Ventura Settling Ponds, Visitor Center and Harbor Cove Café

Let's head to Ventura for cooler weather and a walk around the Ventura Settling Ponds, a beach walk to the Robert J. Lagomarsino Visitor Center, the Mermaid Playing Lute statue, and a late lunch/early dinner at the Harbor Cove Café.

The Hike
This is 4-mile hike/walk/beach walk with an elevation gain of a whopping 50'.

Park at the Dolphin Parking lot and meet me at the trailhead of the Ventura Settling Ponds at 1:00pm (see directions below). We will start promptly at 1:10pm.

Let’s finish the day with a late lunch at the Harbor Cove Café.

Overview
The Ventura Settling Ponds (named Snoopy, Lucy and Bone) are man-made beds used to collect water discharged from the wastewater treatment plant. Up to 243 bird species have been recorded such as the Yellow-crowned Night Heron, pelicans, and cormorants.

At the Visitor Center we will learn about the wildlife and history of the Channel Islands. It features a lookout tower, native plant garden, display of marine aquatic life, tidepool, and other exhibits.

The Mermaid of Soter Point sculpture, and its sister, that sit at the mouth of the Ventura Harbor, were donated by Russian emigrants Alec and Tatyana Benke, as an expression of love for their new country, America.

Other Details

• Trail type: trail, beach, sidewalk
• Dogs: No dogs are allowed
• Restrooms: Nature
• Water Fountain: None
• Known Dangers: Rattlesnakes, slip-'n-fall, poison oak, mermaids, tsunami’s

Essentials

• Bring 2 liters of water, flashlights, snacks, electrolytes
• Bring your hiking poles if needed.
• Wear good walking shoes, beach shoes, sunscreen, hat
• Bring a jacket for cooler weather
• Bug spray
• Ventura County SARS 10 Essentials

Directions to the Dolphin Parking lot
Parking is free
Address: 1001-1399 Spinnaker Dr, Ventura,
Located east of Ventura Harbor Village
Google Coordinates: 34.242639, -119.260917
Click here to view the Google Map

Directions to the Ventura Settling Ponds
From the Dolphin Parking lot, walk .2 miles to the corner of Spinnaker and Angler Court
Google Coordinates: 34.239917, -119.261000
Click here to view the Google Map

DISCLAIMER/RELEASE OF LIABILITY:

• You must RSVP to attend this event, no exceptions.
• The PM Hiker organizers are not trained leaders and do not confirm the qualifications of any of its members to lead or participate in trips.
• If you sign up for any event, you are releasing the PM Hiker organizers from all liability in case of possible injuries.
• Hiking and other outdoor events can be dangerous, and accidents can happen.
• Per Meetup rules, you are responsible for your own safety and well-being. Your personal safety depends on your own judgment and experience. You take full responsibility for your own actions.
• These rules apply to any guests you may invite.