Oceanside Travel Guide

Oceanside, California, is a quaint coastal city that has a beautiful harbor and marina.

Things to Do in Oceanside

Top things to do include relaxing under a palm tree on Harbor Beach, walking the Oceanside Harbor, which has a marina filled with shops and cafes, and visiting the California Surf Museum, which takes a look at the history of surfing and features a display of historic surfboards.

If you’re looking for a bit of peace and quiet, head to the Buena Vista Lagoon, which is a coastal inlet with walking trails and plenty of flora and fauna.

Best Time to Visit Oceanside

Any time of year is a good time to visit Oceanside as the weather is warm and sunny nearly all year round. If you want to beat the crowds, the best time to visit is in the spring months of April and May or the fall months of September and October, which are low seasons.

A Local's Guide to Oceanside

Oceanside could easily be described as California's most authentic beach town. A stay in an Oceanside vacation rental ensures that visitors can enjoy the white sandy beaches, a picturesque England-style harbor and historic wooden pier, all without worrying about having to travel far. Locals have lovingly dubbed this town O'side, and as well as being a great place to live, it is also a popular vacation spot, welcoming flocks of visitors every year.

The most popular time to visit is in the height of summer, when the tourist season is in full swing. However, others prefer to travel in the spring or fall when the streets and beaches are a little quieter, but the weather still likely to be comfortable.

Due to its location on the coast, many travelers choose Oceanside as a relaxing stopover on a more adventurous trip. Therefore, there are a huge range of short term accommodation options such as Airbnbs and boutique hotels to suit any budget or party size. For large family groups, a villa or Airbnb is often preferred thanks to the spacious environment and the catering facilities this type of accommodation provides. For a more romantic getaway, some of the luxury hotels are a more popular option thanks to the wide range of facilities they provide.

Oceanside is city of culture, where you can be exploring the history of the area at 'The King of Missions' one day, and then learning about the surfing culture at the locally renown 'California Surf Museum' the next. The museum is dedicated to displaying surf art, surfboards, memorabilia, photographs, videos and more. As well as rotating exhibits, the museum also hosts a range of events throughout the year, from the three-day Surf Film Festival, to fundraising galas and Legends Day.

As a playful and diverse destination, the locals welcome new visitors with open arms and invite them to join in with local traditions and activities. Oceanside is a big surfing hot spot, and it is not uncommon to see the water filled with surfers waiting for the perfect wave. For those that prefer a different kind of sport, Oceansiders are also big golfers, with a range of courses to help you improve your game.

Culinary experiences are also pushed to the limit in the many restaurants and bars scattered along the coastline and in the city centre. There is a flourishing food and craft beer scene which reflects the entrepreneurial spirit of the area.

The town is ideally situated between San Diego and Los Angeles in the heart of Southern California, making it an accessible destination, perfect for a quick hotel break on a road trip through the state. Just a short drive away is the world-famous San Diego Zoo, where visitors are free to explore the many animals that are looked after here, the perfect day trip when on a family vacation. Other nearby attractions include SeaWorld San Diego and Universal Studios Hollywood.

From scuba diving and deep-sea fishing to skydiving, Oceanside provides bucket list opportunities around every corner thanks to its diverse landscape and ideal location close to the Ocean. Skydiving is a great way to get an ariel view of the whole of Oceanside, with the wind in your hair and a memory made for a lifetime. For those that want to keep their feet firmly on the ground, Oceanside has a range of fun biking trails that range from leisurely cruises around the coastline to endurance routes. One of the most popular trails is the Bike to Mission San Luis Rey and back, a great half day excursion.

Whale watching is another special activity, where year-round whale watching cruises depart from Oceanside harbour every day, allowing guests to see the rich wildlife on this part of the Californian coast. Sightings often include either blue or grey whales depending on the season, as well as dolphin, sea lions and a variety of native birds.