There is nothing better than traveling with someone you love.On our latest trip to California, I had to play the tour guide and share my Oxnard’s Favorite Things to Do With my partner David and our son Jayden. This is where I grew up and I love going home, going to the beach, eating at my favorite places, and exploring what’s new in town.​​​
If you’re planning a road trip, or want to venture somewhere new, here’s how to plan the perfect weekend or 3-day trip in Oxnard, including where to go, where to eat, and where to stay in Oxnard.
How to Plan the Perfect (Long) Weekend in Oxnard
This is what our schedule looks like to travel with a one year old.
Day 1 – Silver Beach
morning – A visit to Oxnard Beach is impossible without a visit, so we spent the morning exploring Silver Beach. If you want to see art frescoes and the Layenne shipwreck, head to the end of Ocean Drive and Sutter Drive. Colorful murals are just a short walk from the street. We also really enjoyed seeing the historic sites of this luxury ship. This is an interesting hidden gem worth exploring when you visit.
Lunch – We bought lobster tacos and brisket sandwiches at The Strandwhich and had a family picnic at Silver Strand Beach. After dinner, we strolled around the beach and had a relaxing time before Jayden took a nap.
3pm – Check in at the Hampton Inn and explore the hotel.
dinner – We invited my parents to join us at Moqueca, our Brazilian restaurant in the Channel Islands harbour. My parents love to eat here, so it’s great to spend family time with them and enjoy delicious food.
Day 2 – Downtown Oxnard
morning – We pick up breakfast at the hotel, then I take Jayden to Peninsula Park to play on the playground. We walked to the pier to say hello to the sea lions and watch them play in the water. My mom and nephew joined us as we stopped at Toppers Pizza before heading to the downtown Oxnard farmers market. We picked beautiful sunflowers and ate delicious local strawberries.
Lunch – Sushi Way is a fun restaurant in downtown Oxnard with a fusion of Japanese and Latin flavors. I love that you can order Horchata with sushi rolls.
dinner – Settebello at RiverPark Collection is always a buzzing dinner venue. We really liked their selection of appetizers and pizzas, and the drinks were great. They also have a happy hour menu.
Day 3 – Sea Bridge Picnic
morning – While it may not look busy from the outside, BG Cafe in downtown Oxnard is a great place to grab a hearty breakfast. We love the friendly service and delicious food, and they were quick to place orders. After breakfast we head back to the hotel to rest and I take Jayden to the playground before he takes his nap.
afternoon – I invited my friends and family to join us for a unique and fun experience at Seabridge. Pop Up Party Rentals Set us up for a fun boho picnic overlooking the water. We ordered food from Fishermen’s Catch and had lunch by the water. After lunch, the children played at the Sea Bridge playground. The weather was perfect and it was the perfect way to end the weekend in Oxnard.
You really can’t beat the Hampton Inn location. This hotel is right on the marina next to Peninsula Park.
Here’s what we love about the stay:
- The room with the king bed is spacious and you can fit a portable cot without feeling cramped. There is a mini fridge, sofa, desk and microwave.
- Great view! My son loves boats so having a balcony with a view was perfect.
- there is one Heated swimming pool and fitness center.
- It’s close to restaurants. Toppers Pizza is just a short walk away and the Harbour restaurant is about a five-minute drive away.
- Next to the playground. If you have kids, you know how ideal it is to be able to walk to the playground and let them run around.
- Free breakfast. It’s super convenient to make your own waffles, have breakfast, and have a cup of coffee before leaving the hotel.
- Friendly service. I needed to buy milk for our son and the hotel staff were very friendly and prepared milk for us. That was very helpful!
in conclusion
Bookmark this post if you want to explore more interesting things to do in Oxnard: 15 Fun Things to Do with Kids in Oxnard, CA.
thanks Visit Oxnard, used to host our accommodation. All opinions are my own.
