I had been driving through Oxnard on the PCH for decades, but never considered stopping until a recent two-night trip with a group and found it to be a hidden gem close enough for a weekend get away or even an impromptu day trip.
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Cruising the Central Coast
The Central Coast is one of my favorite places to get away from LA: with its scenic beauty and nature activities, it is the perfect antidote to the big city. The unspoiled beaches with their sand dunes, rock formations and tidepools offer the full range of water activities – or you could just for hang out doing nothing.
Read moreSavoring the Central Coast: In Pismo Beach
Located half way between San Francisco and Los Angeles, the beach town of Pismo Beach works both as a weekend get away from LA, or as a convenient mid-way stop en route. Besides long stretches of beaches, Pismo boasts the most extensive coastal dunes in California that are accessible with the convenience of a pier and beach boardwalk.
Read moreChanneling the Islands
Only about an hour’s drive from Santa Monica, Oxnard is a handy getaway for the weekend, or even for the day. If you skip the rush hour, your getaway begins with scenic drive along the PCH. Once there, the beachfront resort of Embassy Suites by the Channel Islands Harbor is a destination on its own.
Read moreThe Oaks at Ojai
The charming little town of Ojai was built by the Ohio magnate and art patron Edward Drummond Libbey who raised money from his wealthy friends to build its cohesive Italian town center complete with an arcade and a belltower. Today, Ojai preserves its classy charm by being franchise-free.
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