Book Your Stay
By Brigitte Najarian-Mier on May 20, 2026
This small, hidden gem along the Ventura County Coast is home to over 1,500 boats, making it a scenic waterfront destination in Oxnard. When I want to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city, my husband and I will spend the weekend beach-hopping and kayaking around these parts. There’s so much to do, plus it’s the gateway to Channel Islands National Park.
Activities at Channel Islands Harbor
You may be asking yourself, “What activities can I enjoy at Channel Islands Harbor?” Well, get ready for a weekend of non-stop fun.
Head out on the water and rent a kayak or stand-up paddleboard. Channel Islands Kayak Center offers lessons and a “History and Wildlife” kayak adventure tour perfect for families and couples alike. You get to kayak through a harbor sea cave and spot a bunch of marine birds and sea lions along the way. If you’re looking for something a little more intimate, the gondola cruises are very romantic. My husband booked one for our anniversary. We brought our own snacks and drinks and passed by Cora Island. It’s still one of my favorite experiences.
Make a whole weekend of your visit and book a cruise to the Channel Islands National Park. Island Packers hosts day trips and camping excursions to Anacapa Island. Landing isn’t always guaranteed, but you see so much wildlife on the way there and from May to September, park rangers stream a live virtual tour of the kelp forest. Just make sure you bring a jacket and plan for enough time.
Dining by the Sea
It’s easy to work up an appetite when you’ve got this much to explore. I love heading to Sea Fresh Channel Islands for their clam chowder. It’s super casual, dog-friendly, and there are no reservations needed.
If you’re looking for more live entertainment, Waterside Restaurant has a great patio where you can enjoy some good music and relax after a long day at the beach. Try their braised short ribs, they practically melt in your mouth!
Toppers Pizza is a local staple. It’s my go-to when we have family in town and need to order a lot of food. It’s like gourmet pizza but with the vibes of a family-friendly restaurant. We usually order the hot honey, and there are rarely any leftovers.
Farmer’s Market
Cap off the end of your weekend getaway with a relaxing walk around the farmer’s market. It happens every Sunday from 10 AM – 2 PM at Marine Emporium Landing. You’ll find everything from fresh produce brought directly from the farm to handcrafted goods like jewelry and live music. It’s like all your favorite things rolled into one perfect Sunday. Since it’s so close to Channel Islands Kayak Center, you can do one more round of paddleboarding while you’re at it.
Annual Events
Celebration of the Whales Festival, 11 AM – 3 PM, April, Channel Islands Harbor
Father’s Day Car Show, 10 AM – 3 PM, June, Harbor View Park
Mother’s Day Weekend, Channel Islands Harbor
Fine Arts Festival, 10 AM – 5 PM, July, Harbor Landing
Concerts by the Sea, 4 PM – 6 PM, every Saturday, July – September, Peninsula Park
Fireworks by the Sea, 9 PM – 9:30 PM, July 4th, Channel Islands Harbor
Ceviche Chow Down, 1 PM – 6 PM, August, Oxnard
Annual Chowderfest, 12 PM – 4 PM, September, Channel Islands Maritime Museum
From water adventures to chill days on the sand, there’s always something to explore at Channel Islands Harbor in Oxnard. My personal favorites have been kayaking and the wildlife tours. I make it a staycation with my husband so we can do everything we want and not feel rushed. There are plenty of events coming up this summer, so make sure you book your stay and plan everything you’re going to do first.
