Serra Cross — Attraction in Ventura

What a view of the Ventura beach and the city. This vantage point also has the best view of the sunset in Ventura. Erected by Mission Buenaventura, one of several Missions planted by Father Junipero Serra in the 1700’s, this highly visible cross served as a road sign for travelers in search of the Mission. The cross has been lost to elements many times, but it is always replaced and continues to stand above Ventura. Today, this Cross is still a land mark in Ventura city and the land where the cross sits was dedicated as Serra Cross Park within Grant Park recently.

We had passed by this area many times on our way to Santa Barbara but never had a chance to visit here. Today, being the weekend, we finally decide to come to Venture to visit the pier and the Serra Cross Park. After, finished walking on the pier and had lunch, we drove about 10 minutes to reach the Cross Park.

What a view!! From the park, we had a panoramic view of the city and the beach. Since this is part of Grant Park, we hiked to take advantages of many great trails at Grant Park. We planned that we would hike first before coming back to the Cross Park to enjoy the sunset in the evening.

There are several hiking trails at Grant Park. We chose the one that goes up from the Cross Park. Once we reached the top, we had another magnificent view of the mountains and the beach. That view was just awesome.

After the hike, we came down to the Cross Park around 7PM just in time to see the sunset. With the amazing white scale-like clouds, the sunset view from this vantage point was just spectacular with red and orange colors splashed all over the hills surrounding the Cross. We saw many people were just sitting around the benches over the Park, rejoicing and totally emerging in the beauty of the sunset scenery. What a way to end a day!

There are many parking spots at the Park and you can park your car along the...

Breathtaking Views, Peaceful Atmosphere—Just a Short Drive from the Beach

Serra Cross Park in Ventura is a truly special spot that captures the natural beauty and history of the area. The short drive from the beach makes it the perfect place to pair with a coastal stroll or sunset visit. Once you arrive, a gentle uphill walk takes you to the iconic cross, with sweeping panoramic views of the Ventura coastline, the pier, the city below, and the Channel Islands on a clear day.

What I love most is how peaceful and open the park feels. There are plenty of benches thoughtfully placed throughout the area, offering quiet, romantic spots to sit and take in the view. It’s ideal for couples, solo reflection, or even a laid-back photo session—especially around golden hour when the light is magical.

There’s plenty of parking and easy access, which makes it great for quick visits or spontaneous outings. The grassy areas are perfect for picnics—just keep an eye out for sprinklers, as they come on at certain times and could catch you off guard!

One thing to note: the Ventura Raceway is nearby, and on race nights the engine noise can break the otherwise serene vibe. It’s not a dealbreaker, but something to be aware of if you’re hoping for total quiet.

Overall, Serra Cross Park is a peaceful, scenic spot that offers some of the best views in Ventura without requiring a long hike or drive. Whether you’re a local or just passing through, it’s absolutely worth a stop—and one I’ll keep...

Starting near Mission San Buenaventura, I ventured toward the Serra Cross in Ventura, embarking on a mile-long uphill walk, ascending 3-400 feet, which took about 25 minutes. Alternatively, driving up is an option, with parking readily available for those preferring convenience.

For an enriching experience, walking is recommended. It’s a chance to reflect, akin to picking up your cross (Matthew 16:24, NRSV-CE), blending a physical journey with Ventura’s historical essence.

At the top, the breathtaking ocean vistas and Ventura’s verdant hillsides are truly rewarding. The Serra Cross and its surroundings offer a peaceful retreat, inviting visitors to connect with nature and history.

Whether on foot or by car, the visit is a valuable experience. It’s an opportunity to witness history, immerse in natural beauty, and enjoy tranquility at the Serra Cross. A highly recommended experience for those seeking...