Oxnard, CA

Travel Guide

Ventura - Oxnard showing signage and outdoor art
Ventura - Oxnard which includes a bay or harbor
Ventura - Oxnard showing a sunset
Oxnard
Photo by FLyFLu

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
Default Image

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
Default Image

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
Default Image

Silver Strand

Discover marine life at Silver Strand Beach, a one-mile-long sandy beach with limited parking and restroom facilities. Enjoy small restaurants and a local beer & wine establishment in the nearby commercial districts.

Silver Strand
Default Image

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
Default Image

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
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
$272 nightly
The price is $311 total per night from Jun 30 to Jul 1
$311 total
Jun 30 - Jul 1
Total includes taxes and fees
Stay at this 4-star 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! (695 reviews)
"a beautiful property with with lots of amenities."

Reviewed on Jun 11, 2025

Zachari Dunes on Mandalay Beach, Curio Collection by Hilton
Best Western Oxnard Inn
Best Western Oxnard Inn
2.5 out of 5
1156 S Oxnard Blvd, Oxnard, CA
$152 nightly
The price is $174 total per night from Jun 19 to Jun 20
$174 total
Jun 19 - Jun 20
Total includes taxes and fees
Stay at this hotel in Oxnard. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our reviews. Popular ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,002 reviews)
"The shower had no hot water. Moved to another room. The parking lot needs improvement. Besides that it was good"

Reviewed on May 30, 2025

Best Western Oxnard Inn
Staybridge Suites Oxnard River Ridge by IHG
Staybridge Suites Oxnard River Ridge by IHG
3 out of 5
2101 W Vineyard Ave, Oxnard, CA
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
$169 nightly
The price is $193 total per night from Jun 15 to Jun 16
$193 total
Jun 15 - Jun 16
Total includes taxes and fees
Book a stay at this golf hotel in Oxnard. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,003 reviews)
"The suite was amazing! very spacious & the free breakfast overlooking the golf course was fantastic! we'll definitely stay here again!"

Reviewed on Jun 9, 2025

Staybridge Suites Oxnard River Ridge by IHG
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
Stay at this 3-star beach condo in Oxnard. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and laundry facilities. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
9/10 Wonderful! (600 reviews)
"Clean, comfortable & kitchen had all you need to cook a meal. Nice patio with a bbq and hot tub. Close to beaches and marinas. Would definitely stay here again. The only thing lacking is the pull out bed was very uncomfortable, but they always are!"

Reviewed on Jun 8, 2025

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 ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (95 reviews)
"The staff was very kind and welcoming. Would return again."

Reviewed on Apr 25, 2025

Mandalay Shores Resort
Magnificent Victorian-Modern House on the sand of Mandalay Beach
Magnificent Victorian-Modern House on the sand of Mandalay Beach
Oxnard
Stay at this vacation home in Oxnard. Enjoy a beach locale, a water park, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Ventura Harbor and Oxnard State Beach are ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (159 reviews)
Daughter’s wedding
"We had friends and family from all over the country coming in for a wedding. This house was the only one I could find listed that allowed for all the people to have sleeping privacy. And a kitchen, eating area, and sitting space big enough to accommodate everyone at once. And everyone was thrilled ..."

Reviewed on Jun 2, 2025

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

Things to do

Reviews of Oxnard

4.2
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
149
5 - Excellent 40%
4 - Good
162
4 - Good 44%
3 - Okay
47
3 - Okay 13%
2 - Disappointing
9
2 - Disappointing 2%
1 - Terrible
4
1 - Terrible 1%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

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

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

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

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

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

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

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Keep up the good work

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Very nice place to come for a getaway.

Cities near Oxnard