Destination Oxnard, California
Looking for the perfect weekend get-away day trip? Visit the fun and exciting coastal community of Oxnard, Ventura County’s largest city. Discover Oxnard’s scenic location, friendly accommodations, white sandy beaches, outdoor adventures, downtown attractions, and award-winning festivals.
WHY VISIT?
FESTIVALS + BEACHES + FARMERS MARKET + WINE TOURS + SHOPPING
WHERE TO STAY:
Oxnard has a wide array of accommodations to choose from to fit every lifestyle and budget. From hotels to motor lodges, vacation rentals to RV parks and campsites, Oxnard is able to accommodate your travel plans. Consider a stay at the Hampton Inn, Embassy Suites Mandalay Beach Hotel and Resort, Mandalay Shores Resort, or the McGrath State Beach Campground. If your trip is more centered downtown we recommend the Best Western Oxnard Inn and the Vagabond Inn. Consider the Residence Inn by Marriott at River Ridge if your visit involves a round of golf at the River Ridge Golf Club. The Courtyard by Marriott, the Homewood Suites, or Evergreen RV Park are also excellent choices and are all conveniently located near hwy 101.
www.visitoxnard.comTHINGS TO DO:
OXNARD FESTIVALS
Plan your trip around Oxnard’s many events and festivals throughout the year. From Strawberries to Salsa, Jazz to Steampunk, Chowder to Concerts, and Tamales to Tall Ships, Oxnard has a dedicated festival for just about everything imaginable.
Events & FestivalsOXNARD BEACHES:
The city of Oxnard is home to over 20 miles of scenic coastline and expansive beaches. Oxnard’s most popular stretch of sand, Silver Strand Beach (aka The Strand) offers beachgoers sandy white beaches, world-class surf, fishing, kayaking and more.
Hollywood Beach rests in Channel Islands Harbor, a waterfront resort, recreation, and dining marketplace, and offers beachgoers activities like volleyball, sunbathing, and swimming. You’ll spot herons, egrets, terns, and sea lions as you take the 2-mile round-trip stroll alongside picturesque Channel Islands Harbor. (3900 Bluefin Circle to the West Channel Island Boulevard Bridge. www.channelislandsharbor.org). Parking is available along Ocean Drive and the side streets as well as in the free harbor parking lots along Harbor Boulevard. At the harbor mouth, you’ll find Channel View Park and walking north on Hollywood Beach will lead you to Oxnard Beach Park.
Visit the Oxnard Beach Park during the Spring and Summer months for a fun-filled day strolling and biking with the family. The Beach Park features rolling lawns and an expansive windswept beach complete with comfy park benches to rest and take in the sights while you jog, bike, skate or walk the scenic wheelchair-friendly path through the grassy dunes. The Beach Park also features volleyball courts, barbecue pits, and a pirate-themed children’s playground. Located 1601 S. Harbor Boulevard. Parking Fees: Cash Only. $1 per Hour, $5 all Day. Visit www.californiabeaches.com for more information.
OXNARD SHOPPING:
The Collection at Riverpark, Esplanade Shopping Center, and the CenterPoint Mall are all popular shopping attractions. Take in the sights and fine craftsmanship of the world-class collection of tall-sail model ships at the Channel Islands Maritime Museum. Seascape paintings by Dutch masters of the 17th Century also complement visitors museum experience. 3900 Bluefin Circle. (805) 984-6260. cimmvc.org
Oxnard is also rich in California history. Visit the Henry T. Oxnard National Historic District and Heritage Square to discover early 20th century homes or visit the Carnegie Art Museum (Oxnard Public Library built-in 1907) containing fine 20th century California art.
At Studio Gallery visitors may shop for items like shell art, pottery, greeting cards, wind chimes, pillows, jewelry, children’s puzzles, and clothing made by local artists. Fine art paintings and photography are also featured. Closed Mondays. 2741 S. Victoria Avenue Suite N. (805) 985-1546; mystudiogallery.com
OXNARD FARMERS MARKET:
A visit to Oxnard wouldn’t be complete without experiencing Downtown Farmers Market of 500 S C Street every Thursday from 9 AM to 1:30 PM. But we recommend waiting until the weekend for the Sunday Channel Islands Harbor Farmers Market, Oxnard’s organic shopping hub for fresh fruit, produce, and seafood. You’ll discover prepared food, crafts by local artisans, clothing, and crafty jewelry. 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. 3350 S. Harbor Boulevard. (818) 591-8161; rawinspiration.org.
OXNARD WINERIES:
Grab some friends and take a wine tour at one of Oxnard’s popular wineries. Here are four popular wineries to get you started in the right direction:
Herzog Wine Cellars of 3201 Camino Del Sol is one of the nation’s largest producers of kosher wines. Experience the elegant interior design and vaulted ceilings on a self-guided tour in this unassuming industrial park building. Open Sunday through Friday afternoons.
The award-winning Magnavino Cellars of 961 N Rice Ave is the next stop on your wine tour. Since 2008, this commercial winery has produced many varietals using the latest in technology.
Located in The Scarlett House in Heritage Square, Rancho Ventavo Cellars of downtown historic district is your next stop for award-winning wine. Their tasting room is open Friday through Sunday from 12:00 pm – 5:00 pm. Looking for something new, edgy and different from your traditional Winery experience? Check out Strey Cellars, Oxnard’s newest winery (Opened in 2014).
OXNARD RESTAURANTS:
Oxnard delivers a wide variety of international dining choices. Whether you’re in the mood for zesty Italian, Thai, Mexican, Brazilian, or Mediterranean cuisine, you and your party have dining options in Oxnard.
Start the morning out right with a cup of coffee and a fully loaded omelet from Mrs. Olson’s Coffee Hut, a local favorite at Channel Islands Harbor. 2800A.S. Harbor Boulevard. (805) 985-9151; www.mrsolsonscoffeehut.com.
Enjoy some of the finest American dishes at Café Amri located in Palms Shopping Center (Oxnard Outlet Center). Choose from omelets, sandwiches, and burgers at this family-owned and operated restaurant. 2000 Outlet Center Drive #296 (805) 983-3026
Check out Toppers Pizza if you’re in the mood for a large harbor-side Italian restaurant featuring an excellent salad bar, oven-baked sandwiches, and great tasting pizza. The menu also features appetizers and an extensive local beer list. Views of the harbor and water are seen throughout the restaurant.
Yolanda’s Mexican Restaurant of 1601 Victoria Ave is another local favorite featuring scenic views, a bar, delicious local cuisine with southwestern flavors, vegetarian, and vegan options. Great for large groups, special occasions, or business meetings.
Experience a craft cocktail or a glass of wine and watch the sunset on the expansive outdoor patio overlooking the marina at Waterside Restaurant and Wine Bar. The menu features new interpretations of California fare with a Mediterranean influence. 3500 S. Harbor Boulevard. (805) 985-4677; www.watersidechannelislands.com
Relax and enjoy some laughs at Levity Live (805) 457-5550 www.levitylive.com, a sleek, 400-seat comedy club where local and nationally acclaimed comedians perform. Before or after the show, cross through the lobby to Copper Blues Rock Pub and Kitchen (805) 457-5551; www.copperblueslive.com. for sophisticated bar food and live music. 581 and 591 Collection Boulevard.
Call to confirm hours and availability of businesses, attractions, and events before you visit. Be sure to designate a driver if you plan to consume alcohol.
