Posted: Aug 01, 2019
Top 7 Hidden Gems Worth Checking out in Oxnard
What makes a place a hidden gem? For us, it’s those unique locations that make Oxnard so special.
Besides the pristine beaches and world-class surf, the gateway to the Channel Islands National Park, and delicious tacos, there’s more to Oxnard than you might now.
If you’re the type of traveler who prefers exploring under-the-radar destinations, landmarks, and sites, you’ll want to add these hidden gems to your must-visit list.
What makes a place a hidden gem? For us, it’s those unique locations that make Oxnard so special. It’s the history, stories, and secret spots that locals know. Let’s dive in and start exploring.
Here’s our guide to the best-hidden gems in Oxnard.
1. American Sugar Beet Factory Historical Plaque
Location: 250 E. 5th Street, Oxnard, CA 93033
The Sugar Beet Factory brought jobs and opportunities to Oxnard. In the 1890s, Albert Maulhardt and Johannes Borchard knew they were on to something good when they came up with the idea to start a sugar beet factory. They brought along Henry T. Oxnard and his brothers to help fund the construction of the sugar factory. The factory was demolished in 1959, but the plaque on 5th street marks the former $2-million site's location. The American Sugar Beet Factory was named the 16th historical landmark in Ventura County.
Want to learn more about Oxnard’s famous families? Don’t miss our guide to Ancestry Tourism in Oxnard.
2. Cesar Chavez House Location
452 N. Garfield Avenue, Oxnard, CA 93033
As a young boy, farm labor rights leader Cesar Chavez briefly lived in a shed in the La Colonia neighborhood. Although the site was torn down, a plaque on Garfield Avenue commemorates his contribution to agricultural workers. As an adult, Chavez returned to Oxnard in 1958 and lived on Wright Road in El Rio. He spent a year in town working to help form a community organization dedicated to registering voters and to organize field workers.
3. Community Roots Garden
Location: 1801 Joliet Place, Oxnard, CA 93030
Watch the fruits of your labor grow at the Community Roots Garden in Oxnard. Learn about gardening and help dig, weed, and share ideas with community members passionate about growing food.
Want to volunteer? Visit their Facebook page for more details.
4. Manuel M. Lopez Garden
Location: 141 South A Street, Oxnard, CA 93030
The Doctor Manuel M. Lopez Garden is located in Downtown Oxnard and was named after the late Mayor of Oxnard, who donated the land to the community. The garden near the Oxnard Library is a place to connect with other volunteers, grow your own food, and learn about soil cultivation.
5. La Central Bakery & Tortilla Factory
Location: 600 Meta Street, Oxnard, CA 93030
Oxnard’s oldest bakery, La Central Bakery & Tortilla Factory, opened in 1948. The original location opened in Santa Paula in 1929. Today, the bakery continues to serve up fresh baked goods, including Rosca, tamales, and other popular treats.
6. Oxnard Historic Farm Park
Location: 1251 Gottfried Place, Oxnard, CA 93030
Learn about Oxnard’s agricultural history on a visit to Oxnard Historic Farm Park. Barley, corn, sugar beets, and lima beans are grown on-site. The structures date back to 1870, and the park features vintage tractors, bean threshers, and farm implements. Barley, corn, sugar beets, and lima beans are grown on-site. The park is open Tuesdays and Saturdays from 9 am to 11 am.
7. The Woolworth Building
Location: 210 W 4th St, Oxnard, CA 93030, United States
Although this five and ten cent chain store went out of business in 1997, The Woolworth Building is a historical landmark in Oxnard. Visit the Downtown Oxnard building and enjoy Artisan desserts at Xielo. Treat yourself to traditional Mexican pastries, fusion crepes, and raspados/shaved ice.
Hidden Gems in Oxnard: Seeking Authentic Experiences
Escape the traffic and venture out to the coast. If you’re craving authentic experiences and want to stay away from major attractions and tourist traps, use this guide for the best unique places to visit in Oxnard. Start your journey on a self-guided tour of Oxnard’s amazing street murals and art and visit Oxnard’s museums' unique exhibits.Highlights:
- Sculptures + Murals at The Collection at RiverPark
- Cultural Murals in La Colonia
- Ocean-Inspired Art at Silver Strand
- Street Murals in Downtown Oxnard
Popular Attractions in Oxnard
If you want to mix things up and check out hidden gems as well as the best things to do, bookmark this post.
- For the ultimate outdoor adventure, plan a family day at Channel Islands National Park.
- Experience a whale watching adventure.
- Plan a wine tasting tour in Oxnard.
- Try the best tacos in town.
- Formerly known as “Hollywood by the Sea,” Hollywood Beach and Silver Strand are the perfect destinations for a weekend getaway.
What are your favorite hidden gems in Oxnard?
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