Location: Oceanside
Top Things to do in Oceanside
The 10 Best Free Things to do in Oceanside, California (CA)
Oceanside is a seaside oasis of recreation and beautiful beaches. Centrally located between San Diego and Los Angeles, Oceanside is frequently referred to as “the hub of Southern California.” From here, it’s easy to access a variety of amusement parks and family activities such as Disneyland, Legoland, Sea World and the San Diego Zoo. If you’re looking to educate as well as entertain, you won’t be disappointed. Take your kids to visit Mission San Luis Rey. Founded in 1798, Mission San Luis is often called “The King of Missions” and includes picnic grounds and a gift shop in addition to a museum. Also check out the California Surf Museum or the Oceanside Museum of Art. With more than six miles of frontal beach roads, Oceanside allows you to jog, bike or skate to your heart’s content. Bike the San Luis Rey River Biking trail or take part in private o group surf lessons from a local surf school. Get your sea legs on and check out one of the many boat rental companies for a trip out to sea you won’t soon forget – go deep sea fishing, diving or whale watching. For the golf lover, Oceanside is a veritable paradise! With six courses in or near Oceanside, you’re sure to find a public or private course to fit your game - try Oceanside Municipal Golf Course, Emerald Isle Golf Course or Pendleton Marine Golf Course.
Restaurants in Oceanside
1. Beach House Winery
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 26 reviews
Reviewed By 125tanyam - San Diego, United States
This place is a hidden gem in the hills of Morro on the borders of Oceanside and Fallbrook. The owners Kim and George are warm and welcoming creating a 'family' atmosphere. Their passion for wine making shows in the many varietals they produce. There is a wine for all; from those just beginning on their wine tasting journey to the most discriminating palate. The top deck patio allows for a relaxed wine tasting experience only exceeded by the break taking 360 degree views. Beach House Winery is a MUST when in north county.
2. California Welcome Center
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 203 reviews
California Welcome Centers are California’s official State Visitor Centers offering valuable information and services for today’s traveler. There are 21 affiliated Welcome Centers located throughout the state, with volunteers and staff to answer your questions and enhance your visit. Oceanside is home to one of the California Welcome Centers, ready to assist visitors Mon-Sat from 10am-4pm. Free maps, brochures, a gift shop, restrooms, and personal assistance to get you where you want to go!
Reviewed By mai504 - Las Vegas, United States
This welcome center is the best, lots of information on areas of S. CAL and NV available, great gift shop, and great volunteers. Its super clean in side and out side, ample parking available, and very close to the beach and food and shopping.
3. Mission San Luis Rey
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 617 reviews
Founded in 1798, Mission San Luis Rey de Francia, known as the "King of the Missions," is a National Historic Landmark. The largest of all the 21 California missions, it is home to a community of Franciscan Friars and is open daily to the public in the Franciscan tradition of heritage and hospitality. Facilities include a Retreat Center with day and overnight programs for spiritual renewal, multi-function meeting spaces, a Cemetery open to all people, Mission Gift Shop, Historic Church and interpretive Museum.
Reviewed By bk2508
Well worth a visit, very informative, amazing site and a wonderful little gift shop also. We did the walk through by ourselves but the guided tour would be incredible.
4. Oceanside Pier
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,007 reviews
Longest wooden pier on California coast at 1941 feet, 1/3 of a mile, there is a convenience store half way out stocked floor to ceiling with fishing pole rentals, bait, tackle, snacks and beverages, and a whole lot of souvenir's stuffed into a 7X15 foot space. Ruby's 50's diner is located on the end with breakfast to burgers and a view to die for. The pier it self is open 24 hours a day 7days a week
Reviewed By ReviewBuzz123
This wonderful pier and surrounding areas afford you a beautiful and very long pier offering breathtaking views of Oceanside in San Diego! What a place for a stroll with the kids watching folks surf, fish from off the pier, and romantically hold hands as they walk along marveling at the great Pacific... At the end of the pier is the understated Ruby's Diner, for some good 'ol American comfort food. Palm trees sway, waves crash, and snacks beckon from the pieside shops! Enjoy!
5. Oceanside Farmer's Market
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 131 reviews
Reviewed By Home_is_Best2017 - Oceanside, United States
There’s no shortage of these in San Diego county, and this one in particular is very close to where I live, so yes, I’m biased to love going here. And many of the vendors are sure to be at other markets around the county, but, you just can’t beat some of the organic foods in particular found here every week. My favorite and regular go to stalls include: Smit’s Farms, for the BEST apples I’ve ever eaten (when in season); and The Greek fellow who sells delightful olives and cheeses, while sharing his life stories in the fashion industry. If you live in or are just visiting Oceanside and can make this Thursday morning (9am-1pm) experience, you won’t be disappointed! I’ve been going for 30 years now, and still love it! It’s a good time for the entire family. Oh, and don’t miss the Friends of the Oceanside Library who also sell great books, etc. for great prices.
6. Oceanside Sunset Market
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 210 reviews
Reviewed By TravePpro - Oceanside, United States
Experience a kaleidoscope of delicious foods representing multiple nationalities, chow down and then fun "booth watch" for art, trinkets, and baked goods from over 200 merchants sprawling their wares over 4 city blocks. Take a stroll to the bottom of Pier View Lane and walk the Oceanside Pier for a stunning California coastal scene to cap off your evening out with a gorgeous sunset. Now that's California living. Opens every Thursday from 5p.m. to 9 p.m. west of Coast Highway on Pier View Way. Phone 760-754-4512 for live music dates and times.
7. Harbor Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 188 reviews
Reviewed By OceanLovers32 - Springfield, United States
Awesome atmosphere. A place that calms your spirit and relaxes you. Beautiful ocean with clear clean warm water and terrific waves. Good food, good music and good vibes.
8. Prince of Peace Abbey
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 28 reviews
Reviewed By Cruiser62569790470 - Oakland, United States
Very peaceful setting. There is a self-guided walking tour on the grounds. Very nice. If you are looking for a surprising place to discover while visiting Oceanside, this is a good place to go.
9. Oceanside Public Library
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 36 reviews
Reviewed By 101BikeGuy - Oceanside, United States
I find whatever I am looking for in our library. They help me explore some of the books I might never consider or find what I need in a magazine. Can't take a trip without getting something to listen in the car. Great paople place.
10. Oceanside Strand
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 120 reviews
Reviewed By O4931WMmaryc
My husband and I rented a beach house in Oceanside. Wanting to explore our surroundings we took at walk on "The Strand". This is basically a street between the ocean and homes sitting on the ocean front. You can walk to the pier and beyond. The dead end becomes a set of apartments. The beach side of The Strand is several miles of beach, little food carts, bike and surrey rentals. There is the pier with Ruby's at the end. A park for kids, public bathrooms, tables with overhead cover. Then you have ocean front cottages, apartments, and townhouses. The flurry of activity is the fun stuff. Joggers, walkers, bikers, lowriders, classic cars to name the crowd. I found this place to be a hidden gem for an oceanfront beach house.
