Breakwater Beach is a quiet, family beach located just south of Oceanside Harbor. It is popular with surfers and volleyball players. Surfers, however, will have to walk down to the jetty in the summer months when the beach is closed to surfing in front of Lifeguard Tower 8. The river jetty is where the San Luis Rey River meets the ocean. A sandbar is often formed here and creates a good surf break. The area at the mouth of the river mouth is usually one of Oceanside's least populated beaches. This is partly because it is open surfing only, and because it's a bit of a walk from the parking areas. Children often like to play in the river mouth; this is not advised because it poses a safety concern due to the strong currents and the potential for high levels of bacteria in the river.

Facilities: Barbeque grills, picnic tables, volleyball courts (you must provide your own net), fire rings, restrooms and showers.

Parking: A pay parking lot is located at the east end of Breakwater Way and east of Pacific Street. Metered Parking is also available along Pacific Street.