Oxnard, CA, is a vibrant coastal city located about 60 miles northwest of Los Angeles, known for its beautiful beaches, rich agricultural heritage, and lively cultural scene. Nestled along the Pacific Coast, Oxnard offers a perfect blend of seaside charm and urban energy.
One of Oxnard’s most famous features is its pristine coastline. Beaches like Silver Strand, Mandalay State Beach, and ‘olol’koy Beach Park (formerly Oxnard State Beach) attract surfers, families, and nature lovers year-round. The city is also the gateway to the stunning Channel Islands National Park, often called “America’s Galapagos,” accessible by boat from Channel Islands Harbor.
Channel Islands Harbor
Hollywood, CA 93035, USA
Channel Islands Harbor in Oxnard, CA, is a beautiful waterfront destination often called the “Gateway to the Channel Islands.” Built in the 1960s, it spans about 310 acres of water and 126 acres of land, offering a vibrant mix of recreation, dining, and coastal living.
The harbor is known for its wide range of activities — from kayaking, paddleboarding, and sportfishing to harbor cruises and whale-watching tours. It’s one of the few places on the California coast where you can easily access Channel Islands National Park by boat.
Oxnard State Beach
California, United States
Oxnard State Beach and Park, recently renamed ‘olol’koy Beach Park, is one of Oxnard’s most beloved coastal treasures. Covering around 62 acres, this scenic spot combines natural beauty with family-friendly amenities, making it a popular destination for locals and visitors alike.
The beach features wide stretches of soft sand, perfect for sunbathing, beach volleyball, and leisurely strolls along the shore. Its gentle waves make it an ideal location for swimming, boogie boarding, and beginner surfing. Nearby, the lush park area offers palm-lined walking and biking trails, picnic tables, barbecue areas, and a large playground, creating a perfect setting for gatherings and outdoor activities.
Mandalay State Beach
Oxnard, CA 93036, United States
Preserved Coastal Habitat: Established in 1985, Mandalay State Beach spans 92 acres of protected sand dunes and wetlands, offering a glimpse into the natural landscapes that once dominated the Oxnard Plain .
Wildlife Sanctuary: The beach serves as a nesting ground for endangered bird species like the Western Snowy Plover and the Least Tern. To protect these birds, certain areas are seasonally closed from March through September .
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Silver Strand Beach
California, United States
Secluded Coastal Retreat: Silver Strand Beach is a mile-long stretch of sand nestled between the Channel Islands Harbor to the north and the Port of Hueneme to the south. Its relative isolation, with only one main access road, makes it a peaceful spot favored by locals.
Surfing Hotspot: The beach is renowned for its excellent surfing conditions, featuring three main surf breaks: the Jetty, the Bowl, and La Jenelle. Each offers unique waves suitable for surfers of varying skill levels.
The Collection at RiverPark
2751 Park View Ct, Oxnard, CA 93036, United States
Modern Development: Opened on November 15, 2012, The Collection at RiverPark is a 750,000-square-foot open-air lifestyle center developed by Shea Properties. It features a diverse mix of shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues, including major anchors like Target, Whole Foods Market, REI, and a 16-screen Cinemark theater.
Cultural Hub: The center boasts a world-class public art program with installations from renowned artists such as Frank Romero and Michael Amescua. These artworks include metal sculptures, ceramic tile murals, and fountains that reflect the coastal California aesthetic.
Channel Islands Maritime Museum
3900 Bluefin Cir, Oxnard, CA 93035, United States
Origins and Vision: Established in 1991 as the Ventura County Maritime Museum, it was the brainchild of marine art collector Harry Nelson and developer Martin V. “Bud” Smith. Their goal was to create a cultural landmark at Channel Islands Harbor. In 2012, the museum relocated to its current location and was renamed the Channel Islands Maritime Museum .
Extensive Art Collection: The museum boasts a world-class collection of maritime art, featuring works from 17th-century Dutch and Flemish masters like Willem van de Velde and Bonaventura Peeters, as well as contemporary artists such as John Stobart and Thomas Hoyne
Mullin Automotive Museum
Mullin Automotive Museum
1421 Emerson Ave, Oxnard, CA 93033, United States
Founding Vision: Established in 2010 by businessman and philanthropist Peter W. Mullin, the museum showcased his extensive collection of French automobiles, emphasizing the elegance and craftsmanship of the Art Deco era.
Architectural Design: Housed in a 50,000-square-foot building previously occupied by the Chandler Vintage Museum of Transportation and Wildlife, the facility was redesigned by architect David Randall Hertz to reflect the Art Deco style, incorporating energy-efficient features like solar panels and reflective roofing.
Heritage Square
715 S A St, Oxnard, CA 93030, United States
Preservation Initiative: In 1985, Oxnard embarked on a mission to preserve its architectural heritage by relocating and restoring historic buildings. This effort culminated in the opening of Heritage Square in 1991, showcasing the city’s commitment to honoring its past.
Architectural Showcase: The square features 15 meticulously restored structures, including homes built between 1877 and 1912. These buildings exhibit a variety of architectural styles such as Queen Anne, Eastlake, Italianate, and Craftsman, reflecting the diverse design preferences of the era.
McGrath State Beach
California, United States
A Birdwatcher’s Paradise
McGrath State Beach is renowned as one of California’s premier bird-watching destinations. The park’s diverse habitats, including wetlands, dunes, and estuaries, support over 245 bird species, such as the endangered California least tern and the western snowy plover.
Diverse Ecosystems
The park encompasses nine distinct ecosystems: river, freshwater marsh, brackish marsh, coastal dune, ocean, sandy beach, estuary, coastal freshwater back dune lake, and riparian woodland. This ecological diversity offers visitors a unique opportunity to experience various natural environments in one location.
Oxnard Historic Farm Park
1251 Gottfried Pl, Oxnard, CA 93030, United States
Historic Significance: The park is home to two of the oldest structures on the Oxnard Plain: an 1869 brick winery and an 1870s farmhouse. These buildings were part of the original Gottfried Maulhardt Farm and have been preserved to showcase the region’s rich agricultural history.
National Recognition: In November 2023, the site was added to the National Register of Historic Places, acknowledging its importance in the development of agriculture in Ventura County.