Oxnard, California is only an hour by car from Hollywood stars and celebrities. And in its own way, it shines every bit as much with stars such as starfish, starlight at night, celebrities who visit or live in the seaside destination.  In fact, its very own Hollywood Beach, named for celebrities of years gone by who have stayed and called this West Coast city north of Los Angeles and south of Santa Barbara a place to remember-- a legendary location movies stars consider worthy of Hollywood fame.

Oxnard is the gateway to the Channel Islands, one of the glimmering highlights of a visit to this sand beach vacation hotspot. While staying at the Embassy Suites Mandalay Beach, be sure to book your day trip to the islands. Island Packers tours go daily from Oxnard to several of the Channel Islands. One near and dear to our hearts is called the Galapagos of the US--Anacapa Island. This is where the majority of seagulls are hatched and take flight from the island to mainland California. What a delight to watch the little brown and tan birds shed their baby feathers and change colors daily before your eyes over on an L.A. pier, just knowing they were born on an island with few animals or plants to interrupt their safety and growth!

Kayaking, bird watching, hiking and camping are some of the island activities you can enjoy. However, the camping is rustic, no fires are permitted, and there's no running water or other comforts on this camping trip. The rules on the islands are "pack it in, take it out."

Back in Oxnard, a very sophisticated vibe is moving in on the old ways. The once farming region that continues to grow some crops is giving way to homes and commerce. Still, major events throughout the year celebrate the foods, such as strawberries and salsa. In addition to the weekend special events and the weekly Farmer's Market, there's plenty of great dining.

Winter holiday traditions such as the historic Oxnard district's home lightings make for a magical journey in the winter. The historic district and historic buildings around town offer a glimpse into this once elegant city of Victorians. Today, you'll find a lot more Mediterranean home designs than any other style, but do take the time to visit the streets of early 20th century houses and several buildings such as the Carnegie, which houses a museum.

As for the stars, you can see stars in the night sky, occasionally sight a movie star, or some famous sports athlete who may be visiting.  Oxnard is a bit understated in its star power, but when you visit, you'll begin to understand that it deserves its place on the Hollywood Walk. It's Hollywood Beach is more of a stroll in the sand, to be sure, but the glimmer of that crystal ocean and the distant Channel Islands visible from the beach make for a romantic trip or family vacation your deserve!