The following is a list of some popular destinations and activities close to Thomas Aquinas College, California, based on recommendations from members of the College’s faculty and staff. 

 

Outdoors

  • Ventura Pier — Beautiful views of the Pacific Ocean, playground, surf & bike rentals
  • Island Packer Cruises — Sightseeing and whale-watching expeditions along the Channel Islands
  • Hiking — The Punch Bowls hike, adjacent to campus, is a local favorite
  • Santa Barbara Zoo — Wildlife, ocean view, playground
    500 Ninos Dr.
    Santa Barbara, CA 93103
    805-962-5339
  • Santa Barbara Botanical Gardens — 1,000+ plant species
    1212 Mission Canyon Rd.
    Santa Barbara, CA 93105
    805-682-4726

 

California Missions / Area Catholic Churches

  • Mission San Buenaventura — the ninth and final California Mission founded by St. Junipero Serra
    211 E. Main St.
    Ventura, CA 93001
    805-643-4318
  • Old Mission Santa Barbara — the tenth California Mission, still run by Franciscan Friars
    201 Laguna St.
    Santa Barbara, CA 93105
    805-682-4713
  • Our Lady of Guadalupe Church — diocesan church in Santa Paula; most Masses offered in Spanish
    427 N. Oak St.
    Santa Paula, CA 93060
    805-525-3716
  • St. Sebastian Parish — diocesan church in Santa Paula, 24-hour adoration on all Fridays
    235 N. Ninth St.
    Santa Paula, CA 93060
    805-525-2149
  • St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church — diocesan church in Ojai, Adoration Thursday through Saturday morning

    185 St. Thomas Dr.
    Ojai, CA 93023
    805-646-4338

 

Museums

  • California Oil Museum — models and displays about Ventura County's oil industry
    1001 E. Main St.
    Santa Paula, CA 93060
    805-933-0076
  • Ventura County Agricultural Museum — history, methods of local farming
    926 Railroad Ave.
    Santa Paula, CA 93060
    805-525-3100
  • Santa Paula Art Museum — Santa Paula's artistic heritage
    117 N. 10th St.
    Santa Paula, CA 93060
    805-525-5554
  • Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation — museum and Air Force One pavilion
    40 Presidential Dr.
    Simi Valley, CA 93065
    805-522-2977
  • Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History — permanent and temporary displays, planetarium, and butterfly pavilion
    2559 Puesta del Sol
    Santa Barbara, CA 93105 
    805-682-4711
  • The Getty Center — paintings, drawings, sculpture, illuminated manuscripts, decorative arts, and photographs
    1200 Getty Center Drive
    Los Angeles, California 90049
    310-440-7300
  • The Getty Villa — arts and cultures of ancient Greece, Rome, and Etruria
    17985 Pacific Coast Highway
    Pacific Palisades, California 90272
    310-440-7300

 

Wine Tasting

 

Shopping & Pedestrian Areas

 

Planes & Trains