Best Things to Do in Oxnard, California
Oxnard is a low-key city in Southern California that packs a punch. relax into its coastal bliss, take a day trip to hiking paradise, Or spend the day devouring all the tacos your heart has ever desired. Oxnard makes it easy to do it all.
This post was written in partnership with Visit California and Visit Oxnard. All opinions expressed are my own.
Concocting a recipe for the perfect Southern California city involves pristine beaches, plenty of culture, and delicious tacos—lots of them. Enter Oxnard: a seaside city that has effortlessly flown under the radar to maintain its low-key SoCal charm.
Often spoken of in relation to other places, Oxnard has become something of a hidden gem. It’s described as an hour west of Los Angeles, right next door to Ventura, or on the coast, you know, pretty close to Santa Barbara. It’s perhaps best known as the gateway to Channel Islands National Park, a set of immaculate islands off the coast that are a natural playground for outdoor-enthusiasts. Despite being overlooked by larger nearby cities—or because of it—Oxnard offers visitors a sublime, low-key experience that checks all the boxes without any of the crowds. Picturesque beaches? Check. History? Check. Culture? Check. A trail of tacos? Check, check and check.
In this post, discover the best things to do in Oxnard and how to plan your own trip to this slice of SoCal paradise.
1. Experience the Dining Scene
Ox & Ocean
Located inside Zachari Dunes hotel, Ox & Ocean offers a more upscale but approachable dining experience. Warm decor and ocean tones fill the space and the food is delightful. The menu is American cuisine with a heavy focus on seafood. Dishes like halibut, kale salad and pork chops—which come to the table presented with a box of knives to choose from—are presented on beautiful plates.
The Haven at Whitesails
For a laidback experience replete with delicious Caribbean-inspired cuisine, you can’t miss The Haven at Whitesails. The menu is colorful, inventive and filled with plenty of vegan options. Located right beside the marina, diners also get a lovely view of the water. The chocolate cake at the end with an edible flower garnish was the chef’s kiss.
2. Visit the Farmers Market
Oxnard’s farmers market is open every Sunday from 10am-2pm at the Channel Islands Harbor. Parking is a breeze and you’ll find the usual suspects on offer: fruits and veggies, pastries, fresh fish, pastries, handicrafts and other goods. During my visit, I walked away with a jar of delicious sage honey and a pair of much-needed sunglasses.
I recommend stopping at Honey Cup Coffeehouse and Creamery, which is right next to the market, to enjoy views from the marina, too. You’ll probably spy a cute dog or two (or ten) as well. If you’re still in the area for lunch, grab some seafood at nearby Sea Fresh to round out the day!
3. Tackle the Taco Trail
If tacos are your love language and you happen to find yourself in Oxnard, California, then the Oxnard Taco Trail is a non-negotiable. This trail boasts dozens of Mexican restaurants and taco trucks with a vast and unique range of flavorful tacos. Each place has something different and delicious to offer, from al pastor to fish tacos, and everything in between. It’s fun to hop around and find your favorites. You can download the Taco Trail app and check in to 15 locations to get a sweet little t-shirt to commemorate your acheivement, too.
For myself, La Veros, a no-frills restaurant packed with locals, had the best taco overall: pescado stacked with avocado and paired with a cool glass of horchata. Second best? Tacos la Bonita. This food truck is closer to downtown Oxnard and has a ridiculously delicious shrimp taco. The employees are also warm and friendly; they even came around with a complimentary cheese snack for everyone! Glo’s, a cafeteria-style market and bakery, was another favorite. They had the best ambiance which included a cute succulent-filled courtyard.
It was fun to pull up the map and find the best tacos (as chosen by one’s own scale of deliciousness, of course) and also see what Oxnard had to offer between taco joints. It does help if you speak a little Spanish, especially for the more hole-in-the-wall local places, but fear not, you’ll be eating well no matter what language you speak.
4. Walk Through Heritage Square
Heritage Square, located in the heart of downtown Oxnard is a beautifully preserved historic area that offers visitors a glimpse into the past. The Victorian-era buildings, built between 1876 and 1912, were saved from demolition and restored to their former glory. Today, tourists and locals alike come to Heritage Square for its boutique shops, art galleries, and selection of bars restaurants. The square is also a popular venue for community events such as art shows, concerts, and celebrations.
When we visited on a Sunday it was pretty quiet, so if you are looking for more hubbub, I suggest visiting on a different day. For photos without people, Sunday is great though! Overall, it’s a well-preserved slice of Oxnard's history and a lovely little area to take a stroll in.
5. Visit Beach Shops
Be sure to visit the Bougie Beach Collective, a delightful boutique store that carries female-owned brands. There is a smorgasbord of goodies to tempt you (as it did me): clothing, home decor, puzzles, accessories, and more. I came out with two ultra-soft tanks and a frame that now hangs in my home and holds a postcard from a local artist. What I love most about this store is that the owner, Nicole, not only curates a lovely collection of items, but that they all support female entrepreneurs and small businesses. Located a stone’s throw from the ocean, Bougie Beach Collective is a great stop near the beach.
5. Go to Oxnard Beach Park
Looking for an ideal spot for a picnic? Or perhaps a place to workout? Maybe you want to take a rest after biking along the Pacific Coast Biking Route? Or you want to take the doggo on a scenic stroll? Oxnard Beach Park has you covered. This public green space sits right beside the ocean and is flanked by towering palm trees that offer shade. You’ll also find paths through the dunes that lead straight to the ocean. Oxnard Beach Park is easy to get to and parking is plentiful (though it’s cash only—$1/hour or $5/day).
7. Day trip to Channel Islands National Park
For the perfect day trip from Oxnard, make your way to Channel Islands National Park, an hour boat ride from the mainland. I was fortunate to travel to the islands and witness its stunning beauty first-hand and I highly, highly, highly recommend it to anyone in the area.
The park features five unique islands, each offering its own distinct charm. From breathtaking sea caves to rugged cliffs along the coast, the natural beauty of the Channel Islands left me in awe. One of the things that struck me most about this breathtaking national park was the abundance of marine life. Snorkeling in the crystal-clear waters allowed me to experience the vibrant colors of the kelp forest and the playful antics of sea lions and dolphins. With miles of unspoiled coastline and miles of scenic hiking trails, Channel Islands National Park is a must-see destination for any nature lover.
Read More: Channel Islands National Park Travel Guide
8. Find the Oxnard Sign
Head to downtown Oxnard’s Transit Center to find the “Greetings From Oxnard” street mural. This large mural, painted by Maxfield Bala, is an explosion of bright, vibrant colors depicting the rich culture and history of the city. In a vintage postcard-style, it showcases a blend of beautiful scenery, wildlife, and popular sights and activities found in the city. If you enjoy street art, this a worthwhile hidden gem!