Things to do: Channel Islands Harbor – Oxnard, California

Experience breathtaking up-front scenic vistas across 9 miles of ocean waters to our stunning archipelago. The Channel Islands comprise one of only two National Parks in all of Southern California. Explore a variety of attractions, solo or group adventures, shopping and dining experiences and so much more!

Channel Islands Harbor Restaurants

Whether you're out for date night, sitting down for a family dinner, or simply fueling up before the start of a new adventure, the Channel Islands Harbor caters to a wide array of palates with food you'll find delectable!

Our waterfront restaurants have the hook up (literally) with some of the freshest caught seafood around. Dive into a plate of seafood "just off the boat" at Fisherman's House Sushi, Sea Fresh or Moqueca Brazilian Cuisine. For a more casual patio dining experience, paddle over to H.C. Seafood & Co.

Don't forget to put the cherry on top of your dining experience with a tasty dessert! Italian theme your #cheatday with gelato from Honey Cup Coffeehouse and Creamery before hopping on a Venetian Gondola Paradiso, or sprinkle some sweetness into your day with a signature cupcake from Spudnuts Donuts.

Need to restock your pantry? Foodies will swoon for our farmers market open every Sunday! Find produce, baked goods, fresh seafood and trinkets. Locally sourced goods from this ever-expanding collection of growers and vendors make this the perfect place to stock up on fresh groceries and fine gifts.

How to Get to Channel Islands National Park

With the shortest direct route between the mainland and the islands, Channel Islands Harbor is the gateway to Channel Islands National Park, often referred to as "the Galapagos of North America," Take an expedition to experience the magic, diversity and wonder of this natural ocean environment: set sail on an Island Packers excursion to Anacapa Island for a day visit or camping trip, and during the spring, witness the annual whale migration on a whale watching tour!

Set out for a bucketlist worthy experience: ocean kayaking with Channel Islands Expeditions. This operator will guide you over the waters through Anacapa Island's iconic Arch Rock and through dense networks of sea caves.

Reel in a prize catch from one of the many fish species navigating our waters by chartering a boat for guided fishing trips from our sportfishing operators: Hook's Landing and Channel Islands Sportfishing Center. Come home with an angled sea bass, yellowtail, calico bass, rock cod, sand bass, barracuda and more.

The Channel Islands Marine Sanctuary, nestled between Oxnard and the Channel Islands, is over a thousand square miles of protected marine habitat with a diverse assortment of marine life. The sanctuary is also a resting place for several historic shipwrecks and artifacts. Explore them on a scuba diving expedition!

Channel Islands Harbor Water Sports

Dip your toes into adventure by renting a kayak, stand-up paddleboard or paddle or electric boat from Hopper Boat Rentals or Channel Islands Kayak Center, or test your need for speed over undulating waves on Southern California Jet Skis.

Spend an afternoon on the water, and expose yourself to up-close encounters with Harbor wildlife friends including seals, sea lions, seabirds, octopi and sea stars! Or, stretch it out on the water with Sea Dog Yoga, a Stand Up Paddleboard Yoga class.

Prefer to stay on dry land? Spend the day on wheels enjoying the California sunshine by renting a bike, chopper or quad sport from Wheel Fun Rentals! Ride down to Oxnard's trifecta of gorgeous Southern California beaches: Silver Strand Beach, Hollywood Beach and Mandalay Beach (Oxnard Beach). Wheel Fun also offers deuce coupes and 4-person surreys, so your whole group can cruise together!

Maritime Attractions

Trace the history of these shipwrecks, as well as the rich past of the Harbor, at the Channel Islands Maritime Museum. Gawk at the masterpiece paintings dating from 1600-1850 that fill the Seascape Gallery. Dive into the tales of whaling history. Hear the stories of the native Indian tribes who once called this area their home.

Remember that gondola cruise we mentioned above? Seriously, check it out. Your gondolier may even sing to you.

Coming to Oxnard for an event? Be sure to book an after party aboard Scarlett Belle, a stunning double-decker paddlewheel riverboat docked right here in Channel Islands Harbor.

Plan Your Stay

The Channel Islands Harbor offers so many unique experiences! Whether you're dining at the water's edge, enjoying your view from your hotel room, splashing around with water sports, or launching a journey to scenic islands, the Channel Islands Harbor is the perfect place for date nights, family time and solo (or group) adventure. Start planning your trip today, and experience everything the Harbor, and Oxnard, have to offer.