4 day trips to charming California beach towns

1. Oxnard: Festivals, seaside strolls, and farmers markets

From concerts to chowder fests, Oxnard has a dedicated festival for just about anything. Other fun activities in Ventura County’s largest city (population: over 200,000) include strolling along the harbor or one of its celebrated beaches. So, yes, come for the festivals, but be sure to stay and explore this coastal community for the day.

Mrs. Olson’s Coffee Hut

Start the morning with a fully loaded, generously sized omelet at this local favorite in Channel Islands Harbor. 2800A S. Harbor Boulevard. (805) 985-9151.

Channel Islands Harbor

Herons, egrets, terns, and sea lions enliven a roughly 2-mile round-trip stroll along the west side of this picturesque harbor. Start at the promenade in front of the Maritime Museum and end at Channel Island Boulevard.

Sunday Farmers Market

Explore this shopping mecca for fresh fruit, produce, and seafood. You’ll also find prepared food, crafts by local artisans, clothing, and jewelry. 10 a.m.–2 p.m. 3350 S. Harbor Boulevard. (818) 591-8161.

2. Manhattan Beach: A place to people-watch

Long notable for its photogenic pier, beach volleyball and surfing scenes, and direct access to a 22-mile oceanfront bicycle path, Manhattan Beach has in recent years seen a steady arrival of new boutiques and critically acclaimed restaurants.

If the foot traffic along downtown Highland and Manhattan avenues is any indication, the nearly 4-square-mile South Bay neighborhood is more than a posh suburban enclave—it’s a bona fide SoCal destination.

GoodBoyBob

Grab an Americano at this coffee shop, which expanded from Santa Monica and Culver City to its newest location on Highland Avenue. Try the house avocado toast with beet cream, pickled carrots, and pistachios. 1300 Highland Avenue, Unit 109. (424) 581-7049.

Uncle Bill’s Pancake House

Located across the street from GoodBoyBob, this longtime café serves up sweet flapjacks with a side of ocean view. 1305 Highland Avenue. (310) 545-5177.

Manhattan Beach E-Bike Rental

Cruise along the beach path on your own 2-wheeler or with a rented electric bike ($50 for 1 hour; $100 for a half day; $150 for a full day). 3616 Highland Avenue. (213) 986-7635.

One Wave Surf

Take a surf lesson from One Wave Surf, which runs 90-minute private and group classes at El Porto beach. Individual lesson, $138. (323) 521-9283.

Tacolicious

For lunch, dig into made-to-order guacamole, mushroom tacos, and albondigas at this indoor-outdoor eatery, which debuted during the pandemic. Foodies will appreciate that the restaurant uses La Finca masa for its tortillas and Rancho Gordo beans. 1129 Manhattan Avenue. (415) 649-6077.

Sweet Lady Jane

Craving dessert? Visit this Manhattan Beach outpost for a slice of its legendary triple berry cake. 451 Manhattan Beach Boulevard. (424) 275-9050.

Pages

Support some of the neighborhood’s indie shops. This locals’ fave bookstore hosts engaging author events. 904 Manhattan Avenue. (310) 318-0900.

Go Gently Nation

Browse a gorgeous selection of made-in-L.A. children’s and women’s wear, as well as home goods by Fog Linen. Founder Kristin Coia opened up shop after she gave birth to her son and saw a need for more eco-minded kids’ wear. 1201 Manhattan Avenue. (310) 545-7883.

3. Huntington Beach: A dog-friendly outing

World-famous surf town Huntington Beach is also a world-class destination for dog lovers. Orange County’s most populous beach city is home to the Surf City Surf Dog competition, Corgi Beach Day, and the Old World Village Wiener Dog Races, as well as a plethora of pet-friendly restaurants, parks, and attractions. Both dogs and dog owners can have their day in Surf City USA.

Park Bench Café

The umbrella-shaded tables at this family-owned eatery in Huntington Central Park are a pet-family favorite. Dogs can sprawl out on the grass and devour Canine Cuisine favorites such as the Hot Diggity Dog and the Rover Easy Scrambled Eggs. 17732 Goldenwest Street. (714) 842-0775.

