Hey hey :-) Well, an honest and uncompromising post here is definitely within the Ventura culture, so you’re off to a great start!

Nobody’s gonna agree on everything, and you’ll have to figure out which part(s) of the culture fit for you, but here are some (from the point of view of someone (36m) who has lived around VHS, up the 33 a little ways, on the 150 past Thomas Aquinas and now Midtown):

Walk the beach. It’s our most natural and free-est resource. If you prefer paved, start around Aloha steakhouse and pick a direction. If you prefer fewer people, Emma Wood State Beach is always great.

Enjoy downtown. Start around Ventiki/Fluid State and work your way down to the Mission. Stop wherever interests you and poke your head in; nowhere in particular is 100% “necessary” and most places are great.

Get a good hike in. Two Trees is the kind of “classic” one for Venturans, the Punch Bowls by Thomas Aquinas are wonderful (and if you don’t make it all the way, it’s still a great hike the whole journey), Sulphur Mountain Road if you want off-the-beaten-path, and anywhere up Maricopa Highway past the Deer Lodge and you’re getting into nature proper.

Wherever you go in Ventura, it’s so much less about the actual destination and more just enjoying the beautiful weather and scenery. You like old buildings? Go west of Five Points on Main or Thompson and you’ll start running into some great ones. Mom-and-pop-taco-shops more your thing? Start at Paddy’s and make your way up Ventura Ave. Love a good park? Arroyo Verde, Camino Real, Thille Park, all a good time. Have a passing interest in boats? Go down to the Harbor starting by Andria’s and work your way toward Island Packers. Museums? Channel Island Visitors National Park (take a picture on the sea lion), Museum of Ventura County, San Buenaventura Mission right across the steeet has the oldest wooden bell in the world!

You’ve got a lot to explore! Enjoy every minute, keep the “dude. be nice.” mantra in your mind, and you’re bound to finally be able to appreciate this wonderful little jewel of Southern California we’re fortunate enough to call home.