Things to Do in Oxnard, California
If you’re craving coastal beauty, fresh seafood, and uncrowded beaches, I think you’re going to love Oxnard. In this post, I’ll take you through the sandy stretches, harbor sunsets, and coastal flavors I found during my five days at 4-star Zachari Dunes on Mandalay Beach in Oxnard, California.
This is a place where laid-back vibes meet oceanfront beauty every single day. You’ll find it along Southern California’s scenic coast, just about an hour from Los Angeles. I love that it still feels like a true beach town, with easy access to the Channel Islands, fun festivals, and charming harbor villages that feel like hidden gems.
Best Time to Visit
If you're like me and want warm days without the crowds, I’d say the best time to visit Oxnard is from April through October. That’s when the skies are sunny, the weather’s mild, and everything from beach days to harbor cruises feels just right. I especially like going in spring or fall. It’s quieter, and the weather is still perfect for being outside all day.
How to Get There
- By Car: Oxnard is about 60 miles northwest of Los Angeles via U.S. Route 101.
- By Train: Amtrak’s Pacific Surfliner and Metrolink Ventura County Line both stop in Oxnard.
- By Air: The nearest airport is Hollywood Burbank Airport (BUR), about 1 hour and 15 minutes away. LAX is another option.
Where to Stay
- 4-star Zachari Dunes on Mandalay Beach – from $340
- 3-star Hampton Inn Channel Islands Harbor – from $367
- 3-star Homewood Suites by Hilton Oxnard - From $195
Tour in Oxnard, California:
- Ventura: Rail Bike Guided Tour with Farm Stand Stop – Price: From $249 per group up to 2.
Best Things to Do in Oxnard
1. Walk along quiet shores of Mandalay State Beach
If you’re like me and crave a raw, untouched slice of the California coast, I think you’ll fall in love with Mandalay State Beach. Just 10 minute (4.0 miles) from downtown Oxnard, this place feels peaceful, romantic, and refreshingly undeveloped. I go when I want to unplug and really connect with nature.
Best of all there's no entry fee, no parking fee. Just remember there are no facilities, so I always bring everything I need with me. I always pack water, sunscreen, and solid walking shoes.
You can trust that this beach is truly special because it has been named #1 Best Beach on the West Coast in USA Today’s 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards for three years.
I usually go in the spring or fall when the temperatures are cooler. I spend a hour bird watching while enjoying a picnic. Early morning is my favorite. It’s super quiet and the light on the dunes is gorgeous.
Protected as a state park, Mandalay State Beach stretches wide and wild along the Pacific, offering sand dunes, open horizons, and a rare sense of solitude.
My personal highlight was the rhythm set by the crashing surf, the seabirds overhead, and the gentle roll of the tide.
2. Relax on Oxnard State Beach and Park
Looking for a laid-back beach day with something for everyone? I found that Oxnard State Beach and Park completely won me over because it delivers classic California vibes with wide sandy beaches, palm trees, and family-friendly fun.
Oxnard State Beach and Park just 10 minute from downtown feels like the Central Coast at its most inviting and is my absolute best thing to do as soon as I reach Oxnard.
On weekends, you’ll see kites in the sky and hear the easy hum of laughter and conversation drifting from the lawns. You can grab affordable pizza at Toppers Pizza near the beach.
My personal highlight are the beautiful dunes with wildflowers, plenty of space to picnic and play, and one of the best pirate-themed playgrounds around.
3. Visit Silver Strand Beach
If you're chasing waves or just want a peaceful beach day, I think you’ll love Silver Strand Beach. I go here when I’m in the mood for laid-back vibes, solid surf, and the chance to spot some wildlife...it’s a true local favorite for a reason.
Silver Strand Beach feels like Oxnard’s hidden gem, a narrow stretch of coastline that captures the laid-back spirit of a classic California surf town. It’s one of my favorite things to do for an hour as soon as I reach Oxnard.
4. Catch a show at Oxnard Performing Arts Center
The Oxnard Performing Arts Center (OPAC) is one of Ventura County’s hidden gems. It’s not just a venue, but a community hub where art, culture, and connection come together. I love how it blends local flavor with world-class performances, and I can’t wait to go back for another show!
