About Oceanside
Located midway between San Diego and Los Angeles along historic Hwy 101, the city of Oceanside California is one of the undiscovered jewels of Southern California. With one of the most desirable climates in the nation, Oceanside features 3.5 miles of pristine California beaches and draws surfers, tourists, sightseers, and families from around the globe to its sunny beaches, historic landmarks, and year round surfing competitions.
Further accentuating its character as a thriving beach community, Oceanside is home to various tributes to the Pacific Ocean like the Oceanside Municipal Pier (the longest all wood pier on the west coast), the Oceanside Harbor and Marina (offering a variety of watersports like jetskiing, scuba diving, boat rentals, and whale watching excursions), and the California Surf Museum (surfing-related memorabilia and exhibitions).
Away from the beach Oceanside is rich in great site-seeing and family activities like the historic Mission at San Luis Rey and Heritage Park (featuring guided tours and a gift hop), the weekly farmer’s market (with fresh produce, flowers, and local art), and numerous golf courses and parks. Further family activities can also be found a short drive away - with Legoland, the San Diego Wild Animal Park and Zoo, and Seaworld within a short distance, you’ll never run out of things to do while staying in Oceanside.
What is Oceanside?
Oceanside is a coastal community located in northern San Diego County with an excellent year-round climate and near perfect beaches. With a population of a little less than 200,000, Oceanside is a medium sized community with strong ties to the local military by way of Camp Pendleton Marine Base as well as visitors from all around the globe.
Learn some more quick facts about Oceanside here
Oceanside was incorporated in 1888 and there are quite a few historical sites of interest within the city, such as the Oceanside Pier and the Mission de San Luis Rey.
Read more about Oceanside’s history here
What’s there to do in Oceanside?
Oceanside’s chief draw is its beautiful beaches which play host to numerous surfing, bodyboarding, and swimming competitions throughout the year.
Read more about Oceanside’s beaches here
Oceanside has a much less active bar/club scene than its southern neighbors but we get by with a little help from our friends
Read more about Oceanside’s nightlife here
Just about as far SW on the map as you can possibly get, Oceanside specializes in dishes that come out of the water or across the border
Read more about Oceanside dining options here
Oceanside may have gotten its name as a surfing destination but there are quite a few events, parades, and tournaments that don’t involve the ocean. Well maybe not quite a few, but a few at least.
Read more about popular Oceanside events here
From the Pacific ocean to the San Luuis Rey Mission Oceanside has plenty of things and places to visit for all tastes. Whether you’re here for the sand or just want to check out the scene, Oceanside can provide
Read more about Oceanside attractions here
The best things in Oceanside are free (or very close) - check out this user-submitted guide to inexpensive activites in the city
Read more about inexpensive things to do in Oceanside here
Popular spots in Oceanside
Downtown Oceanside is the heart of the city, located near local shopping, dining, entertainment, and the city beaches. Its the place, as they say, where all the roads meet
Read more about downtown Oceanside here
For a different experience spend some time at the Oceanside Harbor - yachts, fishing boats, and kayaks all cross paths in the gentle waters while nearby shopping and dining options abound
Read more about the Harbor here
