Oceanside Beaches

The Oceanside Beaches feature excellent waves for classic San Diego surfing, not to mention great swimming spots. Each beach offers year-round fun.
Todd Sarouhan
Oceanside Beaches
Overview
Save on Gear
The Neighborhood
Known For
Surfing
Swimming
Stay Nearby

Enjoy Sun and Fun at the Oceanside Beaches

The Oceanside beaches make up more than three miles of San Diego coastline. The frequently sunny, clear South Californian skies lend themselves well to ocean activities like swimming and surfing, both of which are big draws at these beaches.

Most of the beaches on the northern half of Oceanside are sandier, with more space to sunbathe. Beaches on the southern end tend to be rockier, but they make up for this with easy access to the ocean and other fun activities. Oceanside even has its own boardwalk, as well as a pier.

During your visit, make sure to check out some of the unique experiences offered at these beaches. While they’re mainly known for their surfers and swimmers, that’s not all you can do. Spend some time in a sailboat, learning how to harness the wind, or take a once-in-a-lifetime photo on a whale watching tour.

Don’t forget to say hello to Oceanside’s resident mascot, Charlie the pelican! Charlie frequents the pier and can often be found at the Pier Bait Shop.

Save on Paddle Boarding!

2-Hour Stand Up Paddleboard Rental
Stand Up Paddle Board Rental
Using your Go Pass, head out for a 2-Hour Stand Up Paddle board Rental. Paddle around Harbor Island and keep an eye out for dolphins and other local wildlife. No matter your skill level, you will enjoy a beautiful day out on the water.
Buy Now
Local Tips
What activities does the Go City San Diego pass include?

There’s a variety of activities included with the Go City San Diego pass such as: The San Diego Zoo, Safari Park, LEGOLAND, SeaWorld, Hiking Tours, Whale Watching, Museum Tours, Speed Boat Adventures & more!

For the most popular attractions and water-sport rentals as well as the biggest discounts, consider the All-Inclusive Pass.

Use our exclusive discount code GVSD5OFF to save an extra 5%!

The Oceanside Neighborhood

Oceanside is located in central Southern California. It’s about a 45 minute drive from Downtown San Diego. This makes it the perfect spot for a day trip, or a rest stop if you’re travelling north from San Diego to the Los Angeles area.

It is also about a 45-minute drive north from the San Diego International Airport, so you won’t have to travel far if you’re flying into California.

In addition to the stunning beaches, you’ll never be far from great attractions. Less than a 45 minute drive to the south, consider checking out SeaWorld San Diego and the San Diego Zoo to get your fill of local and exotic wildlife.

Oceanside has its own share of attractions as well. The San Diego Zoo Safari Park in Oceanside is home to hundreds of animals and a truly stunning safari tour.

If you’re on a budget, choose from our list of the best free activities in San Diego, or take advantage of the cost-saving benefits of the Go San Diego Pass. Purchasing this pass before your trip can help you save on the price of admission to dozens of attractions, and you can take an additional discount with our affiliate link.

Consider staying the night close to the beach in one of the many seaside hotels and resorts. Best Western Plus Oceanside Palms is a family-friendly hotel that serves complimentary breakfast and offers free WiFi.

The SpringHill Suites by Marriott San Diego Oceanside/Downtown is right on the water, and it even has a port for loading and unloading cruise ships.

Swimming and Surfing at Oceanside Beaches

Beach Volleyball
Beach Volleyball
Bikes Allowed
Bikes Allowed
Fishing
Fishing
Kayaking
Kayaking
Paddle Boarding
Paddle Boarding
Running
Running
Sunbathing
Sunbathing
Surfing
Surfing
Swimming
Swimming

There’s nothing like cooling off in the ocean after a day of sunbathing. Oceanside beaches are known to draw crowds of swimmers and surfers alike.

Beaches that are more swimmer-friendly have less turbulent waters. And they often have specially dedicated zones where you won’t be bothered by wake from watercrafts. As for surfing, some beaches have more controlled waves, while others in the area pose a challenge to even the most experienced surfers. The Oceanside Pier is a notable surfing hotspot where you can rent a surfboard and take advantage of the waves!

Surfing

Couple Walking Along the Beach at Harbor Beach
The waters of the North Jetty, Harbor Beach & Breakwater Bay Beaches are full of breaks and jetties for surfers. Lifeguards are posted along the beaches to ensure surfers’ safety, and outdoor showers are available. The provided fire pits are a great way to warm yourself up after surfing.
Oceanside Pier
The Oceanside Pier, Pier View North & Pier View South Beaches have lifeguards to ensure safe surfing year-round, especially as waves get bigger in the winter. Many people sightsee and fish at the pier which separates the two beaches, while others enjoy the stalls along the boardwalk, playing fun carnival games.
Playing at Tyson Street Beach
Tyson Street Beach goes by the nickname “Recovery Reef” for its powerful beach-break waves that draw crowds of surfers. These beaches also have amenities like lifeguards and restrooms. Tyson Street Beach is very kid-friendly with a park and playground, while Wisconsin Street Beach is more narrow but less crowded.

Swimming

Lifeguard Tower at Buccaneer Beach
Oceanside Boulevard Beach and Buccaneer Beach are both well-known for being great spots for swimming, with lifeguards to keep you safe. These beaches are rockier and shallower, so wading and bodyboarding are common activities as well. There are convenient restrooms and outdoor showers available just off the beach.

Featured Activity

San Diego Harbor Cruise on San Diego Bay at Sunset
San Diego Harbor Cruise
Enjoy this ‘San Diego Top Pick Award’ winner as you set sail on a three level luxury ship providing 360-degree views of San Diego’s scenic beauty. Relax for a 1-2 hour narrated tour, learn about the city from the bay.
Buy Now
Oceanside Beaches
are Known For:
Surfing
Surfing
Swimming
Swimming
This Month's Forecast
56°F / 73°F
Sunny in November
Dec
51°F / 68°F
Sunny in December
Jan
51°F / 67°F
Sunny in January
Feb
53°F / 68°F
Sunny in February

Stay Nearby

Courtyard by Marriott San Diego Oceanside
Near Camp Pendelton
3 Star Rating3 Star Rating3 Star Rating
Courtyard by Marriott San Diego Oceanside
from $144 / night
View Hotel
The Fin Hotel, Tapestry Collection by Hilton
Boutique Hotel
3 Star Rating3 Star Rating3 Star Rating
The Fin Hotel, Tapestry Collection by Hilton
from $93 / night
View Hotel
Best Western Plus Oceanside Palms
Near Camp Pendelton
2 Star Rating2 Star Rating
Best Western Plus Oceanside Palms
from $120 / night
View Hotel
SpringHill Suites by Marriott San Diego Oceanside
Near Camp Pendelton
3 Star Rating3 Star Rating3 Star Rating
SpringHill Suites by Marriott San Diego Oceanside
from $184 / night
View Hotel
Show more San Diego Hotels >>