Discover Camarillo: Where Historic Charm Meets Premium Shopping

We often pass through Camarillo on our way to Ventura or Oxnard, but I recently discovered that this small town in Ventura County is a destination that truly deserves a visit.

Camarillo holds a notable place in popular culture, often mentioned in songs and movies, and is famously known for its former State Mental Health Hospital. This historic building now serves as the beautiful campus for California State University—Channel Islands, a prominent part of the town's identity.

Today, Camarillo is a charming and lively town. Its attractions include the famous Premium Outlets, an Aviation Museum, historic ranches and churches, a local winery, and numerous scenic parks.

Find your Ventura County Adventure here.

The local parks in Camarillo offer a variety of outdoor activities for everyone. Camarillo Grove Park, situated near the foothills, offers rugged hiking and biking trails. Further south, Calleguas Creek Park is renowned for its archaeological sites associated with the ancient Chumash Native Americans.

Interesting Fact: Archaeological surveys have confirmed the presence of ancient Chumash settlements near Calleguas Creek, providing a fascinating glimpse into the area's pre-colonial history that spans thousands of years.

Some History

The Chumash Indians initially inhabited the area for thousands of years. Following Spanish colonization, the land was granted as Rancho Calleguas to José Pedro Ruiz in 1837. Later, the ranch was sold to Juan Camarillo, whose influential sons, Adolfo and Juan, became the founders of the modern town we know today.

Did You Know? Adolfo Camarillo, one of the town's founders, was famous for breeding the Camarillo White Horse, a rare and beautiful Spanish-sired horse known for its pure white coat. This unique breed performed in parades and events for decades and remains a proud part of the town's heritage.

Places of Interest

A Stroll in Old Town

Old Town Camarillo, located along Ventura Boulevard, serves as the town's historic and cultural hub. This area is packed with activity, featuring numerous specialty stores, charming boutiques, arts and entertainment venues, salons, spas, and a fantastic selection of local restaurants.

If you visit on a Saturday morning, you can start your day with a hearty breakfast at a local spot like Old Town Café, followed by shopping for fresh produce at the popular Camarillo Farmers Market. For dinner or lunch, highly-rated options include Blvd. Burger, Twenty 88 Bistro, and Sushi Planet.

Traveler Comment: "The Old Town area has really stepped up its food game. I was expecting basic dining, but places like Twenty 88 Bistro are truly upscale and creative. You could easily spend a whole day here hopping between the boutiques and cafes."

Parks and Trails

Camarillo is fortunate to have many well-maintained parks for residents and visitors. Nancy Bush Park is perfect for a leisurely walk, a jog, or a family picnic, and it features a newly remodeled playground that children will love.

For those seeking more adventure, Camarillo Grove Park is the ideal destination. Here, you can hike on rugged trails that climb into the hills, bike through scenic areas, or simply relax and enjoy the expansive views. The park is also very dog-friendly, including a fenced area just for your four-legged friends.

Premium Outlets

The Premium Outlets, conveniently located just off Highway 101, are a true shopper's paradise. This expansive center boasts over 160 stores, featuring top designer and brand names such as Banana Republic, Coach, Michael Kors, Polo Ralph Lauren, Tory Burch, and Tommy Hilfiger.

Dining options are plentiful, ranging from sit-down restaurants like Johnny Rockets and Los Arroyos Mexican Restaurant to quick bites and coffee at places like Charley Grilled Subs and Starbucks. For families, the Children's Play Area is a welcome bonus, allowing parents a short break while the kids have fun.

Traveler Tip: To maximize your savings, visit the Information Center upon arrival. You can often purchase a coupon book for a small fee that offers additional discounts on top of the already reduced outlet prices, making your bargain hunting even more successful.