4th of July in Ventura County 2026
Every fireworks show, parade, and celebration across the county this year, night by night. Which shows are free, which are July 3 instead of the Fourth, and where to take the family.
Editor's picks
Start with these
The posts we'd send a new visitor to first — reads that set the tone for how we write about Ventura County.
Memorial Day in Ventura County 2026
Five Memorial Day ceremonies across the county, free admission at Ventura Botanical Gardens, a tall ship at the harbor, and what else is open Monday.
House of Bamboo in Camarillo: A Tiki Bar That Earned Its Hype
I finally made it to the House of Bamboo in Old Town Camarillo. The two-week reservation was worth it.
All stories
More from the journal
Mother's Day in Ventura County 2026: Where I'd Take My Own Mom
The honest, lived-in guide to spending Mother's Day in Ventura County — brunches, free harbor events, gift ideas, and the quiet alternatives if Mom doesn't want a crowded table.
Moving to Ventura County: A Realtor's First-Year Checklist
Everything I wish every new Ventura County resident knew — from week one utility transfers to the second-summer market window worth waiting for.
The Best Neighborhoods in Ventura County for First-Time Homebuyers
After helping dozens of first-time buyers find their first home in the county, these are the neighborhoods I steer them toward — and what to watch for in each.
10 Things to Do in Ventura County This Weekend
From farmers markets to beach bonfires to the best spots locals actually go — here's how to spend a perfect weekend in Ventura County.
Ventura County Cities Compared: Which One Fits You?
Seven cities, seven very different lifestyles. The honest realtor breakdown of who each one is for — and who it isn't.
The Ventura County Property Tax Guide Every Homeowner Should Read
Proposition 13, supplemental bills, parcel taxes, exemptions — everything a Ventura County homeowner needs to understand about their property tax bill.
Ventura County Schools: A Homebuyer's Guide to Districts and Boundaries
School quality drives 5–15% of home value in Ventura County. Here's which districts are worth the premium, how to read ratings honestly, and the boundary-check tools I use with every family.
The Best Hikes in Ventura County, Ranked by Difficulty and View
A dozen hikes I send visitors on — sorted by how hard they are and what you actually get at the top. Printable-length, no fluff.
Ventura County vs. Santa Barbara vs. South Bay: An Honest Cost-of-Living Comparison
If you're choosing between coastal SoCal markets, Ventura County almost always wins on dollars-per-square-foot. Here's the breakdown, with numbers.
What to Expect in a Ventura County Home Inspection (and What's Actually a Deal-Breaker)
After 100+ transactions, I can tell you which inspection findings matter and which are just scary-sounding paperwork. Here's how to read your report.