Stress-Free Weekend Getaway: Top Things to Do in Oxnard, California with Kids

I’m not going to lie: As a Los Angeles resident, Oxnard, California, has always been a green sign on the highway on the way to San Francisco. Just a stop on the road.

But drive by no more! Oxnard is a lot more than its outlet malls and boat slips (though those are nice, too). I recently took my kids to this coastal city an hour and a half from LA. We came for the Dallas Cowboys Training Camp, a 20-year mainstay in the city. What we found were wide-open beaches, a bustling harbor and plenty to keep us busy. Oxnard, it turns out, is worthy of a stay, not just a stop.

Highlights

• Channel Islands & Water Adventures: Excursions from Channel Islands Harbor, including island kayaking, wildlife cruises and hopper boat rentals.
• Family-Friendly Beaches & Parks: Coastal highlights featuring pirate-themed playgrounds at ‘Olołkoy Beach Park, uncrowded sands at Silver Strand and surrey bike rentals.
• Culture, Food & Local Experiences: Historic Victorian architecture at Heritage Square, shopping destinations and authentic stops along the Oxnard Taco Trail.
• Trip Logistics & Planning: Practical advice covering all-suite beachfront resorts, family lodging and easy Highway 101/PCH access under 90 minutes from Los Angeles.

Editor’s note: The writer was hosted by Visit Oxnard .

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Where Is Oxnard, California?

Oxnard, California, sits along the Ventura County coastline just north of Malibu, about an hour and a half from Downtown Los Angeles. As a coastal hub with a huge harbor, the city is often considered a gateway to Channel Islands National Park, a collection of five rugged islands just off the Southern California coast.

Fun Things To Do In Oxnard, California:

Paddle In, Pedal Around Or Cruise The Harbor

The sprawling 310-acre Channel Islands Harbor is a massive cluster of marinas with more than 2,000 boat slips, including tour boats that whisk visitors out to Channel Islands National Park for hiking, kayaking, whale watching and even exploring sea caves.

Things to do at the marina:

• Catch a boat to Channel Islands National Park
• Kayak and paddleboat rentals and tours
• Surrey rentals from Wheel Fun Rentals
• Hopper boat rentals
• Jet ski rentals
• Dinner cruises (on select nights, see calendar for more info.)
• Concerts by the Sea (summers)
• Weekly farmer’s market (Sundays year-round from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.)

SheBuysTravel Tip: If anyone in your family is prone to seasickness, come prepared for the boat ride to the Channel Islands. The approximately hour-long crossing to Anacapa Island takes you across the open Santa Barbara Channel, where conditions can get choppy even on a nice day. Take seasickness medication about an hour before boarding, and book a morning departure when winds are often calmer.

Have A Beach Day On One Of Oxnard’s Top-Rated Beaches

What’s a beach town without a beach? Oxnard, California, has miles of gorgeous, uncrowded beaches (I even found a parking spot—on a Sunday—just a block from the beach… which is impossible at LA beaches) where families can spread out and enjoy the region’s temperate climate and sunny weather.

Beaches worth checking out:

• Mandalay State Beach – Located along the northernmost stretch of Oxnard’s coastline, this wide, undeveloped beach was practically empty when we visited. Known for its rugged swaths of small grassy sand dunes and driftwood that collects along the shore, the beach was dotted with quirky makeshift huts and forts built from washed-up branches when we visited. They’re irresistible to kids who want to duck inside, rearrange the sticks and add a few architectural touches of their own. Note: The beach is also home to the former Mandalay Generating Station, an electrical power plant that is no longer operating. Today, a 56-acre portion of the property is marketed as a filming location, complete with abandoned machinery, offices, sand dunes and private beach access.
• ‘Olołkoy Beach Park – Part of the beachfront park recognized among the country’s top beaches in USA Today’s 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards three years in a row, this is an especially easy beach day with kids. The grassy park has a pirate-themed playground and picnic tables, for when you want to dry off and have lunch. Meanwhile, the beach itself is wide open with sweeping views up and down the coastline.

• Hollywood Beach – There’s a reason for the name: Hollywood stars once escaped to this wide, sandy stretch. Clark Gable lived here, and Rudolph Valentino filmed a movie here. Today, it’s a laid-back beach with volleyball courts, free parking and views of the Channel Islands.
• Silver Strand Beach — This mile-long beach is one of Oxnard’s best-known surf spots. At the southern end, look for the remains of the La Jenelle, a luxury liner that ran aground here in 1970 and was eventually incorporated into the breakwater.

SheBuysTravel Tip: Your dog deserves a beach day! Many of Oxnard’s beaches are dog-friendly, including Oxnard Beach, ‘Olołkoy Beach Park and Mandalay Beach, which allow leashed dogs all day. Popular coastal strips like Hollywood Beach and Silver Strand Beach restrict dogs to hours before 9 a.m. and after 5 p.m. on a leash.

