I Taco-Hopped Through Ventura’s Taco District—Here’s What You Need to Try

In Southern California, surfers are gatekeeping a small town full of empty beaches and delicious tacos. Ventura Beach lies right between Los Angeles and Santa Barbara, and Ventura locals call it "one of the last great beach towns of California.” Ventura is full of restaurants and bars, but few streets are more popular than Ventura’s own "Taco District," a food lover’s paradise. 

Over the generations, the Taco District has naturally grown and spread across Ventura Avenue. It is full of locally owned and operated taquerias, many of which are mom-and-pop shops that have been around for generations. 

From casual grab-and-go windows to traditional markets to sunny patios filled with flowers, each restaurant has its unique vibe and feel. More importantly, each spot has its specialty dish, and locals fiercely debate the ultimate taco rankings. By “taco hopping” down the street, you can try all types of tacos, burritos, and other dishes. 

It is unlikely that you will be able to hit all 14 taquerias in one day, but it is certainly worth trying. 

The Taco District has every classic taco that you could possibly think of. Lalo’s Fast Food feels like an old-school California drive-in, and it is known for its taco de lengua, a specialty featuring beef tongue. You can also stop by the Red Barn Market, an unsuspecting grocery store that serves carnitas and chicharrón tacos in the back by the ice cream. Be sure to visit El Asadero, one of the few taco spots in the area that offers trompo-style al pastor, a type of pork that rotates over the fire. 

Ventura’s many vegetarians and vegans love Taqueria Cuernavaca. Their veggie taco, made of mushrooms and potatoes, is both vegetarian-friendly and delicious, so be sure to make a stop. 

At Indian Rasoi, they even have chicken tikka masala and chicken vindaloo wrapped in naan to create a fusion taco. 

However, if you need a place to sit between eating, walking, and sunbathing, be sure to take a break at Taqueria Tepatitlan, one of the only stops on Ventura Avenue that has a full bar and beers on tap. This spot feels like a sports bar, and it is best known for its Micheladas. 

The Hispanic population makes up 43.3% of Ventura County, making it the largest group in the region. Many of these families have lived in Ventura for generations, forming their community full of traditions like Taco Week, the Tequila & Taco Music Festival, and local celebrations for Día de los Muertos. 

The Taco District allows everyone to celebrate this local culture year-round by encouraging locals and visitors to support family-owned businesses and enjoy long-held recipes. 

There is no better way to end a taco-hopping frenzy than with an afternoon at the beach. Luckily, the Taco District ends just blocks away from one of Ventura’s many quiet coastlines, Surfers Point at Seaside Park. Bring some takeaway tacos with you and have a picnic on the sand or nurse your taco food coma on a towel by the water. 

Whether you are meeting up with friends or grabbing a bite after a long morning of surfing, Ventura's "Taco District" is sure to hit the spot.