15 Best Things to Do in Oxnard, California (2023)

Are you planning to explore Oxnard as a tourist? Here, we’ve mentioned the 15 best things to do in Oxnard, California that you should definitely explore to make the most of your trip.

In the state of California, Oxnard is a lesser-known city that is mainly popular for its huge number of beaches.

If you are missing this city, then you are missing a great opportunity to visit this beautiful channel island and its various activities.

One can enjoy surfing and whale watching in this city, which are great fun.

Despite the various beaches, there are several interesting places in Oxnard, such as museums, art galleries, and parks.

The city also has great nightlife and is a great place for people who love shopping. Here are the 15 best things to do in Oxnard that you’ll definitely love.

Best Things to Do in Oxnard, California

Let’s get started with our list of the best things to do in Oxnard

1. Mandalay State Beach

 Mandalay State Beach

In Oxnard, Mandalay State Beach is renowned for its immaculate conditions and classic atmosphere.

The beach has indeed been purposefully preserved in its untamed nature so that tourists may experience the abundantly stunning scenery that exists here.

It is surrounded by sandy beaches, scrub bushes, marshes, and a variety of flora and animals. Exploring this beach is undoubtedly one of the best things to do in Oxnard.

  • Location – Oxnard, CA
  • Famous For – Stunning Scenery.
  • Visiting Hours – 24/7.

2. Elite Theatre

Elite Theatre

The Elite Theatre began in 1964 and is a great entertainment source for the people of Oxnard. 

The theatre is located at the Maritime Museum, which helps the new generation of artists grow and professional artists showcase their talent in front of everyone.

The theatre also provides free tickets to deserving members of the community who want to showcase their art.

During the season, there are several activities that take place, and at least five stages are produced.

  •  Location – 2731 Victoria Ave, Oxnard, CA 93095, USA.
  • Famous For – Great Entertainment Source.
  • Visiting Hours – 8:00 PM to 11:00 PM.

3. Oxnard State Beach and Park

Oxnard State Beach and Park

Oxnard State Beach is a beautiful white sand beach that is even more beautiful when the wildflowers are in bloom.

There are a number of palm trees present around the beach, which shows you the great state of California.

The State Beach is under the premises of Oxnard Park and has a fascinating pirate-themed playground for children.

If you are visiting Oxnard with little ones, then you must visit Oxnard Beach and Park; they’ll definitely have fun there.

  • Location – Oxnard, CA
  • Famous For – Pirate-Themed Playground
  • Visiting Hours – 24/7

4. Channel Island Harbor

Channel Island Harbor

The Channel Island Harbor is around 50 years old and is a great place for family gatherings, swimming, hiking, and many other activities.

The place actually looks like a gateway to heaven. There are even various restaurants present near the Channel Island Harbor, which is kept as an exhibition.

There is a huge collection of ship models and a great showcase of maritime art.

  •  Location – Oxnard, CA
  • Famous For – Various Outdoor Activities.
  • Visiting Hours – 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM.

5. Silver Strand Beach

 Silver Strand Beach

Silver Strand Beach is mainly famous for its surfing and is a long, sandy beach that offers restrooms, lifeguards, and showers.

The beach also provides scenic views towards its north, which looks so beautiful. The beach does not allow dogs there and has a great showcase of local marine life.

  •  Location – Ocean Dr. Oxnard, CA
  • Famous For – Its Scenic View.
  • Visiting Hours – 24/7

6. La Dolce Vita 1901

La Dolce Vita 1901

The La Dolce Vita 1901 offers different confiscations based on various cocktails that people enjoy in a comfortable environment.

All the cocktails made here are fresh and made from scratch. While enjoying cocktails, you can even order various platters and food items.

If you are there on a date or want something formal, you can go upstairs, where they provide tables and have a great menu.

  •  Location – 740 S B St, Oxnard, CA 93030, US.
  • Famous For – Cocktails.
  • Visiting Hours – 4:00 PM to 9:00 PM.

7. Mullin Automotive Museum

Mullin Automotive Museum

The Mullin Automotive Museum was established by Peter W. Mullin. This is a great place for people who love automotive history and want to explore cars dating from the 20th century. 

If you want to understand more about automotive, there are trained staff members present, and there are a number of temporary and permanent exhibitions taking place throughout the year.

You can also get to know more about the history and background of the cars. Not only this, there are even exhibitions of culture and artwork.

  •  Location – 1421 Emerson Ave, Oxnard, CA 93033, US.
  • Famous For – Exhibition of Automotive.
  • Visiting Hours – 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM (Friday and Saturday).

8. Channel Islands Maritime Museum

Channel Islands Maritime Museum

A museum is a place where you can take a visit with your family and young ones. This museum has a variety of exhibitions related to education, paintings, ships, and much more. 

The place is great for children, as there are various educational programs going on throughout the year that can be enjoyed by individuals of all ages.

The exhibition is mostly focused on maritime art and is a great place for people who love exploring history.

  •  Location – 3900 Bluefin Cir, Oxnard, CA 93035, US.
  • Famous For – Educational Exhibitions.
  • Visiting Hours – 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM (Except Tuesday and Wednesday).

9. Oxnard Historic Farm Park

Oxnard Historic Farm Park

Visiting the Oxnard Historic Farm Park is one of the best things to do in Oxnard which is very famous as it protects the two old buildings of the city and allows visitors to explore more about the history of the city.

