Welcome to Oceanside
Nine beaches of year-round paradise in a dynamic, up-and-coming community
Oceanside is an up-and-coming seaside town located between Los Angeles and San Diego and south of the
Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton. Spanish explorer Portola first visited the region in 1769. Many Spanish missions were built here but fell into disrepair and the area became a secular region. The real history of Oceanside began when the U.S. government conducted a survey of the area for the railroads. Shortly after, Andrew Jackson Myers received a 160-acre Homestead grant, built the first house, and Ocean Side later renamed Oceanside, was born.
Known for its beautiful year-round weather and nine beaches, Oceanside is an ambitious and dynamic town with a laid-back lifestyle. Residents enjoy a harbor similar to ones found in New England yet experience the dense urban feel of a modern walkable city with plenty of restaurants, food, beer, and local shops ready to please any taste.
Oceanside is populated by young professionals, families, and retirees. Residents enjoy the beaches alongside surfers, tourists, and fishermen in a city where surfing is a year-round event due to the great waves.
The California Surf Museum provides exhibits and events to share the city's rich history of surfing.
What to Love
- Breathtaking ocean views
- A booming restaurant scene with award-winning restaurants
- Shopping for one-of-a-kind designs by local artists and designers
- Plenty of outdoor activities
- Surfing and water sports
Local Lifestyle
Oceanside has a rich historical tradition combining vintage and modern features. Small cottages and houses were once a mainstay of Oceanside, but few of those homes are still here today. A walkable city, Oceanside offers plenty of opportunities to visit the many historical landmarks in the bustling downtown area. There are also walking adventures available through the many hiking trails along with bikeable scenic routes. You will also see scooters cruising through town.
Surreys allow residents to enjoy a slow-paced ride through town or to visit the pier. Helicopter rides and indoor skydiving provide excitement for the more adventurous. Surfing and whale watching allow residents to make the most of a visit to the beach.
Dining, Entertainment & Shopping
Seafood is the most beloved choice in this coastal town, though Oceanside offers far more than just that.
Joe’s Crab Shack combines a fun atmosphere with the enjoyment of the coastal lifestyle. Whether a group or a couple, diners enjoy crab by the bucket in a relaxed and vibrant atmosphere.
From goat cheese appetizers to the Pig Burger, diners enjoy chef-inspired delicious meals in a cozy atmosphere at the
Flying Pig Kitchen & Pub. At
Craft Coast Beer & Tacos, patrons get the unique experience of enjoying a hand-crafted beer alongside authentic Baja-style tacos. Nachos and mulitas round out the menu.
In downtown Oceanside, and close to the beach, the
Stone Brewing Tap Room combines a tasting room with a luscious garden and retail store. Patrons can bring snacks and food to go with their tastings of seasonal and year-round beers.
Things to Do
With the mild beautiful weather year-round, festivals and street fairs are popular events among the locals. The
Oceanside Harbor Days, hosted by the local Chamber of Commerce, is a two-day event with activities and entertainment as well as food and shopping.
The
Oceanside Farmers Market meets every Thursday year-round so residents may purchase local produce and flowers. Far more than just a farmer's market, visitors to the market enjoy gourmet goodies including baked goods as well as salsas, sauces, honey, and olive oil.
The
Oceanside Municipal Fishing Pier is considered to be the most iconic location in Oceanside. At 1,942 feet, it provides a beautiful backdrop to many of the events taking place in Oceanside.
To the north of Oceanside is Camp Pendleton, the largest Marine Corps base on the West Coast. A closed base, Camp Pendleton allows visitors to see servicemembers stationed there as well as to attend weddings and other events taking place on the base.
