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Oxnard grew up on the rich coastal plain of Ventura County, land long home to the Chumash people. In 1898 the Oxnard brothers built a large sugar beet factory here, and the town that grew around it was named for them and incorporated in 1903. Farmworkers from Mexico, Japan, China and the Philippines came to work the fields, and Oxnard remains one of the most important farming areas in California, famous above all for strawberries.
Downtown keeps the classical 1906 Carnegie library, now the Carnegie Art Museum, the shady Plaza Park with its fountain and pagoda, and Heritage Square, a group of restored Victorian homes and buildings. The city is also home to a busy deep-water harbor at nearby Port Hueneme and a large naval base.
Oxnard's coastline is its great draw. Wide sandy beaches stretch from Mandalay and Oxnard State Beach to Hollywood Beach and Silver Strand, Channel Islands Harbor offers restaurants, boating and whale watching, and boats leave the coast for Channel Islands National Park. South of town, the dramatic cliffs of Point Mugu mark the start of the Malibu coast.
A large marina on Oxnard's coast with waterfront restaurants, boat rentals, a sandy kids' beach, a farmers market and the departure point for some Channel Islands boat trips. Walk the harbor path at sunset, and look for summer concerts and the holiday boat parade in December.
A wide, quiet beach backed by dunes and a grassy park with picnic areas and walking paths, less crowded than many Southern California beaches. The sand is good for long walks and kite flying. Ocean currents can be strong, so swim with care and check for lifeguards in season.
A local favorite beach between Channel Islands Harbor and Port Hueneme, known for good surfing near the harbor jetty and a laid-back neighborhood feel. Parking is limited to street spaces and small lots, so arrive early on summer weekends. Watch for rip currents near the jetties.
A sandy beach west of Channel Islands Harbor, named after the silent films shot on its dunes in the 1920s, including The Sheik. Today it is calm and family-friendly with soft sand and harbor views. Bring your own food and shade, as services along the beach are limited.
One of the largest remaining coastal wetland areas in Southern California, on the south side of Oxnard, home to shorebirds, terns and the endangered western snowy plover. Short trails and the beach offer good birding. Respect closed nesting areas and bring binoculars for the best views.
A large state park southeast of Oxnard where the Santa Monica Mountains meet the sea, with beaches, canyon trails, the landmark Mugu Rock and spring wildflowers. La Jolla Canyon and Sycamore Canyon are popular hikes. Trails are exposed, so bring water, sun protection and good shoes.
An art museum in Oxnard's 1907 neoclassical Carnegie library building downtown, showing changing exhibitions of California and regional artists along with a permanent collection. It is small and affordable, and easily paired with a walk around Plaza Park and Heritage Square.
The historic central square of downtown Oxnard, with a Japanese-style pagoda bandstand, shade trees and lawns, used for festivals, concerts and farmers markets. It is a pleasant place to rest during a downtown walk. Nearby streets have older buildings, cafes and Mexican restaurants.
A block of restored Victorian homes, a church and a water tower from Oxnard's early years, moved here and preserved as a historic district. The buildings now hold offices and shops, and the grounds host events and occasional tours. Stroll the gardens and read the plaques about each house.
A large outdoor shopping and dining center in north Oxnard with stores, many restaurants, a cinema and landscaped walkways and plazas. It hosts seasonal events and is a convenient place to eat. Parking is free, and it is busiest on weekend evenings and during the holiday season.
The main theater and event venue in Oxnard, hosting concerts, dance performances, comedy, community theater and conventions in its auditorium and halls. It is the city's cultural hub for live shows. Check the event calendar, as programs range from local productions to touring acts.
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California, United States
California, United States
California, United States
California, United States
California, United States
California, United States
California, United States
California, United States
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