Welcome to the Rail Ale Trail! There are some really great beer centered attractions, within easy walking distance along Amtrak's Pacific Surfliner route, and the map below will help you find my favorites at each stop.
I have used Amtrak's Pacific Surfliner many times, to get to and from breweries located up and down the Surfliner's route. It is a perfect way to enjoy yourself and not have to worry about driving home. Remember, all the regular Amtrak rules apply so don't get outta control; in other words drink responsibly or you'll find yourself booted off the train or worse...
The map below lists my favorite beer places, within easy walking distance from the Ventura stop. This is not a comprehensive list by any means, but I can personally vouch for all the locations included. There is plenty to drink along this trail (approximately a 2 mile round trip) but if you have any other beer attraction suggestions, leave them in the comments below.
Beer isn't the only attraction in downtown Ventura; boutique shops, bakeries, restaurants, surf shops and thrift stores line the streets. If you're staying in town for a while, then click on over to the Ventura Visitors Bureau where you'll find plenty of activities to keep you busy.
Other beer trail maps can be found [HERE].
I have used Amtrak's Pacific Surfliner many times, to get to and from breweries located up and down the Surfliner's route. It is a perfect way to enjoy yourself and not have to worry about driving home. Remember, all the regular Amtrak rules apply so don't get outta control; in other words drink responsibly or you'll find yourself booted off the train or worse...
The map below lists my favorite beer places, within easy walking distance from the Ventura stop. This is not a comprehensive list by any means, but I can personally vouch for all the locations included. There is plenty to drink along this trail (approximately a 2 mile round trip) but if you have any other beer attraction suggestions, leave them in the comments below.
Beer isn't the only attraction in downtown Ventura; boutique shops, bakeries, restaurants, surf shops and thrift stores line the streets. If you're staying in town for a while, then click on over to the Ventura Visitors Bureau where you'll find plenty of activities to keep you busy.
Other beer trail maps can be found [HERE].
Click the image to download the map.
The Pacific Surfliner stop in Ventura is a self-service platform. You will find a ticketing kiosk, schedule information and an open air waiting area with a convenient drop off lane right next to platform. For current Pacific Surfliner fair and schedule information click [HERE].
Beer ATTRACTIONS:
Paradise Pantry is primarily a restaurant and artisan wine and cheese shop but you will find plenty of great beer there, as well. Their menu, for dine in or carry out, is killer and has wide a price range to fit your budget or appetite.
We collaborated on a beer and cheese pairing series in 2012, and it was a blast.
We collaborated on a beer and cheese pairing series in 2012, and it was a blast.
Ventura's first brew pub is still going strong after 14 years and features tasty beers from brewer, Jason Coudray. Jason has been brewing at Anacapa Brewing Company, since 2010 and he has brought new life and variety to their beer lineup. I am a big fan of their beers and I have highlighted several of Jason's favorite beer pairings in the past.
Sans Souci is the classic dive bar (dimly lit, old vinyl bar stools, covered patio, and perfect). Sans Souci is a great place to get a beer or a cocktail if you are in town for a concert at the Majestic Ventura Theater (located right across the street).
Barrelhouse 101 is my favorite place to get a beer in Ventura, period*. Barrelhouse 101 (BH101) boasts 101 taps that pour only the best craft beer from around the country as well as imports. BH101 is also a full service restaurant that serves gourmet pub fare.
*BH101 IS a great place, but in the spirit of full disclosure, I co-host a podcast called Happy Hour with Joby and Curtis. Joby is the owner of BH101.
*BH101 IS a great place, but in the spirit of full disclosure, I co-host a podcast called Happy Hour with Joby and Curtis. Joby is the owner of BH101.
Family Attractions
The Museum of Ventura County specializes in locally themed, roatating exhibits. Anything to do with Ventura County (surf, sand or strawberries, to name a few) is fair game. The semipermanent collection of George Stuart Historical Figures® is must see exhibit.
The San Buenaventura Mission is one of 21 historical missions located along the California coast stretching from San Diego to Sonoma. For a modest entrance fee you can tour this sanctuary, mission grounds and education center.
The Ventura Pier (boardwalk and beach included) is a great place to enjoy the surf, the sand and the sunsets that make Ventura an iconic surfing town. There are some eateries and tourist shops at the pier, and a large playground on the beach for the kids.
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