Steve-o--I walked around in a small downtown area that was very nice in Ventura. I don't buy things on those walks, so wasn't troubled by the high tourist prices, but the peoplewatching was good on a small scale. Don't know about the rest of the town.

Brett, you'll have to choose one route and do just one or two things along it or you'll drive yourself nuts! Good luck! Personally, I think you should go for the visit down in San Diego and let Amos do all the work of taking you around. Maybe a little trip to Tijuana?