Oceanside

Enjoy the ocean by surfing, paddle boarding, kayaking, fishing or kiteboarding. Sunbathe from the deck of your sailboat or enjoy a sunset from the boardwalk.

By Todd Sarouhan

Last Updated on
Jul 06, 2023

Some of the links in this article are affiliate links. This means if you make purchases through them, I may be compensated at no extra cost to you. All opinions remain my own.

Oceanside

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Beaches

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Highlights

Surfing & Sailing in the Waters off of Oceanside

Situated at the northernmost point of San Diego County in an area known as North County, Oceanside offers convenient access to numerous sites and locations. This thriving community provides a comfortable way of life to residents, but there is also plenty to do as a visitor to the city. It exemplifies the real heart of San Diego; friendly locals, interesting landmarks, and many opportunities to eat, drink, and be merry.

First, there are the beaches of Oceanside. Within Oceanside, there are 3.5 miles of beach, which offer opportunities for sunbathing, surfing, and playing volleyball with friends. Don’t miss the Oceanside pier, take a walk to the end and check out the view of Oceanside and the coast highway from the ocean.

There is also a sizable harbor for visitors who are traveling by boat. Dock in one of many scenic destinations and make your way to the numerous points of interest. While San Diego is known the world over for its nearly constant temperate weather, this city really has much more to offer.

There are a multitude of local attractions, landmarks, outdoor recreation, bars, restaurants, and other areas of interest to check out while you're in town. You can spend time bar hopping with friends or learning about San Diego's interesting culture.

You can spend time working on your tan at the beach or hiking through beautiful scenery. This guide lays out some of the must-see spots, as well as a few hidden gems you might miss without the right guidance.

Why you'll love Oceanside

Enjoy the ocean by surfing, paddle boarding, kayaking, fishing or kiteboarding. Sunbathe from the deck of your sailboat or enjoy a sunset from the boardwalk.

Things to Do

Basketball Courts

Beach Fire Pits

Beach Volleyball

Biking

Boat Launch

Fishing

Kayaking

Kiteboarding

Museums

Paddle Boarding

Picnic Tables

San Diego Zoo Safari Park

Sunbathing

Surfing

Swimming

Windsurfing

Things to Do in Oceanside

There's so much to do in Oceanside, regardless of your age or interests. This city is known for having plenty of cultural attractions that entertain and inform simultaneously. There are also many great dining establishments, as well as places to enjoy adult beverages while you take on the city.

Here are a few places to look out for during your journey through this lively town:

Parlor Doughnuts in Oceanside

Dining

It's no secret that Oceanside offers much tasty fare, to both residents and visitors alike. There are fresh seafood spots, sushi, Italian, fine dining, breakfast and brunch establishments, and so much more. One thing is for certain, you will not go hungry during your trip!

Kilowatt Brewing Tap Room in Oceanside

Breweries

Oceanside is replete with breweries, all of which are led by brewmasters with a real passion and commitment to their craft. The current count is seven craft breweries, and there are plans to add even more amazing destinations in the coming years. A brewery tour is a great way to sample as many brews as possible during your trip.

The California Surf Museum

Museums

This town has so many amazing museums. Learn about local surf culture at the California Surf Museum or find out interesting facts about the history of San Diego at the unique Mission San Luis Rey. You can even see firsthand Oceanside's contribution to the art world over the decades at the Oceanside Museum of Art. Local heritage sites abound, which provides visitors a perspective on the history of this city.

Toucan in the San Diego Zoo

San Diego Zoo

No trip to San Diego would be complete without stopping by the San Diego Zoo, but it's an especially fun and interesting place for children. Located in Balboa Park, which is a sprawling natural area in the heart of the city, this iconic Zoo is home to more than 3,500 animals, many of which are endangered. Exhibits feature animals and ecosystems from all over the world and Zoo staff is always willing to discuss the importance of conservation with visitors.

