Oceanside Pier one of the places to visit in Ooceanside
USA,  California

Things to Do in Oceanside, California

Last Updated on November 14, 2024 by Polly Dimitrova

Located along the blue waters of the Pacific Ocean, Oceanside is a vibrant and colorful coastal town worth visiting. While the city is only 40 miles away from San Diego, it is often left neglected by tourists. Offering a perfect blend of culture, stunning beaches, and historic sights, Oceanside is a small hidden gem you should be adding to your California bucket list. Keep reading as I share the top things to do in Oceanside *after living here for 3 years*.

Oceanside Beach


Hitting the beach should be on top of your list for things to do in Oceanside. Right next to the pier, the Strand and the Downtown area, Oceanside Beach is the most popular spot in town. There is no other feeling like feeling the soft sand beneath your feet and dipping your toes into the freezing waters of the Pacific Ocean. Picnic areas, lifeguards, restrooms and showers, and snack spots only steps away from the beach are all the amenities you would need for a family fun day at the beach.

The playground right next to the Oceanside Pier is one of our son’s favorites, so similar to other local families we visit almost every week. Besides that, though, you can also enjoy activities such as swimming, surfing, sunbathing or beach volleyball. We often visit in the afternoons and get to admire the stunning ocean views as the sun sets behind the horizon and creates a spectacle of colors and reflections.

Oceanside Pier


Stretching over 1,954 feet into the Pacific Ocean, Oceanside Pier is one of the longest wood piers on the West Coast. It is an ideal location for a leisurely stroll, offering breathtaking ocean views that are hard to beat. The pier is also a popular fishing spot for locals, while surfers often flock to the waves below, making it a hub of activity. Find a bench along the pier to relax and take in the serene surroundings, soak in the breathtaking ocean views, and feel the vibrant atmosphere of Oceanside.

Bike or Walk Along the Strand


As the most scenic coastal pathways in town, the Strand is among the top places to visit in Oceanside. It is perfect for walking, jogging, or biking, while admiring the endless ocean vistas. The promenade is lined with rental homes on one side and beach access points on the other. A stroller walk with our son along The Strand is an almost every week activity for our family and we never get tired of it!

To make it even more fun and exciting, you can rent a Surrey Cart from Wheel Fun Rentals. Get one by the Oceanside Pier and pedal down The Strand!

Stop by Tyson Street Park


Located along The Strand, Tyson Street Park is the perfect pitstop for families. A playground for the little ones, grassy area for picnic, and a sandy beach right across the street. Restrooms and showers are also available for visitors.

Due to its convenient location and stunning views, Tyson Street Park is a local’s favorite for relaxation, picnics and family fun on the weekends.

Explore Downtown Oceanside


A vibrant blend of urban energy and coastal vibe will welcome everyone exploring downtown Oceanside. The local dining scene includes various upscale restaurants. The cultural and historic attractions are plentiful and will additionally enhance your trip to Oceanside. Small shops and galleries line the streets inviting visitors to grab a souvenir or two for back home. The lively downtown is definitely one of the places to visit in Oceanside!

Find the Top Gun House


A fun fact that you might know is that parts of the “Top Gun” movie were filmed in Oceanside. The Victorian-style cottage featured in the original movie from 1986 is located at North Pacific Street. In front of the house, visitors will also find a replica of the “Maverick Motorcycle” to hop on for a cool photo op! Nowadays the Top Gun House (besides one of the places to visit in Oceanside) is also home to the famous High-Pie, so you can step in to get a special treat!

Thursday Sunset Market


Every Thursday from 5PM to 9PM, Oceanside’s downtown area transforms into a lively street fair with local vendors. Food stalls, live music and handmade crafts and jewelry booths span along five blocks. The darker it gets, the more festive the atmosphere is. Visitors can find delicious food from around the world, so make sure to come on an empty stomach! Try to plan a trip on a Thursday so you can add the Sunset Market to your list of things to do in Oceanside.

If you are earlier in the day, you can also stop off for the Thursday Morning Farmers Market. Thee is a huge selection of fresh produce, artisan baked goods, organic honey and more starting from 9AM until 1PM.

Visit Oceanside Harbor


As one of the most quaint and picturesque spots in town, a visit to the Harbor Village is among the top things to do in Oceanside. Visitors can choose between oceanfront dining, gift shopping or watersport activities. You can rent paddleboards, kayaks and jet skis.

Only a short walk away, you can easily access The Oceanside Harbor Beach, which is extremely wide and a not as busy as Oceanside Beach. We enjoy visiting the Harbor Village in the afternoon for a leisurely stroll by the boats while admiring the sunlight glistening on the water and creating colorful reflections.

Whale Watching Tour


If you are visiting the Oceanside Harbor why not join a whale watching tour? Depending of the month, you will get a chance to see different types of sea mammals. November – April, for example, are best for gray whales, whereas May – October are ideal for fin and blue whales. Sea lions, dolphins and various sea birds can be spotted year-round.

This could be an excellent choice for a family-friendly activity in Oceanside, California.

California Surf Museum


Oceanside is known for its surfing culture, so it would be a shame not to stop by the California Surf Museum. An exhibit of surfboards, memorabilia, unique photographs and more showcase the history of surfing and its cultural significance in California.

