Ventura is a wonderfully diverse destination for travelers seeking vibrant coastal scenery, engaging activities, and authentic local experiences. Thanks to its mild climate, friendly beaches, and rich character, Ventura offers a variety of tours that suit different interests and ages. Whether you’re eager to ride the waves, explore charming towns, or hunt for treasures, Ventura has a lot to offer. We especially love the Ventura Surf Lesson for its personalized approach and excellent reviews, and the Solvang Ventura Wine Tour by Car for combining wine tasting with a scenic town visit.
While some tours are perfect for active adventurers, others cater to laid-back explorers or puzzle enthusiasts. With such a broad range, you can easily tailor your itinerary to match your interests, budget, and time constraints. Keep reading to find detailed descriptions of each top-rated tour in Ventura, helping you choose the best experience for your trip.
Quick Overview
Our list includes seven of the best tours in Ventura, each offering a unique way to discover the area. Highlights include surfing lessons, wine tours, and interactive scavenger hunts. For a full breakdown, check out the options below:
- Private Ventura Surf Lesson for beginners wanting to catch their first wave (details here)
- Solvang Ventura Wine Tour by Car to explore Santa Barbara County’s vineyards (details here)
- Self-Guided Ventura Scavenger Hunt: Ace Ventura for a fun, interactive town intro (details here)
- Ventura Scavenger Hunt Walking Tour and Game for exploring landmarks via puzzles (details here)
- Surf Lesson in Santa Barbara for those willing to venture a bit further (details here)
- Vibin’ in Ventura Scavenger Hunt for a remote, interactive team challenge (details here)
- Unique Scavenger Hunt Experience in Ventura by Zombie Scavengers for a zombie-themed survival challenge (details here)
1. Ventura Surf Lesson
At number one, the Ventura Surf Lesson stands out as an ideal introduction to surfing in Southern California’s friendly waters. This 1.5-hour private lesson is perfect whether you’re a complete novice or someone looking to refine your skills. The instructor will teach you how to stand up on your surfboard, maintain your balance, and catch that elusive wave. All equipment—including wetsuits and surfboards—is included, so you can just show up ready to learn.
What makes this tour particularly appealing is its flexibility—you can choose to have your lesson in the morning or afternoon, fitting it easily into your Ventura itinerary. The private setting ensures personalized attention, and the reviews highlight how instructors like Ryan and Carson make safety and fun their top priorities. One guest noted, “Our instructor Ryan did an amazing job of keeping us safe and making sure we had fun while learning.” This experience ranks high for its value for money and the chance to learn a new skill in one of California’s best surfing spots.
Bottom line: If you want a tailored, fun introduction to surfing that caters to all skill levels, this lesson is a smart choice. Book early, as popular times tend to fill quickly.
2. Solvang Ventura Wine Tour by Car
Second on the list is the Solvang Ventura Wine Tour by Car, offering a full day of exploring Santa Barbara County’s finest vineyards and charming Danish-style town. For around $425 per person, this 8 to 9-hour tour includes visits to boutique wineries like Deep Sea Tasting Room, with its maritime vibe and local wines, and PENCE, where you can stroll the grounds and learn about wine-making in a VIP setting. The tour culminates in a walking tour of Solvang, a picturesque town famed for its European architecture and cozy streets.
This tour is a standout because it combines wine tasting with culture, all led by an expert guide. Reviewers mention the “wonderful wines and engaging stories” shared along the way, making it a rich experience. The inclusion of admission tickets and the opportunity to walk through Solvang’s streets make it a comprehensive, hassle-free day trip.
Bottom line: Ideal for wine lovers and those wanting to combine a scenic drive with cultural sightseeing. It’s a full-day experience worth the price if you’re looking for a relaxed but enriching outing.
3. Self-Guided Ventura Scavenger Hunt: Ace Ventura
Third is the Self-Guided Ventura Scavenger Hunt: Ace Ventura, which provides a fun, interactive way to discover Ventura’s quirkiest corners. For just over $12 per person, you and your team will work through clues that lead you to landmarks like Ventura’s oldest resident and the birthplace of Perry Mason. The game lasts around two hours and is perfect for families or groups wanting a flexible activity.
What sets this tour apart is its personalized nature—you solve clues at your own pace, making it flexible for all ages. The digital scavenger hunt offers a mix of cultural, historical, and playful challenges, with photo souvenirs included. One reviewer said, “We really enjoyed working together to discover Ventura’s secrets,” highlighting its engaging and social aspects.
Bottom line: If you’re after an affordable, hands-on activity that combines history and fun, this scavenger hunt is a winner. It’s especially good for small groups looking for a flexible adventure.