Pick Up Fresh Produce From A Local Farm Stand

If you want your kids to get an appreciation for where all those yummy red fruits come from before they magically emerge from the grocery store bag, leave it to Oxnard. The California Strawberry Commission identifies Oxnard as one of the state’s key strawberry-growing regions, thanks to the fertile Oxnard Plain and its mild coastal climate. You’ll find strawberry stands along the side of the road throughout town or you can pick up a basket at the weekly farmers market at Channel Islands Harbor.

If you want to see the strawberry fields in person, take a drive through the agricultural areas around Rice Avenue, Pleasant Valley Road, Hueneme Road and Wood Road, where the city gives way to the sprawling Oxnard Plain. These are working commercial farms, so you can’t pick the berries yourself, but you can stop at roadside stands like Gonzalez Produce on Wood Road or Teto’s Produce on Hueneme Road to stock up on fresh local produce.

Visit A Winery

Oxnard’s wine scene is less about rolling vineyards and more about urban wineries, where California-grown grapes are brought in to be made, aged and bottled right here in town. Herzog Wine Cellars, the nation’s largest producer of fine kosher wines, has its headquarters and working winery in Oxnard, and anyone’s welcome to stop in for a tasting or a meal at the winery’s upscale Kosher restaurant, Tierra Sur. A list of wineries can be found at Visit Oxnard.

SheBuysTravel Tip: If you’ve got the kids in tow, head to Strey Cellars. The laid-back tasting room (it markets itself as the palace for “emerging wine enthusiasts”) is both family- and dog-friendly. They even have monthly children’s events where parents can enjoy wine tastings while kids enjoy a 60-minute group session with a fairytale princess. Go to Streycellars.com for more info.

Shop, Dine And Play At Oxnard’s Giant Outdoor Mall

The Collection at RiverPark is Oxnard’s newest open-air shopping and entertainment complex, with stores including Target, REI and Whole Foods, plus restaurants, a movie theater and outdoor gathering space. My tween daughter was most excited about the Slime Kitchen, a DIY slime-making shop where kids can squish, stir and mix their own slime concoctions to take home. There’s also an indoor playground, an escape room, dozens of eateries, from open-air spots and boba shops (also a highlight with my kids) to an indoor foot court.

Give Your Kids A History Lesson At Heritage Square

Give your kids a history lesson at Heritage Square. Heritage Square is a collection of relocated historic homes and structures that showcase Oxnard’s founding in the late 19th century. It’s the perfect place to let the kids burn off some energy while soaking up a bit of local culture.

• Take a guided tour to explore inside the beautifully restored Victorian and Craftsman homes
• Grab a treat at Heritage Coffee , which is housed inside one of the historic buildings next door.
• Keep the history lesson going – Hop back in the car and drive to Oxnard Historic Farm Park. The historic farm site is home to two of the oldest buildings still standing on the Oxnard Plain—an 1870s Farmhouse and the 1869 Brick Residence/Winery—along with vintage tractors and farm equipment, a vineyard, an orchard and other reminders of the farming roots that helped shape the city.

SheBuysTravel Tip: If you are visiting Heritage Square, check their community calendar online before you go, as they regularly host outdoor markets, seasonal festivals and historic tours.

Watch The Dallas Cowboys Train (Seasonal)

If you’re a football fan—especially of the Lone Star State variety—then a trip to Oxnard should definitely be on your bucket list. For 20 years, the city has been partnering with “America’s Team” to host the Dallas Cowboys Training Camp. The practice runs about two hours a day, every year in early August, with special events including performances by the Dallas Cowboys cheerleaders. The best part? General admission is totally free!

Training Camp Highlights:

• Free bleacher seating every day (until capacity) – The seasonal summer practices are open to the public. Parking is $20, but a seat on the bleachers is totally free!
• Optional upgrades – If you want to ensure getting up close to your favorite players, a $20 Sidelines Access Pass gets you standing-room-only right next to the field! There is also a shaded VIP area that includes snacks and drinks ($100 weekdays/$150 weekends)—all available from SeatGeek.
• Merchandise galore – All the Dallas Cowboys gear you can imagine is available at the merch shop.
• Autograph opportunities – After the practice, many of the players take the time to sign autographs for fans, so bring a Sharpie and something to be signed.

Read more: Dallas Cowboys Oxnard Training Camp: How to Visit for Free (With Kids!)

Where To Stay In Oxnard, California, With Kids

You’ve got to love a brand-new hotel! The hallways still smelled like new carpet when we stayed at the SpringHill Suites Ventura Oxnard, which opened in 2026 and sits just across the street from The Collection at RiverPark shopping center (win!). But there are plenty of great options—all relatively affordable—all around Oxnard.

