Oxnard, CA

Travel Guide
Ventura - Oxnard showing signage and outdoor art
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

Must see!!

Oxnard Shores

4.5/5(87 area reviews)

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

5/5(1 area review)

While Channel Islands isn't home to many top sights, Channel Islands Harbor and Oxnard State Beach are some notable places to visit nearby.

Channel Islands
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Hollywood

4.5/5(29 area reviews)

If you're spending some time in Hollywood, Channel Islands Harbor and Naval Base Ventura County - Port Hueneme are top sights worth seeing.

Hollywood
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Hollywood Beach

If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Hollywood Beach and surrounding area, you can visit 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

If you're spending some time in Silver Strand, Silver Strand Beach and Naval Base Ventura County - Port Hueneme are top sights worth seeing.

Silver Strand
Hilton Garden Inn Oxnard/Camarillo
Hilton Garden Inn Oxnard/Camarillo
3 out of 5
2000 Solar Dr, Oxnard, CA
The price is ¥23,702 per night from May 27 to May 28
¥23,702
per night
May 27 - May 28
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! (1,006 reviews)
"We were in town for a funeral."

Reviewed on May 10, 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 ¥31,647 per night from May 27 to May 28
¥31,647
per night
May 27 - May 28
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! (380 reviews)
"Over all property was great. If there was one thing to complain about was the ac was not working in our room it was hot all night so we had to keep the window open all night"

Reviewed on May 11, 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
The price is ¥26,350 per night from May 27 to May 28
¥26,350
per night
May 27 - May 28
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 May 10, 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! (508 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 Apr 29, 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! (55 reviews)
"Great get away, loved how quiet, safe and family friendly the neighborhood was. Recommend"

Reviewed on Mar 24, 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 May 6, 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.

Popular places to visit

Reviews of Oxnard

4.2
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
149
" "5 - Excellent 40.16172506738545%
4 - Good
162
" "4 - Good 43.66576819407008%
3 - Okay
47
" "3 - Okay 12.668463611859838%
2 - Disappointing
9
" "2 - Disappointing 2.4258760107816713%
1 - Terrible
4
" "1 - Terrible 1.0781671159029649%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler
Jun 2, 2020

Oxnard/Ventura area is great but this hotel was the worst!

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler
May 26, 2020

Hollywood beach cafe has really good food and the staff is very nice

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler
May 19, 2020

I would definitely stay again. Rooms were nice and spacious. Clean. Bed was comfortable and Im sensitive to a bad mattress/sleep.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler
May 18, 2020

I love the city but i will never go to Hampton Inn.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler
May 14, 2020

Keep up the good work

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler
May 4, 2020

Very nice place to come for a getaway.

Cities near Oxnard