Summer is nearly here — have you planned your family’s getaway? Experience Oxnard, the perfect beach town where OX Marks the Spot for your budget-friendly escape with beautiful beaches and immaculate SoCal vibes.
Best Oxnard Beaches
Nestled a beat past Los Angeles up Highway 101 lies Oxnard, equal parts vibrant and laid back. The city offers seven miles of uncrowded beaches, waterfront dining, and tons of budget-friendly fun for everyone.
Silver Strand Beach is a local favorite for good reason. This mile-long stretch is tucked between the Port Hueneme Naval Base and the Channel Islands Harbor, making it a prime spot for surfing, sunbathing, kayaking or fishing!
Did you know Oxnard is home to Hollywood Beach? Well, it is! Legends like Clark Gable and Rudolph Valentino were known to hang out in the area and add to this beach’s historic charm. Now open to the public, it’s perfect for days of sun and surf.
‘Rocks’nard – For the Music Lovers
Yep, you heard that right! Oxnard strikes the right chord with its music scene. While you’re hear, kick back and enjoy the sounds of summer.
Start with the Heritage Square Summer Concert Series in historic downtown Oxnard. Bring a blanket, a picnic and catch live R&B, Latin jazz and classic rock under the stars. Then catch the summer Concerts by the Sea on Saturdays and The Collection at Riverpark on Thursday nights for live sets by the shore.
Throughout the year, Oxnard keeps the party going with the Jazz Festival, California Strawberry Festival and Salsa Festival.
Free and Affordable Oxnard Activities
Drums Tour: DW Drums’ world headquarters opens its doors to give visitors a peek into crafting their renowned drums. The tour even includes a quick tuning lesson. Call (805) 485-6999, ext. 450, to secure a spot before your visit.
Channel Island Kayak Wildlife Tour: Explore the Channel Islands Harbor by kayak, meet “Chippy” the life-sized pygmy mammoth and keep an eye out for sea lions, starfish and pirate treasure!
Channel Islands Maritime Museum: Collections of maritime paintings, ship models and artifacts, including one of the largest ship models made of bones, await museum visitors. Admission is free for kids under 18.
Classic Car Shows: Cruise into nostalgia with Downtown Oxnard’s Summer Car Show and Cruise Nights on second Fridays from May through July.
Best Eats in Oxnard
The Strandwich: The perfect spot to grab a bite by the beach, surrounded by “Nardcore” punk memorabilia.
Cafe Dolce Vita: If you need coffee before you can have thoughts, try this cafe in Downtown Oxnard. Get your coffee fix and a sandwich or a macaroon! Who says a SoCal beach vacation can’t have international vibes??
Fisherman’s Catch: Fisherman’s Catch is the best place to get coconut shrimp, calamari, lobster and more — all caught daily and at prices that make the food taste that much better.
The Annex Food Hall: The ultimate “something-for-everyone” dining destination, with 13 food vendors and shops nearby!
Honeycup Coffeehouse & Creamery: Coffee, smoothies and ice cream, oh my! At Honeycup, you can have it all, including ice cream handmade by a master chef!
Where to Stay
Whether you’re planning a laid-back beach weekend or a luxury escape with the whole crew, Oxnard has just the place to rest your sandy feet.
Zachari Dunes on Mandalay Beach was named the No. 1 Best New Hotel in the U.S. by USA Today’s 2024 10 Best Reader’s Choice Awards. This all-suite beachfront resort rivals spots like Terranea in Palos Verdes and the Ritz Carlton Bacara in Santa Barbara. If you want luxury with kid-friendly amenities, more room to breathe and less of the price tag, Zachari Dunes delivers. It’s where oceanfront elegance meets relaxed family fun.
Hampton Inn Channel Islands Harbor brings the waterfront vibes. It sits on the scenic boardwalk, between the beloved Toppers Pizza and Peninsula Park (home of the Concerts by the Sea series). With two easily accessible public docks just steps away, it’s a breeze to launch a kayak or paddleboard and enjoy a fun, family-friendly day out on the water.
For the sporty family, Staybridge Suites features Dallas Cowboys Training Camp memorabilia in the lobby and gives fans of America’s Team something to brag about. River Ridge Golf Club is conveniently next door.
Prefer something with homier comfort? Homewood Suites is perfect for longer stays with apartment-style living, basketball courts, BBQ grills and freeway convenience.
Book Your Stay in Oxnard Today!
Angelenos looking to escape the heat and crowded beaches will find cool ocean breezes and laid-back vibes right up the coast. Why shell out more elsewhere when you can soak up the sun for less in Oxnard? Plan your stay at https://visitoxnard.com. Then pack your sunscreen, grab the kids and get ready to discover where OX Marks the Spoton a memorable family vacation.
