Features: Longest Wooden Pier on the West Coast; 3 Miles of Beaches; Boat Harbor; California Surf Museum; Art Museum; Theatre; Thursday Night Hot Spot

Oceanside Introduction: Oceanside, CA is the first city in San Diego County that visitors can explore when driving south on highway I-5 from Los Angeles and Disneyland. It provides a nice break for drivers who enjoyed views of the Pacific Ocean during their 17-mile drive through Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton but didn’t have an opportunity to pull over to get their feet wet in the surf. (If you are lucky, you will get to see the Marines practicing an amphibious landing while driving through the Base. However, don’t stop to watch or you’ll get a ticket from the Highway Patrol.)

Once you reach Oceanside, you will want to pull off at Exit 54a to visit the California Welcome Center, which you will find at the end of the exit ramp. After picking up brochures and discount tickets to San Diego attractions, you are only a few blocks away from enjoying the classic California beach culture that Oceanside has to offer.

Nature Trail

If you need to stretch out your legs and enjoy a few quiet moments with nature before starting your adventure, go for a walk or bike ride on the San Luis Rey River Trail. This 7.2 mile trail is for pedestrians only and runs along the San Luis Rey Riverbed. It starts just a couple blocks away from the Visitors Center.

California Surf Museum

Otherwise, your first stop should be the California Surf Museum. The official surf museum for the State of California takes visitors on a journey through the history of surfing, which helped make California beaches famous around the world. You will see pictures, memorabilia, and trophies for champion surfers from the days of George Freeth, nicknamed Brown Mercury by author Jack London, to recent champions like Kelly Slater. You will also learn about the many changes that took place in surfboard design. Examples of surfboards line the walls, including the story of world-renowned Gerry Lopez and his Lightning Bolt.

Oceanside Pier

Once you have finished your visit to the California Surf Museum, it’s time to walk to the beach to check out the real action. (You’ll need to head a block south from the Surf Museum and take Mission Avenue across the train tracks before getting back over to Pier View Way to reach the Oceanside Pier.) The Oceanside Pier will give you the best views of the beach area. At nearly 4/10ths of a mile long, the Oceanside Pier is the longest wooden pier on the West Coast.

The first half of the Pier offers benches where visitors can relax, enjoy a bite to eat, and watch top caliber surfers attempt new tricks. You will find a small snack and gift shop half-way out on the Pier. After that point, the Pier is a little rougher to walk on (not a problem unless you have difficulty walking or use a wheelchair) and there are no benches to sit on. This is where you will get to watch people fishing in an attempt to catch dinner for the evening.

If you walk all the way to the end of the Pier you can reward yourself with a meal or treat while sitting nearly 4/10ths of a mile out in the ocean at Ruby’s Diner. They only take reservations for groups of 12 or more at 760-433-7829. Otherwise seating take place on a first-come, first-serve basis.  Lunch time and summer evenings are generally the busiest times when there is a good chance you may have a long wait to get a table.

Oceanside Beaches

The three-mile stretch of sandy coastline in Oceanside offers eight beaches to choose from. The most popular is Pier View South, adjacent to the Oceanside Pier. This is where you can watch surfing competitions throughout the summer. The beach is also home to the Oceanside Amphitheater, right above the entrance to the Oceanside Pier, which hosts musical performances during the summer.

Those looking for a more laid-back and quiet beach experience can head north or south of the Oceanside Pier. The City of Oceanside provides a nice description of what to expect at each of the Oceanside Beaches, pointing out where you can find a playground, play volleyball, or find good swimming spots.  You’ll also find a list of their beach rules, which include no alcohol and no dogs.

Most of the Oceanside Beaches can be easily accessed along The Strand. The Strand is a 1.25 mile stretch of lightly used roadway that runs right along the beach and the Oceanside Pier. Although vehicles are allowed on The Strand, most visitors park a couple blocks to the east where most parking is free. Those with disabilities and those willing to pay the higher parking fees will use a few of the smaller parking lots along The Strand. Otherwise, The Strand is mainly used by pedestrians and cyclists enjoying the views and nice ocean breezes. With the exception of a Wheel Fun Bike Rentals and a McDonald’s underneath the Oceanside Pier, there are basically no other businesses located on The Strand. You will find the shops and restaurants just a quarter mile to the east on the other side of the train tracks and parking lots.

