There are many things to do in Oxnard Ca, and they will surprise you with their diversity and variety. Oxnard is famous for its nightlife, beaches, Santa Clara River, wetlands, and creeks. It has a lot to offer visitors visiting the city or intending to travel to the city on business or a weekend getaway. You can call it a perfect holiday destination if you are looking for one, especially during summer.
Oxnard
Located in Ventura County, California, Oxnard is a vibrant city with a happening nightlife, beaches, a wonderful harbor, and historical buildings. There are so many fun activities to do here, making it a popular destination to travel to for tourists and corporate events. Along with that, there are many places to go in Oxnard to have fun and enjoyment. So also check out those fun places to go in Oxnard through this article.
Things to Do in Oxnard CA
Oxnard Ca has unique attractions that make it a haven for visitors who love to take a break from their usual routine and do something different. The things to do in Oxnard Ca are diverse, allowing visitors to choose and decide on what they want to do while in the city.
1. Carnegie Art Museum
A visit to the Carnegie Art Museum is a must for any art lover if you are in Oxnard, and this can be one of the things to do in Oxnard CA. This public art museum was initially Oxnard Public Library and was later converted to Carnegie Art Museum. It is located in downtown Oxnard, has a beautiful collection of art, and showcases a lot of talent. The architecture of the building is Neo-Classical, and a visit here is a good way to learn about the city’s history.
2. Channel Islands Beach
Hollywood Beach, Hollywood by the Sea, and Silver Strand Beach is the beaches that make Channel Islands Beach popular and attractive for visitors. These beaches do not have the Pacific Ocean’s swell, which makes it perfect if you are traveling with your kids. Apart from these three popular beaches, Hobie Beach is good for water activities like kayaking, stand-up paddling, and others.
If you are visiting the city and want to spend your time on the beach indulging in water sports, then Channel Islands Beach is the place to be.
3. Channel Islands Harbor
A visit to the Channel Islands Harbor is a good way to take a break from city life and bask in the warmth of natural beauty. This can be one of the things to do in Oxnard Ca if you are in the city or planning a visit. Pick from one of their recreational activities and let that be the highlight of your weekend getaway, romantic holiday, family together, or business trip.
Bask in the beauty of a gorgeous sunrise or an exquisite sunset, and you will not regret adding this to one of the things to do in Oxnard Ca while you are there.
4. Channel Islands National Park
City life can be hectic at times, and the best way to take a break from the monotony of city life is to head toward a destination of wonderful scenery, peace, and quiet. The Channel Islands National Park has five islands, and this is the best way to experience the nautical charm of Southern California.
If you have made plans to visit Oxnard, then this is one of the things to do in Oxnard Ca that can be added to your list of things to do there. Explore the five islands, Anacapa, Santa Cruz, Santa Barbara, San Miguel, and Santa Rosa, or one of them, and have an idyllic holiday and family fun.
5. Channel Islands Maritime Museum
If you are in Oxnard and looking for things to do in Oxnard Ca, then a visit to the Channel Islands Maritime Museum will be exciting, especially if you are curious to know about the nautical history of the place. The exhibits in this museum date back around 300 years.
Marvel at the ship models, maritime paintings, and maritime art, and take one of their field trips or participate in one of their educational exhibits where you can gain information about the seascape and the local sea life of the city in an interactive way. You get a lot of information from the permanent exhibits and temporary ones about the region’s maritime history.
6. Channel Islands Whale Watching
There are organized tours at the Channel Islands, where whale watching is quite popular, along with watching sea otters and sea lions. California Coast is ideal if you love beaches, marine life, sun, sand, and the surf. Book yourself on a guided tour and go on an adventurous boat tour. Let this be one of the things to do in Oxnard Ca while planning your itinerary, as Channel Islands Whale Watching is quite popular here.
7. Copper Blues Rock Pub & Kitchen
Have the best beer here, enjoy the live music, and have the best food here at the Copper Blues Rock Pub & Kitchen if you are in Oxnard and looking for a place to eat. Some of the choicest and most delectable food in Ventura County is available here. Enjoy the place’s vibe and have a fun evening because the place is not just about food.
