Route map for Ventura Pier To The Mermaid by Josh Spiker on plotaroute.com

There are actually two mermaids in Ventura, one each side of the entrance to the harbor. This easy run will take you on an out and back from the pier to the mermaid and back again. It's pretty easy, just follow the bike path south and at the end of the state beach keep going straight until you get to Marina Park. Run through the park until you encounter the mermaid, then return.

Parking: paid options are the parking structure at the pier or at the state beach. You can have your parking structure ticket validated at one of the restaurants (Aloha and Beach House Fish are good choices).