TOP THINGS TO DO IN OXNARD

There are so many fun activities and things to do in Oxnard. You’ll never want to leave!

Where OX Marks the Spot

OX marks the spot—and in Oxnard, there are loads of them. From sweet spots and hot spots to spicy spots and Insta-worthy spots, this underrated SoCal hideaway packs a punch. Just 60 miles north of LA, Oxnard rocks sunny skies, golden beaches, and the legendary Channel Islands only a boat ride away. But beneath that laid-back vibe lies a gritty music legacy—ignited when Sonny and Cher set up camp on Mandalay Beach back in the ’60s—that makes this city “a beat apart.”

Today, that raw energy collides with a rich Mexican-American heritage, a mellow beach scene, and off-the-charts natural beauty—making Oxnard prime territory for vinyl junkies, taco lovers, surf addicts, and nature nuts alike. Ready to jump in? So, jump in, be a local for the day, and see why OX marks the spot for your next adventure.

Choose Your Oxnard Experience

Rock Out & Tune In

If you’re craving ear-ringing riffs or soul-stirring beats, Oxnard delivers. Feel the raw attitude of “Nardcore” punk or vibe to the Grammy-winning flow of hometown hero Anderson .Paak. Need more variety? The Heritage Square Summer Concert Series jams out every Friday night with everything from Latin jazz to classic R&B under starry skies. Hungry for a deeper spin? Fidelity Record Pressing offers insider tours on how vinyl comes to life, while Drum Workshop (DW) is a drumhead’s paradise frequented by legends like Dave Grohl and Glen Sobel. Schedule a factory tour, soak up the storied kits, and let Oxnard’s gritty pride sink in.

Try “Hip Hops” or Handmade Tortillas

For serious flavor, Oxnard's Taco Trail is your holy grail. Street tacos, birria, barbacoa, spicy shrimp—you name it, they’re serving it hot. Hit Birria Mi Rancho for trendy birria tacos or Tacos La Bonita for mouthwatering barbacoa. Not a tequila type? Swap the margarita for a crisp West Coast IPA at Casa Agria Specialty Ales or a malty Belgian dubbel at Red Tandem Brewery—local joints proving that beer-making here is an art.

Get Carried Away by the Rhythm of the Waves

Once you’re fueled up on tunes and tacos, it’s time to hit the coast. Silver Strand Beach is a magnet for surfers—rookies and pros alike. If surfing isn’t your jam, cruise along Mandalay Beach on a Surrey bike from Wheel Fun Rentals and soak in the ocean breeze.

Feeling more daring? Book the Epic Sea Cave Combo with Channel Island Expeditions and sail out to Anacapa Island in the Channel Islands National Park. Picture dolphins, sea caves, and kayaking along craggy shorelines, capped off with snorkeling in a kelp forest straight out of a sci-fi flick. It’s a rush that’ll prove Oxnard is in a league all its own.

Visit Oxnard: A Beat Apart from Other Beach Cities

From the rebellious echoes of ‘Nardcore punk to the legendary Taco Trail and epic surf at Silver Strand, Oxnard marches to its own drum—and it’s electric. Throw in vinyl pressing tours, craft beer artistry, and jaw-dropping Channel Island adventures, and you’ve got a destination that’s authentically “A Beat Apart.”

So whether you’re here to jam, feast, or conquer the waves, Oxnard has your number. Stick around and you might decide it’s your favorite new SoCal spot—because the secret’s out: OX marks the spot, and you’re about to discover why.