Known as the "Gateway to the Channel Islands" Oxnard offers seven stunning miles of beautiful sandy beaches with views of these islands. Approximately 60 miles northwest of Los Angeles County, Oxnard offers a pleasant year round climate providing constant ocean breezes. Oxnard has plenty to do including hiking, sailing, biking, birding, camping, golfing, tennis, sport fishing, kayaking, surfing, whale watching, ice skating, museums, theaters, shopping as well as the only west coast kosher winery and more than 200 restaurants.

Start the day bright and early and head to the Heritage Square Museum. This entire city block features relocated homes built from 1878-1912 and are now home to local area businesses; La Dolce Vita Restaurant, Rancho Ventavo Wine Cellars, The Elite Theater Company as well as the location for the outdoor summer concert area. Created in 1991 by the City of Oxnard, this central area brings locals and tourists alike, who appreciate the intertwining mix of the old and the new.

Rancho Ventavo Wine Cellars is housed in a former home that was built in 1902. The casual and friendly owners, Faye Hawes and George Gilpatrick started their business as a hobby. In their first year of wine making they produced 2 barrels. Now, they are up to 2,400 cases a year. As you enter the quaint tasting room, you immediately feel at ease. Don't be surprised if they offer you a generous sampling of their artisan wines. Along with their cream and black label wines, they also offer wine classes and host local mixers.

Downtown Oxnard features California history at its best. In the city center is Plaza Park. The pagoda in the center was built in 1910 as an original bandstand, and has hosted several visitors over the years, including John F. Kennedy Jr.

In 2003 the pagoda was restored and has a prominent role in the annual Salsa Festival held every July. Celebrating all things salsa, (including the food and the dance), thousands of visitors flock to Oxnard to join in the festivities.

Some days, the farmer market is in full swing, offering fresh fruits and vegetables in separate stalls alongside the park. Sample the juicy strawberries, and admired the leafy beets and perfectly green avocados. Bouquets of flowers overflow the walkways, and scents of street foods lure you in.

Also in close vicinity to the park are the Carnegie Art Museum, Gull Wings Children Museum and the Henry T. Oxnard Historic District. This nationally registered district features 144 original craftsman and Spanish colonial homes located on F and G Street. It is the largest historic neighborhood of its kind in the region, with several homes dating back to the early 1900's. The significance of these homes is recognized every autumn, when area residence holds an annual walking tour of six or more of the houses to visitors. The homes are the pride and joy of the town of Oxnard, representing their history and architecture. The homes are all charming, warm and livable. Several exhibitors come out for the festivities, showing antique and revival furnishings, artwork and decorative pieces for the perfect interiors.

Enjoy lunch in downtown Oxnard at any one of the 40 restaurants. Every type of food choice is available, including gourmet Mexican, Italian, Chinese and American. One town favorite is the Fresh and Fabulous Café. Located in the Woolworth building. The café holds all of the charm and charisma of an old fashioned diner. Choose a salad, gourmet sandwich or soup and finish with a homemade desert in this cozy eatery. After your meal, stop in to see the memorabilia collected over the years on display in the lobby of the Woolworth Building. Hundreds of rare items line the walls along with a detailed photo history of the former mega-store.

After exploring downtown Oxnard, head to Herzog Winery. Known as the only kosher winery on the west coast, Herzog is a major producer of kosher-certified wines in the United States. The winery is opened to the public Sunday-Friday. Walk through of the spacious 77,000 square ft. space and explore the history and intricate art of wine making. The tasting room has a modern yet friendly feel, and helpful staff guides you through a sampling of red, white and rose varietals.

After awaking your taste buds, head to the Tierra Sur Restaurant for an early dinner. Headed by Chef Todd Aarons' (of Zuni Café in San Francisco and Savoy in New York) the kosher kitchen features simply delectable delights. When I visited I enjoyed a spicy purple haze carrot soup with coconut and mint cream. The palatable soup was the perfect consistency and flavored perfectly. For the entree, a duck confit with tomato rhubarb confitpote, mizuna Japanese mustard greens and fried spring onions. Desert was Magrath farms frozen strawberry custard with Moorpark blueberry beignet. The meal was nothing short of delicious, and stunningly gorgeous.

After Tierra Sur, head to the Channel Islands Harbor for a drink. Watch the kayak enthusiasts and paddle boats cruise by as you sip on a cocktail at The Whale's Tail. Located on the water, this casual canteen has been open since 1969 and has views stretching from the harbor to the mountains. The Shellfish Bar, located upstairs, features signature drinks such as the Captain Hook(Captain Morgan's Private Stock, Cruzan coconut Rum, pineapple, orange and cranberry juices) and Shark Attack (Cruzan Coconut Rum, DeKuyper Pineapple Pucker, pineapple juice and orange juice.) The bar also has a good selection of wines from New Zealand, Italy, Oregon, Washington and California.

For a good night's rest, check in to the newly remodeled Residence Inn by Marriott at River Ridge. The hotel features valet, two pools, Jacuzzi, fitness center, sports court, gazebo and the River Ridge Golf Course. As the name implies, Residence Inn is set up for those scheduled for a longer stay. Upon entering the room, you find you actually can live here with full size kitchen with stainless steel refrigerator and kitchen appliances, dining area, living area, desk with free wireless internet, bedroom area, 2 closets, a vanity area and separate bathroom. The 252 all-suite guestrooms were recently renovated to reflect a new, clean and modern image. As you settle in to your cozy bed, look forward to what tomorrow brings in a city filled with history, diversity and fun.

What & Where:
Heritage Square(715 South A St; 805-483-7960)
Rancho Ventavo Wine Cellars (741 South A St; 805-483-8084)
Fresh and Fabulous Café (212 W. 4th St; 805-486-4547)
Herzog Winery (3201 Camino Del Sol; 805 983-1560)
Tierra Sur Restaurant (3201 Camino Del Sol; 805-983-1560)
The Whale's Tail (3950 Bluefin Circle; 805-985-4301)
Residence Inn by Marriott at River Ridge (2101 West Vineland Ave; 805-278-2200)

Fun Facts: Once inhabited by the Chumash Indians, Portuguese sailor Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo was the first European to encounter the area and claimed it for Spain in 1542. He docked in Point Mugu Lagoon declaring his discovery "the land of the endless summers".

The city itself is named after the Oxnard brothers (Henry, James, Benjamin and Robert) who founded the city and started a successful sugar beet factory in 1898.