MANDALAY SHORES RESORT

Mandalay Shores Resort The Central Coast's Hidden Gem

Welcome home to Mandalay Shores.

Located steps from the beach in beautiful Oxnard, California, spend your day playing in the sand, then enjoy an ocean breeze from your balcony as you watch the sunset over the Pacific.

Things To Do

Tips For Taking Your Own Family Fall Photos While on VacationSeptember 20, 2021It might be hard to believe, but fall is right around the corner, and now is the time when people start thinking about their holiday photos. Whether you’re in the vineyards of Napa or on the beaches of Carlsbad, fall is the ideal season for taking family pictures—the weather has cooled, and the colors have warmed, providing you with the perfect backdrop for beautiful photos. While hiring a professional photographer is always your best bet, there are a few tips for capturing your own photos in a way you’ll actually feel good about showcasing on a greeting card this year. Smart Phones are So…Smart! Smartphones all come equipped with high-resolution cameras capable of taking amazing photos. If you plan on using your phone to take pictures, consider investing in a couple accessories like a tripod or photo editing app that will help you easily enhance your pictures. Location, Location, Location You’ve heard it said about real estate, but choosing the perfect location applies to photography just as much. The spot you choose as your photo backdrop should not only be eye-catching, but should also serve as a reflection of who you are as a family. Flattering Lighting Soft, natural lighting is always best for maximizing each person’s assets while also helping eliminate any pesky shadows. The best time of day to take stunning outdoor photos is either early in the morning or at sunset (aka the famed golden hour)! Keep It Natural While props certainly aren’t necessary for beautiful photos, they can add a fun element to pictures when chosen wisely. Natural poses are typically best for real-looking photos, and some of the best pictures tend to be the completely candid outtakes that weren’t planned at all. Outfit Coordination Color coordinating everyone’s outfits rather than outright matching is the best way to go for photos. You’ll also want to avoid wearing too many busy prints, which can take the focus away from faces. Instead, stick with solid colors along with layers to add depth to your photos. Don’t Stress About Perfection Family photo sessions are about capturing your loved ones and their unique personalities, not about perfection. Cell phones conveniently allow for immediate viewing with the option to delete whichever ones you don’t like. Start with the Most Difficult Photos Start with what you feel will be the most challenging shots first. This allows you the freedom to work with any young children while you have their short-lived attention. You can move onto easier poses and adult-only shots later in the session. Take a Million Photos Taking good pictures ultimately boils down to a numbers game. It’s always better to have too many photos to choose from rather than too few. If you take way more than you think you’ll ever want or need, you’ll be hard pressed not to find at least one that you like. Family photos are an important part of capturing lasting memories either while on vacation or at home. With a little bit of upfront knowledge, you’re sure to get some gorgeous family photos this fall! ...
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Laidback Casual Eats in Ventura CountyAugust 17, 2021Oxnard is a laidback beach town chock full of great eats. So if exploring through taste is what you desire, then Oxnard and the Ventura County region has got you covered for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Hollywood Beach Café A local favorite for breakfast eats, Hollywood Beach Café is a place to add to your list to check out. Hollywood Beach Café’s menu features a variety of breakfast classics with the perfect item for everyone in your group. And the best part is that it’s just steps away from the beach, making it the perfect start to a beach day! Fishermen’s Catch In a coastal town like Oxnard, you must try the local catch of the day! Stop by the Fishermen’s Catch to enjoy a variety of fresh seafood fare or check out their Fish Market where you can find something to take back to your condo to prepare a seafood feast. Ventura BBQ Don’t let the small location fool you. Ventura BBQ packs a big taste so it’s no wonder why locals flock here. Specializing in Southern Barbecue with a fun SoCal twist, some of Ventura BBQ’s most popular items include their tri tip sandwich, ribs, and pulled pork—you can even buy their meat by the pound to enjoy in your condo. Toppers Pizza Place Sometimes you just want to order a pizza and relax in your condo, and we’re here for it! Consistently voted as best pizza spot in Ventura County, Toppers Pizza Place is a local favorite. Enjoy at one of their Ventura County locations or take some to go! Peebee & Jay’s Peebee & Jay’s name may be a nod to the classic sandwich, but this place is far from your average sandwich shop. Their expansive menu includes classic deli sandwiches, vegetarian-friendly choices, epic PB&J sandwiches, and a selection of whimsical concoctions like a ‘smores-themed sandwich. Peebee & Jay’s even lets you be the mastermind behind your own sandwich creation with build-your-own options. Buttercups Cool Treats After a day at the beach, the perfect way to top off the day is with some frozen yogurt. Create your own frozen yogurt concoction at Buttercups Cool Treats! With their rotating frozen yogurt flavors and the variety of toppings, the creations you can make are truly endless! Not only is this spot a froyo paradise, but Guests will love their selection of retro candy bars that will make you feel like a kid again. Wherever your heart (or stomach) takes you, we look forward to being your vacation home base here at Mandalay Shores Resort — located just steps away from the beach. ...
