Road Trips from Oxnard, CA
Oxnard is a solid launchpad for a range of California road trips, whether you're looking for a quick escape or a longer haul. You've got several options within a 2-3 hour drive, mostly on highways, that offer access to parks like the Santa Monica Mountains. For a more substantial trip, consider heading north; the longest routes to San Francisco and Sacramento are around 7 hours, featuring a mix of terrain and multiple park opportunities.
Total Routes
9
Shortest
1.3h
With Parks Nearby
9
Under 2 hours
Full-day getaway
Chula Vista, CA
3h 46m191.3 mi one way
At 3.8 hours, this is your longest highway-focused day trip option, extending further south than Los Angeles. The drive features mostly flat terrain and includes access to both the Santa Monica Mountains and Cabrillo National Monument.
San Bernardino, CA
2h 17m116.4 mi one way
A 2.3-hour highway drive to San Bernardino, this route offers similar proximity to the Santa Monica Mountains as Fontana. It's a practical choice for a day trip without a long travel time.
Weekend trip
6 total in this range
Fresno, CA
4h 22m225.9 mi one way
This 4.4-hour trip to Fresno offers a mixed drive profile, distinguishing it from the more highway-centric options. You'll have access to the Santa Monica Mountains and the César E. Chávez National Monument.
San Jose, CA
6h 16m316.2 mi one way
Heading 6.3 hours north to San Jose, this highway-focused drive is longer than your southern California options. It provides access to Pinnacles National Park in addition to the Santa Monica Mountains.
Laguna, CA
7h 12m381.8 mi one way
This 7.2-hour highway drive to Laguna is one of your longest options. It includes park access to both the Santa Monica Mountains and the César E. Chávez National Monument.
San Francisco, CA
7h 11m362.7 mi one way
At 7.2 hours, this is a significant highway drive north to San Francisco. You gain access to multiple parks, including San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park, Rosie the Riveter WWII Home Front National Historical Park, and Pinnacles National Park.
Sacramento, CA
7h 19m391.1 mi one way
The longest trip at 7.3 hours, this highway drive to Sacramento offers ample park access, including the Santa Monica Mountains and the César E. Chávez National Monument. It's a substantial journey for those seeking a longer excursion.
Browse by Mood
Fresno, CA
4h 22m225.9 mi one way
Chula Vista, CA
3h 46m191.3 mi one way
San Jose, CA
6h 16m316.2 mi one way
Laguna, CA
7h 12m381.8 mi one way
Fresno, CA
4h 22m225.9 mi one way
Chula Vista, CA
3h 46m191.3 mi one way
San Jose, CA
6h 16m316.2 mi one way
San Francisco, CA
7h 11m362.7 mi one way
When to Go
Spring
Spring offers pleasant driving conditions for all routes, with parks like the Santa Monica Mountains potentially showing off new growth.
Summer
Summer is ideal for the longer highway drives north, as weather is generally clear for park access and longer daylight hours.
Fall
Fall provides comfortable temperatures for the shorter, highway-focused drives, with parks remaining accessible.
Winter
Winter driving is manageable on these routes, though park conditions in higher elevations could vary. The flatter terrain options remain accessible.
Starting Somewhere Else?
Other nearby cities with their own escape planners.
Ready to plan?
Pick any destination above for full turn-by-turn directions, fuel cost, rest stops, and weather. Or visit the Oxnard, CA city hub for all incoming and outgoing routes.