Camarillo

Camarillo is a city in Ventura County, California, United States, located in the South Coast region at the eastern edge of the Ventura County area near the Santa Monica Mountains. It sits inland from the Pacific coastline and is part of the broader Oxnard–Thousand Oaks metropolitan area. The city has an estimated population of around 70,000 and experiences a Mediterranean climate with mild, dry summers and cool, wet winters.

History and name: The area was historically inhabited by the Chumash. In the late 19th century it developed as a railroad stop and ranching community. The Camarillo family, notably Adolfo Camarillo, established a large ranch and built the Camarillo Ranch House in 1892; the community later adopted the name Camarillo. The city was incorporated in 1964.

Economy and notable sites: Camarillo hosts a mix of residential neighborhoods and commercial centers, including the Camarillo Premium Outlets, which opened in 1998. Camarillo Airport serves general aviation and is a visible local facility. The site of the former Camarillo State Mental Hospital was incorporated into the California State University Channel Islands campus, which opened in 2002. The Camarillo Ranch House remains a preserved historic landmark, reflecting the city’s ranching heritage.

Transportation and education: The city is served by U.S. Route 101 and by Metrolink’s Ventura County Line, with Camarillo Station providing rail access to Los Angeles and surrounding areas. California State University Channel Islands is located in Camarillo, and the city supports several public K-12 districts and schools.