Archive for May 2023
June 2023 Director’s Message
As we transition into the vibrant month of June, I am delighted to share with you an exciting lineup of events and activities that are coming to the harbor this summer. Get ready to soak up the sun, enjoy the breeze, and create unforgettable memories with families and friends.
We kick off the summer with not one, but two Father’s Day car shows on June 18th. Showcasing an impressive array of classic and vintage automobiles, these events will delight car enthusiasts and provide a unique opportunity to bond with your loved ones over a shared passion of automobiles – and the Harbor!
As the summer progresses, we invite you to join us at Harbor View Park for our highly anticipated “Concerts by the Sea” summer series. Every Saturday from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., beginning July 8th, the park will come alive with the sounds of local talented musicians performing live, while you relax on the grass, enjoy a picnic, and take in the breathtaking waterside views. It’s the perfect way to unwind and savor the beauty of the Harbor.
Looking ahead to July, we have a lineup of events that will truly make your Independence Day celebrations shine. Join us on the 4th of July for a day filled with fun and festivity. The 4th of July Family Parade will march north on Harbor Boulevard, showcasing the creativity and community spirit that makes the Channel Islands Harbor and its beach communities so special. Following the landside parade, an electric boat parade will grace our harbor, filling the waters with patriotic pride. Don’t forget about the all-day, expanded Farmers Market at Harbor View Park, where you can discover a wide variety of fresh produce and handcrafted goods.
To culminate the day, we are bringing back Ventura County’s only seaside fireworks show that will light up the sky and leave you and your guests in awe. Gather your loved ones, find a cozy spot along the waterfront, and prepare to be amazed as the colors burst above the Harbor, creating a breathtaking display and memory for you to enjoy.
The festivities don’t stop there. On July 8th and 9th, we are thrilled to be host to the Channel Islands Fine Arts Festival, located at Harbor Landing. Immerse yourself in the world of art, as local and regional artists showcase their talent through various mediums. Explore the booths, engage with artists, and perhaps find a stunning piece to take home and cherish.
With these exciting events lined up, the Channel Islands Harbor is set to become the ultimate summer destination. Mark your calendar, gather your loved ones, and join us for an unforgettable summer filled with joy, laughter, and celebration.
We look forward to seeing you at the Harbor!
Michael Tripp, Director
Ventura County Harbor Department
Editor’s Note: the message was posted on May 31, 2023.
Revving Up Father’s Day Fun: Channel Islands Harbor’s Double Delight of Car Shows!
Calling all car enthusiasts and aficionados! Get ready to rev your engines and celebrate Father’s Day (June 18, 2023) in style at the scenic Channel Islands Harbor. This year, the harbor is hosting not one, but two thrilling car shows that will make any gearhead’s heart race. Buckle up and join us as we take…
Read MoreCelebrate Independence Day 2023 in Style at Channel Islands Harbor!
As summer heats up and the patriotic spirit fills the air, Channel Islands Harbor is the place to be for a joyous July 4th celebration! Nestled along the stunning Ventura County coastline, this picturesque harbor offers an abundance of activities for all ages. From dazzling fireworks to an enchanting electric boat parade, a lively family parade, and a vibrant farmers market, Channel Islands Harbor has something for everyone. So, gather your loved ones, put on your red, white, and blue, and take advantage of the family-friendly festivities!
Family Parade
The July 4th festivities kicks off at 10:30 a.m. with a vibrant family parade that captures the essence of community spirit. Be sure to dress up in your most patriotic attire and bring your little ones along. Walk with your family and friends as the community parades north on Harbor Boulevard on the west side of the Harbor. The family parade promises to be an exciting event that will leave you with a heart full of pride and joy. Learn how to register for the parade.
Expanded Farmers Market
Channel Islands Harbor’s Farmers Market is the perfect place to immerse yourself in the local culture and flavors. On July 4th, this bustling market is moved to Harbor View Park and transforms into a festive hub where you can sample delicious treats, browse through local crafts, and discover fresh produce from nearby farms. From juicy strawberries to organic vegetables and homemade goodies, the farmers market offers a delightful experience for food enthusiasts and those looking to support local artisans. Take a leisurely stroll through the market, savor the vibrant atmosphere, and don’t forget to pick up some goodies for your July 4th picnic!
Electric Boat Parade
One of the most anticipated events at Channel Islands Harbor is the enchanting Electric Boat Parade, hosted by Central Coast Electric Boats and the Channel Islands Yacht Club. The parade starts at 4 p.m. and travels throughout the Harbor.
Witness more than 75 beautifully decorated electric boats parading through the harbor, showcasing creative designs and a festive atmosphere. The Electric Boat Parade is a sight to behold. Join the fun by renting your own electric boat or simply line up landside to enjoy the magical procession.
