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.
Its spectacular views of the ocean, and its landscaping of pools with cascading waterfalls, exotic gardens, and lagoons make it a romantic venue for weddings and a popular spot for filming. The weekend I was there, there were both. The patio was set up for an ocean view wedding with bride, groom and assorted guests bustling about for rehearsals, and I rode up the elevator with a giant silver punch bowl. If that wasn’t amusement enough, also in progress was the filming of the sequel to Unbroken, for which the hotel was doubling as the Deauville Beach Resort in Miami circa World War II; so actors and actresses strolled by in 1940s garb and period taxi cabs parked at the entrance.
One of the prime local attractions for a trip to Oxnard is a visit to the Channel Islands National Park. I had been on the lookout for an opportunity ever since the last trip I had planned in winter got canceled at the last minute because of a storm. The Islands’ limited accessibility – you need to take a cruise or fly there – makes it one the least visited of all US national parks. Their isolation, like that of the Galapagos Islands of South America, has allowed them to evolve independently and undisturbed. Marine life ranges from microscopic plankton to the blue whale, the largest animal on Earth, and archeological and cultural resources span over 13,000 years of human habitation.
The Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary located off the coast of Santa Barbara and Ventura counties is one of only 14 federally protected areas. The sanctuary’s remote, isolated location at the confluence of two major ocean currents creates remarkable biodiversity. The mingling of cool, nutrient-rich waters from the north with warm currents from the south form a transition zone for a myriad of sea life from microscopic plankton to blue whales. Along with sensitive habitats, shipwrecks and maritime heritage artifacts, the sanctuary protects many species close to extinction.
Island Packers provides a variety of cruises from the harbor next to the Embassy Suites all year-round. You can visit all five of the Channel Islands National Park for day trips or camping, as well as special trips for wild life and bird watching, or island activities like kayaking. Other trips are seasonal. For example, many of the large whales like Fin, Humpback and Blue Whales are attracted to the area during periods of up-welling that produce the plankton food they feed upon between June and September. Over 28 species of whales and dolphins have been identified in these waters.
Anacapa is the closest island to the mainland, just 12 miles from the Channel Islands Harbor, with a travel time of approximately one hour. About five miles long and 1/4 mile wide, it supports 265 species of plants, including two found only on Anacapa and 20 found only on the Channel Islands. From February through April, Anacapa is a rainbow of color created by native wildflowers. Exploration is permitted on the east islet, accessed via the Landing Cove and a small beach on the west islet called Frenchy’s Cove. The middle islet and most of the western islet remain a wilderness area set aside for nesting seabirds, like the endangered California Brown Pelican.
You can visit East Anacapa Island for the day, camp overnight or view the Island on a non-landing trip on Island Wildlife Cruises. A good starter trip is a three-hour narrated cruise with potential sightings of sea lions, seals and island birds along the way. The cruise circles the Island and its rugged shore with over 30 sea caves where harbor seals and California sea lions rest and breed. Be forewarned, though that whale watching can turn into whale waiting – waiting for them to show up. But being on water in the midst of all that tranquility makes it hard to complain.
Embassy Suites’ location by the picturesque Channel Harbor also makes the resort a springboard for other water activities like kayaking, paddle board, and surfing or simply taking in the ocean breezes. For land based activities, there are tennis and basketball courts, and biking and walking on the beach path accessible from the property. The resort’s fitness center features cardio and strength training equipment. You can swim in the heated outdoor pool, or laze around in the two large whirlpools.
The spa has two treatment rooms with a range of services. There are 60 minutes, 90 minutes or 2 hour massages for various purposes. There’s a Swedish massage to increase circulation and relieve aching muscles and relieve stress; an East-West massage combines European and oriental techniques for deep tissue work, a sports massage, and a mother-to-be massage. There are also 60 minutes or 90 minutes range of facials, manicures, pedicures and waxing.
The resort’s complimentary breakfast includes a buffet with eggs, bacon, and potatoes along with oatmeal, pastries, and fruit and is augmented by cooked-to-order omelets to take good care of the most important meal of your day. Then, a complimentary evening happy hour comes with cocktails, beer , wine, well-drinks, and snacks. Its a nice opportunity to unwind, socialize, and plan for the evening.
For dinner, the resort’s Coastal Grill with ocean views offers American fare with meats and fresh fish from local waters and locally sourced produce. Outside the hotel, you could check out the Waterside Restaurant and Wine Bar located in the Harbor inside The Marine Emporium Landing. Its glass enclosed heated patio offers views of the marina and the harbor and offers live entertainment Wednesday through Sunday. It has an extensive selection of wine and craft beers, and also has a Sunday Brunch with mimosas.
For more information please visit www.visitoxnard.com
www.embassysuitesmandalay.com
www.islandpackers.com