DOWNTOWN: THE HEART OF THE CITY Stay a while in

THE HEART OF THE CITY

DOWN TOWN

Gather with friends in the courtyard at Heritage Square over an elegant table designed by Oxnard-based Pop Up Party, with live music from Mariachi Aguilas de Oxnard and incredible food prepared by The 1901 just steps away.

Photography by Autumn Schrock

Destination Downtown

Experience Oxnard’s unique history and culture.

BY ALEJANDRA CERBALL

Come and experience the historical sites and rich heritage in Downtown Oxnard. Here you’ll find a diverse culinary scene, artisan boutiques and beautiful Victorian homes dating back to the 1800s. You won’t want to miss the summer concert series, cultural events and weekly Farmers Market in the vibrant city center. A tapestry of history, arts and eats, Downtown Oxnard has it all.

DAYDREAMING OF YOUR NEXT CULINARY ADVENTURE?

Discover why Downtown Oxnard is fast becoming the place to wine and dine. Sample authentic Mexican food, artisan wineries, desserts and more. Visit the family-owned Rancho Ventavo Cellars at The Scarlett House in Heritage Square for a red wine tasting. Take your taste buds on an Italian-Mediterranean fusion adventure at The 1901, followed by Prohibition-style cocktails at 1901 Speakeasy. In the mood for a sweet treat? Sink your teeth into traditional Mexican pastries, fusion crepes and raspados at Xielo Artisan Desserts.

Take home fresh fruits and veggies at the local Farmers Market held every Thursday morning. Connect with local vendors and sample good eats made from ingredients grown right here in Oxnard.

OXNARD WALKING TOUR

Discover the past and visit Oxnard’s iconic downtown locations and landmarks. The palm trees on C Street were planted back in 1904. The first pagoda in Plaza Park was built in 1910, and the Carnegie Art Museum (formerly the Library) was completed in 1907. Not to mention, iconic buildings like Teatro on Oxnard Boulevard (made famous by Willie Nelson), Vogue Theater and the Woolworth Building, which was an original five-and-dime store. Snap a selfie at any of these historic locations and tag us @VisitOxnardCA on Instagram.

Take a journey back in time at the Henry T. Oxnard Historic District, and visit the more than 140 Craftsman, Spanish Colonial and revival period bungalow-style houses in the area. Did you know Oxnard was named one of the Top 10 Christmas Towns in America by Fox News and The NY Post? These 10 city blocks transform into the festive Christmas Tree Lane with dazzling holiday lights displays in December. It’s a local holiday tradition you won’t want to miss! O

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ALEX NGUYEN

OXNARD CITY MANAGER

Anthony Bourdain once said that Mexican cuisine is “older even than the great cuisines of Europe, and often deeply complex, refined, subtle and sophisticated. … It could be, should be, one of the most exciting cuisines on the planet, if we paid attention.” And if you pay attention around our wonderful City of Oxnard, you will experience the joy of tasting a tremendous variety of Mexican cuisine — amazing dishes from different regions of Mexico, many made from old family recipes. It’s not just Taco Tuesday and breakfast burritos — the vast universe of Mexican cuisine that is “deeply complex, refined, subtle and sophisticated” can be discovered in Oxnard. It’s certainly my favorite cuisine in Oxnard, and I enjoy finding new dishes all the time!

1: Dine with friends at Sushiway in Downtown Oxnard; 2: Tie the knot at Heritage Square; 3: Explore the sights, day or night; 4: Carnegie Art Museum.

A tapestry of history, arts and eats, Downtown Oxnard has it all. From food truck emporiums to family-friendly festivals held year-round, there are countless opportunities to fill your day planner with fun and adventure.

1: Discover larger-than-life Growth mural by Mauricio Ramirez in Downtown Oxnard; 2: Check out vintage cars and historic architecture. Photo credit Rosendo Jimenez; 3: Make it a night at Heritage Square.

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Meet Me Downtown

Downtown Oxnard has the best of both worlds — a vibrant atmosphere with historic charm. Find public art, street musicians, indie retailers and authentic eats, plus a weekly market and outdoor festivals that bring visitors to the city center year-round.

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Hunan Garden Chinese Restaurant

For more than 30 years, HUNAN GARDEN has been Oxnard’s choice for Chinese cuisine. Generations-old recipes feature Hunan and Szechuanstyle dishes, from handmade dumplings to creative combination plates. Feel like family as you dine in, take out or enjoy delivery.

hunangardenofoxnard.com

Cabo Seafood Grill & Cantina

Craving fresh, authentic Mexican food? Head straight to CABO SEAFOOD GRILL & CANTINA, where the tortillas are made fresh. Start with the custom guacamole, prepared tableside, then try the camarones verdes, large shrimp broiled in tomatillo salsa.

caboseafoodgrill.com | c χcaboseafoodgrillandcantina

Sipping in Style

The aptly named Café Dolce Vita has everything you need for one sweet afternoon. Stop on by for a delicious latte, brewed from Intelligentsia beans and paired with unique syrups like lavender or rosé vanilla. If you’re more of a tea person, you’re in luck, too. You can choose from refreshing beverages like ginger plum or lemongrass mélange iced tea.

