Things to Do in Oxnard

Hollywood Beach

About a mile of sand just north of the Channel Islands Harbor entrance, with island views on clear days. Parking is free on the street and in the harbor lot, with restrooms at the north end.

North of the Channel Islands Harbor entrance · Free

Lifeguards Memorial Day to Labor Day.

Silver Strand Beach

The surf beach on the south side of the harbor mouth, popular for surfing, bodyboarding and bodysurfing. A free lot off San Nicholas Avenue has restrooms.

San Nicholas Ave. at Ocean Dr. · Free

Lifeguards and beach wheelchair checkout Memorial Day to Labor Day.

Island Packers to Channel Islands National Park

The national park's boat operator sails from Channel Islands Harbor, with Anacapa Island day trips, wildlife cruises and seasonal whale watching.

3550 Harbor Blvd.

Boats don't go out every day, so book ahead. The park itself charges no entrance fee.

Channel Islands Kayak Center

Rent a kayak or stand-up paddleboard to explore the calm harbor channels, or join a guided wildlife and history paddle.

3600 S. Harbor Blvd., Suite 2-108

Call (805) 984-5995 for rates and hours.

Point Mugu State Park and Mugu Rock

About 15 miles down Highway 1, Mugu Rock marks the start of five miles of state park shoreline. Stop at Sycamore Cove for the beach or head inland on trails into the Santa Monica Mountains.

9000 W. Pacific Coast Hwy. · $12 per vehicle for day use

The mailing address says Malibu, but the park is in Ventura County. Check state park alerts before going.

Ormond Beach wetlands

Two miles of dunes and coastal wetland on Oxnard's south end and one of the county's best shorebird spots. Trails and bird blinds are planned for 2027.

Free

Stay out of the signed snowy plover nesting areas.

Heritage Square

A downtown block of 15 restored Victorian and Craftsman buildings from 1876 to 1912. Walk the grounds free any day, or take a docent tour from the visitor center.

715 S. A St. · Free self-guided; tours $7, $5 on Saturdays

Tours Sunday to Friday 10 to 4, Saturday drop-in 11 to 2. Free parking.

Channel Islands Maritime Museum

A harbor-side museum of ship models and historic and contemporary maritime art, with docent tours included and free admission for anyone under 18.

3900 Bluefin Cir. · $10 adults; $5 seniors, military and college students

Thursday to Monday, noon to 4.

Oxnard Historic Farm Park

The preserved Maulhardt family farm, a county landmark on the National Register, with a 19th-century farmhouse, old vineyards and orchards. A quiet look at the Oxnard Plain's farming roots.

1251 Gottfried Pl.

Tuesdays and Saturdays 9 to noon, or by appointment.

The Collection at RiverPark

Oxnard's big open-air center by the 101, with REI, H&M and sit-down restaurants, plus a 16-screen Century theater and Lucky Strike bowling for evenings.

2751 Park View Ct.

Channel Islands Harbor Farmers Market

A certified farmers market every Sunday beside Marine Emporium Landing. Pair it with a paddle, a bike rental or a walk along the water.

3600 S. Harbor Blvd. · Free

Sundays 10 to 2, rain or shine.

Downtown Oxnard Farmers Market

A year-round Thursday market at Plaza Park with produce, flowers, plants and baked goods, a few blocks from Heritage Square.

Plaza Park, 5th St. and B St. · Free

Thursdays 9 to 1:30.

'olołkoy Beach Park

The 62-acre city park behind the dunes, renamed from Oxnard Beach Park in 2023. It has a pirate ship playground, picnic shelters, barbecues and volleyball.

1601 S. Harbor Blvd. · Free

Open daily 7am to 7pm. Leashed dogs allowed.

Kiddie Beach

The one spot inside Channel Islands Harbor where swimming is allowed, so the water is calmer than at the ocean beaches.

S. Victoria Ave., inside the harbor entrance · Free

Peninsula Park

A two-acre harbor park with a playground, picnic tables, barbecues and public docks for launching a kayak. An easy lunch stop between harbor outings.

Free