Location: Port Hueneme
Top Things to do in Port Hueneme
- 1. California Welcome Center
- 2. U.S. Navy Seabee Museum
- 3. Mandalay Beach
- 4. Port Hueneme Beach Park
- 5. Channel Islands Harbor
- 6. The Robert J. Lagomarsino Visitor Center at Channel Islands National Park
- 7. Point Mugu Missile Park
- 8. WWII Aviation Museum
- 9. Mullin Automotive Museum
- 10. Point Hueneme Lighthouse
Countries
What to do and see in Port Hueneme, United States: The Best Places and Tips
Port Hueneme (/waɪˈniːmi/ wy-NEEM-ee) is a small beach city in Ventura County, California surrounded by the city of Oxnard and the Santa Barbara Channel. The name derives from the Spanish spelling of the Ventureño phrase wene me, meaning "Resting Place". Juan Rodríguez Cabrillo explored this area and the adjacent Channel Islands in October 1542. The town's name was officially changed to Port Hueneme in 1939 and was incorporated March 24, 1948.
Restaurants in Port Hueneme
1. California Welcome Center
Overall Ratings
5 based on 194 reviews
Make the California Welcome Center, Oxnard the first stop on your Central Coast adventure. You'll find a wine tasting room where you can sample Ventura County wines, info on local, regional and statewide attractions and tickets. Gifts and souvenirs from local merchants, free wifi, clean restrooms, and above all, friendly and professional staff to assist you with your travel planning needs. Specializing in locally produced merchandise. Open 7 days a week! Stop in along the way or even if you are dreaming of a get-away.
Reviewed By Gary D - Edgerton, Kansas
These folks really know what's happening in not just Oxnard, but all over the area, Ventura, Santa Barbara, down to Los Angeles. They were very friendly and oh so helpful! Locals know what's going on and where to go. Just tell them what you're inetested in, or let them suggest.
2. U.S. Navy Seabee Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 57 reviews
The mission of the U.S. Navy Seabee Museum is to select, collect, preserve and display historic material relating to the history of the Naval Construction Force, better known as the Seabees. The mission of the U.S. Navy Seabee Museum is to select, collect, preserve and display historic material relating to the history of the Naval Construction Force, better known as the Seabees. In January will be the first of many new and exciting programs such as an education initiative creating new curricula, lecture series, family day activities, and other fun family events. In addition to the new galleries opening, a youth orientated STEM Center (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math.)
Reviewed By Ron C
This tells the story of an amazing, often unsung group of people who are often the first ashore; who build, recover, transform nothing into forward bases. It overs from WW2 to current including humanitarian deployments.
Most of the displays require reading or an adult to explain.
3. Mandalay Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 134 reviews
Reviewed By drwsurf - Cocoa Beach,Florida
We stayed at the Mandalay Suites hotel and backed up on the beach. It was always cool there even though there was a heat wave inland. There are nice walking sidewalks and access to different beaches. The beach is wide and clean. There restrooms also. I didn't go into the water but it looked inviting
4. Port Hueneme Beach Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 26 reviews
Reviewed By Shatzii - Huntsville, Alabama
The Pier is a great place to get photos. There is a parking fee in the beach parking lot, but there are free open street parking too, if you don't mind a short walk. It was fun to watch the "lifeguard training class" maneuver on the sand and in the water, while singing.
5. Channel Islands Harbor
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 183 reviews
Neighbor to the scenic Channel Islands, Channel Islands Harbor is a working harbor that offers fun-filled water activities for the whole family. About an hour's drive north from Los Angeles, the Harbor features several beach-lined parks and coastline for picnics and surfing, as well as nearby biking and walking paths. While at the Harbor, visit our many shops and dine at one of several restaurants with menus ranging from deli sandwiches to Brazilian cuisine. Be sure to check out the Channel Islands Maritime Museum with its ever-changing exhibitions, world-class maritime art, and ship models.
Reviewed By havilahsprings - Oxnard, California
There is a wide variety of shops and resturaunts to explore, plus a museum and beach. Nice place to visit on a Saturday.Good afternoon, Thank you for taking the time to provide a positive review of the Channel Islands Harbor. We hope you continue to enjoy the time you spend at the Harbor!
6. The Robert J. Lagomarsino Visitor Center at Channel Islands National Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 129 reviews
Reviewed By Susan M - Warren, Michigan
I was so happy to get answers to all my questions. They had exhibits of the island foxes and the island scrub Jay. The volunteers were more than happy to answer my questions. The exhibits are fantastic.
7. Point Mugu Missile Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 15 reviews
Reviewed By Harrybelly1010 - Cardiff, United Kingdom
Happened across this whilst driving PCH and spent 15 diverting minutes having a nose and taking photos. If you like looking at Naval Aircraft then this is the place for you as what you see is what you get. No idea who put this here, or why, but glad they did.
8. WWII Aviation Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 92 reviews
Reviewed By Jola O - Las Vegas, Nevada
We loved the WWII airplanes and the fact that they all fly. You can make reservations for a ride in your favorite plane. The docents are knowledgable and many of them have flown in the aircrafts. It's an unknown gem. Thanks to TripAdvisor, I found it! It really is a must see if you like aircraft museums. We will return next year for the annual Airshow in August.
9. Mullin Automotive Museum
Overall Ratings
5 based on 68 reviews
Reviewed By Waterloonie - Santa Barbara, California
If you're cruising along the 101 and need a break, do yourself a big favor and stop in Oxnard for 2-3 hours to see a gorgeous private collection of Bugattis and Citroens. A very beautifully curated museum with really knowledgeable docents. Tickets must be purchased online in advance.
Highly recommended!
10. Point Hueneme Lighthouse
Overall Ratings
4 based on 9 reviews
Reviewed By Beverly K - Port Hueneme, California, United States
Why are so many of us fascinated by lighthouses? To some, it’s the symbolism of the light they find most appealing. To others, it’s the faithfulness of the keeper who braves loneliness and isolation to keep the warning beacon burning. Lighthouses represent hope in the darkest hour, fantasy (many former lighthouses are now romantic getaways) and even the paranormal (hundreds are said to be haunted).
After an easy half-mile stroll up Lighthouse Promenade (access at corner of Surfside Drive and Market St ) you will find the Point Hueneme Lighthouse, an example of the Art Moderne style constructed in 1940.
The Fourth Order Fresnel lens, which was manufactured in France by Barbier & Bernard in 1897, was employed from 1899 until August 2013. Checking out the replacement LED light requires climbing steep stairs. You can view the rare and fragile Fourth Order Fresnel lens on the first floor. Cottages that housed the Keeper, Assistant Keeper and their families are still standing and located behind the building.
Curator Rose Castro-Bran leads tours every third Saturday of the month from 10AM to 3PM.(with the last tour at 2:30). She has published an informative book, Lighthouses of Greater Los Angeles, which includes the history of the first (1874) Point Hueneme Lighthouse. The expansive three-story Victorian style building was actually moved across the channel entrance on a barge but unfortunately the wooden building eventually burned down.
We made a day of it and included a visit to the Port Hueneme Historical Society Museum during the afternoon.
For more information, email: [email protected]
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