Stick around for sandwiches on crispy brioche or decadent desserts like tiramisu and affogato. And linger for a while along the cleverly curated aisles of Asian candy collectibles. Tucked inside the Oxnard Transit Center in Downtown Oxnard, this café will lift your spirits and sate your appetite.

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Oxnard Eats

From taquerias to taco trucks, fine dining to street food, Oxnard’s culinary scene is bursting with delectable delights. Indulge your inner foodie with some of the best food on the Central Coast.

Otani’s Seafood

The Otani family has been a mainstay in Oxnard since 1908, and their downtown restaurant, OTANI’S SEAFOOD, has served Japanese-style seafood since 1952. Check out the history photo wall and see why locals call Otani’s a “mini museum.” And with all-day happy hour specials, it’s always a good time to stop by.

otanis-seafood.com c otanisinoxnard f otanisoxnard

BG’s Cafe

Celebrating 50 Years in Business

“The Favorite Downtown Hangout” since 1971, BG’S CAFE specializes in locally sourced food in a family-style atmosphere. Open for breakfast and lunch seven days a week, the Oxnard restaurant serves deli-style sandwiches, delicious salads and hot comfort food, such as homemade buttermilk biscuits and gravy.

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Heritage Square

In Downtown Oxnard, HERITAGE SQUARE is home to more than 25 businesses and hosts events in a quaint setting where gardens and fountains surround a main courtyard and Victorian-era homes. Docent-led tours are offered every weekend through Friends of Heritage Square. Here’s what else you’ll find. heritagesquareoxnard.com | c heritagesquareoxnard

THE 1901 & 1901 SPEAKEASY

Have a drink at 1901 Speakeasy before enjoying a plate of authentic Italian food. Savor the sweet life! 1901speakeasy.com, ladolcevita1901.com c ladolcevitaristoranteoxnard

HERITAGE COFFEE

Enjoy specialty coffee from around the world, espresso drinks, locally made pastries and a gift shop. c heritagecoffee805

COUTURE HAIR SALON

Specializing in bridal services and full hair care service. 805.483.0113

FRIENDS OF HERITAGE SQUARE

Hosting events from Gingerbread Fest and Steampunk Fest to high tea and summer concerts. heritagesquareoxnard.com

1: The 1901 and Justin Petit House in Oxnard’s historic Heritage Square 2: A delicious dish at The 1901; 3: Heritage Coffee; 4: Couture Hair Salon; 5: Inside 1901 Speakeasy.

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The River Ridge Golf Club

For country club quality at public prices, make a tee time at RIVER RIDGE GOLF CLUB. This For country club quality at public prices, make a tee time at RIVER RIDGE GOLF CLUB. This championship 36-hole public golf facility has a magnificent clubhouse with full-service golf championship 36-hole public golf facility has a magnificent clubhouse with full-service golf shop, meeting rooms, a café and complete banquet facilities. The Club also has a driving shop, meeting rooms, a café and complete banquet facilities. The Club also has a driving range, practice chipping and putting greens. range, practice chipping and putting greens.

riverridge-golfclub.com c riverridgegolfclub | f riverridgecatering

Find Your Vibe

Ventura County Coast is an oasis of fun.

While in Oxnard, don’t miss the chance to see the rest of VENTURA COUNTY COAST. While in Oxnard, don’t miss the chance to see the rest of VENTURA COUNTY COAST. Ventura, Oxnard, Camarillo and Port Hueneme are four cities that complement each other Ventura, Oxnard, Camarillo and Port Hueneme are four cities that complement each other to give you endless stories. to give you endless stories. Hike, kayak, snorkel or explore tide pools in the Channel Islands National Park, accessible Hike, kayak, snorkel or explore tide pools in the Channel Islands National Park, accessible through Oxnard’s harbor. Enjoy Ventura’s antique shopping, stroll along Port Huen through Oxnard’s harbor. Enjoy Ventura’s antique shopping, stroll along Port Hueneme’s iconic pier, and golf renowned courses in Camarillo. Experience the outdoor eme’s iconic pier, and golf renowned courses in Camarillo. Experience the outdoor activities that make Ventura County Coast such a desirable place to be. activities that make Ventura County Coast such a desirable place to be. Find your vibe in Ventura County Coast. Learn more at Find your vibe in Ventura County Coast. Learn more at venturacountycoast.com c f venturacountycoast

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