$12.31 per person
4. Ventura Scavenger Hunt Walking Tour and Game
Number four is the Ventura Scavenger Hunt Walking Tour and Game, which turns Ventura into a giant puzzle. Using your smartphone, you’ll seek clues and solve puzzles as you explore key landmarks like Main Street and Mission San Buenaventura. This two-hour, self-guided activity suits groups of 2 to 6 people, including families, friends, or coworkers.
The main draw here is flexibility—you can complete it at your own pace without a guide. While the reviews are mixed, with a 4-star rating, users appreciate the opportunity to discover Ventura’s streets and history in a fun, interactive way. One reviewer noted, “Exploring Ventura with my grandson was a great experience, and the puzzles kept us engaged.”
Bottom line: Designed for those who want an active, puzzle-based exploration. It’s a cost-effective way to see the city in a lively, engaging manner.
5. Surf Lesson in Santa Barbara
For travelers willing to venture a bit further, the Surf Lesson in Santa Barbara offers a scenic 1.5-hour private group lesson in Carpinteria, just 11 miles from Ventura. This tour is ideal for those who want to enjoy the coastal beauty while learning to surf on a quieter beach. All equipment is included, and the instructor covers safety, paddling, and wave reading techniques.
Pricing is comparable to the Ventura lessons at $85 per person, but the scenic setting and proximity to Santa Barbara make it special. The reviews show that the lessons are well-organized, though only two reviews are available, giving an average of 3 stars. One comment noted, “Good instruction, but challenging conditions,” which suggests it’s best suited for those comfortable with a bit of a challenge.
Bottom line: Great for groups who want a scenic surf experience outside Ventura, especially if you’re staying in Santa Barbara area. Advanced bookings recommended.
$85.00 per person
6. Vibin’ in Ventura Scavenger Hunt
Next is the Vibin’ in Ventura Scavenger Hunt, an immersive, remote experience that connects you with a live host via your phone. Although reviews are unavailable, this company is known for customized, interactive adventures in over 300 cities. This particular hunt combines clues, challenges, and social interaction, making it ideal for groups seeking a personalized, engaging challenge.
Participants work with a remote host to navigate the city, collecting points for items found or tasks completed. It offers a more modern, tech-driven twist on the classic scavenger hunt, with the advantage of being accessible from anywhere at your convenience.
Bottom line: Perfect for those wanting a highly tailored, virtual adventure that can be enjoyed from anywhere, especially during busy or unpredictable schedules.
$21.60 per person
7. Unique Scavenger Hunt Experience in Ventura by Zombie Scavengers
Rounding out our list is the Zombie Scavengers experience, a fun, themed challenge where you search Ventura using an app to find items needed to survive a zombie apocalypse. It’s a one-hour activity suited for groups of up to 10 people, perfect for families, friends, or even team-building.
This tour’s unique theme sets it apart, turning a simple scavenger hunt into an adventure of survival strategy. You’ll gather points for finding items and completing themed challenges while strategizing to stay ahead of zombies. The remote host is available via chat if you need help, adding a layer of support.
Bottom line: If you’re looking for a light-hearted, thematic activity that’s easy to organize and fun for all ages, this zombie-themed scavenger hunt could be just the ticket.
$20.00 per group (up to 10)
How to Choose the Best Tour in Ventura
Choosing the right tour depends on your interests, budget, and how much time you want to spend. If you’re eager to learn to surf, consider the Ventura Surf Lesson for its personalized approach and high safety standards. For relaxed exploration combined with wine tasting, the Solvang Ventura Wine Tour offers a full-day cultural and tasting experience. If interactive fun is your style, the Self-Guided Ventura Scavenger Hunt or the Ventura Scavenger Hunt Walking Tour are great options. Want a themed challenge? The Zombie Scavengers provide a humorous survival scenario.
Consider the length of the tour, your group size, and whether you want a guided or self-guided experience. Booking early is advised, especially for popular activities like surfing lessons and wine tours during peak seasons.
Final Thoughts
Ventura offers a rich mix of tours that cater to different interests, whether you want to catch your first wave, sip local wines, or solve puzzles around town. For active travelers, the private surfing lessons give you a safe and fun start in the water. Culture and food lovers will appreciate the wine tour for its scenic and flavorful stops. Puzzle fans and families can enjoy the interactive scavenger hunts, which add a playful twist to exploring.
No matter which experience appeals most, booking ahead ensures you won’t miss out on these popular adventures. Take your pick based on your interests and travel style—Ventura is waiting with plenty of memorable ways to discover its charm.