Oxnard Day Trip Things to Do Points Of Interest

Oxnard attracts many visitors with its sweeping agricultural pastures, majestic ocean views, and cool Pacific breezes. It’s a unique blend of maritime adventure and natural resources.

Nestled together in a 36-square-mile ecological tapestry known as California’s strawberry and lima bean capital, Oxnard is the gateway to the Channel Islands. Although Oxnard retains the charm of a small rural town, the city has plenty of visitor activities.

Downtown Oxnard

On B Street beside Plaza Park, Centennial Plaza is at the center of Oxnard’s vibrant downtown area and always bursts with activity. The area boasts its art district, high-tech cinema, and over 40 intercontinental dining options, including the best seafood.

Oxnard Plaza Park

Plaza Park, located on 5th Street and B Streets, is a large lawn with scattered pines and palm trees and a nostalgic Pagoda-style bandstand from the early 1900s. Locals frequently use it to hang out, relax, and be a centerpiece for various year-round family-friendly events with summer concerts and outdoor festivals.

Carnegie Art Museum

Neighboring the park is the Carnegie Art Museum, a Neoclassical building built initially as a library back in the early 1900s and later turned into a museum. Inside, visitors are treated to various paintings and photography from several California artists. Address 424 S C St, Oxnard, California. Website.

Oxnard Heritage Square

Heritage Square features lush gardens and walkways that meander through the 15 restored Victorian structures. Many homes are used by local businesses, including one that serves as a wine-tasting room. In the summertime, a concert series is held in the central square on Friday evenings. On weekends, tours of the complex are offered for a small fee. 715 S A St, Oxnard, California.

Channel Islands Harbor

Besides its artsy and cultural side, Oxnard is best known for its maritime history and sandy beaches. The Channel Islands Harbor and Fisherman’s Wharf is an excellent place to take the family and spend an afternoon.

Ventura County Maritime Museum

The Ventura County Maritime Museum is comprised mainly of model ships. Still, there is also an exciting collection of old photos of Port Hueneme and a great exhibit about a sunken ship that was found off the coast. Address: 3900 Bluefin Cir, Oxnard, California. Website.

Southern California Jet Skis

If you’re looking for some water adventure in Oxnard, you will want to rent a jet ski or electric boat. Southern California Jet Skis operates out of Channel Islands Harbor at the Marine Emporium Landing. Skis, boats, and bicycles can be rented by the hour or day. Instructors are available for novice riders. Address: 3600 Harbor Blvd, Oxnard. Website.

Hollywood Beach

Finally, if you’re looking for fun in the sun or a romantic evening interlude, Hollywood Beach can provide the perfect landscape with its abundance of white sand. There is so much sand that it covers the neighboring streets with beach houses with unique charm.

The Lil Red Barn Oxnard

Oxnard is still a significant farming area even though, over the years, many acres have been developed. Several farms still serve the area providing locals with farm-fresh produce. The Lil Red Barn specializes in strawberries and offers fresh flowers and vegetables. Address 3799 Teal Club Rd Oxnard.

Oxnard Annual Events

Oxnard Salsa Festival

The annual Salsa Festival is held at the site every July. Patrons can sample dozens of different salsas – from mild to wild –in the Salsa Tasting Tent or browse the more than 75 booths that line the festival marketplace, featuring gourmet salsas and sauces, boutique clothing, handcrafted jewelry, and much more.

A famous Banana Festival at Port Hueneme features live entertainment, food, and harbor tours.

California Strawberry Festival is held in Oxnard, California. Oxnard is California’s largest strawberry producer, with the peak harvesting season from April through June.

Getting To Oxnard

Oxnard is about 65 miles north of downtown Los Angeles. Exit Highway 101 at Highway 1 / Oxnard Blvd to get to Oxnard, and then go three miles.

Los Angeles Area Day Trip ideas

Ventura County Day Trips

Maritime Museum San Diego