Hollywood Beach

 

An hour north of Los Angeles, Hollywood Beach is a quiet, resort-style beach town known for peaceful vibes and a breezy lifestyle. But that doesn’t mean you won’t find a bit of Hollywood flair. Originally a popular filming location, back in the days of silent films, the white beaches, sandy dunes, and pristine weather offered the perfect desert set for films like Rudolph Valentino’s sensation, The Sheik. The unspoiled beaches became a quiet escape from the hustle of Hollywood, and stars like Clark Gable spent time vacationing here. 

In 1924, William Lingenbrink set out to capitalize on the Ventura area’s ties to the silver screen and worked with his wife to develop a resort town with all the glamour of Hollywood but available at Ventura prices. Hollywood Beach was intentionally named, with street names like Sunset, Cahuehga, and La Brea to inspire that Tinseltown feel and, rumor has it, to ease any homesickness the stars felt while spending time away from their Los Angeles homes. 

Today Hollywood Beach provides that same relaxed resort feel, as well as a mix of condos, beach bungalows, single-family homes, and great schools, making this an ideal place for families.

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What to Love

• The friendly, laid-back community
• Soft, sandy beaches, perfect for beachcombing
• Water lovers enjoy kayaking, boating, and parasailing

Local Lifestyle

Hollywood Beach was made for adventure, and residents spend their time out on the water, paddleboarding, jet skiing, kayaking, and parasailing. The gorgeous beaches, with that soft white sand, invite lounging and sunbathing. There is one catch, though, to this beachside life. You’ll have to learn to share the scenic spot with the town’s primary residents — the adorable sea lions and seals, who frequent the sandy beaches for hours at a time.

 

Dining, Entertainment, and Shopping

Full of beachside cafes and the freshest seafood, Hollywood Beach boasts quaint eateries with a serious culinary cache. The Hollywood Beach Cafe offers a daytime menu of hearty breakfast fare, burgers, and sandwiches, plus a full bar. This beloved diner is also home to the neighborhood’s favorite brunch.

Mrs. Olson’s Coffee Hut has been serving up American breakfast and lunch classics since 1974. You’ll find vegetarian options, breakfast burritos, farm-fresh eggs, and specials like the crab and shrimp omelet, steak for breakfast, and biscuits and gravy. Find the freshest seafood, not to mention spectacular plating, at Moqueca, Hollywood Beach’s traditional Brazilian eatery known for its signature clay pot dish, moqueca Capixaba. 

Established in 1976, the Pacific Corinthian Yacht Club is the place to see and be seen in Hollywood Beach. The club offers boating, fine dining, a patio bar for more casual get-togethers, private meeting rooms, a fitness center, and heated spa, and water sports.

 

Things to Do

This iconic beach town offers a ton of activities and annual events that have long been woven into local Hollywood Beach life. The weekly Channel Islands Certified Farmers’ Market is the place to be on Sunday mornings, so make sure to bring your cutest tote and load up on beach-worthy snacks for a day on the sand. With more than 30 farmers selling fresh produce and goodies, you’ll find the best picnic fare. Summer by the beach means one thing to residents — summer concerts. And there are plenty of them. From the Channel Islands Harbor series, set against the sparkling azure water, to the historic downtown Heritage Square Concert Series, Hollywood Beach celebrates live music year-round.

Welcome Santa this holiday season with the annual Santa to the Sea race, which includes a half marathon and a two-person relay, plus a 5K run, 1K Kids Fun Run, and more. This community fundraiser provides scholarships to local high school seniors, as well as those adults continuing their education, and holiday toys for underprivileged children in Ventura County.

Maybe it’s the water, or perhaps it's the beach state of mind, but the seaside communities of Oxnard love their parades, and with good reason. These annual events showcase the best of waterfront life. A neighborhood staple for over 50 years, the Parade of Lights celebration at the Channel Islands Harbor offers waterside entertainment, an arts and crafts boutique, and the crowning event, the colorful boat parade. The summer’s best event is the 4th of July Family Parade, which features an electric boat parade, children’s events, and a stunning fireworks show.