Most people just shoot right by Oxnard, California on their way to other more well-known destinations such as Santa Barbara, San Francisco or going the other way toward Los Angeles or San Diego. You might think of Oxnard largely as an agricultural area best known for growing strawberries and you’d be correct.   

But then you would be missing out on some great fun. While there are many terrific things you can be doing in the area, here are three you should not miss.

1901 Speakeasy. No, you won’t need to know the secret password to gain access to this “juice bar” aka speakeasy.   Have you ever wondered what it would have been like to have enjoyed a cocktail at a “blind pig” (also a euphemism for a speakeasy) during the dry Prohibition?  The 1901 Speakeasy, located in beautiful Heritage Square, is actually housed in a building that was built in 1901.  The room is cozy and welcoming. The liberations are creative and reminiscent of cocktails that were sipped in secret clubs during Prohibition.  Why not order some of the classics of the time? The bartenders will craft such favorites as The Mary Pickford, The Statesman, The Queen Bee - just to name a few. The “giggle water” you will enjoy here will be high-quality brands and not “hooch” (low-quality alcohol).

On Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays you can enjoy some great music there too.

If you are hungry there is delicious food to eat. You can order a full meal from the well-known upstairs Italian restaurant La Dolce Vita and enjoy it in the Speakeasy.  

Yoga by the Sea in Oxnard Shores. Do you enjoy yoga? Bring your mat and come and stretch in a lovely natural setting. There are free classes both on the sand and on the grass. Just a donation is requested. Yoga practice is on the grass during the week and on the sand on weekends.  All levels are welcome and there are different types of classes. All instructors are certified. There is easy free parking at the park or on the street on Mandalay Beach Road in Oxnard Shores. 

Channel Islands Maritime Museum. This museum will surprise you!  It’s not what you think of when you think of a maritime museum. The Channel Island Maritime Museum is a well-curated art museum.  Its art collection rivals some of the best anywhere in the world.  The museum’s website best describes some of the surprises you will find here, “Sumptuous seascape paintings by 17th century Dutch masters, 18th and 19th century English Romantics, French Impressionist painter Boudin, and unparalleled contemporary maritime painters complement the finest museum-quality ship models on the West Coast, including the Marple Models: nine exquisite, highly detailed scratch-built warships; and intricate “bone models” carved by French soldiers held captive during the early 19th century Napoleonic wars. The Upper Deck hosts interactive contemporary exhibits, featured temporary exhibitions, art receptions, and engaging Third Thursday lectures. Museum windows look out over the Channel Islands Harbor’s passing sailboats and gorgeous views. The Channel Islands National Park sits just offshore, and the sea lions on the dock out front add tremendous character to the traffic stream. Visitors are invited to view the art on their own or take advantage of the museum’s knowledgeable, free guides. If your idea of a maritime museum is limited to rusty anchors and old salty sea dogs, come and discover a vibrant cultural venue in the Channel Islands Harbor that celebrated local maritime achievements through contemporary interactive exhibits and displays outstanding examples of centuries of fine art from around the world.”

If you want to grab a bite before or after your visit to the museum you will find several nice restaurants with indoor and outdoor dining a short walking distance away along the channel walkway. Lots of good seafood, hamburgers and even sushi can be found.  

 Watch out for sunbathing seals on the docks!