Hidden hot spots in Ventura

I was looking for somewhere to go camping and found out about "Lake Casitas Campground".  This place is gorgeous and very convenient to Los Angeles.

Just go up the 101 north for about 1 hour and take the 33 straight to the lake. It will be about a 2 hour drive from LAX.









I got there Friday afternoon. My camp site was "J".
It was a lovely shady spot.

This site has a facility with clean flush toilets and coin showers!

Casitas Lake is actually used as drinking water so it's not for swimming. You can do fishing and boating.

 Little yellow fish and bunnys were everywhere.

"Lake Casitas Campground"

11311 Santa Ana Rd, Ventura CA

(805)649-2233

http://www.casitaswater.org/department.php?url=lake-casitas-recreation-area

One of my favorites was this store. They sell everything you need such as wood, beer and souvenirs! I bought ice, a frisbee, candy, ice cream and of course, coffee.

"Park Store"

(805)649-1202

http://www.casitaswater.org/lower.php?url=park-store

Th second day was even more hot and beautiful.  The sky was clear and lake was peaceful.

Early morning is the best time for fishing.

Ducks and swans came to tease me.

The daytime at Casitas Lake can be extremey hot. The day became over 100 degrees so I had to escape for lunch at "Marina Cafe".

Their grilled shrimp salad with avocado was refreshing and yummy!

"Marina Cafe"

(805)649-2514

http://www.casitaswater.org/marina-caf%E9/
*This cafe might open only Saturday and Sunday.

There is a water park inside the campground.

I loved their Lazy River. I want to try their BOOT CAMP next time.

"Casitas Water Adventure"

(805)649-2233

http://www.casitaswater.org/lower.php?url=water-adventure

*This place only open Saturday and Sunday and season will be finished by September 5.

Hidden hot spots in Ojai

In the middle of September, I went camping at Wheeler Gorge in Ojai.

"Wheeler Gorge Campground"

17017 Maricopa Highway
Ojai CA 93023

(805)640-1977 for information

(877)444-6777 for reservations

http://www.rockymountainrec.com/camp/padres-wheeler-gorge.htm

Ojai is about 2 hours drive time from LAX. North on the 405, 101 and 33 freeways gets you there.   

This camp ground with beautiful rivers and lush greens is only 10 minutes away from a quaint Ojai downtown.

It was a very warm, clear night and I could sleep with much more comfort than I expected. This camping thing is pretty nice.

The next day I went to Ojai downtown for a stroll and some lunch..

Ojai, which means "Valley of the Moon", is the smallest city in Ventura county.  It may be small in population, but it is big in character.

I think Ojai has one of most beautiful downtowns in California. 

They have a cute park in the middle of town, unique art around every corner, classic Native american architecture, interesting shops and good-looking restaurants.

 Every Sunday from 9am to 1pm there is a really nice farmer's market.

"Ojai Farmer's Market"

300 E. Matillija, Ojai, CA 93023    (805)698-5555

http://www.ojaicertifiedfarmersmarket.com/

Ojai is famous for lavender products (there is a farm    you can pick own between June to July), Olives (also there is a farm you can do tours and tastings of olive products) , and herbs are very popular as well.

Ojai has a spiritural environment I really like, I will be back soon.

Hidden hot spots in Moorpark

My favorite farm around LA is in Moorpark. Although it takes about 45 minutes driving, I always go there in the Spring.

One of my reasons to go to "Underwood Family farms" is that they have a great market and you can buy fruits and vegetables at local, homegrown prices. My recommendation is usually the tomato, onion and asparagus. You won't forget the taste.

My biggest reason to go to this farm is the STRAWBERRY picking. From March to June you can pick your own red and juicy strawberrys. May is the best time to go there. Finding a strawberry is such a cute thing and the taste is totally different if you eat them right away, it is very sweet!

Going to the farm is a perfect spring activity in LA. (because summer time is always too hot!) Spring is the best season to go strawberry picking, watch sunflowers bloom and get the freshest most delicious vegetables.

"Underwood Family Farms"

3370 Sunset Valley Road

Moorpark, CA 93021

(805)529-3690

http://www.underwoodfamilyfarms.com/

45 minutes driving is worth it to visit the farm. The people working at the farm will welcome you there and treat you very nice!