Oxnard offers 7 stunning miles of pristine and picturesque beaches.

Best Oxnard Beaches

Oxnard is known for its pristine shoreline and mostly sunny weather, making it the ideal beach town. You really can’t go wrong when choosing a sandy spot to post up, but Silver Strand Beach is always my family’s first pick. This stunning mile-long stretch is a bit of a trek off the 101, which means it doesn't get as busy as some other beaches in the area. Bordered by the Port Hueneme Naval Base to the south and a water channel that meets the harbor on the north side, it's an ideal spot for surfing, kayaking, sunbathing, and fishing.

Another fan favorite is Hollywood Beach along Harbor Boulevard–the very same stretch of shore where legends like Clark Gable and Rudolph Valentino filmed their iconic movies. Back in the day, many celebrities purchased real estate in the area, but now it’s a popular public beach with plenty of space for the whole family to enjoy the sand, sun, surf, and sea. Pop over to nearby Channel Islands Harbor for paddleboarding, bike rentals, kayaking and more.

The Channel Islands Maritime Museum is free for kids 18 and under.

Free and Affordable Oxnard Activities

Parks and Playgrounds: 'olołkoy Beach Park is my family’s number one pick, filling 60-acres with walking trails, grassy expanses, volleyball courts, barbecues, bike paths, a pirate ship play structure, wheelchair access to the beach, and reasonably priced parking if you can’t snag a free street spot. Peninsula Park in Channel Islands Harbor is another favorite, with tennis courts, BBQ pits, and a children’s playground with slides and swings.

Channel Islands Maritime Museum: The Channel Islands Maritime Museum showcases a huge collection of maritime paintings, ship models, and artifacts–plus one of the largest bone-model displays (yes, ships made of bones). Free admission for kids 18 and under.

DW Drums Tour: Almost every Thursday afternoon, Oxnard’s DW Drums invites curious patrons to see how a drum set is made from start to finish and take a quick tuning lesson. To secure a spot on this free tour, call (805) 485-6999 x 450 at least two days in advance.

Free Concerts: For kid-friendly free concerts, both Harbor View Park’s “Concerts by the Sea,” and Downtown Oxnard’s “Heritage Square Summer Concert Series” invite visitors to bring blankets and picnics and enjoy no-cost performances. The Collection at Riverpark also hosts a free fall/summer concert series called “Rock the Collection” with a variety of rock tribute bands.

Free Car Shows: See over 350 classic models from every era at the Downtown Oxnard Summer Car Show in July or catch Classics by the Sea: Wooden Boat Show & Classic Car Show, which draws in dads every Father’s Day. And don’t miss the parade of classic cars that cruises down the boulevard for Downtown Oxnard Cruise Nights on the second Friday from May through July. There are plenty of other free car shows across Oxnard throughout the year too.

Channel Island Kayak Center’s History and Wildlife Tour: Ok, you’re going to need to take your wallet out for this one, but boy is it worth it! I can’t recommend more highly that you spend some of the money you save with free activities on the family-friendly and oh-so-memorable Channel Islands Kayak Center’s History and Wildlife Kayak Tour. Explore the history of the Channel Islands by kayaking through a sea cave, searching for fossils and pirate treasure, and meeting "Chippy," a life-size replica pygmy mammoth. From there, you’ll head out into the harbor in search of sea lions, marine birds, starfish, crabs and all sorts of stunning local wildlife.

More Kid-Friendly Activities: For more ideas and activities, take a look at our list of over 30 of the best things to do in Oxnard with kids.

Harbor and ocean views make for a memorable stay in Oxnard.

Affordable Places to Stay in Oxnard

Hampton Inn Channel Islands Harbor

Opt for a room with a view at the reasonably-priced harborside Hampton Inn Channel Islands Harbor, close to the Maritime Museum and some of Oxnard’s best waterfront dining options. Your stay includes a complimentary On the House™ hot breakfast or Hampton's On the Run™ breakfast bags, free parking, and free WiFi. The outdoor heated pool is also sure to be a big hit.

Homewoods Suites Oxnard

Apartment-style living spaces with fully equipped kitchens, sleeper sofas, and laundry make Homewoods Suites a perfect fit for families–and my personal pick when visiting Oxnard. Save on your trip with homemade meals and a complimentary hot breakfast. Plus, enjoy free on-site amenities like basketball courts, barbecues, and an outdoor pool.

Zachari Dunes on Mandalay Beach

Voted the #1 Best New Hotel of 2024 in the U.S. by USA Today's 10 Best Reader's Choice Awards, Zachari Dunes is a breathtaking all-suite beachfront option with spacious accommodations and a long list of amenities. Kids will love the picturesque resort pool, the game-filled recreation room, and direct access to the beach for volleyball, bike riding, and sandcastle building. While this pick isn’t Oxnard’s most affordable resort, it’s a fraction of the cost of a similar stay in Santa Monica or Huntington Beach.

Find a ton of family-friendly restaurants with plenty of kid-approved options.

Best Oxnard Family Restaurants

Cafe Dolce Vita: As a coffee enthusiast myself, I have to highlight this gem of a cafe located inside the Oxnard train station. Grab a cup, or try one of their sandwiches or desserts–you won't be sorry!

The Annex Food Hall: From corn dogs to ramen, get delicious counter-service fare from a variety of different vendors while still being able to dine together. This spot is as affordable and family-friendly as it gets.

Fisherman's Catch: No trip to the coast is complete without seafood, and Fisherman's Catch is the best place to get coconut shrimp, calamari, lobster, and other classic dishes at a great price.

Sea Fresh: Seafresh is another winner with prices you can't beat. I normally opt for the Teriyaki Ahi bowl, my grandma’s been a long time fan of the Fish and Chips, and my kids have a hard time choosing from the expansive children’s menu.

The Strandwich: Located on The Strand and decked out in “Nardcore” memorabilia (SoCal’s hardcore punk rock movement), this well-priced smoked meat sandwich shop is the perfect place to grab a bite after a morning of surfing and swimming.

Honeycup Coffeehouse & Creamery: Honeycup has the cutest name in town, but it also has some of the best ice cream and coffee confections. There are two locations–one in the harbor and one at Wagon Wheel.

There are so many ways to keep vacation costs at a minimum and fun at a maximum.

Travel Tips for Saving Money in Oxnard

Your beach vacation doesn't have to cost a small fortune! Here are some more of our top tips for stretching your dollar in Oxnard:

• Visit during the fall or spring–known as "shoulder season"–rather than in summer. Oxnard weather is still incredible during the "off" months and crowds are at a minimum.
• If you have the flexibility, book your trip during the week when hotel rooms are cheaper because demand isn't as high.
• Choose a hotel with complimentary breakfast or an in-room kitchen where you can easily prepare meals and snacks.
• Take advantage of the many free and affordable activities around Oxnard to keep costs at a minimum and fun at a maximum!

For even more money-saving tips, things to do, and places to stay, head to Visit Oxnard.

All photos courtesy of Visit Oxnard