20 Unique Things To Do In Oxnard, California

Mandalay Beach is home to several wetlands, scrub vegetation, sand dunes, flora and animals, and other natural features. It's a beach that's designed to be rocky, ideal for the adventurers. Mandalay, unlike many other famous Oxnard beaches, has no beach amenities.

It is more or less for people seeking a getaway, ideal for picnics or bird-watching with children. It's also the ideal location for a sunset stroll.

The beach is calm, ideal for sunsets, and includes bike routes for bikers, kids, and dog walkers.

This museum has a large collection of model ships, an immersive whale display, magnificent items from shipwrecks off the coast, and many more. Children under 18 are free to enter, adults need to pay $10, and college students, seniors, and current military personnel are $5. The museum is open from Thursday through Monday.

It's a small hidden treasure of a museum. A well-curated collection of artworks and model ships depicting the history of sailing. The museum offers a constantly changing calendar of exhibits. There's always something fresh to view.  No matter, if it is Group tours, special educational programs, group packages, and field excursions, are all offered.

Gondola Paradiso offers gondola rides through the harbor. This is the ideal date night activity and a really enjoyable and different thing to do in Oxnard. It's such a wonderful and unique romantic activity, and you can bring your own appetizers, a little charcuterie board, and some beverages.

Without having to endure the lengthy travel, you may have the sensation of having fled to Italy. You may relax and take in the scenery as your gondolier glides through the Channel Islands Harbor's canals. It's a really special event that will give you the most unforgettable memories.

The most exquisite sand dunes can be seen on Oxnard's beaches, which is one of the things that makes it so special. There aren't many beaches in Southern California with palm trees and sand dunes, but Oxnard has both.

There is plenty of space to sit, chill, and enjoy the beach at Oxnard State Beach Park since it is a lovely, long stretch of sand. It's a one-of-a-kind sunset experience that you can't get at other beaches in Southern California, so you will enjoy coming here to watch the sunset from the sand dunes. From here, you can also view the Channel Islands.

Have a great time when you rent a jet ski from Southern California JetSkis. Riding the waves is equally enjoyable, and everyone will love seeing the shoreline from the water. It is advised that you jet ski in the summer or other warmer months to get the most out of your experience without getting too chilly.

The staff at Southern California Jet Ski is really helpful and nice. They make sure you know precisely what you're doing and accompany you out to ensure you have a trouble-free day.

If you want to be particularly warm while you're out there, you may also rent wet suits. You could even be able to spot dolphins or attempt whale watching while you're out, depending on the season.

Tierra Sur at Herzog Winery is a great option if you don't want to find yourself disappointed when dining out.

The prix fixe menu at this farm-to-table restaurant offers options to help you design the ideal meal. The chef put a great deal of love and care into each dish, and the presentation and details are astonishing.

Additionally, you may take a tour of the vineyard to learn about the fascinating history of the Herzog family, including how they made and shipped wine directly from the site and their voyage to California. Additionally, the restaurant is entirely Kosher. It's the ideal location for a memorable supper with friends or a romantic dinner.

If you get a chance to go to Oxnard, California, and tacos are your favorite food, you just must visit Oxnard Taco Trail. Numerous Mexican eateries and taco carts along this path serve a wide variety of delectable tacos. From fish tacos to al pastor and everything in between, each location has something unique and delectable to offer.

Hoping around and discovering your favorites is enjoyable. To celebrate your accomplishments, you may download the Taco Trail app and check in at 15 locations.

Additionally, the staff is welcoming and polite, and they may even provide a free cheese snack. You should also think about going to Glo's, a market and bakery in the form of a cafeteria. They have the cutest patio full of succulents and the finest atmosphere.

Situated in the center of downtown Oxnard, Heritage Square is a beautifully preserved historic area that provides tourists with a glimpse into the past. Built between 1876 and 1912, the Victorian-era structures were spared destruction and returned to their original splendor.

These days, Heritage Square's boutique stores, art galleries, and an assortment of eateries draw both locals and visitors. Additionally, the area is a well-liked location for community gatherings including concerts, art exhibits, and festivals.

It is advised to visit on any other day than Sunday, when it is often quiet if you want more hustle and bustle. However, Sunday is a terrific day for pictures without people. All things considered, it is a charming small spot for a walk and a well-preserved piece of Oxnard's past.

The Channel Islands National Park, which is an hour's boat journey from the mainland, is the ideal day trip destination from Oxnard. There are five separate islands in the park, and each has its own beauty. You will be in awe of the Channel Islands' natural splendor, which includes rocky cliffs along the shore and stunning sea caves.

Marine life abounds in this magnificent national park. You may witness the vivid hues of the kelp forest and the lively antics of sea lions and dolphins while snorkeling in the pristine waters. Any nature lover should visit Channel Islands National Park, which boasts miles of pristine shoreline and picturesque hiking paths.

Every Sunday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Oxnard has a farmers market in the Channel Islands Harbor. Parking is easy, and the standard fare is available, including fresh fish, fruits and vegetables, pastries, handicrafts, and other items.

It is advised to stop at Honey Cup Coffeehouse and Creamery, which is next to the market, to take in the views from the harbor. Likely, you'll also spot some lovely puppies. To finish off the day, if you're still in the vicinity for lunch, stop by Sea Fresh for some seafood.

