While California has long been a worldwide wish-list travel destination, its town of Oceanside is known by locals as the Golden State's “best kept secret.” Well, the secret's out! There are oh, so many reasons why O'side is a great find for vacationers looking for the iconic West Coast beachy getaway with more! At first glance, Oceanside is quaint beach town with a mellow vibe, boutique souvenir shops and quirky fresh seafood eateries. Sure, it has all that, along with unlimited water sports like parasailing, surfing and pier fishing. But a deeper look finds the rich cultural history of Spanish missions along the coast and the passion for art of all kinds from murals to sculptures to live performances. In the year-round pleasant weather, outdoor activities are everywhere like a whale watching boat charter, a helicopter tour to the snow-topped mountains or a night on the town gazing on the setting sun as it spreads an orangy glow across the Pacific Ocean waves. Check out the best of the best, putting the O! in your O'side vacation. BEST STAY: Club Wyndham Oceanside Pier Resort It's easy to grab your spot on the sand on one of the most coveted Southern California beaches when you stay so close by! Your vacation at Club Wyndham Oceanside Pier Resort gives you prime access to jet skiing, paddle boarding and beach combing along the Pacific Coast. At the historic Oceanside Pier, fishing is just a short stroll from the resort. Time spent at the resort is full of seaside activities and relaxation. Jump in the refreshing pools or soak in the steamy hot tub where you might catch a view of dolphins frolicking in the ocean waves. A full fitness center is open for a daily workout between outings. With the resort activities program, the whole family will love group fun like crafts, games and movies together. Room units are available to fit your stay perfectly. Choose from a hotel-style room or a one- to two-bedroom condo for a restful retreat. All suites offer just the right amount of space for comfort. Ask about in-suite amenities like kitchen facilities and washer/dryers for extra convenience. Some suites present stunning city views and luxurious whirlpool tubs. This premier resort is a laid-back getaway right in the middle of O'side action! Insider Tip: Self parking and valet parking are available at this resort for a nightly fee. BEST ICONIC SPOT: Oceanside Pier Be a part of Oceanside culture and take a walk on the Oceanside Pier, just steps away from your resort stay. A local mainstay, the pier has endured since 1888, being rebuilt over the years and standing as representation of the town of Oceanside and its resilient people. Celebrate the love of the ocean by walking to the end of the pier for a chance at spotting dolphins or whales diving in the ocean. The bait shop is open for all your fishing needs including rod rentals, bait, tackle and even snacks. Cast your line for the chance at catching sand bass, halibut, mackerel and barracuda. Follow the live music to the Junior Seau Amphitheater at the base of the pier and take in a performance against the backdrop of a magnificent West Coast sunset. Insider Tip: The Oceanside Pier and small fishing piers don't require fishing licenses. For other locations, be sure to pick up a fishing license before casting your line. BEST FAMILY FUN: LEGOLAND California Bring the whole family and bring your imagination to a delightful world where everyone can be a pirate, wizard, adventurer or royalty. Celebrating all things LEGO, this park comes in three parts, starting with LEGOLAND California Resort. Learn the rules of the road in a mini-car at Driving School or go behind the scenes of the animated blockbuster The LEGO Movie. Little ones can test the thrills of mini-rollercoasters or create their own masterpieces from LEGO bricks. In the SEA LIFE Aquarium, get up-close views of over 5,000 marine creatures such as tropical fish, rays, seahorses and sharks. Surround yourself with ocean life in the walk-through tank and get interactive in the marine touch pool. Bring your swimsuit to cool off on the waterslides, lazy river, wave pool and splash pad at LEGOLAND Water Park. In a park jam-packed with attractions, all ages will share lots of laughs in this endless day of fun. Insider Tip: Check the LEGOLAND California website to plan your visit during a park celebration like Red, White & BOOM! on July 4 or Brick-or-Treat in October. BEST COUPLES ACTIVITY: Love the O - Love Lock Sculpture Beachside romance in Oceanside! As if the sunset wasn't romantic enough, take your sweetheart or someone you love to visit the public art sculpture dedicated to LOVE! The