Just because you’re on a budget does not mean you can’t have an epic vacation, with or without your pet. Here is my recommended six day Oxnard & Channel Islands trip itinerary.
Day One: Yoga on the Beach & Channel Islands Harbor
Yoga on the Beach: I am a big proponent of yoga and nothing is more peaceful than to do yoga on the beach. There are numerous listings for yoga on the beach on Meetup.com, some of them are even free! If I recall, this particular class is is about $20. *This activity is dog friendly.
Kayak Channel Islands Harbor: A single kayak is $12.50/hour and a double kayak is $20/hour. On my trip, I happened to mention that I was on a birthday trip, so I got to kayak for free. Can’t get a better deal than that. *This activity is also dog friendly.
Day Two: Channel Islands National Park
Island Wildlife Cruise: The cruise takes you through the Channel Islands National Park and around Anacapa Island–the island nearest the California coast. It leaves out of the Channel Islands Harbor in Oxnard that you visited the day before. Tickets for the cruise are $44 for adults, $40 for seniors, and $31 for children.
One thing to note is the water is so clear in the fall, you can see the dolphins swimming under the water. (see photo above).
Harbor Island Trail: This is located near Oxnard and is considered an easy hike. Great pet-friendly activity!
Day Three: Day Trip to Solvang
Solvang is located about an hour north of Oxnard, CA, and is a great day trip if you have the time to make the trip.
Ostrichland, USA: See and feed ostriches and emus at this unique interaction. Admission is $7 for adults, $5 for active military, and $3 for children 12 and under. Ostrich feed is $1.
Rent a Bike and Tour Solvang on Your Own: On my trip, I went to Nojoqui Falls, but this trail is closed now. Bike rentals start at $15 for an hour, and this is a great way to see the town!
Day Four: Santa Cruz Island
Take Ferry to Santa Cruz: This is not included in the kayaking tour and required in order to go on the tour. It is $63 for adults, $58 for seniors, $45 for children ages 3-12. Children under 3 are free. It should be noted, however, that children under 5 are not allowed on the kayaking tour. The ferry leaves from Ventura Harbor, about 15 minutes north of
Kayak the sea caves around Santa Cruz: The kayaking tour is $186 per adult and $174 per child and is for all levels. Alternatively, there is a shorter version of the tour for $136 and $120 respectfully.
Day Five: Six Flags Magic Mountain
Six Flags Magic Mountain is located about an hour east of Oxnard. Although not my favorite of California’s Amusement Parks (Universal takes that title), it’s still a fun day. Single Day Tickets start at $64.99 with season passes starting at around $90 or $7.99 a month after an initial down payment.
Day Six: Day Trip to Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara Zoo: The Santa Barbara Zoo is open daily from 9:30-5, so if you’re traveling with kids, you could probably spend the entire day there. General Admission is $15-$25. I highly recommend adding on the giraffe feeding for $8/person.
Cabrillo Bike Path: I personally took a private surf lesson before going to the zoo, and I hated it. If you want information about the surf lessons, let me know. But, I’m not entirely comfortable recommending something that I disliked. That said, just because I got scared, doesn’t mean that everyone would.
So, what did you think? Did you enjoy my six day Oxnard & Channel Islands trip itinerary? Did I miss any activities that you think should be on here? Comment below.
AprilCoxTravel & Freelance 