Mandalay Beach Park
Oxnard, CA
Mandalay Beach Park is a genuine open space of dunes with on-street parking rather than a formal lot, a quieter residential stretch of the Oxnard coast. It's a good pick for a walk through real dune habitat without the crowds of the bigger developed beaches nearby.
A genuinely quiet stretch of real dune habitat, though the informal on-street parking takes a bit more effort than the bigger developed parks nearby.
How we score beachesLook for on-street parking in the surrounding neighborhood rather than expecting a dedicated lot, this park's access is genuinely informal.
Free on-street parking is available in the surrounding neighborhood.
The path from parking to the sand isn't documented in detail, so allow extra time on your first visit.
Dogs are allowed on the sand anytime, as long as they are leashed.
Fog is common most mornings year round, typical of the Oxnard coast.
More Pacific Coast beaches
Zuma Beach
Malibu, CA · Pacific Coast
A wide stretch of sand backed by the Santa Monica Mountains, with reliable swells that draw surfers year-round and plenty of room to spread out even on busy weekends.
Huntington City Beach
Huntington Beach, CA · Pacific Coast
Known as Surf City USA, with a mile-long municipal pier, consistent breaks for surfers of every level, and a laid-back boardwalk scene along Pacific Coast Highway.
Main Beach
Laguna Beach, CA · Pacific Coast
Tucked between rocky headlands, with tidepools to explore at low tide, calmer coves for swimming, and an arts-town backdrop of galleries and cafes just steps from the sand.