20 Attractions to Explore Near Matilija Dam

Los Padres National Forest is a United States national forest in southern and central California. The forest is approximately 1,950,000 acres in area, of which 1,762,400 acres or about 88% are public lands; the rest are privately owned inholdings.This is a very popular area for hiking, with 323 miles (520 km) of hiking trails and 11 campgrounds.

A beautiful reserve sprawled over 58-acres of lush wetlands and counts bobcats, rabbits, and over 40 bird species as residents. The project is actually a restoration led by a local conservation group, which runs environmental education programs and guided tours year-round. If you come on your own, there's an accessible trail that makes for a low-key, 30-minute hike.

The Ojai Valley Museum, located downtown in the historic Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church houses an extensive collection of art, Native American artifacts, and photographs of early Ojai.The museum also has in-depth temporary exhibits. It has a permanent exhibition about Ojai's history, a diorama of the Sespe Wilderness, and a Museum Store in the Sanctuary Gallery. Rotating & original art, history, and culture exhibits are mounted year round and change every 6 to 10 weeks.

A nice little park and playground in central Ojai. It offers quiet places for relaxation, a playground for the tots, tennis courts, a community bandstand and the renown Libbey Bowl, site of the Ojai Music Festival and many other events. The park operates eight dedicated outdoor hard surface tennis courts and is sectioned off in two areas.

Ojai is a tourism destination known for its boutique hotels, recreation opportunities, hiking, and farmers' market of local organic agriculture. It has small businesses specializing in local and ecologically friendly art, design, and home improvement. Chain stores are prohibited by city ordinance to encourage local small business development and keep the town unique.

This is one of the famous wineyards in this area and The Ojai Beverage Company is a favorite option in town for local brews, as well as wine. This combination spirits shop meets wine bar features many beers on tap as well as daily wine and beer tastings. Lunch and dinner are served.

Lake Casitas is a reservoir in Ventura County, built by the United States Bureau of Reclamation. It has more than 400 campsites along the lake's north shore. The 2,500-acre lake is only 10 miles inland from Ventura and offers a wonderful spot for families to relax by the water. The lake is well known as one of the best bass fishing destinations in the state. Many campers like the quiet atmosphere around the lake.

A famous surf spot in California, known around the world for its well-formed waves and long rides. It is home to the Rincon Classic surf championship scheduled for January each year.

Emma Wood State Beach is a beautiful beach located on the Santa Barbara Channel on the west side of the Ventura River estuary and south of the railroad tracks of the Coast Line. Its campground has 90 beach-front primitive campsites and all have beautiful views of the Pacific Ocean and Channel Islands. At the eastern edge of the beach, the Ventura River estuary attracts a variety of wildlife, including great blue herons. A total of 300 plant species and 233 species of birds.

A beautiful botanical garden, boasting spectacular nearly 360-degree views including the California coast, lush agricultural landscapes. With spectacular coastal views, they offer breathtaking event locations—Summit Plateau, Rotary Plaza, and the newly established welcome center. It is one of the iconic locations in this area.

This is one of the Venturas majestic historic building built in 1912-13, used as a courthouse until 1972. It was the first building in the City of Ventura to be listed on the National Register of Historic Places and has also received historic designations at the state, county and city levels. It is available for rental for your next gathering.Its public indoor and outdoor spaces—Atrium, Patio, Foyer and Community Meeting Room have beautiful floors, ceilings and walls of marble.

This is a Spanish mission founded by the Franciscans in present-day Ventura. It was the ninth Spanish mission established in California.

A majestic museum, which celebrates the history, art, and culture of Ventura County and the Channel Islands through its collections, exhibits, educational programs and publications.

This is a historic live concert venue in the city of Venutura. This was "the only luxury theatre built in Ventura County in the 1920s in the "style of the great movie palaces." the theatre was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1986.

Formerly known as Ventura wharf is a wooden pier located on the Pacific Ocean in Ventura. The pier has been designated as Ventura Historic Landmark No. 20.

Arroyo Verde Park is a beautiful and important natural preserve and recreational resource. The park consists of 132 acres of relatively rugged land - featuring 14 acres of tree lined open grass areas, individual picnic/barbecue sites, three group barbecue areas, a nature center, several miles of hiking trails, restrooms and two children's play areas.

A beautiful beach which is located in Ventura County of California. The beach consists of a 1700 foot pier that has a snack bar, restaurant, and a bait shop. People often come to this beach to surf, swim, and picnic.

A beautiful beach located in the coasts of Ventura and is famous for its other leisure activities too. There are so many other options in this beach.

A 9 mile round-trip hike along the Sespe Creek to a shaded riverside campground. The Trail starts at the end of a long, paved mountain road in clear sight of the impressive Piedra Blanca sandstone formation to the north. A National Recreation Trail splits north here and heads through the formation and into some deep canyons, but our trail followed the lowered but still flowing Sespe Creek into a nearly-shadeless chaparral brushland.

A majestic 15-acre beachfront park in Ventura, featuring a large open grassy area for kids to play, families to host a picnic, or to just sit and enjoy the California sunshine.This park has nearly an entire mile of oceanfront that’s directly adjacent to Ventura Harbor, with plenty of beachfront land and flat sand.