Memorial Day Weekend in Ventura (Part 1)

We actually planned about 90% of our trip (obligatorily) in advance - only the last week was left open because we simply didn’t know where exactly we would be or where we wanted to go. This turned out to be a bit of a mistake, especially since we had a bit 'neglected' Memorial Day 🙈 Already 2-3 weeks ago, when we first searched for a campsite along the coast for this period, we realized: Wow, this is going to be - to put it mildly - difficult 🫣 On various evenings we scrolled through websites, called campgrounds during the day: everywhere 'sorry, no availability'! We could already imagine ourselves on a Walmart parking lot, until Reto discovered the 'Ventura Beach RV Park' (with absolutely devastating reviews on Google Maps.. 🙈). But of course, we called there too. And indeed: They had exactly 2 spots left. At a (how else could it be) absolutely outrageous price. And of course you also have to stay at least 3 nights because it’s a 'holiday weekend'. Well, since we had no other (alternative) choice, I booked it with gritted teeth (that would actually be a story in itself, but I'll spare you that for now. Short version: I used up my entire roaming phone quota for it..!) And I was really annoyed later that I hadn’t booked everything from home - especially this weekend 😂🙈

When the day finally came, we drove with (slightly) mixed feelings from Morro Bay to Ventura 😉 Upon arrival, the RV Park was well-prepared for the 'large influx': decorated with countless USA flags, an extra check-in tent outside where I received 5 wristbands and the associated warning that these 'must really always be worn' or you get kicked out 😉 We were very positively surprised by our campsite: beautifully situated under palm trees, even with grass next to it. There’s also a playground, pool, and jacuzzi for the boys 😉 And: a huge program all weekend long! From movie nights to bounce houses, mini-train rides, karaoke, water balloon fights to live concerts and a bike parade, there’s everything. We are amazed. And we’re a little happy - for all that (many) money, you really get something in return 😉 Then we comfortably watch as all the Americans with their huge vehicles arrive later. One bigger than the other, fascinating. And it really gets crowded. We hardly see any free spots left.

Conclusion: Google reviews are often very accurate - but in our case, absolutely not. It was really an experience to spend this Memorial Day weekend in such an 'American' way. I think we were almost the only (real) tourists at the campsite - with the (almost) smallest camper 😂