Hollywood Beach in Ventura County is a stunning strip of shore surrounded by Oxnard, CA. On any given day, this white sand beach is bustling with locals of all ages enjoying the warm California sun. Activity at this beach begins early in the morning. You might find a group of neighbors chatting and walking their dogs, a sunrise yoga class, or a couple snuggled up and sipping coffee as the sun rises. Hollywood Beach offers an escape from the overcrowded beaches most tourist find themselves visiting. The people here can best be described as "chill." Don't be surprised if you get invited to join a pick-up volleyball game or if a random stranger sparks a conversation. This is a family friendly beach with a very relaxed vibe and something for everyone to enjoy.
Hollywood Beach has free public parking on the street, beach volleyball courts, public restrooms, and lifeguards on duty between Memorial Day and Labor Day. The Channel Islands act as a wave break so the waters are comparatively calm, perfect for swimming and a body boarding. If your dog loves the beach this is one of the few public beaches that welcomes dogs before 9 am and after 5pm. Make sure you pick up after your dogs and don't let them relieve themselves in the water.
The area surrounding Hollywood Beach is alive with activity. If you travel north you will run into Oxnard Beach and to the south is Channel Island Beach. There are plenty of upscale hotels such as the Embassy Suites Mandalay Bay, Hampton Inn Channel Islands Harbor, and Country Inn and Suites by Carlson Port Hueneme which are all four star hotels and should be booked in advance. For the last-minute planner or traveler on a budget there are a number of motels including a Best Western Oxnard Inn, Surfside Motel, and Vagabond Inn Oxnard which all have good customer ratings and reasonable prices. If you are looking to vacation here, there are a number of beach homes for rent during the Spring and Summer months, start looking early.
I hope you like seafood! When dinner time rolls around you have to try one of the area's many seafood restaurants. The Whales Tail is a casual seafood house on the harbor known for having the freshest fish in the area. Capistrano's at Mandalay Beach offers continental cuisine and a beautiful Spanish-Mediterranean atmosphere. If you enjoy sushi, you won't find a larger selection than showcased at Fisherman's Sushi. Each roll is handcrafted and made with fresh ingredients. If seafood is not your thing, don't worry a variety of other restaurants featuring cuisine ranging from BBQ to French gourmet are nearby.
The easiest way to reach Hollywood Beach, CA and the surrounding attractions is via the 101 freeway. Take exit 62A for Vineyard Ave, turn left at E. Vineyard Ave, turn left at Oxnard Blvd, turn right at West Wooley Road, turn left at South Patterson Road, turn right at West Channel Islands, make a slight left at Harbor Blvd, make the 3rd right on Los Feliz St, turn left on Ocean Drive, and you're there!