Oxnard is a fresh market and an agricultural community. A large portion of the fruit is collected just a few minutes away.

Visit Silver Strand Beach if you're searching for the best place to surf. In addition to surfing, residents use this beach for sunbathing, kayaking, fishing, and beachcombing. Although surfing is possible all year round, the finest waves are found in the summer and winter.

It is advised that you bring your wetsuit because the water is typically cold, even in the summer.

The mile-long beach, which is bounded to the north by the inlet to Channel Islands Harbor and to the south by Port Hueneme Naval Base, is somewhat remote, with just one entrance/exit to the Silver Strand area via Victoria Avenue.

At the Marine Emporium Landing, you can hire a variety of exciting water sports, including jet skis, paddle boards, fishing expeditions, and more.

It offers a wide variety of lively local dining options. There are some delectable spots to stop for coffee or a bite to eat while taking in the stunning landscape.

You should definitely try their daily seafood specialties. They also have an excellent lamb burger. Hence, this is the best place to eat by the shore in Oxnard, among other things. They provide a variety of water sports for people of all ages.

An Irish American family that has farmed on the California coast for five generations owns the McGrath Family Farm. This sustainable utopian garden farm produces a broad range of fruits and vegetables all year round.

This may be a great way to aware your family the value of preservation by taking them on farm visits. Additionally, you may choose the produce yourself.

They assist the other incredible farmers in the County while working to provide tasty, organic, and high-quality fruits, veggies, and herbs for their patrons.

Bowlero, which occupies more than 32,000 square feet, offers The Collection at RiverPark the greatest bowling, mouthwatering cuisine, and outstanding events. Talking about the Collection Riverpark, Bowlero is a recently opened venue. The excellent bowling, delicious food, and distinctive events at Bowlero add to the Collection at River Park.

Benefit from the game's new heights with unique blacklight bowling lanes, lounging chairs by the lake, and HD TV walls. In addition, Bowlero Oxnard boasts a fantastic restaurant with upscale food and drink selections and a spectacular arcade.

The Mullin Automotive Museum and Murphy Auto Museum provide an enjoyable opportunity to discover automotive art from the past and present, regardless of whether you and your family are keen automobile enthusiasts or not.

The majority of the automobiles at this museum are vintage models from the first half of the 20th century. Both stationary and rotating exhibitions feature them. As a result, this museum will excite fans of French and Art Deco styles in addition to automobile enthusiasts. Its premium cars are exquisitely constructed and designed, and many of them have undergone genuine restoration.

This is one of the most highly recommended museums for taking a tour with a guide.

The "Greetings From Oxnard" street artwork may be found at the Transit Center in downtown Oxnard. Maxfield Bala created this enormous mural, which is an explosion of vivid hues that captures the city's rich history and culture.

It displays a variety of stunning landscapes, animals, and well-liked metropolitan attractions in the manner of an old-fashioned postcard. This is a fantastic hidden gem if you appreciate street art.

The artworks depict a beach that stretches up to the nearby mountain range and the ocean in the distance, with waves lapping into the shore. Looking at the Bold Oxnard Lettering is a sea lion that is frequently spotted off Hollywood Beach.

This undiscovered gem of a hotel was just named California's No. 1 Best Beach (2024) and the No. 1 Best New Hotel in the USA (2024). After spending the day splashing in the pool, jacuzzi, or ocean, kids may toast s'mores around the fire pits.

With its beautiful beachfront and boundless ocean views, Zachari Dunes is the ideal getaway for adventure and leisure. It is also the closest resort in the United States to the breathtaking Channel Islands National Park.

Additionally, roomy family suites give you the impression that you are on vacation. Zachari Dunes, formerly the Embassy Suites, has long been a favorite among families.

Did you know that Oxnard is home to manufacturing for the esteemed drum company Drum Workshop (DW)? Take a tour of the manufacturing plant that produces drums for well-known artists like Travis Barker, Dave Grohl, Chad Smith, Glen Sobel, and Roger Taylor if you're in town on a Thursday.

The whole drum-making process from beginning to end, a tuning lesson, the company's history, a look at the hardware manufacturing process, and a visit to the Candyland showroom are all included in the tours. Nearly every Thursday at 2:00 PM, Oxnard Factory Tours are offered.

Give your kids a chance to let off steam by bouncing about at Jump N' Jammin before you visit another museum or have dinner by the sea.

Giant slides, rock climbing, web crawls, foam ball blasters, and a separate child play area are all highlights of this massive, interactive indoor playground.

Foam ball blasters, foam ball volcanoes that explode, ball vacuums, foam ball tip buckets, tubes and web crawls, barrel rolls, giant slides of all kinds, climbing structures, bridges, obstacle courses, rock climbing, a separate toddler play area, and much more are among the experiences you'll have.

The Oxnard area, which is right on the water, provides a stunning view of cruise ships, stray sea lions, and recreational paddleboarders. There are many different eating alternatives in Oxnard, whether you're looking for Italian, Thai, Mexican, Mediterranean, Brazilian, or fresh seafood.

If you love pizza, then go to an Italian Restaurant grab your favorite pizza, and enjoy it with the view of an ocean.