Kayak rentals, lessons, and tours are available at the south end of Oceanside at Carlsbad Paddle Sports. Kayak rentals are also available from Boat Rentals of America,which is located in the north end of Oceanside along the Harbor.

Surfing in Oceanside

Are you looking for the ultimate Southern California adventure? No sport is more synonymous with the Southern California lifestyle than surfing. Whether you want to rent a surf board or take a class, there are several Oceanside companies ready to serve you. If you have never surfed before, you should definitely take a class. They’ll make sure you can get up on the ‘beginners waves’ and stay out of the way of professionals. Here is a list of companies to help you get started.

Asylum Board Shop – Surf Shop that also rents surfboards and bodyboards.

Surfin Fire – Located under the Oceanside Pier, Surfin Fire offers lessons on a walk-up basis.

Team Wahine Surfing School – Located in the Oceanside Harbor and offering one-hour lessons. Also offers 5-day surf camps for kids.

Surf Camps USA – Located a couple blocks south of Oceanside Pier. Offers weekend and week long camps as well as private lessons.

Oceanside Harbor

North of the Oceanside Beaches, visitors will find the Oceanside Harbor. Here, you can take a tour of the coastline on a sailboat, head out in the ocean for whale-watching, rent boats and wave runners, or just enjoy a bite to eat and a browse around souvenir shops as you watch fancy boats sailing in and out of the harbor.

Downtown Oceanside

Mission Avenue, Pier View Way, and North Coast Highway are the main streets in Oceanside filled with shops and restaurants. You will see quite a few barber shops and supply stores that serve the Marines stationed at Camp Pendleton. You will also find a number of restaurants and tourist shops. A couple of the more popular tourist restaurants include Harney Sushi and Vigilucci’ s Osteria, both on Mission Avenue. To see more Oceanside dining options, visit the City of Oceanside’s Visitors web site.

Those who appreciate art will want to visit the Oceanside Museum of Art, which hosts visiting exhibitions that often emphasize modern art and landscape art inspired by the Southern California climate and terrain. This modern facility hosts a number of  art and film, art and music, and art with dining events each month.

In the evenings, visitors can take in a play, musical, or concert at the Sunshine Brooks Theatre, watch a movie at the Oceanside Regal Cinemas 16, or, of course, enjoy the famous Southern California sunset. Again, all of these attractions are within a few blocks of one another.

Sunset Market on Thursday Evenings

The Sunset Market on Thursday evenings year-round is a cross between a farmer’s market and a festival.  Six blocks of streets are shut down starting at 5PM with the center of the action occuring at the intersection of Tremont Street and Pier View Way. You get to enjoy live entertainment while browsing through arts and crafts displays, food, and fresh produce. You will even get to visit the California Surf Museum for free during its extended hours for Sunset Market Thursdays.

More Oceanside

If you are looking for even more to do in Oceanside, consider taking a self-guided walking tour of Oceanside. Look for a pamphlet called the ‘Self Guided History Tour of Downtown Oceanside’ sponsored by Cafe 101. You should be able to find one in the Surf Museum, Visitors Center, and other local attractions. It includes a map and description of 20 historical buildings and homes around town.

Birders will want to head two miles south on the Coast Highway to visit the Buena Vista Audubon Nature Center. Those who like big trucks and military vehicles should head north to the Marine Corps Command Mechanized Museum. Finally, for a taste of California history, you can head east to the largest of the California Missions, Mission San Luis Rey.

More extensive details on the local shops, restaurants, and beaches can be found on the San Diego Coast Life web site.

Information on Visiting Oceanside

Directions from Google Maps to the Oceanside Pier at Pier View Way and The Strand in Oceanside, CA 92054.

Traffic – Other than summer weekends, getting to and from the Oceanside Pier and surrounding beaches is relatively easy. (Learn more about getting San Diego traffic updates.)

