Just got back from a 2-day getaway to stark, stunning Anacapa Island off the coast of Ventura.   Did a little snorkeling, a little hiking, and a lot of bird watching...

I started my getaway with an afternoon in Oxnard, a town some of youse suburbanites might fear, but I heartily recommend as one of SoCal's best escapes for an affordable, easy-to-reach, overnight stay where you can really clear out the ole noggin.

Barefoot, but confident!

That's Oxnard!   This historic little SoCal burg settled by migrant farmhands (and still teaming with scary immigrants) might be known to some for its crime stats, but don't be fooled.   Oxnard is about to become the coastal gem you can't afford.

Thanks to its proximity to a beautiful beach, its bevy of quaint, vintage housing, and its old-timey vibe, this dialed-down town is just a Travel Channel special away from being invaded by hipsters and gays ready to roll up the sleeves of their boutique western wear and make this coastal community safe for mainstream white folk.

Until then, you can enjoy Oxnard as the relaxed, affordable, Cali getaway it is today.


If you're the Travelocity type timid about stepping off the grid, start with Oxnard's Woolworth Building.   It was recently restored to the tune of $2 mil (creative office space available), and features a gourmet diner that caters to organic foodies.


Venture further down Oxnard's broad, leafy streets and you'll find a town frozen in time, full of charming local shops where even Harriet Nelson would feel at home...


...well, Harriet's maid, anway...


Me, I love Oxnard for the oh-so-relaxed pace, plentiful parking (always free!), killer thrift store deals (this trip I scored a lipstick-red 50s chair for 8 bucks!), and going to the movies.   Oxnard has a brand-spanking new theater...that for some reason is always empty.

This trip I enjoyed "District 9" in a plush theater...with only 4 other patrons.   It was like having my own private screening room!

After totally decompressing in Downtown Oxnard, I spent the night at a plush local hotel for an awesome rate (see below), then headed out in the morning with Island Packers to Anacapa Island.

Props to Island Packers for making the boat trip as much fun as the island.   True to their word, they stopped when porpoises surrounded the boat and answered endless questions with keen expertise.  Their 40 years of experience was a terrific bonus to what could have been just a taxi ride.

I went to Anacapa to snorkel, and had a great time.   Conditions were ideal!


After snorkeling, I hiked the island, accompanied by a darling family I met on the boat.   Other than this young mom and her kids, I never saw another soul on the trail.   This silent, scenic hike is sure to clear the cobwebs from even the messiest head tangled in LA nonsense:

I recommend this getaway to everyone, from locals like me who need an escape to first-time visitors to the Great State of California!

TRAVEL TIPS: OXNARD
Oxnard is 60 miles north of LA.   If you live in Santa Monica or Venice, avoid the freeway at all costs; The breathtaking drive up the Pacific Coast Highway is the ideal way to begin this getaway!

Lodging: I loved my stay at the Oxnard Best Western where I enjoyed a toasty (and utterly empty) hot tub, wireless access, HBO, and a plush, 3-star room for just $72 (booking online).

Things To See In Oxnard: Oxnard's Carnegie Art Museum features 20th Century California artists from Hurrell to Gronk.   Oxnard's Downtown Center for the Arts hosts even more art, plus screenings of rare foreign and indie films.   Oxnard's Woolworth Building features the world's only Woolworth Museum (with historic photos and vintage vending machines), a gourmet diner, and live music nightly.   The new Plaza Cinema movie theater features 14 screens...and no lines!   The theater complex includes a Starbucks and a Coldstone Creamery, plus Peruvian, Thai, and Spanish eateries (all of these stops are just blocks from each other).

To check out Oxnard's vintage architecture, take a stroll from 2nd to 6th Street between F and C Street, or take a Home Tour with the Oxnard Historic District.

Big Oxnard Annual Events: Strawberry Festvial (May), Salsa Festival (July), Haunted Heritage Square (October), Holiday Lights (December).

ANACAPA:
In General: Anacapa is the closest Channel Island to the Cali mainland.   It's a small, deserted island; camping is the only option for an overnight stay.   There's no running water; outhouse-style bathrooms are available, but don't expect a coffee bar, showers, or even faucets.

Getting There: Island Packers is the only vendor licensed to take visitors to the Channel Islands, so they're your only choice.   But a good one!   The boat to Anacapa costs $45, leaves twice daily most days, and takes about an hour.   It's not a cruise ship, so if you tend to get seasick take your pills.

Snorkel Gear and Snacks: Island Packers sells snacks on the boat (cash only), but there's nothing for sale on Anacapa.   Snorkel gear is strictly BYO!   As I learned, you might want to bring an extra set of snorkel gear in case you make friends on the boat who decide to join you!

Guided Naturalist Hikes: Free from Island Packers and/or Channel Island National Park Guides.   Or take a self-guided tour using the free booklets available at the trailhead.   The sole trail on the island takes about 1 and 1/2 hours going at a pokey, enjoying-the-scenery kinda pace.   Expect to see Chumash Indian sites, tons of sea birds, sea lion habitats, and awesome vistas.

Kayaking: You can rent a kayak for about $55/day; Island Packers will haul the kayaks over for you at no charge, but once they drop you off you're on your own, so don't make this your first day in a kayak...unless you bring along a sexy water baby to show you the ropes!

This popular Anacapa kayak destination is about a 45-min paddle from the main dock:


But the most popular trek for kayakers is Anacapa's famous arch (just a 15-min paddle from the main dock):


My 2-day getaway only cost about $150, including luxe lodging, gas, food, and fun.   Cheap frills!

You can find all my pix of Oxnard and Anacapa on my Oxnard Anacapa Photobucket Album.   For prime viewing, use the "slideshow" button in the top right hand corner and set the slideshow speed to "slow".   Happy Trails!