Choose from five public golf courses with spectacular ocean and mountain views in the Ventura CountyWest cities of Camarillo, Oxnard and Ventura. They’re all about an hour’s drive north of Los Angeles, but feel like a million miles away, especially when combined with local pub and restaurant offerings.
fortune
Arrive in town early for a hearty breakfast at Pete’s Breakfast House, known for its buttermilk pancakes and homemade strawberry jam. Enjoy a morning round of golf at Olivas Links, an 18-hole championship golf facility designed by Forrest Richardson. Chosen as the “Best Municipal Golf Course in the Nation” for the last three years by golf week, this 6,818-yard course features a rolling-links-style layout defined by coastal grasses and natural habitat. However, you can choose to play on the adjoining course, Buenaventura. With just over 6,000 yards on par 70, he emphasizes course management and is a shooter’s delight. With classic shapes and designs from the 1930s, the course is a step back in time. It will be a difficult choice to make.
For lunch, relax at the Aqua Beachfront Bar. Located in the Crowne Plaza Hotel, and as the name suggests, it’s right on the beach. The afternoon is yours to sunbathe on the sand or perhaps rent a bike for a ride along the beach bike path. In the evening, go to the Greek in the port for the best Mediterranean food. Then, enjoy a standup routine at the Ventura Harbor Comedy Club.
oxnard
Another early day begins with breakfast at Mrs. Olson’s Coffee Hut, one block from the beach in Oxnard, then to one of two beautiful River Ridge fields. The Vineyard offers magnificent panoramic ocean views, while Victoria Lakes boasts beautiful water features, curved grass/poa greens and Greg Norman hybrid Bermuda tees and fairways.
A perfect post-golf excursion is the Mullin Automobile Museum. Celebrating the Art Deco movement in automotive design, it is open two Saturdays a month for award-winning Bugattis, Voisins, Dealges and other French automobiles from the 1920s to 1940s. At night, Cabo Seafood & Grill’s menu includes Mexican seafood, homemade tortillas and delicious margaritas.
Camarillo
Camarillo. Choose one of two fantastic courses to end your golf getaway. Sterling Hills in Camarillo is surrounded by lush avocado and citrus groves. This 18-hole championship golf course includes natural features that take advantage of the natural topography. Camarillo Springs is at the base of Conejo Mountain, just off Highway 101. Designed by Ted Robinson, its views include towering rock formations and gentle natural springs.
Before heading home, round out your weekend with a “Blarney Burger” and one of 14 beers on tap at Brendan’s Irish Pub in Camarillo. A relatively new restaurant, it is owned and operated by two Irishmen who have created an environment comparable to the best pubs in Ireland.