Due to the fertility of the land in Oxnard, there are various Spanish, Mexican, and German migrants who have cultivated the city.

The exhibition is held in the main building, which has 1870s-era interiors.

  •  Location – 1251 Gottfried PI, Oxnard, CA 93030, US.
  • Famous For – Historic Exhibitions.
  • Visiting Hours – 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM (Tuesday and Saturday).

10. Heritage Square

Heritage Square

Visit Vintage Plaza in the heart of Oxnard if you want to see a little bit of history. 

There are guided excursions available with tour guides dressed in period attire to take you through the heritage of the neighborhood.

The “square” is really a collection of renovated older landmarks. This is a wonderful location to start looking for things to accomplish in Oxnard right now.

Also, there are approximately 25 different enterprises on the property, including eateries, wine and food rooms, visitor centers, and souvenir shops.

  •  Location – 715 S A St, Oxnard, CA 93030, US.
  • Famous For – Renovated older landmarks.
  • Visiting Hours – 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM (Except Sunday).

11. The Murphy Auto Museum

 The Murphy Auto Museum

The Murphy Auto Museum was established around a century ago and has more than 60 vintage car models on exhibition for car lovers.

The museum focuses on both temporary and permanent exhibitions.

During permanent exhibitions, they showcase period cars, while during temporary exhibitions, the main focus is on the famous automobile industry.

  •  Location – 1930 Eastman Ave, Oxnard, CA 93030, US.
  • Famous For – Vintage car exhibition.
  • Visiting Hours – 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM (Saturday and Sunday).

12. The Collection at Riverpark

The Collection at Riverpark

The collection at Riverpark is a shopping area that offers you a variety of shopping options for day-to-day life.

There are numerous brands as well as supermarkets, giving you a variety of shopping options. There are even a variety of cuisines and outlets to enjoy after a long day of shopping.

  •  Location – 2751 Park View Ct, Oxnard, CA 93036, US.
  • Famous For – Shopping.
  • Visiting Hours – 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM.

13. Mangna Vino Cellars

Mangna Vino Cellars

The Mangna Vino Cellars is a winery where you can visit and learn more and more about various kinds of wines.

The place is stunning, and they ferment their own range of wines that one will definitely love. 

Each and every step is done carefully while keeping in mind the goal of making the wine authentic.

Visitors can see the whole process and go for wine tasting at this place. The tasting events are hosted periodically, where you can have various things to enjoy, such as music and food.

  •  Location – 961 Rice Ave, Oxnard, CA 93030, US.
  • Famous For – Various kinds of Wines.
  • Visiting Hours – 12:00 PM to 6:00 PM.

14. Marine Emporium Landing

Marine Emporium Landing

With a range of enjoyable marine activities, Marine Emporium Landing hopes to provide tourists the opportunity to discover the surrounding region of the Channel Islands Harbour.

If you don’t want to get in the water right away, you may wander down the promenade or dine or drink while watching the magnificent sunsets well over the bay from one of the numerous waterfront pubs and restaurants.

  •  Location – 36600 Harbor Blvd, Oxnard, CA 93035, US.
  • Famous For – Marine Activities.
  • Visiting Hours – 8:00 AM to 11:00 PM.

15. Channel Island Whale Watching

Channel Island Whale Watching

The Channel Islands Whale Viewing gives guests a front-row seat to some of Southern California’s indigenous vegetation and animals.

Pick from whale viewing excursions in the hopes of getting a close-up look at one of these magnificent lifeforms, or go boating to try your luck at capturing some of the native fish and shellfish that live in these waterways.

  • Location – 4151 Victoria Ave, Oxnard, CA 93035, US.
  • Famous For – Whale Watching.
  • Visiting Hours – 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM

Conclusion – Best Things to do in Oxnard

The city of Oxnard in California is one of the most beautiful places to visit. Though the number of visitors to the city is low, the beauty of the city is top-notch.

The things mentioned in this post are undoubtedly the best things to do in Oxnard. So, if you are planning to visit the city, add these places to your bucket list and explore them one by one to make the most of your trip.

Suggested – If you are interested in exploring more cities in California, we have also created a travel guide on the best things to do in MontereyInglewood, SalinasConcord, San MateoSanta MonicaSonomaPasadenaHaywardRedwood CityRiverside, and Needles.

FAQs – Best Things to do in Oxnard

1. What are the most popular tourist attractions in Oxnard?

There are various tourist attractions in Oxnard, such as Mandalay State Beach, Elite Theatre, Oxnard State Beach and Park, Channel Island Harbor, Channel Islands Maritime Museum, Oxnard Historic Farm Park, The Collection at Riverpark, and Channel Island Whale Watching.

2. What is the best time to visit Oxnard?

The best time to visit Oxnard is during the winter and summer.

3. What is the best restaurant in Oxnard?

There are various restaurants in Oxnard, such as Moqueca Brazilian Cuisine, Lazy Dog Restaurant & Bar, Yard House, Waterside, etc.

4. What are the best accommodation options in Oxnard?

There are various accommodation options in Oxnard, such as the Best Western Oxnard Inn, Mandalay Shores Resort, Homewood Suites by Hilton Oxnard/Camarillo, and Residence Inn by Marriott Oxnard River Ridge.