8. Chumash Park
Looking to do some fun things outdoors while on your visit to Oxnard? Then head towards Chumash Park, and if you are keen on exploring the place, go on the Chumash Park Trail, and bask in the picturesque views. Pack your hiking shoes, and be it a morning trail or an evening one, enjoy the outdoors to the utmost.
Since this park is located on the beach, you get stunning ocean views while on the trail and enjoying the park. There are picnic tables, a walking path, and a lot of wildlife. This can be one of the things to do in Oxnard Ca and a good place for a weekend getaway or a vacation.
9. Harbor Island Trail
The best way to enjoy the scenic beauty of Oxnard is by taking the out-and-back Harbor Island Trail. The trail is good for bird watching, running, walking, and hiking, and it is an easy trail. Dogs are allowed on this trail. If you are looking to hike on your weekend getaway to Oxnard, then this is one of the things to do in Oxnard Ca.
10. Heritage Square
If you are a history buff and would like to see historical buildings, then a visit to Heritage Square is one of the things to do in Oxnard Ca. Get to know the city’s historical side by taking a morning or an afternoon off to visit the place. Taking a guided tour is the best way to go around the place and enjoy the museum displays, art galleries, and architecture. The garden and fountains in the area are the perfect backdrops to the Victorian Mansions and other historical buildings in Heritage Square.
11. Herzog Wine Cellars
A trip to Herzog Wine Cellars is an experience by itself; they make the best Californian wine. The Herzog Wine Cellars is a fine example of the dedication of the Herzog family, which can now boast of nine generations in winemaking. Take a tour of their vineyards and do some wine tasting at their tasting room, and you will get to know that there are 25 different varietals at the Herzog Wine Cellars.
12. Island Packers
Booking on one of the cruises on Island Packers is one of the things to do in Oxnard Ca. The cruises take you close to the Channel Islands, and you get to see the abundant wildlife that thrives in the waters of Channel Islands National Park and the Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary.
They also organize whale-watching and special birding trips to Santa Cruz Island areas under the Nature Conservancy. Take trips to one of the islands or go on a birding excursion, and make your trip to Oxnard, California, a memorable one.
13. Mandalay State Beach
A trip to Mandalay State Beach and Park during your stay in Oxnard will not disappoint you, and a trip to this beach is one of the things to do in Oxnard Ca. Enjoy surfing, kayaking, cycling, boat tours, and sunbathing at Mandalay Beach, and you also get good views of the Marine Sanctuary and Channel Island National Park.
The Mandalay State Beach is family-friendly and has golden sandy beaches, jogging paths, biking paths, barbecue areas, and a playground.
14. Marine Emporium Landing
This is the perfect place for waterfront activities in Oxnard, California. If you are visiting the city and like water sports, then this is the right place for you to be. Spend a relaxing day here at the waterside restaurant, watching boats pass by and strolling through the shops, cafes, and nearby farmer’s markets.
Explore the beaches and parks in the area, and choose from the variety of water activities there. You can go kayaking, and there are paddle boats, electric boats, and sea cycling for all those who want to indulge in some water adventures.
15. McGrath State Beach and Campground
If you love nature, visiting McGrath State Beach and Campground is one of the things to do in Oxnard Ca during your visit to the city. The riverbanks of the Santa Clara River and the sand dunes lining up along the river banks make it a perfect spot for birdwatching. There are around 174 campsites here next to the shores of the Pacific Ocean.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1KZnalWqDBc
The campground entrance is on North Harbor Blvd, and you can have a camping experience of life. For all those who enjoy adventures and the outdoors, this is a must-do while staying in Oxnard. Surfing can be done on two miles of the beach, and you can also do fishing trips and swimming, depending on the tide and currents.
16. Mullin Automotive Museum
If you love cars and vehicles, this is one of the things to do in Oxnard Ca. Check out the vehicles and go back in time to look at the automobiles that belonged to the 20th century. You might feel as if you are walking in those times looking at the vehicle displays. The furniture and the artwork of the Mullin Automotive Museum also reflect the vibes of those olden days.
