PHOTO BY DAN HARDING
If you’re looking for a summer adventure that incorporates play, learning and much-needed cool breezes, look no further than some harbor-based family fun. Nearby harbors are a special way to create life-long memories while exploring nature on land and on sea — with some museums, shopping and eating thrown in for good measure.
Here are five of the best the region has to offer you and your family.
Road trip
Take a picturesque drive an hour up the coast to Oxnard and Channel Islands Harbor. Enjoy classic water activities such as cruising in a duffy boat (it’s like a golf cart on the water), paddle boarding, sailing and kayaking. Then grab your binoculars and take an Island Packers boat ride from the Channel Islands Harbor over to Anacapa Island. There, you can watch awesome wildlife, including seabirds (pelicans are a favorite with the kiddos), seals and sea lions. Pack a picnic lunch to eat on the island or head back and choose from an array of family-friendly restaurants right on the harbor.
If you need a break from the sun, go indoors to learn all about maritime history at The Channel Island Maritime Museum. “The museum has an incredible collection of exhibitions including art, model ships and more,” says Brittney Hendricks, vice president of marketing and communications at Visit Oxnard. Don’t miss the Mystic Whaler tall ship permanently docked behind the museum. When you step aboard, you’ll step back in time to view the life of a sailor in the 1800s. To end your day with a big splash, Hendricks says, “Take a cruise in an authentic Venetian gondola in Seabridge Marina with Gondola Paradiso.”
Backyard adventure
If you’re ready for a harbor adventure located (almost) in your own backyard, then the Marina del Rey harbor is here for you. A few short miles from Venice Beach, what this harbor isn’t short on is fun for your family. For one whole dollar, hop aboard the Marina del Rey Waterbus at any of its eight stops around the marina. This open-air water pontoon glides along at 5 mph and runs throughout the harbor. Kat Jacob, director of marketing and communications for the Marina del Rey Tourism Board, reminds us to look out for the sea lions hanging out on the dock and for the unique and clever names of boats along your way.
PHOTO COURTESY VISIT OXNARD
The calmer waters of Mother’s Beach is a family favorite and a favorite for the littles. This 12-acre lagoon includes a gentle entry into the water, a playground, picnic tables and access to bathrooms. For the older kiddos, this is a perfect place to work on stand-up paddling or kayaking skills. If you and your crew need a little pick-me-up snack, then Fisherman’s Village has all the food options. “These family-friendly activities are special because it truly allows both parents and kids to reconnect and enjoy the outdoors,” Jacob says.
Wet and dry
If you and your family love the salty sea air as equally as you enjoy the benefits dry land offers, Dana Point Harbor strikes the perfect balance. Known as the “Whale Capital of the World,” this harbor is nestled on a cliffside 58 miles south of Los Angeles. With no shortage of explorable nooks and crannies, Dana Point Harbor has breathtaking views, hiking and bike trails, paddle boarding, sailing, harbor cruises and, of course, whale watching. Public and private charters are available for both whale watching and cruising out of Dana Point Harbor.
For more fun in the harbor sun, Michele Whiteaker, founder of FunOrangeCountyParks.com, says the Baby Beach is where the little kids have a calm swim area inside the harbor. Year after year, families return to the tranquil waters of the Baby Beach and take in the refreshing views. If you’re looking to add a little learning to your getaway, Dana Point’s iconic Ocean Institute provides a deeper understanding of ocean life with kid-friendly tours and exhibits. The tide pools out back are worth stopping by, and the Institute also offers boat tours along with a bioluminescence night cruise. And there are plenty of restaurants on the harbor where you can sit outside, enjoy the weather and snag free parking.
One-stop shopping
Ventura Harbor Village is your one-stop destination for summer harbor fun times. An hour drive north of L.A., you’ll find 35 shops, harbor-side restaurants, live music, movie nights and more. Jennifer Talt Lundin, marketing manager of Ventura Harbor/Ventura Harbor Village, says Ventura Harbor Village is distinctive because it’s nestled between the harbor and the ocean. “On one side of the village you have the marina side, and a few steps to the other side are those beautiful beaches,” she says. Park for free and check out the marine life with family-run boat company the Island Packers, or visit the Harbor Cove beach with its small waves and sand dunes.
The Channel Islands National Parks and Visitors Center is a short walk from the village and is filled with exhibits and a small aquarium. For the tweens and teens, there’s kayaking and paddle boarding, but if your kids enjoy a challenge, send them to The Ultimate Escape Rooms at Ventura Harbor. Get ready for some fabulous family selfies when you climb onto a character pedal boat rented from the Ventura Boat Rentals in the village. It’s first come, first served, and you can choose from animals like purple dragons and yellow ducks. “Be ready for a wonderful time and the good vibes,” Lundin says.
Quiet throwback
Step back into a simpler time when you visit Huntington Beach Harbor. A little less than an hour south of L.A., this harbor was built in the 1960s. Located on the northwest corner of Huntington Beach, it borders Seal and Sunset beaches. Choose from private charters by Prince Charters, stand-up paddle boards or rent a kayak to view more than 500 charming bay-front homes and boats lining the harbor. If you’d prefer to catch a wave instead of a boat, these award-winning beaches won’t disappoint. There are spaces for surfing, volleyball, biking (you can rent bikes here) and an all-inclusive playground accessed from the beach path on the north side of the pier.
“The electric duffy boats are a favorite because you can drive them yourself through the calm waters,” says Claire Muranaka, public relations coordinator for Visit Huntington Beach. With three different sizes to accommodate your family, rent your duffy boat with Huntington Harbor Boat Rentals and don’t forget to pack snacks for an unforgettable sea voyage. Still, if you’d prefer to eat your meals on land, don’t worry: You’ll find plenty of family-friendly options oceanfront and further along the boulevard.
Tonilyn Hornung is an author and freelance writer who lives with her husband, son and many furry friends.
