Oxnard Beach and Pirate Playground

Ventura, California, USA

Description

Oxnard Beach is a beautiful area despite its cold breezes. The wide beach has an abundance of fine, white sand. Dotted with wildflowers, the dunes make you feel like you're in a sort of wonderland. Add to this the hundreds of palms and you've got a pretty place. The bike path makes for a nice walk- you can walk from the glitzy beach homes of Hollywood Beach, past the hundreds of palms, to the 5,000 square foot homes north of the park. Many retirees walk their dogs here during the week.
The pirate playground, on the grass set back from the beach, is an absolute delight! They thought of everything here! There's a huge sea monster sculpture, a green sea turtle sculpture that kids can ride, spinning seats, see saws you can stand on, baby swings, seahorse bouncy, swings, cable, rock climbing, standing spinners, and two play structures with a pirate theme and telescopes. If you don't obey the rules you must "walk the plank." Local families gather on the lawn on weekends with BBQs and supplies to last the day.
Nearby, at Peninsula Park, older kids can watch the boats in the harbor while toddlers enjoy the playground. Channel Islands Harbor has some fun activities on holidays. Seaview Park and Via Marina Park are two pleasant neighborhood parks nearby.
A little further by car, Port Hueneme Pier, offers a white sandy beach and a unique pier.
For some more history, head over to Downtown Oxnard and Heritage Square, with its Victorian houses- at Christmastime the houses are decorated beautifully and you can take a tour.
For really yummy food, drive north on Victoria Ave. Go under the freeway and then look out on your right (under the large power lines) for Daphne's Greek Cafe. The food is so delicious. The staff are friendly. And you pay at the counter so it's easy to eat there with kids. We go there every time we are in Ventura! Try the grilled chicken pita with a side of greek salad and a side of spanakopita. Mmm!

Photo Gallery

View of beach from Mandalay Beach Resort.	Oxnard Beach is wide and there's plenty of soft sand.	Seagulls brace against the cold wind. Anacapa Island can be seen clearly from shore.
Mandalay Beach Resort as seen from the beach.	Pretty sunset at Oxnard Beach.	Wonderful sea turtle at the playground.
Pirate see saw.	Older kids like the seat spinners.	Pirates Only- No Trespassing. All others will walk the plank.
Baby swings and benches for parents.	A boy has a ride on the cable.	Merman.
Sea monster.	Head of the sea monster- I love this guy!	Rock climber and playground bridge with pirates on it.
Sail, slides, chain ladder, and regular ladder.	Time to make music.	Telescope and a hundred palms.

Directions

This is an interactive map, you can zoom and move it.

Exit Highway 101 southbound at Seaward Ave. Turn left at Harbor Blvd. After a long drive, after you pass Mandalay Generating Station on your right and then 5th St and then Wooley Rd on the left, you will see Oxnard State Beach Park on your right. Look for all the palm trees. You can park in the parking lot.
Exit Highway 101 northbound at Victoria Ave and turn left on Victoria Ave. Travel along ugly Victoria Avenue for a long time. Turn right at W Channel Islands Blvd, which veers right and becomes Harbor Blvd. After you pass Costa de Oro on your left, you will see Oxnard State Beach Park on your left. You can park in the parking lot.
Daphne's Greek Cafe, 1708 S Victoria Ave # B, Ventura, call (805) 477-0276.