17. Murphy Auto Museum
See some lovingly restored classic cars by stepping into the Murphy Auto Museum. Look at the display of classic cars, and the impressive collection of antique, classic, and vintage cars from America will surely leave you spellbound. If you love vehicles, visiting Murphy Auto Museum is one of the things to do in Oxnard Ca if you are in the city.
18. Olivas Adobe
Built by Raymundo Olivas, this adobe structure is on the north bank of the Santa Clara River, which joins with the Santa Barbara Channel. The two-story homestead is a good example of Spanish and Mexican architectural elements. Visitors will enjoy the home and the courtyard by taking one of the tours there.
The Parks and Recreation Department oversee this historic landmark, and there is a gift shop there. Spend a morning or an afternoon at Olivas Adobe Historical Park, and have a peek into a bit of history.
19. Oxnard State and Beach Park
Oxnard Beach Park and Oxnard State Beach are attractions on the Pacific Coast Highway that can be added to your list of things to do while visiting Oxnard. There is a beach, a playground, and a park which are family-friendly. On the beach, you can see sand dunes, seagulls, and sparkling water.
Oxnard State Park has a covered area that has to be reserved, and there are also picnic areas, a children’s playground, and volleyball nets.
20. Oxnard Historic Farm Park
If you visited the Oxnard Historic Farm Park, history wouldn’t sound so interesting. This historic farm park houses two of the oldest buildings in Ventura County, and there is a museum in one of the buildings. You learn about the place’s history while visiting this museum.
Apart from the museum, the Oxnard Historic Farm Park has a display barn, two vineyards dating back to the 1870s, and demonstration gardens. If you are in Oxnard and if you want to know about the things to do in Oxnard Ca, then visit this farm park of historical significance and get to know about the past of this city in an interesting way.
21. Oxnard Performing Arts & Convention Center
Oxnard Performing Arts and Convention Center boasts of a theater complex, and this elite theatre is home to numerous festivals and enhances cultural development within Ventura County. The Oxnard Performing Arts & Convention Center is an important part of the city’s cultural life, and it is the perfect place to create and connect.
22. Point Mugu Missile Park
Point Mugu Missile Park is not a conventional park with walking paths, grass, and a playground; instead, it is a park where you can walk around a collection of planes and missiles. There are a lot of planes on display, and also a lot of history. Apart from the planes, there are a lot of missiles, two F-4 Phantom fighter jets, and an F-14 Tomcat. The missiles and airplanes on display here are the ones that were tested here since the Second World War.
23. River Ridge Golf Club
The River Ridge Golf Club along the Santa Clara River is any golfer’s dream. It is one of the most beautiful golf clubs in the region, and there are two 18-hole courses that you can choose from; one is the Vineyards Course, and the other one is the Victoria Lakes Course.
Around 8-acres of water features around the place add to the allure of the golf club. Enjoy a game with your friends and family if you are on business or holiday.
24. Silver Strand Beach
Silver Strand Beach is one of the popular beaches in the area and is the southernmost beach in Oxnard and one of the things to do in Oxnard Ca if you want options. The beach is not crowded most of the time, and you can go beachcombing, fishing, kayaking, surfing, and walking.
This beach is popular among the locals as well as tourists. The ambiance is nice, and there are a lot of hotels and restaurants nearby for you to enjoy food.
25. US Navy Sea Bee Museum
This is the second oldest Navy Museum in the State and has an extensive collection of exhibits and artifacts connected with the history of the Seabees and the United States Naval Engineer Corps. The Museum operates under the Naval History and Heritage Command and is supported by the Seabee Historical Foundation.
The museum was established in 1947 and is located outside the Naval Base Ventura County in Port Hueneme. This is one of the things you can choose to do in Oxnard, California if you enjoy visiting museums and knowing about the city’s history.
In The End
A trip to Oxnard, California, can be entertaining if you want to spend some time in the city. The city offers a lot of fun things for visitors to do while they are there, be it indoors or outdoors; there is something for everyone, which makes it a good choice if you are looking for a vacation or a weekend getaway.
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