Oceanside, California is a charming beachside community filled with long stretches of sandy beaches, popular surf spots and an easygoing attitude. Water activities, outdoor sports recreation and family attractions abound as does excellent shopping and dining options.
Leisure travelers should not miss famed Oceanside attractions like Mission San Luis Rey, LEGOLAND® California, San Onofre State Beach and the Oceanside Museum of Art. Oceanside is the perfect jumping off point for your San Diego day trip. Discover San Diego's must-see attractions like SeaWorld San Diego and the San Diego Zoo.
Oceanside Things To Do
Oceanside Dining & Restaurants
Oceanside Shopping
Oceanside Annual Events
Oceanside Things To Do
Oceanside is the spot to kick back and enjoy the ever popular Oceanside Pier, gorgeous scenic parks, charming restaurants and shops and nearby San Diego attractions.
California Surfing Museum
Hang ten at the California Surfing Museum which is dedicated to preserving surfing related artifacts and historic memorabilia. On display are dozens of vintage surf boards, trophies, surf art, photographs, magazines and more. www.surfmuseum.org.[top]
Guajome Regional Park
Spend a relaxing afternoon surrounded by shady trees, bird-filled lakes and lush green lawns. Guajome Regional Park features plenty of picnic areas, trails, campgrounds, basketball courts and playgrounds. www.co.san-diego.ca.us/parks.[top]
LEGOLAND ® California
A place of ingenuity, LEGOLAND ® California in Carlsbad can test your imagination. Unique and colorful bricks are the means for styling the attractions and rides. It is also home to the brand new LEGOLAND Water Park. Visit www.legoland.com for more information. [top]
Mission San Luis Rey de Francia
Founded in 1798 as a Spanish church, the “King of Missions” is an impressive architectural feat. Visit this National Historic Landmark, museum and gift shop. Unique to the mission is the wooden dome and cupola as well as a mortuary chapel. www.sanluisrey.org.[top]
Oceanside Farmers Market
Locally grown fruit, vegetables, fresh baked goods and specialty foods are found at the Oceanside Farmers Market in downtown Oceanside. The farmers market is held year-round, every Thursday, rain or shine. For more information visit www.oceansidefarmersmarket.com. [top]
Oceanside Museum of Art
Head to downtown Oceanside to satisfy your cravings for contemporary art. Exhibits include paintings, sculptures, studio furniture and architectural glass housed in a historic Irving Gill designed building. Visit www.oma-online.org.[top]
The Pier at Oceanside
Beach goers, surfers and fisherman flock to the Oceanside Pier, one of the longest wooden piers on the West Coast. Stroll along the pier for spectacular views of the Oceanside Harbor or grab lunch at Ruby's Diner, a 1950s inspired diner situated at the end of the pier. [top]
San Onofre State Beach
Grab your beach gear and head to the San Onofre State Beach where scenic coastlines are filled with sandstone bluffs, sandy beaches and rugged dirt access trails. San Onofre is also a popular surf and camping destination. Visit www.parks.ca.gov[top]
Satiate your appetite at one of Oceanside's best harbor restaurants, historic dining establishments and 1950s inspired coastal eateries. From satisfyingly fresh seafood to classic American favorites, dining in Oceanside is sure to please.
101 Cafe
The historic 101 Cafe reveals its origins as a family-owned 1920s diner. Today this charming West Coast eatery dishes up classic burgers, hot sandwiches and an all-day breakfast menu to throngs of Oceanside locals and tourists. 631 South Coast Highway, Oceanside, (760) 722-5220. Visit www.101cafe.net for more information. [top]
Angelo's Burgers
Angelo's Burgers is not your typical fast food restaurant. Over the top portions of juicy charbroiled hamburgers served with a helpful side of finger licking french fries or onion rings will certainly fill your eager appetite. 2035 South Coast Highway, Oceanside, (760) 967-9911. Visit www.angelosburger.com for more information. [top]
Baja Tacos
Baja Tacos is a rockin' Baja coastal cantina. Great happy hour specials, ice cold beer by the bucket, an all-you-can eat chips and salsa bar and full catering menu make this the perfect party destination. 258 Harbor Drive South, Oceanside, (760) 967-6199, http://rockinbaja.com/p-5466-oceanside-harbor-oceanside.html[top]
Chin's Palace
Authentic Szechwan cuisine and traditional eastern Chinese dishes are served at Chin's Palace. Enjoy one of the eleven San Diego County locations all featuring Mongolian BBQ grills and a karaoke lounge. 2241 S. El Camino Real, Oceanside, (760) 439-3600,http://www.visitchins.com.[top]
The Fish Joint
Locals and tourist head to The Fish Joint for some fresh seafood with a healthy-minded kick. Start with an order of spicy squid followed by your choice of sashimi, sushi, salads or one of their flavorful vegan hand rolls. 514 South Coast Highway, Oceanside, (760) 450-0646, http://www.osidealive.com/dining/asian-sushi/fish-joint[top]
Oceanside Shopping
Pick up all your favorite staples at one of the shopping centers, antique shops, gift shops and surf shops scattered throughout the city. Surround yourself by beautiful 1950s architecture in the Historic Downtown District where an eclectic array of stores abound.
Harbor Village
An array of specialty stores and restaurants abound in the Harbor Village, located in the Oceanside Harbor. Wood framed architecture and piers make the Harbor Village a postcard perfect launching point for all your water adventures. [top]
Historic Downtown District
The Historic Downtown District boasts 1950s style architecture with a Southern California flair. Shop the area's unique mix of essential and rare stores. [top]
Mission Marketplace
The Mission Marketplace is a convenient one-stop shopping destination. Stores and specialty shops include grocery stores, health and beauty supply shops, clothing retailers and more. 471 College Boulevard, Oceanside, (760) 630 8247, http://missionmarketplaceoceanside.com. [top]
Oceanside Annual Events
January – Whale Festival (San Diego)
February – Whale Watching
March - Whale Watching
April - Oceanside Days of Art
May - Operation Appreciation Day
May - Gator by the Bay (San Diego)
June - Indian Pow Wow
July - Oceanside Freedom Days Parade
July - Oceanside Grand Prix
July - Christmas in July
August - Summergrass San Diego Bluegrass Festival (San Diego)
October - Dia de los Muertos
December - Quail Botanical Gardens - Garden of Lights (San Diego)