Fireworks by the Sea
When the sun sets on July 4th, Channel Islands Harbor lights up the sky with “Fireworks by the Sea,” a mesmerizing fireworks extravaganza that starts promptly at 9 p.m. Find the perfect spot on the harbor’s scenic waterfront, lay out your blanket, and prepare to be awed by the spectacular display of colors bursting overhead. The reflection of the fireworks on the calm waters creates a magical ambiance that is sure to leave you in awe. Bring your loved ones, gaze at the stars, and revel in the spirit of freedom and independence.
4th of July at the Channel Islands Harbor is a Can’t Miss Event!
Channel Islands Harbor is the ultimate destination for an unforgettable July 4th celebration. With a dazzling firework display, an enchanting electric boat parade, a lively family parade, and a vibrant Farmers Market, there is no shortage of activities to keep you entertained throughout the day. Whether you’re a local resident or a visitor, the harbor welcomes you with open arms to join in the festivities and experience the joy of celebrating Independence Day in style. So, mark your calendars, gather your loved ones, and head over to Channel Islands Harbor for a day filled with laughter, fun, and a sense of patriotic pride!
Editor’s Note: this story was published on May 24, 2023.
Channel Island Harbor’s Free Concerts by the Sea Summer Series 2023 Lineup
If you love live music, there’s no better venue in Ventura County to catch a free concert than at the Channel Islands Harbor. Set against a summer sky in a beautiful Harbor park, visitors can enjoy a variety of musical selections at the Concerts by the Sea Summer Concert Series. The series is held from…
Read MoreWhat Moms Want For Mother’s Day at the Channel Islands Harbor
Don’t let the Google or Yahoo search for “Mother’s Day gifts” fool you. Moms don’t want a fruit basket, custom coffee mugs, or a cookie bouquet – they want to spend a restful day with the family.
We asked our Facebook community about their recommendations for an ideal Mother’s Day at the Harbor. We’ve put together a list that should help you impress your Mom and make a memorable day at the Channel Islands Harbor.
Recommendation #1: Dining
This was the number one recommendation. Whether it is breakfast, brunch, lunch, or dinner, the Harbor includes more than a dozen places for you and Mom to eat. The top picks from our online community includes:
Treat your Mother to yummy Brazilian food and amazing views from the 2nd story restaurant at Marine Emporium Landing.
Sea Fresh is a Harbor favorite. If your Mom has been here, she’ll continue to love you forever. If she hasn’t, why haven’t you taken her here before?
If your Mother is a coffee person, and there’s a good chance she is, Honey Cup is the perfect place to start her perfect day. Honey Cup serves specialty organic coffee and tea drinks, smoothies, creative breakfast, lunch, baked good and gelato treats.
Amazing pizza, a salad bar second-to-none, oven baked sandwiches and the most unique views from a restaurant you’ve ever seen. Toppers has a little bit of everything for your Mom.
Your Mom will love the views from the Lookout. If she’s in to casual dining and delicious drinks, this is the place to be.
The Channel Islands Certified Farmers’ Market, open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., has great shopping and dining. Treat your Mom on the spot or pick up some fresh produce and fish and cook for her at home!
Picnic lunch at the park
Eliminate the decision making process of picking a restaurant and go for the classic picnic at the park. The Harbor includes several parks with gorgeous Harbor views. What to pack for your picnic? Here’s what our online community recommends: fresh fruit, cheese, meat, wine, and mimosas.
Recommendation #2: Get on or in the water
The recommendations were clear – getting out on the water is a must. The tops picks from our community includes:
Renting an electric boat
There’s just something about cruising around the Harbor on an electric boat. If you thought the landside views of the Harbor were special, just wait until you get out on the water in an electric boat. Check in with Southern California Jet Skis and Electric Boats or Hopper Boat Rentals to reserve your electric boat today!
Go to the beach
If your Mom wants to go to the beach, you take your Mom to the beach! We recommend Silver Strand or Hollywood beaches, which border the Harbor.
Whale Watching
If your Mom is in to adventure, witnessing hundreds of dolphins splashing around, and catching a glimpse of a whale, this is a must do for Mother’s Day. Island Packers and Channel Islands Whale Watching can help you make those memories!
Kayaking
If your family owns kayaks, getting out on the water is easy with the Harbor’s great public access. If you don’t, Hopper Boat Rentals and the Channel Islands Kayak Center can get you out on the water.
Sailing
Enjoy the cool ocean breeze and breathtaking views on a sailing trip in the Pacific. There’s nothing better!
Sport fishing
If your Mom is passionate about fishing, the Channel Islands Harbor has you covered. Start your fishing journey with Channel Islands Sportfishing or Hook’s Landing.
Recommendation #3: Relaxation
There are a variety of ways to just relax at the Harbor. Here are the top suggestions.
Walk the Harbor
Walking around the Harbor and checking out the scenery. Take your Mom on a casual stroll around the Harbor and enjoy!
Farmers’ Market
Walking around the Farmers Market. If you Mom needs some retail therapy, the Channel Islands Harbor Certified Farmers Market has you covered!
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