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.” At first glance, Oceanside is a quaint beach town with a mellow vibe, boutique souvenir shops, quirky fresh seafood eateries, and 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. We're excited to share the best of the best of Oceanside, CA to help you make the most of your visit. Oceanside's Can't Miss Spots Explore the Iconic Oceanside Pier Be a part of Oceanside culture and take a walk on the Oceanside Pier. Spanning nearly 2,000 feet, the pier is a testament to the city's resilience, having been rebuilt several times since its original construction in 1888. 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. Once, I was lucky enough to catch a glimpse of a gray whale during its migration! Fishing enthusiasts will appreciate the bait shop near the pier's entrance, where you can rent rods and buy bait, tackle and even snacks. Cast your line for the chance at catching sand bass, halibut, mackerel and barracuda. Even if you're not fishing, the pier's panoramic ocean views make it a must-visit spot, especially with live music performances often hosted at the Junior Seau Amphitheater 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. Stroll Through the Picturesque Oceanside Harbor Village Oceanside Harbor Village is a charming destination for shopping, dining, and soaking in marina views. It's so much fun to walk through the quaint village, browsing the unique shops for souvenirs and indulging in fresh seafood at the local restaurants. The harbor also offers kayaking and paddleboarding rentals if you're in the mood for some on-the-water fun. During our trip, we grabbed a plate of fish tacos from Harbor Fish and Chips and watched the fishing boats return under a gorgeous sunset. Discover Beachside Activities Harbor Beach Harbor Beach is one of Oceanside's crown jewels. The panoramic views are unmatched, with epic Pacific surf on one side and a picturesque marina on the other. This expansive beach is perfect for families, offering volleyball courts, a kids' play area, and an expanse of warm sand perfect for relaxing and building sandcastles. The waves are ideal for windsurfing and body boarding — 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. The beach's proximity to Oceanside Harbor Village makes it easy to grab a souvenir or some local seafood at a neighborhood restaurant. Insider Tip: Parking can fill up quickly on weekends, so arrive early to secure a spot in one of the free or paid parking areas. Sea Lion Viewing Make your way to Oceanside Harbor to find benches and a lookout area with excellent views of Oceanside's sea lions. Bring your camera and zoom lens to capture sea lions swimming, piling on each other and sunning themselves on the docks. You'll enjoy watching them interact with excited vocalizations. It's an unforgettable way to enjoy a stroll with a coffee and some entertaining animal watching! Witness a Grunion Run 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. Head 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 California Department of Fish & Wildlife's website for the estimated days and times for optimal viewing. Insider Tip: Grunion fishing is permitted with a license, but the fish can only be taken by hand. Love the O - Love Lock Sculpture For some beachside romance, take your sweetheart or someone you love to visit the public art sculpture dedicated to love. The charming heart-shaped steel sculpture was created by Randall Art Ranch and installed in 2022 and 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!” Culinary Delights in Oceanside Best Fine Dining: 333 Pacific Treat yourself to an elegant dining experience at 333 Pacific. Sip a melon mojito or other signature cocktail while you gaze out on the waves splashing against the Oceanside Pier at this California Coastal restaurant. 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 can share a colossal Seafood Tower, Short Rib Mac and Cheese or Charred Octopus. And make sure to leave room for dessert! The House Made Sorbet and Crème Brulee Trio are two delicious standouts. Insider Tip: For upcoming specials like Military Mondays and Wine Wednesdays, check out the restaurant website. Best Casual Dining: Ruby's Diner For an easy and casual dining experience, head to Ruby's Diner in nearby Carlsbad. This retro eatery serves up classic American fare with a nostalgic twist. The menu features an array of styled burgers (our favorites were the guacamole burger and the hickory burger), salads and well-made sandwiches, most with a side of french fries. Or try fried shrimp and chicken baskets, homestyle chili with toppings, and cups of comforting soup. You can't go wrong when choosing from the milkshake menu. We recommend the irresistible strawberry cheesecake milkshake. 