Built in the 1960s, the Oxnard Performing Arts Center has a mid-century vibe but with a welcoming, intimate feel—you’re never too far from the stage. And here’s the best part: parking is FREE (a rarity at performance venues these days!).
Depending on the season, you’ll find everything from two hour symphonies and ballet to film festivals, community theater, and cultural celebrations. On a summer evening, the air outside is warm and salty from the nearby ocean, and the lobby buzzes with excitement as people filter in.
5. Discover nautical art at Channel Islands Maritime Museum
The Channel Islands Maritime Museum (CIMM) is a little treasure on the Oxnard Harbor, equal parts history, art, and adventure. I love how it feels both educational and hands-on, and I can’t wait to go back and explore more exhibits!
Tucked right along the marina, the museum’s focus is on seafaring history, model ships, and maritime art. Admission is affordable (just $10 for adults, kids under 6 are free!), and it’s open year-round and you can visit in just 60 minutes or you can spend 2 hours there. From the outside, the harbor breeze and view of boats set the mood before you even step inside.
The real stars are the ship models...incredible, detailed miniatures that bring centuries of maritime history to life. There’s also a world-class collection of maritime paintings, spanning from Dutch Golden Age works to contemporary seascapes. On weekends, volunteers often guide families through, making it interactive and kid-friendly.
My son especially loved climbing up to the periscope exhibit and looking out across the harbor—it gave him a sense of being part of the adventure. Outside, the museum has a deck where you can watch sea lions lounging on buoys or pelicans gliding low over the water. After our visit, we grabbed fish tacos ($15 each) at Fisherman’s Catch just a short walk away, sitting by the window with a view of the sailboats. Fresh, casual, and the perfect cap to a day by the water.
If you’re looking for something that mixes history, art, and a genuine harbor atmosphere, the Channel Islands Maritime Museum is a must-do in Oxnard.
6. Walk past vintage tractors at Oxnard Historic Farm Park
The Oxnard Historic Farm Park is a step back in time right in the heart of Ventura County’s farmland. It’s not flashy, but that’s exactly what makes it special—I love the sense of history here and can’t wait to return for one of their community events!
Run by the Oxnard Historic Farm Park Foundation, the site preserves some of the area’s oldest farmhouses and showcases the deep agricultural roots of Oxnard. Admission is free (though donations are always welcome), and it’s open to the public during events or by arrangement.
Walking the grounds, you’ll see restored buildings like the Frey Family Farmhouse (1870s) and the Maulhardt Ranch House (1890s)—both reminders of the families who helped shape Ventura County into the farming hub it is today. There are old barns, windmills, and heritage trees that give the place a peaceful, authentic feel.
My son loved running across the wide open lawns and peeking at the old farm equipment—tractors, plows, and tools that once kept the fields thriving. For kids, it feels like stepping into a living history book, but with plenty of space to explore freely.
After spending two hours there in the morning, we stopped for a hearty Mexican lunch at La Gloria Market & Tortilleria nearby. The carnitas plate ($14) with fresh handmade tortillas was incredible, while my son happily devoured cheese quesadillas ($8). It felt like the perfect farm-to-table continuation of the morning.
If you’re looking for something low-key, educational, and deeply tied to the local history, the Oxnard Historic Farm Park is a true hidden gem.
7. Visit historic homes in Heritage Square
The Heritage Square in downtown Oxnard is like stepping into a time capsule—with a touch of charm and elegance. I love how it blends history with modern-day fun, and I can’t wait to go back for another evening stroll!
The square is made up of beautifully restored Victorian homes from the late 1800s and early 1900s, carefully relocated and preserved to showcase the city’s early days. It’s free to wander, and the setting feels like a small village tucked right into the heart of the city.
By day, you can take a 55-minute guided tour by appointment for $5-$7 (Saturdays are best!) to learn about the families who built these ornate homes, or just walk the brick pathways lined with gardens and fountains. By night, the square transforms with twinkle lights and live music in the courtyard during summer concerts.
Heritage Square is the perfect mix of history, culture, and ambiance. Whether you’re coming for a quick tour, a family outing, or a romantic evening with live music, it’s one of the most unique spots in Oxnard.
