Oceanside

Welcome to Oceanside

Fondly referred to as the Gateway to San Diego, Oceanside is the quintessential California beach town. Steeped in Mexican history and rich in surfer culture, the playful yet elegant city of Oceanside is revered for its historical pier and neighborhoods teeming with charming bungalows. O’Side, as locals call it, also boasts a bounty of historic landmarks. While the city has been wonderfully revitalized, it maintains its quaint, inviting ambiance. 

The beaches that line this enclave are relished by residents and visitors alike, who have many fun things to do at their fingertips, with surfing, paddleboarding, swimming, and fishing chief among them. The uniqueness of Oceanside’s individual neighborhoods amplifies its overall dynamism. A thriving culinary scene and nightlife allow its residents to enjoy themselves long after the sun has gone down. 

What to Love

• Ideally situated between Los Angeles and downtown San Diego
• An abundance of enthralling museums
• Perennially beautiful weather
• A lively and lovely waterfront
• A panoply of celebrated restaurants and unique boutiques
• Exceptionally walkable 

Dining, Shopping & Entertainment

Oceanside isn’t just a surfer’s paradise. It’s also an optimal spot for self-professed foodies. 333 Pacific is a testament to this. The Art Deco jewel features fabulous views of the shoreline and a menu brimming with delectable dishes. Start with oysters with chili miso butter and charred scallions, share a plate of dry-aged New York strip with Maldon sea salt, and top it off with a cheesecake slice crowned with a bourbon cherry glaze.

O’Side pays tribute to Top Gun — an iconic film shot in Oceanside — at the Victorian Top Gun House, which has recently been transformed into a retro pie shop, complete with an aviator theme and movie ephemera. Located a block from the beach, this darling spot is the perfect place to pick up a handheld apple pie before strolling across the sand. 

The Rooftop Bar always guarantees a good time with its curated range of tantalizing cocktails. At the same time, Piper is ideal for a weekend breakfast — think caramelized French toast with date syrup, irresistible omelets, and avocado toast with pickled Fresno chiles — while 101 Cafe has held onto its fame as one of the top roadside diners in the state with its patty melts, BLTs, and chili cheese fries. Oceanside residents don’t need to go far to enjoy a romantic date night. Local Tap House’s sleek setting and enticing mood render it the optimal spot to savor a craft beer or inventive artisan cocktail. Their Vida Loca, made with smoky mezcal, fresh lime, mango, and salt, impresses even the most discerning customer. 

Things to Do

Oceanside’s spectacular year-round climate encourages its residents to spend their spare time under the sun in one capacity or another. The outdoor plaza of Oceanside Harbor Village is always alive with residents and visitors who derive great pleasure in perusing the charming historical boutiques found on the waterfront. Here, you can launch off on ocean adventures like whale watches and fishing excursions.

For live music, locals head to Oceanside Broiler. The Oceanside Morning Farmers Market features an explosion of high-quality vendors selling everything from hyper-fresh seafood to made-from-scratch baked goods. To check out the latest fashions, accessories, and artworks, O’Siders also flock to MainStreet Oceanside. 

What would Oceanside be without its glorious beaches? We couldn’t imagine it. Locals get their vitamin “sea” on the strand of sand that fronts the Junior Seau Beach Community Center.

Schools

Children in Oceanside are educated under the Oceanside Unified School District, while adults have access to:

• Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
• MiraCosta College