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. It's a great spot to fuel up before your next adventure. Must-Visit Coffee Shops Start your day at one of Oceanside's cozy coffee shops. There are many to try, but my personal favorite is Camp Coffee Company, where you can grab the signature Coconut Mocha and a vegan pastry before heading out to explore. The atmosphere is relaxed, and the baristas are always friendly. Insider Tip: Check out the Oceanside Coffee Trail to learn more about all the local coffee shops. Oceanside's Cultural and Local Scene 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! Oceanside Murals – Artist Alley Oceanside's art scene is as vibrant as its sunsets. Artist Alley, in particular, is a treasure trove of colorful murals. Wear your comfortable shoes and hit the Oceanside sidewalks to immerse yourself in the town's creativity and admire the eclectic oversized paintings up close around each street and alley. 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. Insider Tip: Check out the mural map for a self-guided tour. Oceanside Sunset Market If you're in town on a Thursday, the Oceanside Sunset Market is a must-visit for food, relaxation and definitely shopping. This lively market spans four city blocks and features over 200 vendors offering everything from handcrafted candles and artisan jewelry to California souvenirs and gourmet West Coast street food and desserts. And children can run and play in the KidZone area nearby. End the evening with live on-stage entertainment and big vacation smiles! Insider Tip: Visit the market's website to see which performances will be held on the Main Stage. Outdoor Adventures and Family Fun Whale Watching Tours One of the most unforgettable experiences I've had in Oceanside was a whale-watching tour. While there are many companies that offer whale watching tours, we chose the highly rated Oceanside Adventures who offer year-round two-hour luxury trips. Our tour was narrated by an entertaining naturalist captain who shared a ton of interesting information about the lives of these magnificent creatures and the conservation efforts made to protect them. On these tours, 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: Bring a jacket—it can get chilly out on the water. LEGOLAND® California Just a short drive from Oceanside, LEGOLAND® California is a fantastic family-friendly attraction. Bring the whole family and 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, where little ones can test the thrills of mini rollercoasters or create their own masterpieces from LEGO bricks. Bring your swimsuit to cool off on the waterslides, lazy river, wave pool and splash pad at LEGOLAND® California Water Park. In the SEA LIFE Aquarium, get up-close views of over 5,000 marine creatures such as tropical fish, rays, seahorses and sharks. In a park jam-packed with attractions, all ages will share lots of laughs in this endless day of fun. Insider Tip: Plan your visit during a park celebration like Red, White & BOOM! on July 4 or Brick-or-Treat Monster Party in October. Where to Stay in Oceanside Club Wyndham Oceanside Pier Resort 333 N. Myers St., Oceanside, CA 92054(760) 901-1200When not at the beach, spend time at the resort jumping in the refreshing pools or soaking in the steamy hot tub. Looking out at the nearby beach, you might even catch a view of dolphins frolicking in the ocean waves. 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, plus amenities like kitchen facilities and washer/dryers for extra convenience. BOOK NOW WorldMark Oceanside 1301 Carmelo Drive, Oceanside, CA 92049(760) 721-0890WorldMark Oceanside offers spacious accommodations, easy access to local attractions, and unbeatable amenities including a pool, spa, and game room. The resort's proximity to the harbor gives you prime access to jet skiing, paddle boarding and beach combing along the Pacific Coast. Choose from a spacious studio, one-, two-, or three-bedroom suite with fully equipped kitchens, patios and fireplaces. BOOK NOW FAQ What is Oceanside, California best known for? Oceanside is best known for its historic pier, beautiful beaches, and vibrant local culture, including its thriving art and culinary scenes. Where to walk around in Oceanside? Popular walking areas include the Oceanside Pier, Harbor Village, and Artist Alley, where you can enjoy scenic views, local shops, and colorful murals. Why is Oceanside so popular? Oceanside's laid-back beach vibe, rich history, and diverse attractions make it a favorite destination for tourists seeking a mix of relaxation and adventure. How far apart are Oceanside and San Diego? Oceanside is approximately 35 miles north of San Diego, making it an easy drive along the scenic I-5 freeway. Does Oceanside have a boardwalk? Yes, Oceanside has a boardwalk that runs parallel to the beach, offering stunning ocean views and access to many local shops and restaurants. What day is the farmers market in Oceanside? The Oceanside Farmers Market is held every Thursday morning, while the Sunset Market takes place on Thursday evenings. Does Oceanside have a downtown? Yes, Downtown Oceanside features a mix of shops, restaurants, and cultural attractions, making it a lively hub for visitors and locals alike. What is the most popular beach in Oceanside CA? Harbor Beach is the most popular beach in Oceanside, offering a wide range of activities and amenities, including volleyball courts, fire pits, and nearby dining options. 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.