Get discounts to the San Diego Zoo & More

With the Go City San Diego pass not only can you save on admission to the zoo but you can save on other major attractions such as LEGOLAND California, SeaWorld San Diego as well as admission to many museums and even gear rentals for ocean activities. Use our link to get an extra discount on the Go City San Diego pass.

LEGOLAND California

LEGOLAND California is in neighboring Carlsbad but only a few minutes’ drive away. It offers families with small children all day fun of exploring Legos and the many rides within the park.

SeaWorld San Diego

Head down towards downtown San Diego and you will find SeaWorld San Diego along Mission Bay’s edge. This is a great place to take your kids who love the ocean. Here you can see live dolphins, penguins, sharks, sea lions, walruses and of course orca whales.

Buena Vista Audubon Society

The Buena Vista Audubon Society is another great Oceanside locale for kids to learn about the importance of conservation. Schedule a guided bird walk with your family so you can learn more about the native species and why it's crucial their numbers are preserved. You can also visit the nature center, which is home to a vast array of native plant life.

Fish Tacos?

Tin Fish is a great place to get the most iconic taco in San Diego, the fish taco. Delicious food & views of Pier View North & South, could you ask for more?

Squash Blossoms at the Oceanside Farmers Market

Farmers Markets

Outdoor markets are a great place to sample local fare and check out handmade arts and crafts. They're also good for people-watching, which is always a joy when you're in an eclectic and diverse area. Oceanside is lucky enough to have two wonderful markets to choose from:

Stop by Oceanside's Farmers Market every Thursday from 9 am to 1 pm. Along with the fresh selection of organic produce, this market also offers homemade foods, crafts, handmade soaps and lotions, jewelry, apparel, and so many other awesome finds. Talk with local vendors to see what really makes Oceanside such a special destination. Actually featured in the Best 16 Farmers Markets in San Diego .

If you're more of a night owl, Oceanside also has a Sunset Market, which also runs Thursday, but at the later hours of 5 pm to 9 pm. This market features a world marketplace, with authentic crafts that are lovingly made by the vendors, as well as a wide selection of international foods. Live music is also a staple, so be sure to stop by when you're in town.

Safari Park+Zoo = Go Pass

San Diego Zoo Safari Park

Visit this 1,800 acre park featuring over 3,000 animals in their natural habitats as you ride the African tram! Buy an All-Inclusive Go Pass and admission to the San Diego Zoo is included!

Buy Now

What kind of deals does the Go City San Diego pass offer?

The Go City San Diego pass gives visitors the ability to save up to 55% on attraction admissions.

Combine our exclusive 5% discount to save even more and consider the All-Inclusive pass to maximize your savings. Plus the pass gives you the ability to skip the line when visiting select attractions.

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

Popular Activities

Belmont Park Ride and Play Pass

Discounts Available

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LEGOLAND Water Park Hopper Ticket

$127 per person

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San Diego Harbor Cruise

$36 per person

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The World Famous San Diego Zoo

Discounts Available

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Major Landmarks

Much like the rest of San Diego, Oceanside is steeped in rich history. Many historic landmarks still remain, recalling a time when this city was much younger.

Mission San Luis Rey

One spot great for visitors is the Mission San Luis Rey. The outside greets guests with classic Spanish architecture, while inside the mission offers a quiet, meditative experience to all who enter. Mass is held within the onsite church during the week, as well as Sunday, and is a real wonder to witness regardless of your spiritual beliefs (or lack thereof). There are also self-guided tours of the mission available, so you can learn more about this interesting place at your own speed.

Guajome Regional Park

When you want to get back to nature on your journey, visit the Guajome Regional Park for ample walking trails, campsites, and so much more. You'll get to check out the diversity of habitats available in this part of the country as you traverse through 4.5 miles of walking trails. When it comes to outdoor recreation, take advantage of the onsite playground, basketball court, picnic areas, and RV-ready campgrounds so you can get back to nature in style.

