Things to Do in Oxnard
Sometimes, when visiting a new area for the first time, you might not know where to start exploring. That’s why the Hampton Inn Channel Islands Harbor Hotel has assembled a list of things to do in Oxnard. These exciting events can be found just moments from the Hampton Inn Hotel and should not be missed!
Where: Channel Islands Harbor
When: December 10, 2011
Enjoy a Southern California holiday with the 46th Annual Parade of Lights in Channel Islands Harbor and see hundreds of thousands of lights sparkle and dance along the water's edge. Activities for children take place throughout the day before the parade. Don’t miss our Parade of Lights Holiday Weekend Special!
Where: Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary
When: Year round
Different species of whales can be seen swimming in the waters off of the Channel Islands nearly year round. In the summer months, the blue whales feed on the krill that amass in the waters. From December to April, gray whales can be seen. These exciting excursions can take a few hours, and it might get cold out on the water, so be sure you bring appropriate provisions. The Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary also rents kayaks for a different way to get up close and personal to these giant mammals.
Scarlett Belle Riverboat Charters
Where: Channel Islands Harbor
When: Year round
As the preferred hotel for Dinners, Luncheons or Wedding Cruises in Channel Islands Harbor on the Scarlett Belle Riverboat, guests of the Hampton inn Channel Islands Harbor Hotel can receive a group special of $200 off an all-inclusive dinner or luncheon for groups of 40 -149, all on their private chartered yacht. The Scarlett Belle can provide a group or retreat a wonderful cruise in the Harbor during their stay. The Scarlett Belle can dock and pick and drop off hotel guests right at the Hotel so they do not need transportation. Scarlett Belle offers all-inclusive packages from a seminar to a team building gathering.
Blue Ocean Kayaking Island Cave and Wilderness Tours
Where: Channel Islands Harbor
When: Year round
Spend a fun-filled day kayaking with your group at the Channel Islands National Park on a guided tour where you explore caves, the famous kelp forests, seal rookeries and Anacapas Monument Arch Rock. Stay with Hampton Inn Channel Islands and receive $35 off on a group of 10.
Where: Channel Islands Harbor
When: Year round
Ready for an adventure? Depending on the time of year, you can choose to explore Anacapas Island or Santa Cruz Island. Spend a fun-filled day kayaking one of these naturally unique islands or opt for the History & Wildlife Tour. Stay at the Hampton Inn Channel Islands and enjoy a convenient location with unmatched amenities.
Wine and Cheese or Urban Seal Lion Harbor Cruise Tours
Where: Aboard the Sunfish in Channel Islands Harbor
When: Year round
For groups of 20 to 50, choose to step aboard the Sunfish for a sightseeing tour, a wine and cheese coastal sunset cruise or even a kids treasure hunt. If you stay with the Hampton Inn, you can receive $100 off!
Where: Plaza Park
When: Every Thursday, 9am-1pm
More Information: (805) 483-7960
Channel Islands Farmers Market
Where: Channel Islands Harbor, 3600 S. Harbor Blvd, Adjacent to Marine Emporium Landing Shopping Center
When: Every Sunday, 10am-2pm
More Information: (805) 985-4852
California Strawberry Festival
Where: Strawberry Meadows of College Park in Oxnard
When: Held Annually in May
Everyone loves a good strawberry, and every year the Oxnard area produces millions of these bite sized treats. These ruby-red morsels are annually celebrated at the California Strawberry Festival, which started in 1984. At the event, visitors can sample strawberries prepared in nearly every way imaginable, but it’s not just their taste buds that will be satisfied: the California Strawberry Festival also features a number of free attractions, live music and contests.
Where: Plaza Park
When: Annually, Late Summer
Salsa isn’t just a food; it’s a way of life. The Oxnard Salsa Festival celebrates every aspect of salsa—the spicy sauce, exciting music and mesmerizing dance. The adventurous can try some of the most sizzling salsas in the world. Those fearing capsaicin can sample more mild salsas. If you’re more interested in the salsa dance than the food, live entertainment can be found around the festival area. This spicy festival is truly one of the hottest things to do in Oxnard, so don’t miss out!
Of all the Oxnard, CA hotels, the Hampton Inn Channel Islands Hotel puts you closer to all these exciting things to do in Oxnard. Come visit our hotel and experience these events—or discover your own!