Oceanside Museum of Art


Oceanside has a unique thriving art scene and you can get acquainted with it at the Oceanside Museum of Art. Rotating exhibits of light installations, glass pieces and sculptures showcase the talent of local contemporary artists.

Fun Fact: We have lived here for 3 years and only recently I found out that Oceanside is one of only 14 California Culture Districts. The fusion of historic sights, emerging art scene and local surf culture make it a place like no other! So make sure to add Oceanside to your California bucket list!

Mission San Luis Ray


Dating all the way back to 1798 San Luis Ray de Francia Mission is among the oldest in California. The current church was built between 1811 and 1815 and has a unique architectural design. While you should take your time to just admire the façade with its intricate carvings and beautiful 70-feet bell tower, it is also worth taking a self-guided tour and learning more about the history behind it.

As one of the largest Spanish missions in California, the grounds include a museum, rose garden, sunken garden and even ruins from a previous mission. Mission San Luis Ray is one of the places to visit in Oceanside for anyone looking for peace and quiet and spot for reflection.

Go Back in Time at Heritage Park and Museum


Just a short walk or drive away from Mission San Luis Ray, tourists can take a step back in time at Oceanside Heritage Park and Museum. Since it is not very popular, I find it to be a small secluded spot perfect for a few hours of peace and quiet in an unique setting. It might seem fairly small at first but it displays a range of original structures, which were once scattered around the city. The Blade Newspaper, the Libby School and The Blacksmith Shop & Livery Stable are some of the buildings you will find yourself strolling by.

Since our son is obsessed with trains, we love visiting the train depot, which is open on Wednesdays and Saturdays for visitors. You will find miniature replicas of buildings and sights from the local area and at least a few trains running on the tracks at the same time. The staff is very helpful and always willing to share more about the process of creating the miniatures, as well as more about Oceanside’s history. The Heritage Park and Museum is a favorite of ours and I strongly recommend as one of the things to do in Oceanside.

Visit Guajome Regional Park


Guajome Regional Park is one of our family’s favorite spots in Oceanside. Covering a total area of 394 acres it features a beautiful lake, 4.5 miles of trails, lots of green space for picnic and even a 33 tent and RV campsite. My son loves the playground, which is covered with a sun-shade and something we area always hoping for in always sunny California. We also love taking the trails and paying a visit to the duckies in the lake. There are numerous picnic benches making it the ideal spot for a fun family-friendly day. Parking is $3.

Hike at Oak Riparian Park


Spanning across 20 acres, Oak Riparian Park is one of the most tranquil places to visit in Oceanside. There are playgrounds, picnic areas, and restrooms for those planning a trip with the entire family. The Oak Riparian Loop Trail is a 1.5-mile hike, which leads all the way up to Lake Calavera Preserve. Besides lush oak trees along the way, you might also be able to catch glimpses of the diverse bird species inhabiting the area. Boardwalks and bridges make the trail easily accessible for various age groups.

Go Indoor Skydiving


If you are an adventure junkie, you might also want to check out iFLY Indoor Skydiving in Oceanside. It is a great choice if you are thinking of skydiving, but still feel the fear of an actual jump from an airplane, iFLY makes it possible with their wind tunnel simulator.

Learn to Surf


Known for its consistent waves, Oceanside is a popular spot for both beginner and experienced surfers. This could be an exciting opportunity for you to learn how to surf as well. Book your lesson with North County Surf Academy who will teach you everything you need to know about surfing!

Bike San Luis Ray River Trail


For those of you who prefer peace and quiet, but are also searching for a nice activity in Oceanside, the San Luis Ray River Trail might be just the right place for you! This 9-mile paved trail is perfect for all age groups, as it is completely separated from traffic. There are numerous access points to join and get off, making it really easily accessible.

Where to Stay in Oceanside?

Try to See Bioluminescence


Bioluminescence is a unique natural phenomenon when the waves glow in blue light due to the presence of particular plankton species. The glow is caused by living organisms emitting light creating a truly spectacular visual display, as the waves form and crash into the shore. While bioluminescence waves can form any time of the year, it is extremely difficult to predict. They are more common in spring and summer when the waves are reddish-brown color.

San Diego County is one of the few locations around the world, where you can see bioluminescence. You can only spot it during the night (after 10 PM, but most often around midnight). You might be lucky and get to experience this unique phenomenon and be treated to a spectacular glowing show when visiting Oceanside, California.

Visit Buccaneer Beach


Situated slightly to the South, Buccaneer Beach is the smallest beach in Oceanside. As such it is often left neglected by tourists and loved by locals. It is lined with rocks and home to lots of seashells and sand dollars. Right across the street, visitors can find Buccaneer Cafe, which offers yummy acai bowls and breakfast options, as well as great coffee! Right next to it, you will also find the Buccaneer Park – common spot for families with its grassy area, playground and picnic benches.

Have you been to Oceanside? What are your favorite things to do in Oceanside? Let us know in the comments section below!

Disclosure: Some of the links in this article are affiliate ones. If you purchase through these links, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you.

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