As a decade-long California resident, I can attest that LA isn’t all it’s cracked up to be.
The latest tourism statistics speak for themselves — you don’t need me to write a hit piece on one of America’s most iconic destinations, but it’s certainly my least favorite major city in the States (unless Albuquerque counts).
That being said, I won’t sugarcoat the fact that there are some awesome aspects of LA if you overlook the zombie-movie homelessness, excessive prices, and gridlock traffic that would even drive a Zen master mad.
LAX is one of America’s most connected airports, and it’s not just wherever you’re jetting off to next that makes it tempting to fly into — it’s LA’s array of paradisal outskirts that deserve way more recognition away from the bright lights of Hollywood.
Located just an hour and a half outside the city (with the best of traffic conditions), the lovely beach town of Oxnard offers visitors a selection of paradise shores and far less crowds than what you’d find in Santa Monica — no buzzing boardwalk, no unsightly Ferris wheel with echoes of screaming kiddos, and definitely no lack of elbow room along vivid Pacific waters.
True Tranquility: Where The Mountains Meet The Sea
We all know SoCal, anchored by San Diego, Orange County, and of course LA, as well as NorCal, headed by the cluster of Bay Area cities like San Francisco and San Jose, but sandwiched in between are numerous hidden gems on what’s known as California’s Central Coast.
Oxnard is Exhibit A, considered the dividing line between Southern and Central Cali, and not only in the shadows of LA, but also Santa Barbara and ritzy Montecito. Though Oxnard is much closer to LA, it is just a 45-minute drive to Malibu.
Backdropped by a natural curtain of the towering Topatopa Mountains, there are few places that will have you feeling like you leveled up your vacay in terms of sheer beauty, yet still remain off-radar from the masses who typically opt for more popular names.
While you’re unlikely to see snowcapped tips this time of year, Oxnard is a year-round destination, but summer sees splendid temperatures more likened to neighboring SoCal with averages of 73 to 75 degrees through October, while others shiver in their skivvies in search of the perfect fall foliage photo-op.
Beach days are an option throughout the year, but summer is the best time to take advantage of such a beautiful coastline with few people taking up space, as other notable destinations look like an ant farm from satellite photos.
Visit Oxnard’s Best Beaches — There’s No Bad Option
How can one of the most eye-popping beaches on the West Coast remain under wraps?
Hey, I’m just a travel writer. I don’t have an answer. What I do know is USA Today crowned Oxnard’s Olołkoy Beach Park the ‘Best Beach on the West Coast’ 3 years running, including 2025.
There’s no shortage of picture-perfect beaches in Oxnard. In fact, the city’s claim to fame is being the Dallas Cowboys’ summer training grounds, where “America’s favorite team” enjoys these pristine shores on their off days, but still remains a hidden gem to most vacationers.
Silver Strand Beach is a local favorite — a great spot for surfing, fishing, and kayaking on expansive shores.
Even though Oxnard is a place to escape LA’s bustle, ironically, Hollywood Beach is arguably the city’s most worthy beach of a postcard, backdropped by the aforementioned mountain range, making for a scene reminiscent of Interstellar without the 4,000-foot-tall waves.
Where to Stay & Eat: Don’t Skip Oxnard’s Taco Trail!
Local experts at The Pasadena Now Weekendr hyped up their stay at Zachari Dunes, a Hilton-brand suites-only hotel along Oxnard State Beach, yet another awesome beach locale to add to your wishlist.
Oxnard is mostly a mix of mid-tier chains and boutique hotels, so Zachari Dunes is your best bet to treat yourself to a true beach vacation.
As for food, the entire state of California is one of the country’s largest melting pots.
We all know what that means — epic eats!
While I have a hard time believing Oxnard’s Taco Trail beats the cuisine in my neck of the woods near Tijuana, locals and visitors alike both rave about it.
Of course, your only options won’t be birria, quesadillas, and street tacos — most of California’s coastal cities have impress menus laden with fresh seafood.
The Channel Islands, yet another awesome waterfront hangout, is home to Sea Fresh Channel Islands, one of the most popular eateries for “catch of the days”, including sushi and a raw bar with harborside seating.
Sam Sears
Sam, our Lead Writer & Journalist based in San Diego has visited 36 countries and written over 1000 articles with a focus on sharing his own travel experiences and shining a light on lesser-known gems.
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