Day Trip to Oceanside, California: Things To Do Nearby Attractions

Oceanside is a fantastic location for a beach vacation. It is situated in San Diego County and is just a short drive away from numerous attractions in nearby San Diego. Oceanside provides an excellent opportunity to relax and enjoy the calm atmosphere of a small beach town. If you are planning a trip to Southern California, Oceanside is an ideal place to use as a base for exploring Los Angeles to the North and San Diego to the South.

At the turn of the century, Oceanside was a beach town devoted to activities on a 6-mile stretch of beaches. In the 1960s, the Chamber of Commerce Slogan promoted this beach town with a massive billboard along Highway 101, “Tan Your Hide in Oceanside.” These days, the Chamber of Commerce has a slightly different vision: “Oceanside Classic California Beach Community.

Things to Do in Oceanside, California

Take a Walk on the Oceanside Pier

Surfing contests and various events are held at the Oceanside Pier Amphitheater. The pier is a beautiful walk and a popular fishing spot. No water activity is allowed within 100 feet of the pier. Still, plenty of covered picnic tables, benches, and barbecues are available, and some fire rings are on the adjacent sand. Pier View South is Oceanside’s most famous beach. If you don’t mind crowds, you will be comfortable here. Restrooms and showers are provided.

Enjoy Lunch or Dinner at Oceanside Harbor Village

Harbor Village has a nice selection of Restaurants, including Rocking’ Baja Lobster Bar & Grill,  Dominic’s, Harbor Fish n Chips, and Stratford at the Harbor. The village also features tourist stores and a Cruise Harbor, Oceanside. Joe’s Crab Shack and the Oceanside Broiler Restaurant are also in the harbor area. Adjacent to the village along the north jetty is Oceanside Beach. Charter fishing boats and whale-watching tours depart from the harbor.

Camp on the Beach at Oceanside Harbor

Overnight camping is allowed at the Harbor Beach parking lot. All you have to do is pay for parking. Camping is on a first-come, first-serve basis. There is a five-night limit for any 30 days. Barbecues and stoves are prohibited in parking lot areas, landscaped areas, or sidewalks. Barbecues and stoves can be used on the beach, but no portable fire pits are allowed.

Discover the History of Surfing at the California Surf Museum

A trip to Oceanside is incomplete without visiting the California Surf Museum. It was established in 1986 to celebrate the history of surfing in California, showcasing numerous exhibits, films, and participation in local events. The museum has a permanent collection about the evolution of surfboards and wave-riding. The foundation accepts memberships to support its mission. The museum is open daily at 312 Pier View Way, Oceanside.

Take a Tour at the Oceanside Museum of Art

The Oceanside Museum of Art offers fascinating contemporary art exhibitions year-round. Museum programs include concerts, films, culinary events, evening events, docent tours, and chartered travel destinations. The museum charges a modest admission fee, but children and students with ID are free. 704 Pier View Way Oceanside, CA 92054. The museum’s website has detailed information on current exhibits.

Soak Up Some California Sun at Buccaneer Beach

Buccaneer Beach is Oceanside’s little beach, designated for swimmers, waders, and bodyboarders only, meaning it’s closed to surfing the flagged area due to conditions. Outside, the flag is open for all water sports. Buccaneer Park is just across the street from the beach and has a large grass area, jungle gym, basketball court, picnic tables, barbecue grills, restrooms, shower, snack bar, and public parking.

Wisconsin Street Beach

Wisconsin Street Beach is located at Wisconsin Street and The Strand, a one-way southbound street that parallels the Pacific Ocean. There is a ramp just north of Lifeguard Tower 7 for access to the beach. This is Oceanside’s least frequented beach because it’s narrow, so it’s a great day spot to avoid crowds. When the tide is high, the water often comes up to the rocks, leaving little or no beach. A small pay parking lot is located directly behind the lifeguard tower on The Strand. There is also parking along Pacific Street.

Oceanside Boulevard Beach

Oceanside Boulevard Beach offers more actual beach area than Buccaneer Beach and is filled with private homes facing the ocean. There are no restrooms at this beach, but there is a shower. Parking is available along Pacific Street and other neighboring streets.

Visit Historic Mission San Luis Rey

If you are interested in history, you can drive from the town center to Mission San Luis Rey. It is the biggest of all the California missions and the only one with a wooden dome. The mission is situated inland from the beach and provides a great insight into California’s historical origins before it achieved statehood. Spanish priests established missions to spread their faith among the natives.

Oceanside Whale Watching: Helgren’s Whale Watching

Whale watching is excellent for the family, and daily tours depart from the harbor. Prices vary by group size and area explored, so call for details. Sea lions often appear at the beaches, and while exciting to watch, it’s best to let them be and admire them from a distance. Helgren’s is located at 1395 N Harbor Drive.

Glamping on the Beach at Roberts Cottages

The historic Roberts Cottages were built in 1924 as vacation homes. They were conveniently located adjacent to Route 101 and within walking distance of the Oceanside train depo. Over the years, the cottages changed owners several times until 1957, when they were sold individually to owners. Today, many of these cottages can be rented by a property manager or the owner. If you want to own one of these 280-square-foot beachfront cottages, expect to pay up to $900 K. Summer rental rates average about $1500 per week.

Buena Vista Nature Center

The Buena Vista Audubon Nature Center is situated beside the Buena Vista Lagoon. It showcases interpretive displays about the lagoon’s wildlife and has a small gift shop. Outside, there is a short nature trail with views of the lagoon. The address is 2202 South Coast Hwy. Website.

Getting To Oceanside

When visiting Oceanside, allow two hours for the drive from Los Angeles and about an hour from Orange County or San Diego, traffic permitting.  Another option for getting to Oceanside is to take the Amtrak Surfliner.

Oceanside Nearby Fun Attractions

Carlsbad Oyster Farm Tours

Aquafarm Tours are available on weekdays, from Monday to Thursday, with four available time slots: 10 a.m., 12 p.m., 2 p.m., and 4 p.m. The tour lasts about an hour and includes a 30-minute walking tour and a brief class on how to shuck oysters. Visitors can shuck six oysters themselves at the end of the tour and enjoy a tasting. The tour package includes lemons, hot sauce, and shucking tools.

Trestles Beach Popular California Surfing Spot

Trestles Beach is located north of Oceanside and just south of San Clemente. It is a popular destination for surfers worldwide who experience the perfect wave. The beach is named after the railroad bridge that crosses San Mateo Creek near the entrance to the beach. Trestles Beach has no car access, and visitors must take a winding, paved trail to get to the beach.

Carlsbad Lagoon (Lagoon Sands)

Carlsbad Lagoon Marina is a one-stop destination for all things fun to do on a day out on the water. Three stunning lagoons covering over 1000 acres are in Carlsbad, Aqua Hedionda, Batiquitos, and Buena Vista. Water sports are only allowed at Aqua Hedionda Lagoon.

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