Bliss and Seven’s Staycation at Silver Strand Beach in Oxnard, CA

Silver Strand Beach is by far the most popular beach to visit in Oxnard, especially for dogs and their owners. When I moved to the area six years ago, I didn’t know that besides being an absolutely beautiful beach, it’s also dog-friendly!

Located at the end of South Victoria Road, Bliss and Seven recommend dog owners bring their furry family members to Silver Strand for a fun filled day frolicking in the waves. Better yet, they suggest a daily run along the breathtaking white sandy beach, which is not a problem since it’s dog-friendly before 9 am and after 5 pm.

This mile-long stretch of silvery beach is a beautiful spot to relax while your dog burns off his or her energy. Public restrooms are at the north end of the beach and parking is free from sunrise to sunset. Lifeguards patrol between Memorial Day and Labor Day.

Besides being dog-friendly, Silver Strand offers world class surf, fishing, kayaking, cool to moderate water temperatures, and a family friendly atmosphere. This Beach Break has three peaks. The Jetty, which is a fabulous right-hand break for longboarders and intermediate surfers both human and canine, the Bowl, which fires perfectly in the Fall and Winter, and La Janelle, a sandbar left-hand break that will make dogs and their owner's froth at the mouth in delight.

In the early mornings and late evenings, you’ll most likely run into other sociable dogs romping in the surf. On crowded days, be sure to practice good beach etiquette and respect the leash laws. The beach is usually deserted in the evening so be sure to stay for a breathtaking sunset. Poop bags are located on the beach but sporadically so best to bring your own.

There are more than 23 dog-friendly restaurants near Silver Strand beach that welcome dogs at their outside patios. Bliss and Seven highly recommend Sea Fresh Restaurant at 3550 S Harbor Blvd in Oxnard, CA 93035. Located in the Channel Islands Harbor’s newly renovated Marine Emporium Landing, dogs are welcome to join their owner on the two outdoor patios that sit right on the water. Offering Lunch and Dinner Daily and Breakfast on Saturdays and Sundays, Sea Fresh has a variety of delicious and fresh menu items including a sushi and oyster bar. Bliss and Seven love the doggie dining menu featuring rice and chicken or beef. Bone Appetite!

If you need to spend the night near Silver Strand, there are at least nineteen pet-friendly hotels in the area. At the Crown Plaza Ventura, dogs of any size are welcome for an additional fee of $75. It’s centrally located near the Ventura Harbor Village. With a beautiful and scenic walking Promenade at Ventura Harbor Village extending to Ventura County West Marina in one direction and the Channel Islands National Park Visitor Center at the other end, it’s the perfect stroll with your pooch.

Pet-friendly Ventura Harbor invites you and your dog to have a safe, clean, and fun outing seaside. The proof is the harbor’s Doggie Bag stations, a Doggie Water Fountain near Beach Break Surf Shop in the Harbor Village, a photo board designed just for dogs to easily stand behind for that fun photo op on the Harbor Promenade, and a grassy lawn area.

Many Ventura Harbor restaurants offer dog-friendly patios, and several shops offer doggie-themed gifts and artwork. A new addition is a dedicated pet-friendly PAWlor Menu at The Parlor restaurant. You can also take your dog with you for a ride on the water with Ventura Boat Rentals electric boat rentals, pedal boats, kayaks, and stand up paddle boards.

Ventura Harbor offers events for pets too like the Annual HOWL-O-Ween Pet Costume Contest in October, Pirate Days Pet Costume Contest in July, Felix & Fido adoption events, and Cabo Dogz Breeders Association activities.

Dog owners can also check out the beachfront vacation house rentals to enjoy the sunset with their fur baby and all the comfort of home. The Ventura Beach Houses in Pierpoint Bay feature three bedroom, two bath properties (additional Jacuzzi tub that accommodates 2 in the first floor Master Bedroom) that are fully equipped with double master bedrooms, and bunkbeds in the third bedroom. Cable TV's with premium channels (DVD on request). Each of these homes offers a full-size washer and dryer.

For a complete listing of things to do in Oxnard – Order a FREE Visitors Guide. For more information about traveling with your dog, visit Travels With Bliss. Woof!