01
Best overall pick
Silver Strand Beach
Silver Strand Neighborhood • Wide, Laid-Back Surf Beach • Best For Uncrowded Waves
A long, straight stretch of sand with consistent surf and a relaxed, mostly local crowd.
Silver Strand feels like a classic beach town strip, with narrow streets feeding straight onto the sand and surfers posted up near the jetties. The waves here are usually more powerful than at the harbor beaches, making it a favorite for experienced riders and strong swimmers. Come for a sunrise session, stay for the big-sky sunsets and open horizon views.
02
Best for long walks
Hollywood Beach
Hollywood Beach Neighborhood • Broad, Soft-Sand City Beach • Great For Long Walks
A wide, gently sloping beach that’s ideal for strolling the shoreline or spreading out with a beach chair.
Just north of the harbor mouth, Hollywood Beach offers deep, soft sand and a more open feel than many neighborhood beaches. It’s a go-to spot for locals walking dogs in the morning and for families who want room to set up umbrellas and games. The beach lines up perfectly for dramatic sunset views framed by the Channel Islands offshore.
03
Best for young families
Kiddie Beach Park
Harbor Entrance Cove • Shallow, Protected Shoreline • Best For Young Kids
A tiny harbor cove with calm, shallow water that’s tailor-made for cautious swimmers and toddlers.
Tucked just inside the harbor entrance, Kiddie Beach is protected from open-ocean swell, so the water rarely gets rough. The sandy entry and usually gentle lapping waves make it less intimidating for little ones learning to love the ocean. It’s small and can get busy on warm weekends, but for stress-free splash time, it’s hard to beat.
04
Best for paddling
Hobie Beach
Inner Channel Islands Harbor • Calm Launch Spot For Paddling • Top Pick For Sup And Kayaks
A low-key harbor beach that doubles as a convenient launch point for stand-up paddleboards, kayaks, and small sailboats.
Hobie Beach is more about getting on the water than lying in the sand. With glassy harbor conditions most mornings, it’s a favorite put-in for SUP sessions, casual kayaking laps, and sailing lessons. If you want to explore the harbor’s side channels and get a close look at boats and sea lions, start your paddle here.
05
Best for groups and picnics
Oxnard Beach Park
Oxnard Oceanfront North Of The Harbor • Grassy Park With Wide Beach • Best For Picnics And Group Meetups
A spacious blend of lawns, dunes, and beach that works well for barbecues, kite flying, and full-day hangouts.
Just up the coast from Channel Islands Beach, Oxnard Beach Park offers generous grassy areas, paths, and play spaces that roll out toward the sand. It’s an easy choice for birthdays, family gatherings, or meetups where not everyone wants to be in the water all day. Set up at a picnic table, wander the dunes, then head down for a dip or a lazy afternoon on the shoreline.