Oxnard’s Best Local Parks: Where to Picnic

Grab your picnic basket and head to Oxnard’s best local parks to relax and unwind with your family and friends. The little ones will enjoy going down the slides on the playground as you get the grill ready for a tasty meal the whole family will enjoy. With pleasant weather year-round, Oxnard is a great place to visit for a day trip or a weekend excursion.

Best Parks in Oxnard

Oxnard Beach Park

One of Oxnard’s prime jewels, this 60-acre beach park, features a wide path for walking and exercise, beautiful dunes, and a playground the kids will love. Pack up your favorite eats for a BBQ and soak up the ocean breeze.

Amenities: Free public barbecue areas, Volleyball courts, Jogging paths, Bike rentals, Pirate ship jungle gym.
Activities: Volleyball, Walking, Biking, Surfing, Bodyboarding
Parking: Cash only only parking lot. Street parking is also available.

Fees:

• $1 per hour
• $5 all-day

Location: 1601 S Harbor Blvd, Oxnard, CA 93035

McGrath State Beach

Known as one of California's best bird-watching areas, McGrath State Beach is also a popular camping spot. The beach is open for day use, but the campground and parking area is closed due to intermittent flooding. Check here for updates.

Amenities: Parking, Restrooms/Showers, Outdoor showers, Drinking water available.Wheelchair accessible, Campsites, RV dump station, RV access
Activities: Fishing, Swimming, Nature & Wildlife Viewing, Windsurfing/Surfing
Location: The beach is 5 miles south of Ventura off Highway 101 via Harbor Boulevard.

Channel Islands Harbor Parks

Peninsula Park

Home to Concerts by the Sea during the summer months, this park offers Harbor views that can’t be beaten. It’s also a popular destination for car shows and viewing boat parades.

Amenities: Tennis Courts, Children’s playground with slides and swings, Picnic tables, BBQ pits, and Public restrooms.
Activities: Tennis, Playground, Biking, Running, Walking, BBQ’s
Details: Overnight camping is prohibited. The park is open from dusk to dawn. Dogs must be on a leash.
Location: 3333 Peninsula Rd, Oxnard, CA 93035

Harbor View Park

Watch the boats and wildlife in the Channel Islands Harbor. This quiet park features picnic tables and BBQs for a fun afternoon the whole family will enjoy.

Amenities: Picnic tables and BBQs overlooking Channel Islands Harbor Marina.
Activities: Walking, Running, Picnics
Location: 3600 Harbor Blvd, Oxnard, CA 93035

Channel View Park

Watch the boats entering and leaving the harbor from this park located at the end of Harbor Blvd and Ocean Drive. It’s next to Hollywood Beach, and you’ll get a great view of Anacapa Island from here. Keep an eye out for seals and dolphins in the harbor.

Amenities: Picnic tables, No public restrooms
Activities: Fishing, Boat watching, Picnics
Parking: Parking lot located at the park.
Location: Ocean Drive and Harbor Blvd, Oxnard, CA 93035

Oxnard Parks You'll Love

College Park

Bring your furry friends to this Oxnard park featuring an off-leash area for pups. It’s also home to the iconic California Strawberry Festival.

Amenities: Soccer fields, Basketball courts, Playground, Picnic tables, Walkways, and Public Restrooms.
Activities: Biking, Playground, Dog Park
Parking: Street parking and a private parking lot
Location: 3250 S Rose Ave, Oxnard, CA 93033

Southbank Park

Enjoy lots of open space that’s perfect for walking your dog. Kids will love the playground area featuring swings and slides.

Amenities: Playground, No Public Restrooms
Activities: Walking, Dog Walking, Playground
Location: 2600 Woodside Pl, Oxnard, CA 93036

Collection Park

Visit Oxnard’s premiers outdoor and lifestyle entertainment center. Mark your calendar for the Rock The Collection summer concert series featuring local bands. During the holiday season, watch the Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony and concert at The Collection.

Amenities: Art, Shopping, Dining, Public Restrooms
Activities: Live entertainment, Shopping, Dining, Walking
Parking: Metered Parking and Free Parking lots
Location: 2751 Park View Ct, Oxnard, CA 93036

Best Parks for Kids

• Southbank Park
• Peninsula Park
• Seabridge
• Oxnard Beach Park
• Rio Lindo Park
• Southwest Community Park

Skate Parks

• Bedford Pinkard Skate Park (College Park)
• Oxnard Community Park West

Best Places to Enjoy A Picnic

• Oxnard Beach Park
• Marina Park
• Point Mugu State Park

Best Parks to Listen to Live Music

• Collection Park - Rock The Collection + Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony
• Oxnard Beach Park - Oxnard Jazz Festival - This day-long celebration at Oxnard Beach Park is a celebration of Jazz, Latin, Soul, Blues, and R&B music. The Oxnard Jazz Festival is all about fusion: Jazz, Latin, Soul, Blues, and R&B.
• Plaza Park - Mark your calendars for the Annual Downtown Oxnard Tree Lighting Ceremony. Every year, families flock to Plaza Park to watch the 110-ft Christmas Tree light up. Enjoy holiday music, refreshments, and a visit from Santa. Spice things up at the Oxnard Salsa Festival. Sample spicy salsa varieties and watch the battle of the bands and live entertainment.

Best Parks for Dogs in Oxnard

• College Park Dog Park is an off-leash dog park with two areas for small and big canines. Your pup will love running on the agility equipment, and there’s also a shaded area with benches for the owners. Need to groom your furry friend? Use the pet bathing station on-site.
• Campus Park, the former site of Oxnard High School, is another off-leash dog park. It’s located on the corner of 5th and H streets.
• Jax’s Windrow Dog Park is an off-leash dog park located at 3052 North Ventura Road.
• Oxnard Beach Park is a great place to bring your pet. Dogs must be on a leash.
• Hollywood Beach - Dogs can roam free before 9 am and after 5 pm.
• Silver Strand Beach allows dogs on a leash before 9 am and after 5 pm.

Related: Pet-friendly places in Oxnard