things to do in oceanside
Oceanside Beaches
Surf, Swim, Boogie Board, Build Sand Castles, Fish, Frolic
Over 3.5 miles of white sandy beaches make Oceanside the ideal place for sunning, surfing, and sandcastle building. Take a leisurely stroll along the water or bring your pole for some great surf fishing.
With plenty of parking and easy beach access, Oceanside presents one of the finest beach areas on the west coast. Harbor beach alone offers more than 16 acres of clean level sand, and handicap “sand" wheel chairs are available for use at each lifeguard tower. Enjoy a day at the beach and don't forget your sunscreen!
With plenty of parking and easy beach access, Oceanside presents one of the finest beach areas on the west coast. Harbor beach alone offers more than 16 acres of clean level sand, and handicap “sand" wheel chairs are available for use at each lifeguard tower. Enjoy a day at the beach and don't forget your sunscreen!
Oceanside Pier
Stroll, Fish, Dine, Enjoy Sunsets, Watch Surfers
The historic Oceanside Pier is a prized community resource as well as a monument to its citizens' persistence in seeing that a pier remains a part of its oceanfront recreational facilities. At its current 1,942 feet in length, it remains one of the longest wooden construction recreational piers on the West Coast. From its reach, viewers can peer into the entrance channel of Oceanside Harbor, a 900 + boat recreational marina that sits along the northwest borders of the city. The pier is a recreational common ground for Oceanside, a place where young and old, fisherman and surfer, tourist and residents mingle, stroll, and sit to watch the waves or the sunset while enjoying the beauty of the Pacific Ocean. While a fishing license is required for surf fishing on the beach, no license is needed for fishing off the pier. Read our blog post titled, History of the Pier, to learn more.
Oceanside Harbor
Stand Up Paddle, Kayak, Boat, Outrigger Canoe, Dine, Picnic, Fish
Unlike most ports, all boats are visible from a two-lane asphalt drive encircling its shoreline. Fine restaurants, picnic tables, and a Harbor Village with shops, eateries, and a lighthouse, along with the nearby Harbor Beach combine to offer the seafarer and motor visitor an enchanting experience of color and atmosphere. Oceanside's Harbor is a mecca for sportfishing, whale watching, boating and other water-oriented activities. The Marina inside the harbor has sloops ranging in length from 25-51 feet. Transient moorings and limited RV beach camping are available. Oceanside Harbor Days is a scheduled annual event held the 4th weekend in September.
Recreational Activities
Oceanside's recreational opportunities are geared to fit every lifestyle. The city boasts 4 golf courses, numerous tennis courts and over 6 miles of beachfront roadway just perfect for jogging, biking or rollerblading. Known as a mecca for watersports, our 260 slip Harbor has a convenient boat launch area and offers services for boat, kayak and jetski rentals. Try your hand at surf fishing along our coastline, or simply drop a line off the end of our 1972 ft pier and wait for the fish to bite. Oceanside also hosts numerous amateur and professional surfing contests through out the year.
Bicycling
Whether your in to taking a beach cruiser around the strand, or prefer a day-long ride down to San Diego, Oceanside is a great place for bicycling enthusiasts. Go for a cruise in the Oceanside Harbor or explore one of Oceanside's bike trails.
WHALE WATCHING
Whale and dolphin watching excursions are available year-round from the Oceanside Harbor. Oceanside Adventures offers a wide variety of tours and experiences. Enjoy a private trip with a few friends or join in with a large group as you see some of the most amazing ocean wildlife in the world. After your excursion, you can enjoy any one of a number of great restaurants in the beautiful Harbor.
ARTS, CULTURE, MUSEUMS & ENTERTAINMENT
Oceanside's Cultural Arts community is thriving and is becoming an enterainment Hub for North San Diego County! From local events like the First Friday Artwalk and Days of Art, to Artists Alley and our unique museums and galleries, Oceanside has much to offer in the area of Art, Culture and Entertainment.
MORNING FARMERS MARKET
Mingle with locals and experience Southern California’s bounty of locally grown produce and flowers. Enjoy ocean views while browsing gourmet baked goods, pre-packed specialty foods and regional crafts. Freshly prepared hot foods are available for breakfast and lunch.
Thursday mornings, 9am – 1pm
Pier View Way and Coast Highway
Thursday mornings, 9am – 1pm
Pier View Way and Coast Highway
SUNSET MARKET
Food and music abound at this very popular outdoor market just steps from the pier. The family friendly event features live entertainment and a wide array of ethnic and traditional hot foods offering to tempt you – be sure to come for dinner and stay for the sunset. Includes 170 booths of shopping, fresh and ready gourmet baked goods and pre-packaged specialty goods to take home, locally grown produce and floral, kids activities and more – something for everyone!
Thursday evenings, 5:00 – 9:00 pm.
Pier View Way and Coast Highway
Thursday evenings, 5:00 – 9:00 pm.
Pier View Way and Coast Highway
OCEANSIDE MUNICIPAL AIRPORT
A half-mile of highway allows you to travel a half mile; a half-mile of airport runway will allow you to travel anywhere you choose. Over the last century, civil aviation has become an integral part of the U.S. economy, a key catalyst for economic growth.
There has been an airport in the San Luis Rey Valley since the 1930’s. The Oceanside Municipal Airport is a paved and lighted landing facility, providing tourists and businesses and alternate mode of transportation into our city. In addition, the Oceanside Airport serves as a flight training facility for our future airline and military pilots, not to mention a possible astronaut or two. The airport is also used, regularly, by Life Flight Medical Services as well as other emergency services. The Oceanside Municipal Airport is truly an asset to our city.
There has been an airport in the San Luis Rey Valley since the 1930’s. The Oceanside Municipal Airport is a paved and lighted landing facility, providing tourists and businesses and alternate mode of transportation into our city. In addition, the Oceanside Airport serves as a flight training facility for our future airline and military pilots, not to mention a possible astronaut or two. The airport is also used, regularly, by Life Flight Medical Services as well as other emergency services. The Oceanside Municipal Airport is truly an asset to our city.
