Everyone searching for a new home has their priority list.  Beach area shoppers are generally looking for outdoor activities and walkability.  But walkability doesn’t mean the same thing to everyone.  For some, it might mean just around the neighborhood, while for others, proximity to shopping and dining.  All three of Oxnard’s beach communities are unique. 

For instance-

Silver Strand is Oxnard’s southernmost beach community. Once you are there, you will immediately know that while there is little in the way of shopping or dining, walkability in “the Strand” means around the neighborhood and the short distance to the sand.

Furthest to the north is Mandalay Shores, formerly Oxnard Shores, and without question, the most family-friendly of the Oxnard beach areas.  Everything is larger in the Shores: The homes, the lots, and the community itself. 

In between the two is the Hollywood Beach community.  Named for the movie industry’s initial brief encounter with the area back in the early 1920s, Hollywood Beach offers the best of both the Shores and the Strand.  With lot sizes ranging from 2450 square feet (average for Silver Strand) up to about 4000 square feet (standard for the Shores), the identity of this community is accessibility to local activities and walkability. 

Hollywood Beach is a relatively narrow peninsula sandwiched between the Pacific Ocean and Channel Islands Harbor, separated from Silver Strand at its tip by the harbor mouth.  On the ocean side of the peninsula is Ocean Drive, an approximate mile and a half stretch lined with beautiful single-family homes of all shapes and sizes (mostly large) on either side.  The road itself is sand-swept, constantly reminding you of where you are, and is usually occupied with as many pedestrians, cyclists, and golf carts as it is automobiles.  Ten roads cross Ocean Drive and end at the beach, assuring access to all “inboard” neighbors and visitors. 

Sunset Drive runs down the middle of the peninsula, lined on the ocean side by single-family homes and the other by the Harborwalk condominium community and the Hollywood By the Sea senior manufactured home community.  Harborwalk is a popular community for many who wish to have lock-and-go 2^nd beach homes, but many also keep them as full-time residences because of the world-class location. 

If there is a centerpiece for all three Oxnard beach communities, it is Channel Islands Harbor, but without question, Hollywood Beach is its true home.  All public activities offered at the harbor lie along Harbor Boulevard and Harbor Boulevard lies along the Hollywood Beach community.  And just as the harbor is the centerpiece of the beach communities, the Marine Emporium is the centerpiece of the harbor. 

The Marine Emporium is made up of 3 buildings that offer dining options and a variety of vendors.  Here you can have your hair done, get in a workout, have, lunch dinner or a drink, or rent just about any water toy you can think of.  There are fishing charter boats, trips out to the islands that include kayaking and hiking, of course, whale watching excursions. Also in the Emporium area are many of the events that take place here including the weekly farmer’s market, car shows, and art festivals.  There are also other eating and drinking establishments along Habor Boulevard along with the Maritime Museum and the Channel Islands Boating Center.  All are accessible along the walkway that fronts the harbor. 

None of this is to discourage anyone from considering the Mandalay Shores or Silver Strand beach communities for their next home  Both are excellent options based on your preferences.  But if you are looking for all the energy, dining, and entertainment options available at the Harbor knowing that you are always only about a 5-minute walk to the beach, Hollywood Beach could be your best option. 

By the way.  Keep an eye out in the near future for our Neighborhood Spotlight blog that will be featuring the Harborwalk Condominium Community right here along Hollywood Beach.