Ventura

City in southwest California, USA, on the Pacific Ocean, 100 km/63 mi northwest of Los Angeles; population (1992) 92,600. It lies at the centre of an oilfield, and an agricultural area specializing in citrus fruit, avocado, and lima beans. Food-processing and oil-refining are the main industries. Harbour facilities include a boatyard and dry dock. The city was named after a Spanish mission, San Buenaventura, established in 1782.

The Channel Islands National Park is located offshore.

With the expansion of the conurbation of Los Angeles to Ventura, residential and highway developments have encroached on the surrounding farmland. Ventura is now part of the Oxnard–Ventura metropolitan area.