Nestled on the scenic California coastline, about an hour north of Malibu, Oxnard is one of California’s best kept secrets and a true hidden gem of a destination. And fall is the perfect time to enjoy an escape to this vibrant beach town, where visitors can enjoy a stunning new beachfront resort, cultural activities for the whole family, diverse food and drink offerings, miles of uncrowded, pristine golden-duned beaches and more.
Where to stay? Check into the beautiful new Zachari Dunes Mandalay Beach, Curio Collection by Hilton, which debuts this fall following a multi-million-dollar renovation. As Southern California’s only all-suite oceanfront resort, the reimagined Spanish Hacienda-style resort features spacious accommodations, exhilarating adventures, epicurean delights, and blissful relaxations, perfect for an effortless California getaway.
Guests will enjoy elevated culinary experiences from poolside restaurant Ox & Ocean, which offers refined cuisine and unique craft cocktails inspired by the bounty of the Oxnard Plain and its pristine coastal waters; to Sugar Beats, a converted Airstream trailer that offers locally roasted coffee and on-the-go offerings to start the day, as well as locally crafter beers and canned cocktails each afternoon to accompany fresh-caught seafood and Cali-inspired handhelds.
The resort’s centrally-located pool is perfect for soaking in the sun with a uniquely crafted cocktail or relaxing in one of the private cabanas. For guests seeking adventure and fun, Henry’s Sundries and Gear Rental is a one-stop shop for everything needed to experience the best of the resort surrounding Mandalay Beach, including bicycles, boogie boards, GoPros, longboards, Hoverboards, gaming systems and more. Guests can also make use of the resort’s state-of-the-art fitness center and access the outdoor classes including fitness classes, sunrise yoga and water aerobics, or enjoy a little friendly competition on the resort’s tennis courts.
What to do? Oxnard is filled with rich culture and history, and fall is a wonderful time to enjoy the numerous cultural events that take place in Oxnard each year. Día de Los Muertos is just one of the annual signature events held each fall – a multi-day, cultural, culinary, and artistic celebration in November for the whole family. The annual Multicultural Festival will take place in October to kick off Multicultural Month, including free entertainment, craft food vendors and an array of international booths celebrating the rich cultural fabric of Oxnard residents.
Oxnard also has an incredible classic car culture. In addition to two premier auto museums – the Mullin Automotive Museum and the Murphy Auto Museum – visitors can enjoy fall car shows including the Central Coast British Car Show and the Ponies by the Sea, as well as the weekly community care meet-ups, such as Muscles & Mojo from The Murphy Auto Museum.
Outdoor adventures abound in Oxnard and the sunny, slightly cooler weather makes fall the perfect time to get outside and explore. From bike and surrey rentals along the beach path in front of Zachari Dunes, to stand up paddle boarding, jet skiing or kayaking through the Channel Island Harbor, to a ride in an authentic Venetian gondola through the Seabridge Marina, adventure-seekers can find plenty to do by land and sea.
How to get here? Oxnard is easily accessible by plane, train, or automobile. It’s located just sixty miles northwest of Los Angeles International Airport, and just over forty-five miles southeast of Santa Barbara Airport. For road-trippers, Oxnard is conveniently located right where the Pacific Coast Highway meets 101. And this fall, the Oxnard Transit Center in Downtown Oxnard will welcome those traveling by train with a brand new mural celebrating Oxnard’s diversity.