Oxnard is a vibrant city located along the Pacific Ocean in sunny Southern California, just north of LA. With miles of sandy beaches, a top-notch farmer’s market, and rich history, it’s a hidden gem that my family and I had the pleasure of calling home for 2 months.
As we travel the US full-time in our RV, visiting all of the national parks, Oxnard became the perfect launching point for many of our California adventures. From its stunning coastline to charming local spots, I’ll share the top things to do in Oxnard and what makes this coastal city so special!
1. Relax on Oxnard State Beach Park
There are plenty of beaches in Oxnard, but my favorite is Oxnard State Beach Park. There are ample parking options close to the beach, making the beach easily accessible. The park is full of gorgeous palm trees, giving the perfect laid-back coastal California vibe.
The beach itself is wide and clean, giving families plenty of space to stake a claim on a patch of sand and make a day of it. It’s easy to spend an entire evening here with the family, splashing in the waves and watching an incredible sunset.
Insider tip – There is a fantastic Toppers Pizza less than a mile away in Channel Islands Harbor. It is a large, two-story building with indoor and outdoor seating right on the water. They serve adult beverages and have an awesome salad bar. It’s the best way to end a beach day!
2. Watch the Sea Lions at Channel Islands Harbor
Speaking of Channel Islands Harbor, one of my favorite things to do in Oxnard is watch the sea lions. They are plentiful in the harbor, and the odds are good you’ll see some playing or sunbathing. You can usually see them right down on the docks. They are really loud- you won’t miss them! Of course, be respectful of the wildlife and give them space.
3. Shop at The Collection at Riverpark
The Collection is a lively outdoor mall featuring lots of shops, restaurants, and entertainment options. It’s a trendy area with plenty to do, including a large outdoor playground with a pond that houses turtles. You can do some shopping, grab lunch, listen to live music, let the kids run in the green space, or catch a movie—the list goes on!
Insiders Tip – And you can’t visit The Collection without stopping at Afters for incredible handcrafted ice cream.
4. Take the Ferry to Channel Islands National Park
Possibly the most popular reason to visit Oxnard is to catch a ferry to Channel Islands National Park. While it is more common to visit the park from Ventura Harbor, you can catch a ride to Anacapa Island from Oxnard or go on a whale-watching cruise.
Check out my guide to visiting Channel Islands National Park for a more in-depth guide to visiting Channel Islands National Park.
5. Choose Local Produce at the Farmers Market
The Channel Islands Harbor Farmers Market is my favorite farmers market I’ve been to, even to this day. The farmers market has a glorious selection of fruits, vegetables, artisanal goods, and crafts. The market is set up in the harbor every Sunday from 10 am to 2 pm.
Along with loads of fresh, California-grown produce, you will also find a few food trucks to grab lunch at.
Insiders Tip – If you head to this farmers market, you have to try the stand that sells almond butter. Trust me.
6. Take your Kids to Jump n’ Jammin Indoor Playground
Jump n’ Jammin is located in The Collection and is the perfect place to bring kids to burn off some energy. This large indoor playground has multiple slides, obstacles, trampolines, ball pits, and more. There’s a separate, small toddler area to keep the little ones safe. The prices are great—$19 gets your child in for the entire day ($9 for kids under 2) and includes free admission for one adult.
7. Take a Gondola Ride
Craving a relaxing afternoon on the water? Check out Gondola Paradiso. This company offers private tours through the channels of the harbor on authentic Venetian gondolas. These gondolas accommodate all ages, and up to six people can book a private Italian gondola experience.
8. Rent a Jet Ski
Looking for a more thrilling water experience? You can rent jet skis and take them out on the Pacific Ocean with Southern California Jet Skis. Located in Channel Islands Harbor, this company gives you the chance to take a jet ski into the ocean and maybe even ride alongside dolphins or sea lions!
9. See Ship Models at the Channel Islands Maritime Museum
The Channel Islands Maritime Museum is located in Channel Islands Harbor (starting to see a trend here?) and is a great spot to learn the history of the region. The museum boasts an impressive collection of ship models and maritime art. It’s the perfect place to dive into Southern California’s coastal culture.
10. Learn History at the Oxnard Historic Farm Park
Another unique thing to do in Oxnard is visit the Oxnard Historic Farm Park. This historic, educational park preserves the legacy of the region’s agricultural roots.
Exhibits include an original farmhouse where visitors can learn about the early farming families that helped shape Oxnard’s thriving agricultural industry. The park is open Tuesdays and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., or by appointment.
11. Heritage Square
Last but definitely not least, you need to check out Heritage Square while in Oxnard! This area is a beautifully preserved collection of historic Victorian homes in downtown Oxnard, many of which have been repurposed as modern-day businesses.
Heritage Square hosts many events throughout the year, such as live music during the summer, tea parties, and a variety of Christmas events.
This list is just the beginning of what Oxnard, California, has to offer. After visiting some of these places, I’m confident you’ll love Oxnard as much as I do!
This post was contributed by Ashlyn from Elevated Travel.
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