredible food offerings. Tickets sell out fast for Friday night’s Sunset Rare & Reserve Tasting, and with good reason (think rare and reserve wines, appetizers from the area’s top chefs, live music, and sunset vistas). The main event comes to Chase Palm Park on Saturday, with even more wines, food, and music all afternoon.
For more: californiawinefestival.com/ santa-barbara
July
18-19
Central Coast
Renaissance Festival
Head to SLO July 18-19, and you’ll find Laguna Lake Park transformed into 16th century England! Don your best period garb and explore dozens of themed vendor booths, interactive displays, and fantastic performances ranging from juggling jesters to musical troupes to knight fights. And don’t forget to grab some grog and maybe a roasted turkey leg or two. And if you’re feeling the pull of the sea, plan to visit Sunday for Pirate Day!
For more: ccrenfaire.com
July 23-26
Ventura Music Festival
Featuring a wide range of musical styles, eras, and genres, the Ventura Music Festival returns to various locations across Ventura County July 23-26 Take in some Beethoven with violinist Nuvi Mehta and pianist Greg Anderson, some powerful soprano opera from Angel Blue, Latin jazz with Justo Almario and Jeremy Bosch, the Akropolis Reed Quintet, and more.
For more: venturamusicfestival.org
July 29-Aug. 9
Ventura County Fair
The Ventura County Fair will light up Seaside Park in Ventura July 29-Aug 9. Indulge in deep-fried food, explore the massive exhibit halls with hundreds of vendors, and maybe try a carnival ride (or three!) — all as the cool ocean
air blows in from the beach across the street. Live music and entertainment stages dot the fairgrounds, with the headliners taking center stage in the Ventura Raceway arena. On the musical lineup this year are big names like Bush, Marshmello, Iration, Jake Owen, Ashanti, Hoobastank, and tons more!
For more: venturacountyfair.org
AUGUST
Aug. 5-9
Old Spanish Days Fiesta
After 103 years, it’s safe to say that “Fiesta,” as the locals call it, has become inextricably woven into the fabric that is Santa Barbara. Along with its Spanish history, Fiesta also acknowledges the histories and contributions of American Indians, Mexicans, and early American settlers, all of whom have added to the region’s unique flavor and way of life. Although it’s tough to find a spot that’s NOT doing something Fiesta-themed during these 5 days, the main hubs of activity are the SB Mission, County Courthouse, and Cabrillo Boulevard (for the parades). Tour the mission, shop and eat at the Mexican markets, take in song and dance performances day and night, and dive deep into the culture. The SB Zoo is also hosting a party for adults, featuring small bites, margaritas, music and dancing (advance tickets required).
For more: sbfiesta.org
Aug. 7-16
Monterey Car Week
Car lovers, start your engines — this is an epic 10 days you can’t miss! Whether your car of choice is a classic, high-end, or two-wheeled, you’ll find plenty to keep you drooling every day. Car shows, races, expos, dinners, poker rallies, auctions, forums, and so much more fill these summer days and nights. Events are spread out all over the Monterey Peninsula, from Raceway Laguna Seca to Pacific Grove Golf Links.
For more: seemonterey.com/events
CALIFORNIA 101 Travelers Guide -
Aug. 15-16
Wings Over Camarillo
Let fun take flight at the Camarillo Airport! This small community airport becomes a hub for all things flight, with thrilling performances by top-tier pilots who will be manning everything from vintage planes to experimental aircraft. Get a chance to meet the pilots in person, enjoy hands-on STEM activities and exhibits, and check out the massive car show. In between, enjoy dozens of vendor booths, food, and drink.
For more: wingsovercamarillo.com
Aug. 22
Wild & Scenic Film Festival
Come out and support the Ventura Land Trust at the Wild & Scenic Film Festival. Relocated to the Majestic Ventura Theater this year, it will include inspiring films about nature and environmental activism. VLT is shutting down the street in front of the theater for an all-day street festival, and adding a new familyfriendly matinee showing as well. VIP ticket holders get access to the Leashless Brewing party with drinks, Mother’s Tacos, and music before the main show. Have a good time and help protect open spaces in and around Ventura, too!
For more: venturalandtrust.org/events
Aug. 29-30
California Turkish Arts & Culture Festival
Turkish culture is rich in, well, just about everything! Food, music, dance, art — there’s no shortage of things to celebrate. Head out to Monterey’s Custom House Plaza. Watch incredible belly dancing and Whirling Dervishes to live Turkish folk music. Check out demonstrations of ebru, traditional Turkish water marbling art. Feast on Turkish Delight, Turkish coffee, and Turkish ice cream (made with goat’s milk, this is unlike anything you’ve ever seen or tasted!)
For more: turkfestca.org
SEPTEMBER
Sept. 5-7
Santa Barbara Studio Artists Tour
SB’s artists are opening the doors of their studios once again over Labor Day weekend. Tour their creative spaces and chat up the artists, whose media range from wood to paper to photography to oils to collage. Some is plein art; some is abstract. Some are functional; others are beautiful, or provocative, or maybe even a little shocking. It’s the 25th anniversary of this iconic studio tour, so they’ll be pulling out all the stops!
For more: santabarbarastudioartists.com
Sept. 11-13
Festa Italia
Celebrate the best of Italian food, drink, and fun at the Festa Italia Fisherman’s Festival at Monterey State Historic Park, in Downtown Monterey. This is the 93rd annual event, and will feature all the good eats — arancini, cannoli, and of course, pizza! Tarantella dancers will show off traditional Italian dancing, and musicians are on the lineup all weekend. Sign up for the bocce tournament, if you dare!
For more: festaitaliamonterey.org
Sept. 12-13
Santa Barbara Sea Glass & Ocean Arts Festival
Beach bums, art aficionados, and jewelry lovers, head to the Earl Warren Showgrounds Sept. 12-13 for the Sea Glass & Ocean Arts Festival. Find ocean-inspired artwork of all kinds by local and regional artists, along with informative presentations, workshops, and giveaways. Learn how to make beautiful works of art yourself, or purchase them from the dozens of talented vendors.For more: santabarbaraseaglassandocean artsfestival.com
Sept. 18-19
Mountainfilm on Tour
Each year, The Ojai Valley Land Conservancy brings the Telluride Mountainfilm Festival to the soccer fields of Ojai Valley School. Once the sun sets, a massive inflatable movie screen displays award-winning short films centered around the outdoors and inspiring, entertaining stories of humanity. But there’s plenty to do before, while it’s still light! Find a beer garden featuring Topa Topa Brewing Co., live music, tons of food trucks, interactive booths, and plenty of space for dancing and catching up with friends. Proceeds go to the OVLC’s mission of protecting and restoring natural lands around the Ojai Valley. For more: ovlc.org/mountainfilm
Sept. 19
Avila Mac And Cheese Festival
The mac is back, Jack! Come taste the cheesy goodness from local and regional chefs, who will converge on the Avila Beach Golf Resort on Sept. 19. Wet your whistle in between mac snacks with a selection of beer, wine, and spirits, and groove from one booth to another with live music all day. Although mac n cheese is for everyone, this festival is a grown-ups only event (21 and over).
For more: themacandcheesefest.com
Sept. 26-27
Goleta Lemon Festival
This one’s technically taking place in the fall, but on the Central Coast, late September still feels summery! Celebrate one of our region’s most iconic pieces of produce with the Goleta Lemon Festival in Girsh Park. Dress in yellow, buy some citrus earrings, drink some lemonade, learn about local lemon farming, and compete in a lemon pie eating contest — it’s all here, and more. There is also a car show and live music to keep the fun rolling.
For more: lemonfestival.com
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