From El Rio you can drive to Ventura Harbor for boat departures to Channel Islands National Park, an easy launch point for a day trip to see marine life and sea caves. The Ventura Pier and Promenade make for a short, accessible stop to stretch legs and enjoy coastal views. For a longer scenic drive, the Pacific Coast Highway delivers classic coastal vistas, though some stretches are narrow; larger rigs often prefer U.S. Route 101 for a smoother, more direct route with ample truck lanes and services. Driving these routes from El Rio gives a mix of short excursions and longer coastal cruising that suit varied trip plans.