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activities and snorkel, dive, surf or kayak in island sea caves. The Channel Islands National Park is also known as an important breeding and resting area for a variety of seabirds. Back on the mainland, birders have more to choose from for viewing feathered friends. With a varied elevation from sea level to 8,831 feet at the summit of Mount Pinos, the area is rich with bird life. Up to 457 bird species have been recorded in the county, and Ventura has globally important bird areas, such as Mugu Lagoon and the Los Padres National Forest. What's Cooking Downtown Early California history has a special place in Ventura's Historic Downtown Cultural District, which began as Father Junipero Serra's final mission settlement. Meander through downtown to see Mission San Buenaventura and the historic homes, museums, boutiques, antique shops and restaurants that dot the palm tree-lined streets. With a wealth of family-owned stores, cultural arts, and thriving music and foodie scene—not to mention the often-perfect weather—the downtown area is an ideal home base for visitors. Wine lovers can easily duck into a downtown wine bar to taste the best of Cal- ifornia's Central Coast, which is recognized as one of the world's leading wine growing regions. If you want to get closer to the winemaking process, stop by the Ventura Visitors Center to learn about the Ventura County Wine Trail, which has a handful of wineries that you can visit on your own or on an organized tour. Ventura's thriving music scene counts more than 35 venues offering live music, along with dozens of special events and festivals annually. On nearly any day of the year, you can check out local bands, solo artists and musicians who play just about every genre of music—and you never know who will be sitting in with the band. 2 0 1 5 T R A V E L G U I D E T O C A L I F O R N I A 143 ANACAPA ISLAND and the Channel Islands, right; Ventura harbor, below right; statue of Father Junipero Serra, downtown Ventura, below. » BIKE, PADDLE, SWIM, STROLL Ventura Visitors & Convention Bureau ventura-usa.com