Discover the untamed beauty of Mandalay State Beach, located in Oxnard along the scenic Ventura County coast. This 92-acre stretch of undeveloped dunes, beach, and wetlands offers a rare and peaceful escape. It is located just south of McGrath State Beach. This area serves as an ecological sanctuary amid Southern California’s bustling shoreline.
What Makes Mandalay State Beach Unique
This park preserves one of the few remaining natural dune systems on the Oxnard Plain. It features over 2,900 feet of shoreline. The area includes 92 acres of protected habitat. It’s a vital nesting ground for threatened species like the western snowy plover and least tern, and offers authentic tranquility—undeveloped, unfenced, and seldom crowded.
Top Activities & Amenities
🏖️ Beach Access & Tidepooling
Enjoy expansive sandy shores perfect for beachcombing, walking, or quiet reflection. Though surf conditions are mild, swimmers should watch for rip currents near creek mouths. Explore seasonal tidepools during low tides, but avoid plover nesting zones from March through September.
🏄 Surfing & Fishing
Intermediate surfers find consistent breaks along the beach; casual anglers often fish for surfperch near wet dune areas. Bring a California fishing license and fish from the shore—no boat launch here.
🦅 Wildlife Viewing & Bird Watching
Binoculars pick up snowy plovers, least terns, sandpipers, and herons in the dunes and wetlands. Seasonal creek runoff draws shorebirds and waterfowl—ideal for nature photography and avian observation.
🚶 Hiking & Biking
Mandalay Beach Road and adjacent paths are part of the California Coastal Trail and Pacific Coast Bicycle Route. They connect you north to McGrath Beach or south to Oxnard Beach Park. A wheelchair-accessible boardwalk—Ed Hunt Rehab Point—allows easy access to the water.
🧺 Picnic & Group Space
Grassy picnic areas with barbecue pits and tables are available at the adjacent ‘olołkoy Beach Park playground. While the state park itself lacks facilities, nearby county spaces offer playgrounds, volleyball courts, and shade.
🚻 Restrooms, Showers & Drinking Water
No facilities are within the state beach itself. Restrooms and drinking fountains are available in the adjacent park area. Outdoor showers are absent—plan accordingly.
Visitor Tips
- Access & Hours: Day-use only, dawn to dusk. The beach is closed seasonally (Mar–Sep) in nesting zones—watch signage.
- Facilities: No restrooms or showers on-site. Use public facilities nearby in Oxnard Beach Park.
- Pets: Dogs are prohibited on the beach at all times to protect nesting wildlife.
- Parking: Street parking on Mandalay Beach Road and Harbor Boulevard; beach parking lot closes at dusk.
- Wildlife Protection: Respect roped-off nesting areas. Viewing from a distance preserves delicate habitats.
- Surf & Swim Safety: No lifeguards on duty. Check surf reports and swim cautiously near rip currents.
- Biking: Popular with cyclists using Harbor Boulevard and Coastal Trail—wear reflective gear and watch for traffic.
Local Insight & Seasonal Tip
For a sublime coastal experience, visit in late fall or early spring. The beach is open during these times. The dunes shimmer with migrating shorebirds. Sunrise along the wheelchair-access ramp offers unforgettable views across Oxnard Shores and the Channel Islands. After a quiet beach walk, head to nearby ‘olołkoy Beach Park to watch families enjoy the playground and volleyball courts—a perfect way to balance solitude with community. Finally, for a hidden gem, walk north toward McGrath for secluded tidepool coves and bird-rich estuary edges often missed by casual beachgoers.