Huntington Central Park

Keep your eyes peeled for squirrels as you stroll the trails at this 356-acre park. Don’t miss the Secret Garden, a showcase of drought-tolerant plants that’s been lovingly restored in recent years by Huntington Beach Tree Society volunteers. 18002 Goldenwest Street. (714) 536-5486.

Pacific Hideaway

Grab one of the high tables on the patio overlooking Huntington Beach Pier at this upstairs restaurant in the dog-friendly Kimpton Shorebreak Resort. The menu evokes surf cultures from Latin America to Southeast Asia. 500 Pacific Coast Highway. (714) 965-4448.

Huntington Dog Beach

This 1.5-mile stretch of sand just might be the happiest place in the world. For a true Surf City experience, book a surfing lesson for your water-loving canine with Good Kharma Surf ($75 for 1 hour). Perhaps you’ll discover the next Surf Dog champion. Pacific Coast Highway between Goldenwest and Seapoint streets. (714) 841-8644.

The Doggie Spa

Your sandy companion will appreciate this spa’s all-natural shampoos and reliably warm water. No appointment is necessary to use the elevated, self-service bathtubs. 19365 Main Street, Suite 103. (714) 374-8777.

4. Oceanside: Surf culture, a California mission, and nature walks

Sun, sea, and other fresh-air pursuits reign in this breezy community that’s home to a museum dedicated entirely to surfing. Keeping safety protocols in mind and calling ahead for business hours, visitors can explore an evolving food-and-drink scene along the coast. Farther inland and equally enthralling is Mission San Luis Rey de Francia, California’s “King of the Missions.”

Camp Coffee Company

Enjoy a s’mores-inspired mocha (complete with a toasted marshmallow) or other caffeinated drinks, plus pastries like blueberry cornmeal scones (Sundays only) and zucchini walnut muffins to start the day off right. 101 N. Cleveland Street. (442) 266-2504.

Carte Blanche Bistro & Bar

French and Mexican cuisines meld (think duck mole tacos) at this stylish eatery. For dinner, seek a table on the inviting patio. 339 N. Cleveland Street. (760) 231-5370.

Waverider Helicopter Tours

Enjoy a bird’s-eye view of the city and the coast on a 40-minute, round-trip flight down to La Jolla Cove, or head north along the dramatic coastline to Laguna Beach and back. All flights are private and depart from Oceanside Airport. Prices vary. (760) 691-9144.

The Plot

Dig into crunchy rolls or a lentil-and-wild-rice loaf with a beet demi-glace at this plant-based, zero-waste restaurant. Leave room for the dark-chocolate torte. 1733 S. Coast Highway. (442) 266-8200.

Buena Vista Lagoon Ecological Reserve

You can spot brown pelicans, barn owls, red-shouldered hawks, and other feathered wildlife at this roughly 200-acre freshwater wetland located between Carlsbad and Oceanside. The Buena Vista Audubon Society offers monthly bird-watching walks. 2202 S. Coast Highway. (760) 439-2473.

The Rising Company

Browse for mementos such as ethically sourced turquoise jewelry, South African handwoven baskets, and lavender-scented candles at this spacious artists’ cooperative. 332 S. Coast Highway.

Mission San Luis Rey de Francia

Learn about early-California history while strolling the state’s largest former Spanish mission, built in 1798. Explore the museum, Spanish Colonial–style church, recently restored courtyard, and former open-air laundry area. Docents lead 75-minute tours on weekends. Adults, $8; Behind-the-Scenes tour, $12. 4050 Mission Avenue. (760) 757-3651.

California Surf Museum

Check out the surfboards and colorful historical displays at this 5,600-square-foot museum. View permanent artifacts and rotating exhibits, such as the story of courageous surfer Bethany Hamilton, who lost her left arm to a tiger shark in 2003 while surfing off Kaua‘i. Adults, $7. 312 Pier View Way. (760) 721-6876.

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