charming heart-shaped steel sculpture is positioned at the Oceanside Harbor with the perfect view of the Pacific Ocean and the setting sun. You can celebrate love by placing an engraved padlock on the sculpture to commemorate a special occasion or sentiment. As a top selfie spot, the sculpture is also known locally as a great place to get engaged. There's no better way to “Love the O”! Insider Tip: The Love the O sculpture was created by Randall Art Ranch and installed in 2022. BEST OUTDOOR EXCURSION: Whale Watching Tour Peaceful time on the ocean is made extraordinary on a bucket list whale watching tour. Book your two-hour luxury trip with your group for an inspiring experience you'll never forget. Year-round tours are narrated by a naturalist captain who shares about the lives of these magnificent creatures and the conservation efforts made to protect them. You'll cruise the natural habitat in relaxation and encounter gray whales and humpback whales in the winter and blue whales and minke whales in the summer. Look for dolphins and sea lions playing in the waves throughout the year. It's a magical experience that will bring you close to nature and make powerful memories! Insider Tip: The comfortable whale-watching boat offers covered and non-covered seating areas with snacks and refreshments available for purchase. Since dolphins do not migrate, you might see bottlenose dolphins, Risso's dolphins and Pacific white-sided dolphins any time of the year. BEST ARTSY VIBE: Oceanside Murals - Artist Alley Mural MapWear your comfortable shoes and hit the Oceanside sidewalks to immerse yourself in the town's creativity. Designated by the California Arts Council as one of the fourteen state-recognized cultural districts, the Oceanside Murals area brings colorful life to the businesses and community streets. While you get your steps in, you can admire the eclectic oversized paintings up close around each street and alley. Find your favorite and fill your social media with vibrant O'riginal pics!Insider Tip: Find over 50 murals by checking at the map link above. BEST ADVENTURE: Waverider Helicopter Tours California sunsets are legendary and there's no better way to see them from the sky. Take flight on a Waverider Helicopter Tour for a once-in-a-lifetime experience. The popular sunset tour takes your group on a scenic flight along the San Diego County shoreline against the bright orange shades of the waning sun. Daytime trips include winter adventure tours, winery flights and outings that pair a helicopter ride with an e-bike excursion. Extraordinary night flights hover over the twinkling cityscape just under the dark star-filled sky. The helicopter's flight flexibility allows for custom trips to remote areas or destinations that are difficult to reach. Design that special surprise for a sentimental memory you'll always share. Insider Tip: Most tours accommodate up to three passengers. BEST BEACH: Harbor Beach With miles of gorgeous California coastline, how do you choose a favorite? Harbor Beach is a top pick for lots of reasons. The panoramic views are unmatched, with epic Pacific surf on one side and a picturesque marina on the other. Spread out on the expanse of warm sand and jump in on a volleyball game, build a sand castle or visit the kids' play area. The waves are ideal for windsurfing and body boarding. Feel the energy of the beach where you might even catch a surfing competition in progress. Gather the family around a fire pit for a barbecue or hop on a charter boat for a deep-sea fishing trip. A short stroll to Oceanside Harbor Village gives a break as you pick out a California souvenir from a beach shop or sample some local seafood at a neighborhood restaurant. It's a beach day you won't soon forget! Insider Tip: Choose from free, paid and paid/timed parking in the Harbor Beach area. BEST MUST-SEE: Sea Lion Viewing Don't miss a chance to get acquainted with the sea lions and seals of Oceanside! When you make your way to the docks, you'll wander the sidewalk to find the lookout area and benches offering an excellent view of these amusing creatures. Bring your camera and zoom lens to capture sea lions swimming, piling on each other and sunning themselves in the harbor. You'll enjoy watching them interact with excited vocalizations including loud barks and grunts. It's an unexpected way to enjoy a stroll with a coffee and some entertaining animal watching! Insider Tip: Sea lions are wild animals that can grow up to seven feet long and 800 pounds. They are best enjoyed from a distance. BEST LOCAL FLAVOR: California Surf Museum How are Leonardo da Vinci and Benjamin