Ventura Historical Sites

Along 600 miles of California's beautiful coast, lies 21 missions, founded by Father Junipero Serra. In 1782 Father Serra founded the Mission San Buenaventura laying the foundation for what would become the city of San Buenaventura (Ventura). Ventura's Downtown area is home to numerous historical sites all within walking distance. Mission San Buenaventura Historic Park is a collection of historic and archaeological sites, both public and private, adjacent to Mission San Buenaventura in downtown Ventura, California, officiallyknown as the City of San Buenaventura. These historic and archaeological areas are one of only three Mission sites in historic downtown commercial business districts in California (the others being San Luis Obispo and San Gabriel). The other 18 sites were originally in rural areas located away from the pueblos and presidios In some cases development and tourism has overrun Mission sites, but these sites are not true downtown business districts as one sees in most communities.

The sites of the Historic Park cover a wide range of locations from original buildings, excavated sites and open parkland, to lots occupied by later buildings. Even on those sites that have been occupied by later buildings, foundations of the original structures have been located.

Pick up a complimentary Mission San Buenaventura Archeological Site Walking Tour guide or a Historic Downtown Walking Tour Guide at the Ventura Visitors & Convention Bureau, 101 S. California Street, Downtown Ventura.

Click here to view inforamtion on the Historic  Mission San Buenaventura Archeological Sites.