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| Location | Details | Additional Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Oxnard City Locations | • Enterprise, Hertz, Budget locations • Primarily along Oxnard Blvd and Auto Center Drive |
• Often closed Sundays • Limited hours (usually 8 AM - 6 PM weekdays) • May offer pickup service |
| Camarillo Airport | • Small general aviation airport • Limited rental options |
• 10 miles (16 km) from Oxnard • Very limited commercial service • Call ahead to confirm availability |
| Santa Barbara Airport (SBA) | • Regional airport offering major rental companies • 45 miles (72 km) northwest |
• 45-60 minute drive to Oxnard • More flight connections than local options |
| Los Angeles Int'l Airport (LAX) | • Full selection of companies and vehicles • 60 miles (97 km) southeast |
• 1-1.5 hour drive to Oxnard • Higher airport fees but more options |
| Burbank Airport (BUR) | • Good selection of rental companies • 50 miles (80 km) east |
• 50-60 minute drive to Oxnard • Less congested than LAX |
On average, car rentals in Oxnard cost around $48 per day, with the lowest-priced rentals starting at $24 per day.
Compare city pickups vs. airports – Oxnard Blvd/Auto Center Drive counters skip the 11-12 % airport concession fee, and they're only a quick rideshare from most hotels.
Lock in early for summer beach season – June-Aug demand spikes; reserving a few months out usually beats last-minute prices. Off-season (Oct-Apr, minus holidays) is far cheaper.
Play with pickup/drop-off combos – Sometimes a weeklong deal at LAX or BUR still wins even after the 60-mile (97 km) drive, but other times local Oxnard rates are lower. Run both in the search box before you commit.
Stretch to a weekly rate – For 5+ days, a flat week often costs less than five separate daily rates. Shift your dates a day or two to hit that price break.
| Location | Where to Park | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Downtown Oxnard | Mix of free, timed and metered spots | 2-hour limits common during business hours |
| Oxnard Beaches | Free at most beaches | Limited spaces during summer weekends |
| Channel Islands Harbor | Free parking lots | Plenty of space for harbor visitors |
| Collection at RiverPark | Free parking | Major shopping center |
| The Annex | Free parking | Food hall and specialty shops |
| Silver Strand Beach | Street parking, some restrictions | Read signs carefully in residential areas |
| Oxnard Transportation Center | Free for commuters | Amtrak/Metrolink station |
Complete stops required at railroad crossings when signals are active
Summer weekends bring increased traffic to beach areas
Get a car to easily:
Ventura – beaches
Santa Barbara – downtown
Channel Islands Harbor – boats
Camarillo Premium Outlets – shopping
Ojai – art
Malibu – scenery

What's the best place to rent a car if I'm staying in Oxnard?
If you're already in Oxnard, you can rent from local Enterprise, Hertz or Budget locations. They are convenient and usually have lower rates than airport rentals. If you're flying in, Santa Barbara Airport is closer than LAX (about 45 miles/72 km northwest) but has fewer flights. LAX gives you the most flight and rental choices but you'll have a longer drive (about 60 miles/97 km) to Oxnard.
Do I need a car in Oxnard if I'm staying near the beach?
Yes, we highly recommend renting a car. While you can walk to beaches and harbors from nearby places to stay, you'll need to drive to most attractions, restaurants and shopping areas. The city has limited public transit, and a rental car gives you the freedom to explore coastal towns, visit Channel Islands Harbor and take day trips around Ventura County.
What type of vehicle is best for an Oxnard beach vacation?
Most visitors find a midsize car works well. It gives you enough space for beach gear and is easy to park. If you plan to carry surfboards, boogie boards or a lot of beach equipment, you should consider an SUV. Many people enjoy convertibles for the scenic coastal drives along Pacific Coast Highway, but they have less secure storage for your beach gear.
How is the parking situation at Oxnard beaches?
Many Oxnard beaches have free or low-cost parking lots. Oxnard Beach Park now charges a small fee (about $5–$8 per car) on weekends and holidays. You can still find free street or lot parking at places like Silver Strand and Hollywood Beach. Parking spots can fill up quickly on summer weekends and holidays, so try to arrive before 11 AM to get a good spot. Some neighborhoods near the beaches require parking permits, so make sure you read the signs carefully.
Can I drive to the Channel Islands from Oxnard?
No, you can only get to the Channel Islands by boat or plane. However, you'll need a car to reach Channel Islands Harbor, which is where the boats for the islands leave from. Island Packers is the main company that offers trips to the islands. You can park your car securely at the harbor while you visit the islands.
What's the best scenic drive from Oxnard?
For amazing ocean views, you can drive the Pacific Coast Highway (Highway 1) in either direction from Oxnard. If you go southeast, you'll pass through Point Mugu State Park and Malibu. If you drive northwest, you'll get to Ventura and then Santa Barbara. Another beautiful drive is Highway 33 north to Ojai. This road winds through the pretty Ventura River Valley and offers mountain views.
How far is Oxnard from major Southern California attractions?
Oxnard is a great home base for exploring Southern California. You're about 60 miles (97 km) northwest of Los Angeles (1–1.5 hours) and 45 miles (72 km) southeast of Santa Barbara (45–60 minutes). You can also drive 35 miles (56 km) northwest to Malibu (about 45 minutes) and 50 miles (80 km) northwest to Santa Monica (around 1 hour). Just remember that traffic can make these trips much longer, especially during rush hours.
Are there any special driving considerations in Oxnard?
You should watch out for slow-moving farm vehicles on the roads around the city, especially in the early morning and late afternoon. From May to July, the morning coastal fog can make it hard to see, so be sure to turn on your headlights when you need to.