8. The Murphy Auto Museum
The Murphy Auto Museum is pure joy for car lovers—and honestly, even if you’re not a gearhead, it’s a fun and fascinating stop in Oxnard. I love how it blends nostalgia with discovery, and I can’t wait to go back and wander the exhibits again!
The museum is home to over 90 vintage cars, from sleek 1900s roadsters to shiny muscle cars of the ’60s and ’70s. Admission is just $10 (kids under 12 are free), making it one of the more affordable attractions in town.
If you’re looking for a mix of history, nostalgia, and hands-on fun, The Murphy Auto Museum is one of Oxnard’s must-see hidden gems.
9. The Collection at Riverpark
The Collection at Riverpark is Oxnard’s go-to spot for shopping, dining, and entertainment—all rolled into one stylish outdoor center. I love the energy here—it feels like a mix of SoCal cool and small-town hangout—and I can’t wait to go back for another easy afternoon!
For families, there’s a play area for kids, regular community events, and even a giant movie theater (Cinemark XD). My son especially loved grabbing an ice cream cone and running through the splash pad on a warm afternoon—it felt like a mini vacation without leaving town.
10. Magnavino Cellars
The Magnavino Cellars tasting room is one of Oxnard’s best-kept secrets for wine lovers. I love how intimate and welcoming it feels—less “corporate winery” and more like you’re sipping with friends.
11. See local productions at Elite Theatre
The Elite Theatre Company is one of Oxnard’s cultural gems, an intimate, community-driven playhouse where local talent truly shines. I love the cozy, welcoming vibe here, and I can’t wait to go back for another performance!
Located right at the Channel Islands Harbor, the theater has been producing live plays since the 1990s. Tickets are affordable (usually $20–25), and every seat in the house feels close to the stage, which makes the experience personal and immersive. You’re not just watching a show—you’re part of the energy. The productions range from thought-provoking dramas to comedies and even original works by local playwrights.
12. Explore waterfront shops in Channel Islands Harbor
I adore the Channel Islands Harbor. I think it’s one of the best things to do in Oxnard and a true coastal gem. Why? Because it feels like slipping into a laid-back seaside village, with boats bobbing in the slips, seabirds circling overhead, and the scent of the ocean in the air. It’s less commercialized than some California harbors, which gives it a refreshing authenticity and a welcoming local vibe. Weekend markets, seafood festivals, and family-friendly events make it a place that always feels alive.
13. Levity Live
I adore Levity Live Oxnard. I think it’s one of the best things to do in Ventura County for a night out, and a true entertainment gem. Why? Because it feels like stepping into a place built purely for laughter and connection. Nestled inside The Collection at RiverPark, the club brings top-tier comedians from around the country while still keeping that intimate, everyone’s-in-on-the-joke vibe.
14. Channel Islands National Park Kayaking
I adore Channel Islands National Park. I think it’s one of the most unforgettable adventures you can have in Southern California and a true natural treasure. Why? Because it feels like discovering a hidden world that few people ever get to see. Once you push off into the turquoise waters, the modern world slips away, and you’re surrounded by rugged cliffs, seabirds overhead, and the possibility of a sea lion popping up right beside your kayak.
15. Herzog Wine Cellars
I adore Herzog Wine Cellars because it feels like stepping into a world where tradition meets California cool. The Herzog family has been making wine for generations, and this Oxnard winery and tasting room brings that heritage to life with elegance and warmth.
And then there’s the food. Their on-site restaurant, Tierra Sur, elevates the visit into something unforgettable. Pairing farm-to-table dishes with Herzog wines makes for a meal that lingers in your memory as much as the vintages themselves. The staff’s knowledge and passion tie everything together, making even a first-time visitor feel like part of the family.
Booking Checklist
1. Book Your Flight - I use Expedia because I like their mobile app with my itinerary. They've helped me re-book flights on many occasions. Once you reach their Gold tier, support is especially good.
2. Book Your Hotel - I use Booking.com or Expedia, depending on my destination.
3. Book Your Rental Car - I use Expedia.
4. Book your tours on Viator or Get Your Guide.
5. If you are planning to visit more than three national parks in the next 12 months, buy the America the Beautiful Pass.