• SpringHill Suites Ventura Oxnard – A brand-new, all-suite hotel featuring spacious rooms, free breakfast, in-room microwaves and mini-fridges, a fitness center, a pool and the standout Flora Loca Rooftop Cantina. Address: 801 Town Center Dr. in Oxnard.
• Zachari Dunes – Located right on Mandalay Beach, this all-suite Hilton Curio Collection property features an upscale, casual vibe and direct beach access. The resort boasts a massive pool with poolside dining and is pet-friendly for up to two dogs. There are tennis courts and an on-site gear shop where you can rent beach essentials like surfboards and boogie boards, plus telescopes, GoPro cameras and even Nintendo Switches or Xbox controllers for the kids to wind down with after a day in the sun. Address: 2101 Mandalay Beach Road in Oxnard.
• Hampton Inn Channel Islands – A coastal, budget-friendly option right on the Channel Islands Harbor. Pet-friendly. Amenities include a pool, marina views, a fitness center and free breakfast. Address: 3231 Peninsula Rd. in Oxnard.

Where To Eat In Oxnard, California With Kids

Whether you want a view of the marina or a sweeping rooftop view of the cars whizzing by on the freeway, there are some great options for eating out in Oxnard.

• The Waterfront – Upscale enough to feel fancy but casual enough that you don’t have to change clothes after your surrey ride, this popular eatery is located in the middle of the Channel Islands Harbor’s waterfront and offers New American mainstays including wagyu burgers, steak and seafood. Address: 3500 Harbor Blvd., Ste. 1-100, Oxnard, CA 93035.
• Flora Loca Rooftop Cantina – Perched at the top of the SpringHill Suites next to the 101 Freeway, this is Oxnard’s very first rooftop bar. It features fresh Mexican dishes with a modern twist, a vibrant open-air atmosphere, and an extensive cocktail menu. Address: 801 Town Center Dr., Oxnard, CA 93036.
• Heritage Coffee & Gifts – If you take your kids to downtown Oxnard to stroll past the gorgeous antique homes of Heritage Square, be sure to make a stop here. It is located inside a historic house of its own, offering charmingly creaky hardwood floors, a cozy neighborhood ambiance, and delicious matcha lattes. Address: 210 W. 7th St., Oxnard, CA 93030.
• Wagon Wheel Brewing Company – Named for Oxnard’s iconic Wagon Wheel roadside complex that once stood nearby, this family-friendly brewery serves craft beer alongside burgers, pizzas, sandwiches and other casual fare, with indoor and outdoor space for dining. Address: 2601 Wagon Wheel Rd., Oxnard, CA 93036.
• The Annex Food Hall (at The Collection) – Why should everyone agree on one restaurant? At The Collection’s food hall, everyone can grab their own pick, from pizza and ramen to pho, poke and hot chicken. Address: 550 Collection Blvd., Oxnard, CA 93036.
• Oxnard’s Taco Trail – Like most SoCal cities, tacos are a big deal. To help track your local taco checklist, the Oxnard Taco Trail is a list of must-visit taco joints—from taco trucks to sit-down restaurants—within city limits.

Fall Festivals and Events In Oxnard, California

• THROUGH AUGUST 18 – Dallas Cowboys Training Camp (scrimmage against New Orleans Saints on Aug. 18).
• AUGUST THROUGH SEPTEMBER – Blue whale season! It is during this time that blue whales come to feed on krill around the Channel Islands—which makes it a great time to take a whale watching cruise!
• SEPTEMBER 10-13 – Oxnard Jazz Festival – A beachfront music festival at ‘Olołkoy Beach Park, with jazz, R&B, soul, Latin and blues plus food and vendors. 2026 is billed as the 7th annual festival.
• OCTOBER 3 – Oxnard Multicultural Festival – A free festival with live music, dance, international food, arts and crafts and family activities at Plaza Park in downtown Oxnard.
• OCTOBER 17 – Día de los Muertos celebration at Heritage Square. Known as Panteón Fest, this celebration transforms the historic square into a Día de los Muertos extravaganza with live music, a theatrical performance, community altars, Mexican and Latin food trucks and art displays.

How To Get To Oxnard, California

If you’re coming from Los Angeles or anywhere else in Southern or Central California, driving is your best bet. It’s an easy straight shot and, if you hug the coastline, you get to drive Pacific Coast Highway, arguably one of the prettiest drives in the U.S.

• Getting to Oxnard by car : Take Highway 1 (the iconic Pacific Coast Highway) or Highway 101 (the freeway, which is faster but not as scenic).
• Getting to Oxnard by train :Amtrak’s Pacific Surfliner operates between San Diego and San Luis Obispo, and its Oxnard stop is located in downtown Oxnard. It’s a gorgeous ride that snakes along portions of the coastline and through small towns and cities.
• Getting to Oxnard by bus: Greyhound stops at the Oxnard Transit Center in downtown Oxnard, the same transportation hub used by Amtrak and local buses.
• Getting to Oxnard by plane : Oxnard has a small regional airport, but the nearest major airport is LAX, about 60 miles away. From LAX, you can rent a car and head north to Oxnard.

SheBuysTravel Tip: If traveling by train, plane or bus, I’d recommend renting a car once you arrive in Oxnard. The city covers more than 26 square miles and its main attractions are spread out, with the beaches, harbor, downtown and The Collection at RiverPark in different parts of town.

Oxnard, California: FAQs

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