California’s Central Coast is home to Oxnard, a charming beach town. Oxnard is a picturesque beach community that stretches along the Pacific Ocean for many miles. The mild climate and its favorable location make it the perfect destination for visitors and residents alike.
The city is always bustling with activity. Numerous festivals and events occur throughout the year, such as large-scale spectator sporting events, pilgrimages, historical re-enactments, beauty pageants, and much more. Take a look at the city’s event calendar, and you will see why it is often referred to as the festival capital of Ventura County. So ever wondered what to do in Oxnard, California? Here are some of my favorite things to do in Oxnard.
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The 10 Best Things To Do In Oxnard CA
Visit Mandalay State Beach
Mandalay Beach is among the most popular Oxnard locations, and it straddles the line between nature and urbanization. As a result, it’s never too busy, even on some of the hottest days. However, it’s not a place you go to get a tan since there is no real sun exposure at this beach due to its large amount of vegetation.
This beach is perfect for those who enjoy exploring salt marshes, willow trees, and other native California plants.
Approximately 2+ miles of the path wind through an oasis-like village, where you will wade through freshwater streams, climb over fallen trees and brush, and leap over sand bars that form when the 100-year old’s dam releases its flow of water three times a day.
You will be able to smell the fragrance of eucalyptus as you walk along the meandering creek, surrounded by tall forests.
You will experience nature free from noise pollution and technology as you wander among the towering Redwood trees that shade the banks of the stream.
Visiting this beach is one of the most fun things to do in Oxnard, for sure!
Visit Mullin Automotive Museum
1421 Emerson Ave, Oxnard // +18053855400
The Mullin Automotive Museum is all about cars, and you’ll find that the collection here is mainly cars built between the ‘30s and the late ‘50s.
Of course, there are some newer models included too. The leading exhibition features a range of car manufacturers, including Chevrolet, Pontiac, Ferrari, Cadillac, Bugatti, Aston Martin, Riley, and Bentley.
You will find some fantastic cars here, but you can always visit the revolving exhibitions held in separate halls if you don’t want to go through the whole exhibit.
Visit Oxnard State Beach and Park
At Oxnard State Beach and Park, you’ll witness the spectacle of birds circling above the waters off the shore. This is because a portion of the beach is dedicated to a colony of herring and other fish swimming in from offshore between March and October. The beaches are protected, so visitors are not allowed to collect or feed the fish.
West of the park, there are more than 2,000 feet of beaches, and east of the park, there is Los Angeles and its sun-bleached shores. Nothing less than spectacular views can be found here.
Visit Silver Strand Beach
One of the most fun things to do in Oxnard is to visit the best surfing beach in Oxnard, Silver Strand Beach. In addition, you can find Sandy beaches on the Channel Islands Harbor between Port Hueneme and the Channel Islands Harbor; they have restrooms, showers, lifeguards during the summer months, and a scenic viewing platform.
There are volleyball courts and a children’s playground on the beach, as well as public restrooms. In addition to the fishing pier at the beach’s southern end, there are fascinating tidepools north of it.
There is even a dolphin-themed attraction right across the street from Silver Strand Beach called The Dolphin Quest. In addition, Channel Island Surfboards rents stand-up Paddle Boards in the harbor, and Marine Discovery Tours offers kayak tours.
Visit The Heritage Square
715 S A St, Oxnard // +18054837960
Heritage Square is not a square but rather a group of historical buildings all gathered together.
In Oxnard’s downtown area, you can take a guided tour of the square, where you can explore several historical sites.
The docents often dress up in period costumes to make the experience even more enjoyable.
The attention to detail here is what I like about this place. You can wander around brick alleyways and take in the history of each building because each one has been beautifully restored.
Visit Channel Islands Maritime Museum
3900 Bluefin Cir, Oxnard // +18059846260
The Channel Islands Maritime Museum allows you to learn more about the maritime heritage of the United States. Located in the Channel Islands Harbor in Oxnard, California, the museum features model ships and nautical paintings.
