ventura botanical gardens

It's a work still in progress, but already a great place to hike and enjoy! The hiking can be a bit strenuous, but people and dogs love it. I was surprised how many people enjoy it each day.

Took this hike with a group of others from their late 50's to mid-70s, and three small dogs. We met at the large parking behind the City Hall, and began our hike from there. There are many paths to walk on, with some shade trees for a rest and water break. The ocean and land views are outstanding - we could see Ventura Harbor, the Ventura Pier, and even their fields on the way up to Ojai. You can take one hour to several. We also walked to the "Cross", where some people were picnicking. We saw everything from baby strollers to parents carrying children, to small children walking on their own, as well as serious hikers and runners who were using the hike for training.

Located just behind the beautiful old Ventura courthouse, the path, newly constructed and still a work in progress, is a gradual uphill hike. Great for young and old. Gorgeous views of the Channel Islands.

The Ventura Botanical Gardens have begun developing a wonderful trail in the foothills of Ventura. Actually the trail begins at the upper parking lot behind the City Hall. It takes approximately 30 minutes up and 30 minutes down depending how interested you are at looking at great ocean views and stopping to take great photos. The trail is easy and is even doable by young children.The Botanical Society is assigning plots along the trail for planting and landscaping to fit in with the environment. The numerous signs along the way are plots that have already been assigned. The trail is being developed entirely with donations. It is a work in progress.After your hike don't miss touring the city hall building which is an icon itself. There are many works of art contained in the building and it is fun to just explore.

This is perhaps the newest attraction in Ventura and it is gratifying to see it trending so quickly on TA. A labor of love by locals residents it's good for hiking and just lately a beautiful same sex wedding was celebrated there!

This is a regular walk of ours, up easy to manage trails with a disabled partner. Landscapers have used native plantings and natural products to create a pristine trail with lots of lookouts. Gorgeous ocean vistas.

I love this trail, it's convenient & scenic, not too hard and is dog friendly. There's lots of parking too. The upper portion of the trail has an offshoot of railroad tie steps (198, it's hard for the compulsive not to count them) these are challenging, there's a nice view at the top. The trail itself is only about 2 3/4 mile round trip.

This is a developing botanical park that is on the side of a hill. The price was right - free. We walked a bit of the way along the trail to see the ocean. One of the many people who were using the park as an exercise venue kindly told us of "The Cross" at the very peak of the hills where the view was spectacular.

Fabulous trails to walk/hike and incredible Vista's of the Pacific and the Channel Islands....The VBG is located behind City Hall in Ventura...

I love this easy to moderate hiking trail behind Ventura City Hall. The "gardens" themselves are just in the beginning stages, but what's been planted so far is very pretty, and blends in beautifully with the natural environment. The views of the coastline and city below are amazing. It's a great place to go anytime; when you want exercise, when you want to unwind from a stressful day, when you need to feel a bit more connected to nature, or when you just want to soak in the views. I've gone by myself, with friends, and with my husband. There is no wrong way to go. Also, great for getting your dog some exercise as long as you keep him on a leash. Finally, if you want to make this easy to moderate hike a bit more strenuous, take the optional "stairs" toward the end of the hike. Great calorie burn, great for the glutes, and leads to 360 degree views of mountains, valleys, and the sea.

My husband and I love to hike here. It is such an easy hike and involves a great view of the ocean. There are a few plants planted for the botanical gardens, but the project has not been completed. It is nice to hike here in the spring as you get to notice many wild flowers.

As things grow in, it will get prettier. It was an awesome walk for me and my dog. The uphill part gives a work out and the views were great. Loved it!

This is an Easy to Moderate climb to the top on a number of switch-Backs along the way. At the top you'll find a tremendous view of the entire coastline and the City of Ventura. Dogs OK. Along the way view native flora and cacti. It took us (Age 70 in good health) about 1.0 hours to make the climb on a very well defined trail about a mile long and about 6' wide. Start at the parking lot above City Hall at 501 Poli Street. View more info, & photos at: http://www.venturabotanicalgardens.com/. Not appropriate for families with young children in strollers.