Franklin linked to surfing? Find out with a visit to the California Surf Museum, a brilliant display of comprehensive surfing history. Established in 1986, the museum brings together artifacts, trophies, magazines, rare surf boards, historical photographs and unusual finds. Get stoked to check out the body surfing exhibit and the science of surfing display. More collections include the timeline of surfboards and evolution of the boogie board. You'll be inspired to hit the waves and hang ten! Insider Tip: Surf enthusiasts can get involved with the CSM. Are you a surf photographer? Enter the annual photo competition by submitting your best shots. Or be a part of the annual fundraising gala, held yearly in early November. BEST HIDDEN GEM: Grunion Run Your whole group will marvel at one of Oceanside's natural wonders! Join the locals on a grunion run, a curious phenomenon known by Californians as a rite of passage. Grunion are small silver-colored fish that perform a spawning ritual between March and June on the Pacific shoreline. Grab an evening dinner then head out to the ocean at night to watch as many as thousands of grunion swim to the shore in a frenzy. They beach themselves in the sand for spawning, before hurling themselves back into the surf. The waves carry the fish back into the ocean, only to repeat the process again for several days in a row. Check the Fish & Wildlife schedule for the estimated days and times for optimal viewing. You'll be talking about what an interesting spectacle a grunion run is, for years to come!Insider Tip: Grunion fishing is permitted with a license, but the fish can only be taken by hand. BEST SHOPPING: Oceanside Sunset Market Visiting O'side on a Thursday? Spend the evening at the weekly Oceanside Sunset Market for food, relaxation and definitely shopping. The whole group will find something to love on the four city blocks of 200 ever-changing local merchants. Mingle with residents for a family outing browsing through hand-crafted candles, artisan jewelry and California souvenirs. Children can run and play in the KidZone area nearby. You'll be glad you planned for dinner at the market with the wide selection of West Coast flavored hot meals and gourmet desserts. End the evening with live on-stage entertainment and big vacation smiles! Insider Tip: Visit the market's Facebook page for weekly performances held on the Main Stage. BEST FINE DINING: 333 Pacific Vacation is the only special occasion you need to treat yourself to fine dining. The expert staff at 333 Pacific welcomes your party to intimate and stylish decor with crisp details and a warm atmosphere. Reserve a table on the Terrace at the California Coastal restaurant and sip a melon mojito or other signature cocktail while you gaze out on the waves splashing against the Oceanside Pier. The elegant lunch and dinner menus are served with a precise touch and innovative flavor combinations. Starters include half shell oysters selected by the chef and Ahi Tuna Tartare. With oversized entrees like Baseball Cut Top Sirloin and Seared Maine Scallops, you can order surf, turf or a combination. Groups share a colossal Seafood Tower, Short Rib Mac and Cheese or Charred Octopus. Couple your meal with a 333 Greens salad or lobster bisque. The Kids' Menu has some elevated standbys. It's recommended that everyone leave room for dessert featuring House Made Sorbet and Crème Brulee Trio. It's the exquisite night out you deserve! Insider Tip: For upcoming specials and themed dinners including Military Mondays and Wine Wednesdays, check out the restaurant website. BEST CASUAL DINING: Ruby's Diner - Carlsbad Pull up a barstool or slide into a booth for an easy and casual dining experience. Ruby's Diner takes its name literally, presenting the quintessential retro red and chrome decor and kitschy but clean atmosphere. As expected, the menu features an array of styled burgers (try the guacamole burger or hickory burger), salads and well-made sandwiches, most with a side of french fries. Order from fried shrimp and chicken baskets, homestyle chili with toppings or comforting soup. You can't go wrong when choosing from the milkshake menu boasting classic flavors along with a coffee shake and a strawberry cheesecake shake. Breakfast at the diner serves up favorites to order including a veggie omelet, corned beef hash and eggs or must-try cinnamon roll French toast. You'll leave fueled up and ready to take on your next adventure! Go to the O! It's time to get away from the everyday and travel to this just-revealed gem of a West Coast beach town in Oceanside, California, an easy-breezy family-fun destination.