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Day Trip: Channel Islands National ParkJuly 15, 2021Located off California’s central coast, Channel Islands National Park spans across five islands rich with pristine views and wildlife. Great for those who want to escape civilization for a day and be surrounded by nature, it’s highly recommended to visit at least once in your lifetime. Each island offers its own unique views and wildlife. And with a variety of hiking trails at varying levels of difficulty, options exist for every hiker. The most iconic view of Channel Islands National Park can be found on the Inspiration Point trail on Anacapa Island. For those seeking a more immersive experience, consider booking a tour or activity with one of the many authorized companies that offer everything from snorkeling and kayaking adventures, to excursions into sea caves, to whale watching tours. Whether you’re a casual explorer or an active adventurist, there are so many ways to experience Channel Islands National Park that no two visits will be the same! 6 Tips for Your Trip to Channel Islands National Park: Choose an island to visit. Each of the islands have their own unique features and experiences. Knowing what activity you’d like to do will help in selecting the right island for you. Book in advance. While the mainland visitor center is accessible by car, the islands are only accessible by boat through Island Packers and plane via Channel Islands Aviation so be sure to book your seats in advance! Pack accordingly. Be sure to bring plenty of water, snacks, and other necessities as there are no shops on the islands. Perhaps use the kitchen in your unit to pack a picnic to enjoy in one of the picnic areas. Not sure what to wear? The weather conditions can change rapidly so it’s suggested to dress in layers and wear sturdy shoes. Safety first. Due to the rugged terrain in certain areas, it’s important to watch your step. Make sure to stay on hiking trails and avoid cliff edges. Limit your impact. While enjoying the park, guests are encouraged to do their part in helping care for the land and its wildlife. The National Park Service offers tips on how to help limit your environmental and wildlife impact during your visit. Share, share, share! Internet on the islands can be sparse so when you’re back in your home away from home, share your favorite pics with family and friends!...
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Scenic Sunday Drives: Short on Length, Long on LeisureJune 25, 2021If you’re eager to hit the road again but want to hold off on a long trip that requires lots of advance planning, then scenic Sunday drives are the perfect in-between solution. Check out these shorter stretches of road that offer all the amazing scenery without any of the commitment. Just hop in and cruise for the day! On a Mission: Santa Barbara County Distance: 56 miles one way See three historic California missions in one afternoon along the peaceful country backroads of Santa Barbara County where you can also spot grazing animals and sip pinot in nostalgic villages. The Route: Start at Old Mission Santa Barbara then head north on Mission Canyons Rd., taking State Route 192 west to State Route 154 over the San Marcos Pass. Continue past Lake Cachuma to Los Olivos and turn left at Grand Avenue. Go right at Alamo Pintado Road and follow it to Mission Drive/State Route 246. Head past Mission Santa Ines through Solvang all the way to Lompoc. Then head back to Santa Barbara on Highway 1 down to the US 101 and cruise down the coast. Along the Way: Los Olivos: This one-horse Western town is dotted with quaint buildings that house art galleries, wine tasting rooms, and antique shops. Pick up fresh picnic items at Panino. Quicksilver Ranch: Pull over to take a look at the adorable miniature horses before making a stop at Ostrichland USA to feed the giant birds if you’re so bold. La Purisima Mission: California’s most resorted mission features nature trails, a beautiful fountain, a blacksmith shop, and even a few livestock on the property. Picnic Spot: Bring a picnic to the tables at Babcock Winery in Lompoc or just order from their menu then enjoy a glass of wine as you check out its collection of vintage rock ‘n’ roll memorabilia. After all the fun out on the open road, circle back for a relaxing stay at Mandalay Shores Resort in spacious accommodations just steps from the beach. ...
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