Oxnard, California stretches along the Pacific coastline with a character all its own—easygoing yet industrious, shaped by its agricultural roots, naval presence, and multicultural pulse. With a population hovering around 200,000, it's one of the largest cities in Ventura County, and its reputation for producing some of the juiciest strawberries in the country is well-earned. Drive through in spring and you’ll catch the scent of ripe berries wafting from the fields, especially during the annual California Strawberry Festival, which draws folks from across the state for food, music, and the beloved strawberry shortcake eating contests.
What Oxnard is perhaps less known for, though just as fascinating, are the stories passed down among locals—tales of the haunted Bard Mansion, for example, tucked in the historic Heritage Square. It’s said the original owners still linger in spirit, and while no one's confirming any ghost sightings, the stories certainly add to the neighborhood's personality. There’s also the often-overlooked fact that Oxnard played a quiet role in California’s early motion picture history. Some of Hollywood’s earliest stars found their way here, drawn to the dramatic coastline and rolling dunes long before it became known as a residential and farming hub.
The food scene has its roots in the city's diversity and rich agricultural base. A local favorite is Moqueca Brazilian Cuisine, down at the Channel Islands Harbor—a family-run spot where diners rave about the seafood stews served piping hot in clay pots. If breakfast or a laid-back brunch is the goal, Honey Cup Coffeehouse & Creamery on Victoria Avenue offers strong coffee, creative lattes, and house-made pastries that locals swear by.
Beyond its dining options, Oxnard offers more than just the typical coastal lifestyle. Surfers carve into the breaks at Silver Strand Beach, while paddlers glide through the calm waters of Channel Islands Harbor. Just offshore lies the gateway to Channel Islands National Park, where day trips and kayaking adventures provide a look at California’s rugged natural side. On land, Oxnard Beach Park is a favorite for picnics and kite flying, and the adjacent bike path makes it easy to explore the coastline on two wheels.
Downtown Oxnard has seen a quiet revival, with local shops and businesses bringing new energy to historic buildings. Levity Live, the comedy club at The Collection at RiverPark, draws in nationally known performers, while smaller venues like Copper Blues mix live music with craft beer and cocktails. The local farmers markets—especially the one held on Thursdays at Plaza Park—offer up more than just produce. You’ll find handmade goods, tamales, local honey, and the occasional busker filling the air with music.
Cultural events make up a large part of the social rhythm here. The Oxnard Multicultural Festival celebrates the city’s global influences through music, dance, and food, while the Tamale Festival each December has become a cherished local tradition. Families bring their kids, friends catch up over spicy green chile tamales, and the whole scene feels like something that’s grown organically with the city.
Then there’s the naval presence—Port Hueneme is just down the road, and Naval Base Ventura County has long had a footprint here. It’s part of why Oxnard feels both grounded and globally connected at the same time. This blend of old and new, coastal ease and inland ambition, gives the city a dynamic that’s hard to define but easy to feel when you’re walking through its neighborhoods or watching the sunset dip into the Pacific.
At 101 Gopher and Pest Control, we understand just how much pride people take in calling Oxnard home—and we want to help them keep it comfortable. From local homes near the beach to commercial properties downtown, we’re here when unwanted pests start to make themselves known. Our services are tailored to the needs of Oxnard residents, with solutions that work quietly and effectively in the background, so you can focus on enjoying all the city has to offer.
Contact us when you need experienced help from folks who know the area and care about its well-being just as much as you do.