Escape to Oxnard: A 5-Day Adventure on a Budget

Explore the beauty of Oxnard without breaking the bank!

21 June 2023

A trip to Oxnard on a limited budget will offer a great mix of affordable outdoor activities and cultural experiences. Explore the beautiful beaches and hiking trails, visit the historic district and enjoy local cuisine. Opt for budget-friendly accommodations like camping or staying at a hostel to make the most of your trip.

Save and get deals

Travel plan

Getting latest place information
Day 1

Beach Day

  • Check into the affordable Embassy Suites Mandalay Beach Hotel & Resort.
  • Head to Silver Strand Beach for some sun, sea, and surf. Rent a paddleboard or kayak to explore the Channel Islands.
  • Grab fish tacos and a margarita at Waterside Restaurant & Wine Bar. The views of the harbor will blow you away.
  • Stroll the Channel Islands Harbor Village and grab a scoop of mint chip at Coastal Cone Ice Cream.
Day 2

Wildlife Adventure

  • Start the day with breakfast at Anacapa Brewing Company. Try their massive burrito or avocado toast.
  • Take a whale watching tour with Channel Islands Whale Watching. Spot humpbacks, dolphins, and even blue whales if you’re lucky.
  • Visit the Channel Islands National Park Visitor Center to learn about the rare wildlife on the islands.
  • Enjoy authentic Mexican food at La Dolce Vita, a hole-in-the-wall spot with huge portions and reasonable prices.
  • Take a sunset stroll along Oxnard State Beach and watch the sky light up.
Day 3

Farmer’s Market Hopping

  • Grab a quick breakfast at The Red Tandem Café, a charming spot with outdoor seating and delicious pastries.
  • Visit the Downtown Oxnard Farmers Market for fresh produce, crafts, and live music. Try some juicy strawberries or a crunchy apple.
  • Check out the Heritage Square for a taste of Oxnard’s history. Tour the Victorian homes and check out the vintage cars.
  • Head to The Collection at Riverpark for some shopping and dining options. Try The Cheesecake Factory for lunch.
  • Catch a movie under the stars at Plaza Park. Bring a blanket and some popcorn.
Day 4

Wine Tasting

  • Have brunch at Eggs N Things, a popular spot with omelets and pancakes. Try the pineapple pancakes.
  • Take a wine tour with The Ojai Vineyard located in the scenic Ojai Valley. Sample some Syrah and Chardonnay.
  • Head to Herzog Wine Cellars for a kosher wine tasting experience. Try some of their award-winning wines and enjoy their picturesque grounds.
  • Cap off the day with classic Italian fare at La Dolce Vita Ristorante. Order the linguine alle vongole or the chicken piccata.
Day 5

Explore the Outdoors

  • Have a breakfast burrito from Mary’s Secret Garden, a vegetarian spot with plenty of options.
  • Head to Lake Casitas Recreation Area for hiking trails and fishing. Rent a paddleboat or kayak to explore the lake.
  • Visit the WWII Aviation Museum to see vintage airplanes and learn about American history.
  • Enjoy some al fresco dining at Ragin’ Waters, a casual eatery serving up burgers and more. Grab a beer and relax in their outdoor seating area.
  • Make your way back to the Embassy Suites Mandalay Beach Hotel & Resort and enjoy a nightcap at the bar. Take in the ocean views and reflect on your adventurous trip.

Length of stay

1 day 2 days 3 days 4 days 5 days

Type of trip

Standard trip Budget Family Friendly Romantic Stag do

How to get there

Plane

The best way to get to Oxnard, United States by plane is to fly into Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) and then take a shuttle or drive to Oxnard, which is approximately 60 miles away.

Car

Driving is the easiest way to get to Oxnard. If you're coming from Los Angeles, take the US-101 highway north for about an hour until you reach Oxnard. Alternatively, if you're coming from Santa Barbara, take the US-101 south for about 40 minutes.

Train

Unfortunately, there are no train stations in Oxnard, so taking a train is not an option.

Boat

Unfortunately, there are no options to get to Oxnard by boat as the city does not have a port or marina.

Bus

Taking a bus from major cities like Los Angeles or Santa Barbara is a convenient way to get to Oxnard. Greyhound and Amtrak both offer regular services to Oxnard Transit Center, located in the center of the city.

Destination

Oxnard

Welcome to the land of perpetual sunshine and avocados (seriously, they're everywhere). Say hello to Oxnard – the city that never met a burrito it didn't like.

 Save and get deals

Number of days

1 2 3 4 5

Type of trip

Standard trip Budget Family Friendly Romantic Stag do

More travel plans

Coastal Adventure: 4 Days in Vibrant Oxnard

Oxnard is a beautiful coastal city with plenty of activities to offer visitors traveling on a budget. Visit Silver Strand Beach, a free and secluded beach where you can surf or paddleboard. Take a hike at the nearby Ventura River Preserve, where you can enjoy stunning views of the mountains and river without spending a dime. Lastly, stroll through the charming downtown area where you can try affordable cuisine from local restaurants.

Oxnard Delights: The Ultimate 4-Day Family Adventure!

Oxnard, located in California's beautiful Ventura County, is a perfect destination for a family-friendly trip. With its stunning beaches and mild climate, you can indulge in various outdoor activities like swimming, boating, and building sandcastles with the kids. Visit Channel Islands Harbor for fantastic seafood options and enjoy exploring kid-friendly attractions such as the Gull Wings Children's Museum and the Channel Islands Maritime Museum, making it a memorable trip for the whole family.

Coastal Cuisine & Culture: 2 Days in Oxnard

As a traveler planning to visit Oxnard on a limited budget, there are several things to consider. The city offers a range of affordable accommodations, from hostels to budget-friendly hotels. Additionally, visitors can explore the city's beaches, parks, and local museums for free or at a nominal fee. Finally, sampling the city's diverse culinary offerings, particularly seafood, can also be done on a budget at local food trucks and cafes.

3-Day Oxnard Adventure: Beaches, Wine, Seafood

Oxnard is a coastal city in California that offers a variety of activities for tourists. Visitors can explore the beaches and enjoy water activities such as surfing and stand-up paddleboarding. The city also has a vibrant arts and culture scene, with numerous galleries, museums, and theaters to discover.