Between LA And Santa Barabara Is A Coastal California City With Uncrowded Beaches And Family Fun

Typically, when looking at a coastal California city for a trip, travelers would pick obvious choices, like San Diego or the quieter beach getaway of Santa Barbara. But the fact is that the Golden State is full of fantastic coastal towns, even those you may not think of initially. One such option is Oxnard, which sits about 45–60 minutes south of Santa Barbara and one to two hours northwest of Los Angeles by car, depending on traffic.

A big part of what makes Oxnard such a worthy destination is that it's not at the top of everyone's travel lists. So, its beaches are less crowded, and you really get to stretch your legs and enjoy the shoreline. But beyond sitting on the sand, the city is also the gateway to the "Galapagos of North America," aka the Channel Islands, as boats set off from the Channel Islands Harbor. Also, if you're a history buff, you can explore Heritage Square, a district that highlights downtown Oxnard's past through tours, live events, and dining options.

So, if you're looking to fly under the radar in a true hidden gem of the California coastline, it's time to give Oxnard a look. Here's why it might work well for your next West Coast adventure.

Since uncrowded beaches are one of Oxnard's primary selling points, let's break down the options you can explore while you're here. First, if you'd rather hang out with locals than tourists, check out Silver Strand Beach on the southern tip of the city's coastline. This spot is also great for surfing if you want to take a board out during your vacation. But for other non-motorized watercraft, one place to launch is Hobie Beach inside Channel Islands Harbor, which is much less choppy than the open ocean.

Alternatively, if you prefer to visit an award-winning beach, 'Olol'koy Beach Park (formerly Oxnard Beach Park) took the number two spot for best California beaches in a USA Today poll. The park also offers additional recreation opportunities, such as biking and jogging paths, a children's play area, and volleyball courts. Similarly, you can go to where Old Hollywood stars used to relax and check out Hollywood Beach. Since this stretch of sand is extra wide, there's plenty of space to set up and enjoy the scenery, such as sunsets behind the Channel Islands.

Being on the beach can also whet your appetite. Fortunately, there are several bars and restaurants close to the shoreline, making it easy to satisfy your cravings without having to drive into town. For a pint and a bit of history, check out the Beachcomber Tavern, which traces its history to Mably's Cafe, opened in 1938. Or, if you're looking for a hearty breakfast to give you energy to be out on the water, the Hollywood Beach Cafe has you covered with pancakes, eggs, and more. Then, when it's time for dinner, The Shores Restaurant offers seafood, burgers, and wings.

Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) is one option for reaching Oxnard, located about 65 miles southeast of the city. If you prefer to take the scenic route, though, drive up the Pacific Coast Highway. This way, you can enjoy views of the ocean almost the entire way and marvel at the luxury homes of Malibu. Once you arrive in town, there are numerous hotels and vacation rentals available. If you want to stay close to the beach, places like Zachari Dunes on Mandalay Beach allow you to literally walk out to the ocean whenever you like. As an aside, the city's founder, Henry Oxnard, wanted to name it Zachari, the Greek word for sugar, because of the sugar-like sands and the region's sugar beet industry.

As we mentioned, outside of Oxnard's beachfront scenery, the next best thing to do in the city is to visit Heritage Square. Interestingly enough, while this district features historic buildings, including Victorian-style houses, a church, and a water tower, they didn't exist in this spot originally. Instead, the square was envisioned in 1985 and made a reality in 1991. Today, it's a great place to listen to live music and take a tour to learn more about the buildings and their heritage. 

Finally, if you're staying in Oxnard, take advantage of its location and explore other nearby coastal cities. For example, Ventura is next door, and it's a vibrant destination with a scenic pier, beaches, and hiking.