Oxnard Travel Guide

Tourist Guide
Oxnard
With miles of beautiful coastline, beaches perfect for sunbathing or surfing and a bustling downtown, this city in southern California is a sunny paradise.

Oxnard is an idyllic spot on California’s southern coast. It is the largest city in Ventura County, but its laidback spirit makes it feel more like a large beach town.

Spend the day enjoying the sun along Oxnard’s 20 miles (32 kilometers) of scenic coastline. The city has nearly a dozen beaches. Fly a kite over the rolling green lawns of Oxnard Beach Park or barbecue in the picnic area. Hollywood Beach is known for its silver screen connections it was a film location and the home of Clark Gable. Enjoy prime surfing conditions on the famous waves of Silver Strand Beach.

Oxnard is known as the “Gateway to the Channel Islands.” From Oxnard’s harbor, hop on a boat or ferry and reach the Channel Islands National Park in less than 90 minutes. Then rent a kayak for the afternoon or explore the park’s five islands by foot.

The harbor is also the starting point for popular whale-watching tours, best from December through April. Twenty-eight species of dolphins and whales frequent the Ventura County coastline. The annual gray whale migration is a rare and wondrous sight.

Heritage Square is a unique feature of Oxnard’s downtown. To preserve history in the face of expanding city development, historical buildings were reproduced or moved from their original locations and relocated to Heritage Square. Visit the square to attend one of the outdoor summer concerts ranging from reggae to rock ‘n’ roll.

Oxnard’s museums offer attractions for all ages and interests. Enjoy the rotating exhibits at Carnegie Art Museum. Explore fascinating ship models, including one made of bone by French prisoners of war during the 18th century, at the Ventura County Maritime Museum. From its ocean touch-tank to a mock farmers market, Gull Wings Children’s Museum offers numerous hands-on experiences.

Whether you are dining and shopping downtown or exploring the breathtaking coastline, Oxnard is an enchanting destination. Enjoy the warm weather and sun that shines on the city year-round.

Where to stay in Oxnard

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Oxnard Shores

If you're spending some time in Oxnard Shores, Oxnard State Beach and Channel Islands Harbor are top sights worth seeing.

Oxnard Shores
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Channel Islands

While there might not be top attractions in Channel Islands, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Channel Islands Harbor and Oxnard State Beach.

Channel Islands
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Hollywood

While visiting Hollywood, you might make a stop by sights like Channel Islands Harbor and Naval Base Ventura County - Port Hueneme.

Hollywood
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Hollywood Beach

While there might not be top attractions in Hollywood Beach, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Channel Islands Harbor and Oxnard State Beach.

Hollywood Beach
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Channel Islands Beach

While visiting Channel Islands Beach, you might make a stop by sights like Silver Strand Beach and Naval Base Ventura County - Port Hueneme.

Channel Islands Beach
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Silver Strand

While visiting Silver Strand, you might make a stop by sights like Silver Strand Beach and Naval Base Ventura County - Port Hueneme.

Silver Strand
Hilton Garden Inn Oxnard/Camarillo
Hilton Garden Inn Oxnard/Camarillo
3 out of 5
2000 Solar Dr, Oxnard, CA
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is NZ$287 per night from 19 May to 20 May
NZ$287
per night
19 May - 20 May
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Oxnard. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,000 reviews)
"Everything was great."

Reviewed on 6 May 2024

Hilton Garden Inn Oxnard/Camarillo
Zachari Dunes on Mandalay Beach, Curio Collection by Hilton
Zachari Dunes on Mandalay Beach, Curio Collection by Hilton
4 out of 5
2101 Mandalay Beach Rd, Oxnard, CA
The price is NZ$384 per night from 27 May to 28 May
NZ$384
per night
27 May - 28 May
Book a stay at this beach hotel in Oxnard. Enjoy a beach locale, 2 bars/lounges, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (378 reviews)
"Excelente!"

Reviewed on 8 May 2024

Zachari Dunes on Mandalay Beach, Curio Collection by Hilton
Hampton Inn Channel Islands Harbor/Oxnard
Hampton Inn Channel Islands Harbor/Oxnard
2.5 out of 5
3231 Peninsula Rd, Oxnard, CA
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is NZ$313 per night from 19 May to 20 May
NZ$313
per night
19 May - 20 May
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Oxnard. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and a fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,003 reviews)
"Harbor view and heated salt water swimming pool"

Reviewed on 10 May 2024

Hampton Inn Channel Islands Harbor/Oxnard
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Channel Island Shores
Channel Island Shores
3 out of 5
1311 Mandalay Beach Rd, Oxnard, CA
Book a stay at this beach condo in Oxnard. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and laundry facilities. Our guests praise the clean rooms in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
9/10 Wonderful! (521 reviews)
"Walk to the beach. Nice hottub. Well apportioned furniture, some older items. Has everything you need in an apartment. Tiffany was great, easy to work with in setting up the booking, responsive to our needs and very likable. I would stay here again and highly recommend it!"

Reviewed on 29 Apr. 2024

Channel Island Shores
Mandalay Shores Resort
Mandalay Shores Resort
3.5 out of 5
5226 Neptune Square, Oxnard, CA
Stay at this 3.5-star condo in Oxnard. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and free bicycles on site. Popular attractions Ventura Harbor and Oxnard State Beach are ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (59 reviews)
"Great get away, loved how quiet, safe and family friendly the neighborhood was. Recommend"

Reviewed on 24 Mar. 2024

Mandalay Shores Resort
Magnificent Victorian-Modern House on the sand of Mandalay Beach
Magnificent Victorian-Modern House on the sand of Mandalay Beach
Oxnard
Book a stay at this family-friendly vacation home in Oxnard. Enjoy a beach locale, a water park, and patios. Popular attractions Ventura Harbor and Oxnard State ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (140 reviews)
Excellent beach stay!
"We absolutely love staying at this gorgeous house. We’ve stayed more than once & would come back. I will say the kitchen downstairs could use supplies, such as dishware, cups, bottle opener, etc. Everything was very clean & comfortable when we arrived. We would stay here again."

Reviewed on 6 May 2024

Magnificent Victorian-Modern House on the sand of Mandalay Beach
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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