Beautiful Oceanside Pier

Oceanside Pier

No trip to San Diego would be complete without spending some time at the beach. Oceanside Pier is in close proximity to two great beaches, but there's also plenty of other things to do there.

Along with fishing, visitors can stop by one of the many conveniently located eating establishments, or make their way to the Ocean Harbor marina, just a short distance away.

Featured Activity

Front of the USS Midway Museum in San Diego

USS Midway Aircraft Carrier Museum

Located in downtown San Diego, the USS Midway Aircraft Carrier Museum provides history of aircraft built in California. The museum includes over 60 exhibits with restored aircraft and tours of the carrier.

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Breweries

Oceanside is a prime location for craft breweries. It even has a place on San Diego's so-called "Hops Highway", which is where numerous local breweries call home. There are a whopping seven craft breweries located in Oceanside, some of which include:

Belching Beaver Brewery

With a name like Belching Beaver Brewery, visitors know they're in for some fun when they visit this Oceanside craft beer staple. All beers are lovingly created by brewmasters with a real passion for the process. Their selections also include wholesome, real ingredients that give these brews their unique flavor.

All beers, whether you're ordering a crisp pale ale or flavorful IPA, are made from the finest hops available.

Northern Pine Brewing

Cream ales, stouts, porters, the elusive California Commons; they're all available at Northern Pine Brewing. This brewery not only offers a tasty beer selection, it also exemplifies the love of the outdoors held by the founders.

Stone Brewing Tap Room

With a reputation for creating quality craft beer, the Stone Brewing Tap Room provides Oceanside revelers a place to sample these exquisite brews. Tastings include this brewery's standard rotation of beers, as well as limited releases. You're also free to pick up a growler with a beer of your choice to take with you after your visit is complete.

Black Plague Brewery

Despite the somewhat sinister name, Black Plague Brewery offers a friendly vibe in its tasting room. In fact, canine friends are welcomed right alongside their human counterparts. There is no fooling when it comes to the flavors infused in their diverse beer selection, which includes pilsners, stouts, barrel-aged concoctions, ales, and lagers.

Golden Coast Mead

For something a little out of the ordinary, give Golden Coast Mead a try. Mead is an alcoholic concoction, similar to beer, made from honey, yeast, and water. Along with traditional varieties, there is also plenty of sour mead on display, which involves adding sour cultures to the fermentation process.

Featured Hotel

Wyndham Oceanside at the Pier

Beaches

Museums

Pool

Wyndham Oceanside at the Pier is a top choice for those heading to San Diego and looking for condo living. Enjoy staying steps from the gorgeous coast!

Prices Starting at $171

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Know Before You Go & Tips

Amazing Sunsets

Boardwalk

Museums

Parks

Pier

Shopping

Trolley Stop

Arts & Culture

Visiting a new city is about immersing yourself among the local populace, sampling local foods, and learning about the culture of the place you're visiting.

Entrance to the Oceanside Museum of Art

Oceanside Museum of Art

Oceanside has a rich and interesting cultural background, which you can learn more about at the Oceanside Museum of Art. General admission is extremely reasonable, and there are discounts for students, military members, and seniors. Exhibits touch on the many different cultures that make up this diverse and culturally-dynamic city. Pieces are carefully curated by staff to exemplify all that makes Oceanside great, and what's on the mind of its citizens at any given period in history.

Riding Giants Display inside the California Surf Museum

California Surf Museum

If your interests veer towards sportier pursuits, you must plan a visit to the California Surf Museum. The permanent collection lays out the history of surfboards and surfing from the sport's inception to present day. Many of the pieces provide a rare glimpse into this fascinating sport, one that melds physical prowess with mental acuity for a truly spiritual experience on the water. Whether you're a surfer yourself or just an appreciative spectator, you're sure to find out some interesting facts and information during your visit to this one-of-a-kind museum.

Oceanside

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