Beat the heat, hit the beach, and get up close to your favorite Dallas Cowboy? Yes, this summer you can swap the triple-digit temps for sea breezes, sandy toes and an unforgettable adventure—with a little Texas pride thrown in. Welcome to Oxnard, California, where laid-back, budget-friendly beach vibes meet the excitement of Dallas Cowboys Training Camp.
Whether you’re a die-hard football fan or just looking for the perfect family escape, Oxnard is the hidden coastal gem you’ve been waiting to discover. Just north of Los Angeles, here you’ll find all that comes to mind when you think SoCal family vacation—soft sands, Pacific air and natural beauty—at a fraction of the cost of other California beach towns. And this summer, it’s where America’s Team holds their annual training camp.
How to attend the Dallas Cowboys Training Camp
One of the biggest draws for Texas families is the Dallas Cowboys Training Camp, hosted at River Ridge Playing Fields in Oxnard July 22–August 13. This family-friendly setting offers something truly rare: the chance for kids to watch their sports heroes train just a few yards away, without the crowds or chaos of a stadium.
Admission is free with no tickets required, and the experience goes far beyond just watching a practice. You’ll also enjoy:
• Close-up views of live team practices as they prepare for the upcoming season
• Opportunities to snag autographs from players and coaches
• Live weekend entertainment and special events
• VIP Fan Experiences and Sideline Access (at an additional cost)
A highlight of the training camp experience is Oxnard Fan Night on July 25 at The Collection at River Park. This celebration of all things Cowboys includes live entertainment, photo ops, visits with mascot Rowdy and a performance by the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders. With music, food and lots of Cowboys pride, it’s the perfect way to cap off a day by the beach.
Best Beaches for Kids in Oxnard
Oxnard’s seven miles of pristine coastline offers a whole different kind of fun. Whether you want to spread out a picnic blanket, toss a frisbee or build sandcastles, there’s plenty of space to do it—without the crowds.
There’s Hollywood Beach, an expansive stretch of golden sand and soft dunes; it’s the beach you picture when you think Southern California. And there’s Silver Strand Beach, a local favorite with a relaxed, creative vibe. If you’re hitting the beach with the kids, be sure to check out:
• Mandalay Beach: Here you’ll find ‘olołkoy Beach Park, USA Today’s Best Beach on the West Coast. Offering pristine sands, rolling dunes and stunning views of the Channel Islands National Park, it’s perfect for peaceful walks, kayaking, fishing or burning off energy at the pirate ship themed playground.
• Kiddie Park Beach: With calm, shallow waters and all the amenities you’d need, this is the perfect beach for littles who want to take a dip. Enjoy watching sailboats glide by and take a leisurely walk along the adjacent boardwalk leading to Silver Strand Beach.
• Hobie Beach: This great kid-friendly beach has a rocky shoreline that protects from waves, offering calm waters and a laid-back spot to watch boats.
More Family-Friendly Things to Do in Oxnard
Oxnard offers plenty of family-friendly activities beyond its beautiful beaches. Start by exploring the wonders just offshore at Channel Islands National Park, five ecologically unique islands dubbed “North America’s Galapagos.” Here, you’ll find animals, plants and archeological resources that are nowhere else on Earth.
Back ashore, sneak in more learning at the Channel Islands Maritime Museum where hands-on exhibits, ship models and rotating art displays are perfect for curious young minds. Then head to Downtown Oxnard for vibrant murals, local shops and family-friendly restaurants, and explore historic Heritage Square.
You’ll also want to stop by The Collection RiverPark, an outdoor shopping and entertainment center packed with fun for the kids like bowling, play areas, ponds, and Jump ‘n Jammin, a sprawling indoor playground.
For something more active, rent kayaks or paddleboards at Channel Islands Harbor. The calm waters make it perfect for beginners and kids, and it’s a fun way to explore the area from a new perspective. And lined with cute shops and plenty of places to grab an ice cream cone, the harbor is a perfect place to stroll with the family.
And thankfully, all this fun is wallet friendly. Compared to popular Southern California destinations like Santa Monica or San Diego, Oxnard offers huge value. Many attractions in Oxnard are walkable or bikeable, and with plenty of local dining options, from casual seafood shacks to taco trucks, you can feed the whole crew without maxing out your vacation fund.
Travel Tips for Texas Families
Getting to Oxnard from Texas is easier than you might think. Here’s how to plan your route:
Fly Into:
• LAX (Los Angeles International Airport)
Both Dallas Love Field and Dallas Fort Worth International Airports fly directly here. From LAX, it’s about a 90-minute drive to Oxnard.
• Hollywood Burbank Airport
Smaller and less crowded than LAX. Around a 1-hour drive from Oxnard and often has shorter TSA lines—ideal for families.
• Santa Barbara Airport
The most scenic route, just 45 minutes south of Oxnard. While flights are limited (you may not find a non-stop flight), the coastal views are unmatched.
Money-saving tip: Compare roundtrip fares to all three airports and check for low-cost carriers like Southwest or JetBlue out of Texas hubs.
Getting to & Staying in Oxnard:
All three airports offer shuttle services. Pre-book a shuttle from LAX to Oxnard for a smooth, no-stress ride, especially if you’re traveling with kids and gear. Oxnard offers plenty of diverse hotels, from beachfront to budget and family-friendly.
Learn more at visitoxnard.com.
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