Some exhibits are designed for children and include educational games and activities. The museum reception area is located on the upper deck, while a gift shop and museum exhibits are downstairs.
I am amazed by the quality of craftsmanship in the boat models, ranging from massive replicas to ships in bottles. Only a few other museums in the country have collections like this.
Additionally, visitors enjoy watching the boats come in and out of the harbor from the big windows between exhibits.
Shop At The Collection at Riverpark
2751 Park View Ct, Oxnard // +18052789500
A variety of stores are housed in The Collection at Riverpark, from upscale to everyday favorites. The shops offer clothing, jewelry and accessories, accessories, gifts and collectible items, crafts, home goods, books, women’s shoes, men’s clothing and accessories, and more!
You can walk to Oxnard Boulevard, which hosts several delicious dining options from The Collection at Riverpark, just across the street.
For a satisfying meal, visit the Annex Food Hall, which offers a wide range of food options. The beautiful cafeterias serve various Asian fares, including acai bowls, hot chicken sandwiches, and pho.
Visit Ventura
When visiting Oxnard, consider taking a day trip to Ventura, the city to the north. Ventura has many of the same seaside attractions as Oxnard, including the ocean at San Buenaventura State Beach. Ventura also has its harbor village, which arranges chartered ferry rides to the Channel Islands.
Ventura’s seaside location has drawn visitors for years. From near and far, people come to Ventura to enjoy a day at the beach, participate in water sports, and attend the city’s many cultural events.
Ventura Harbor Village doesn’t have as many fun things as Oxnard but offers beautiful beaches and boat tours on the harbor and chartered rides to the remote Channel Islands such as Santa Cruz and Anacapa. There are also water sports like surfing, swimming, kayaking, and of course beachcombing. So, take a walk along with one of Ventura’s most pristine beaches or soak up the sun.
Wine Tasting At Rancho Ventavo Cellars
741 S A St, Oxnard // +18054838084
My first impression of the wine cellars was extraordinary. Old stone walkways surround a glass-domed atrium with a waterfall and a pond. A representative of the winery introduces you to the winery, and then you’re off to explore. For me, this is one of the most fun things to do in Oxnard.
Rancho Ventavo serves premium California wines. At the moment, their wine collection is considered one of the finest in California. These wines have a distinct taste and aroma that are both natural and distinctive. Fresh grapes without additives make the wine even more special because you can taste its natural goodness.
Visit The Murphy Auto Museum
1930 Eastman Ave, Oxnard // +18054874333
The Murphy Auto Museum is one of the most well-loved and highly visited museums in Ventura County. The museum’s collection is quite extensive and consists of vehicles ranging from vintage cars to motocross bikes, trucks, and campers, including a great range of accessories.
You can’t help but notice the beautiful, world-famous Bugatti sculpted in the glass when you enter the frame. Crossing the automobile bridge will bring you to the large parking lot where cars are forever on display. The museum displays many vehicles that were built long before your time, which makes it a must-see. You are sure to have an unforgettable experience.
Last Words
Are you wondering if you should visit and what to do in Oxnard?
Of course, you should, visiting it is an excellent choice if you are looking for a beautiful place with clear skies and some of the best beaches in the world. The main downtown area of Oxnard is close to a mile of beach.
There are many things to do in Oxnard, like restaurants, museums, bars, souvenir shops, and water sports like parasailing and water skiing. So come to Oxnard and see for yourself!
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Which of these things to do in Oxnard CA do you want to try first? Let us know in the comments section below!
Igor Jovanovski is an aspiring digital nomad, travel blogger and graphic designer who really loves food. He also has a creative side, and he works as a freelance graphic designer in his spare time. He has traveled across Europe quite a few times since he was young and recently started his mission to visit every country in the world! Igor’s favorite thing about traveling is the way he gets to know new people, food, places and cultures.
This exciting experience helps him create his own stories and make memories that will last forever