Oxnard, California
Oxnard, California is home to some of the best trails and outdoor activities. A must-visit is the Channel Islands Harbor, a scenic waterfront featuring boating, kayaking, and paddleboarding. For hikers, the Santa Clara River Trail is a top choice. This 8-mile trail offers views of unique rock formations, the flowing Santa Clara River, and abundant birdlife. It's an easy to moderate hike, making it suitable for families. If you're a fan of birdwatching, McGrath State Beach is a top spot, housing over 245 bird species. For beach lovers, Silver Strand Beach is a gem with its pristine sand and clear waters. Enjoy swimming, surfing, or a relaxing beach walk. Oxnard is indeed a hub for outdoor adventures.
Top Spots in and near Oxnard
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Ojai, California
Camp at Dennison Park in Ojai Valley
Great little campsite very close to the town of Ojai. My discovery of this gem was totally coincidental. I was trying to book a hotel room in Ojai; however, that particular weekend all the rooms that were within my budget were sold out. Instead of giving up, I looked for alternative options and ...Read more -
Santa Paula, California
Santa Paula Punch Bowls
3.66.5 mi / 1037 ft gainThis is a 6.5 mile trail, out and back. Parking is available along Ojai St, and the trail starts at the entrance of Thomas Aquinas College. Follow the paved road that goes around the school, until you reach a fork on the road, then stay right. The trail will take you through Ferndale Ranch, just ...Read more -
Malibu, California
Leo Carillo State Beach
4.5Leo Carrillo State Park has 1.5 miles of two sandy beach areas, tide pools, and numerous coves and sea caves. This year-round paradise offers privacy and ocean access for anglers, divers, surfers, wildlife watchers, beachcombers, and campers. If you're headed here for day-use, there are also tide...Read more -
Ventura, California
Dive East Fish Camp
The numerous kelp forests, sea caves, and coves of the Channel Island National Park, coupled with its unbelievable sealife makes for some of the best diving in the world. East Fish Camp off Anacapa Island is an excellent introduction to diving on the Channel Islands, with an average depth of 35'...Read more -
Ojai, California
Rock Climb at Foothill Crag
2 miFrom downtown Ojai, head north on N Signal Street. Head up the hill and turn left onto a gravel road next to a chainlink fence once you get to the top.(There should be a sign that points to "Pratt/Foothill Trailhead.") Continue past a water tank on the right to a trailhead parking area. I've gon...Read more -
Ojai, California
Couch Rock
3.51.3 mi / 627 ft gainDriving up Gridley Road away from Ojai you’ll come upon a small parking lot on your left and a gate barring the way to a dirt road. Park here, as close to the mountainside as possible and head onto the trail. Follow the trail until you see pass a bench, and start heading downhill. Keep your eye...Read more -
Ventura, California
Dive East Cat Rock
East Cat Rock of Western Anacapa Island is an excellent dive site for experience the vast kelp forests that can be found all along the California Coast and in the Channel Island National Park. The average depth is around 60' feet and clarity varies from day to day. Kelp forest and coldwater divin...Read more -
Malibu, California
Reservoir Trail to East Meadow Trail Loop
2.3 mi / 334 ft gainReservoir Trail to East Meadow Trail Loop is a loop trail where you may see wildflowers located near Malibu, CaliforniaRead more -
Malibu, California
Ocean Overlook Loop Trail
4.02.7 mi / 397 ft gainOcean Overlook Loop Trail is a loop trail where you may see beautiful wildflowers located near Malibu, California.Read more -
Malibu, California
El Matador Beach
4.6There's something magical about this strip of beach and it never fails to deliver at sunset. Lined with strange and jagged rock formations/caves, there are endless opportunities for finding unique compositions and new perspectives. Although it's become quite the popular spot for photographers and...Read more -
Rincon Point, California
Surf Rincon Point
5.0A cobblestone rocks cover a crescent shaped bay and a creek mouth spreads sand perfectly along the bay after a winter rain. Not to mention the indicator that refracts waves into the inside cove. It's no wonder famous surfers, such as Kelly Slater, Bobby Martinez, Tom Curren, Connor and Parker Cof...Read more -
Ojai, California
Climb at Wheeler Gorge
Grab a dozen quick draws, your 60m rope, and head up Highway 33 out of Ojai for 7 miles (One of the routes here describes the crag perfectly, a Riparian Daydream). Drive through one tunnel, and continue on for another mile or two until you reach two tunnels in quick succession. The crag is in bet...Read more -
Malibu, California
Newton & Zuma Canyon Falls
4.32 mi / -600 ft gainThree waterfalls in one short hike?!...I'll take it! That's what you'll get if you make the visit to these falls in the Santa Monica mountains in Malibu. The trailhead starts on Kanan Dume road, which is also where the Backbone trail meets. Park in the designated (free) parking area and take the ...Read more -
Malibu, California
Backbone Trail via Kanan Dume
5.04.47 mi / 1089 ft gainFair warning, it can get very hot in Malibu, especially in the summer or fall. We started at the Kanan Dume Road lot. It fills up quick, both directions offer beautiful hiking, but most people tend to go west, it seems. While that's beautiful, you end on a decent uphill, so if hiking is new or c...Read more -
Malibu, California
Surf Zuma Beach
4.8Zuma is a 3 mile stretch of beach in Malibu with a fun beach break and a great place to chill. Zuma is known for being cleaner than other beaches in LA and there are restrooms, food, and parking all up and down the beach. Paid parking on the beach ($8-12) and free parking across the street. Certa...Read more -
Oak Park, California
China Flat Trail to Simi Peak
5.05.03 mi / 1398 ft gainFrom the trailhead, simply follow the trail headed up the mountain. The first 2 miles is the hardest part of the hike, because of the steep ascent. Continue on until you hit a junction. Turn left, and you will eventually see an old rusty gate, and a sign which says "China Flat Trail". You will ...Read more