Parking – There is parking on local streets and parking lots along Mission Avenue and Pier View Way.  Some street parking and parking lots are free for a limited time period (up to a few hours in some cases). Others spots require a nominal fee. The largest parking lots are along the train tracks, where Mission Avenue and Pier View Way meet Cleveland Street.

Transit – The Oceanside Pier and Downtown Oceanside are a quarter-mile walk north of the Oceanside Transit Center.  See San Diego Transit Information for details about the Oceanside Transit Center, which is served by AMTRAK, Coaster, and Metrolink trains.

Open Daily: 10AM – 4PM (Opens at 1PM on Sundays and Closed on Mondays)

Cost: $8 ($5 for Seniors 65+, Free for Students and Military Families with I.D.)

Features: Hosts Impressive Art Exhibitions in a Modern Facility added to an Irving Gill Designed Building; Music & Art Events

Oceanside Museum of Art Highlights: The Oceanside Museum of Art is home to two large and one small exhibition rooms housed in an impressive modern facility built in 2008. The modern facility is an extension of the original art museum designed by the renowned architect, Irving Gill.

The Museum does not have a permanent collection on display but rather hosts three traveling or temporary exhibitions at a time. You can check out their web site for Current & Upcoming Exhibitions. Exhibitions generally run for three to four months. The Museum places a heavier emphasis on modern art and landscape art inspired by the Southern California climate and terrain. To get a better idea on what to expect, you can also view a list of past exhibitions. You can also arrange a tour of the exhibitions with a docent by calling 760-435-3720 in advance.

Art Museum Events – The Oceanside Museum of Art hosts a very active schedule of events including Free Family Days, Art after Dark for young professionals, films, and entertaining events that mix art with music and food.

Museum Art Store - This inviting, well-lit space offers patrons books, artwork, jewelry, accessories and unique gifts. Many are handmade by local artists.

Food – There are a number of restaurants a couple blocks west on Pier View Way and one block south along Mission Avenue. Consider getting take-out and walk a quarter-mile down Mission Avenue to the beach. At the beach, you will also find a McDonald’s underneath the Oceanside Pier and a Ruby’s restaurant sitting out over the ocean at the end of the Pier. (Note that the Pier is nearly 4/10ths of a mile long.) Otherwise, there are limited offerings once you reach the beach.

Information on Visiting the Oceanside Museum of Art

Admission Costs: (Costs are Approximate)

• $8 for Adults
• $5 for Seniors 65+
• Free for Students and For Military Members and their Dependents
• Free Family Art Days are generally held on five Sunday afternoons throughout the year. Check the Art Museum Events page for upcoming opportunities.
  

Directions from Google Maps to 704 Pier View Way in Oceanside, CA 92054.

Traffic – Other than summer weekends, getting in and out of the Oceanside Museum of Art is relatively easy. If you encounter heavy traffic heading to the beach on Mission Avenue after exiting from highway I-5, make a right on N. Home Street, or shortly thereafter, and then make a left one block later on Pier View Way (also known as 3rd Street). Pier View Way will have less traffic since it ends just a few blocks past the Art Museum at the train tracks.(Learn more about getting San Diego traffic updates.)

Parking – You will find a small parking lot behind the Art Museum if you turn right on Ditmar Street. If you plan to explore more of Downtown Oceanside, you will find larger parking lots at the end of Pier View Way, a few blocks past the Museum.  Some street parking and parking lots are free for a limited time period (up to a few hours in some cases). Others spots require a nominal fee.

Transit – The Oceanside Museum of Art is a half-mile walk north of the Oceanside Transit Center.  It is a flat walk through Downtown Oceanside to reach the Art Museum. (There is also a bus that can take you from the transit center to within a block of the Museum.) See San Diego Transit Information for the online Transit Planner and details about the Oceanside Transit Center, which is served by AMTRAK, Coaster, and Metrolink trains.

Nearby Attractions: Find more things to do in Oceanside, CA . You can walk out on the largest wooden pier on the West Coast, explore the California Surf Museum, take surfing lessons, enjoy an ocean sailing tour, bike along a nature trail, and see history at California’s largest Mission.

Open Daily: 10AM – 4PM. (8PM on Thursdays)

Cost: $3 ($1 for Students, Military, and Seniors 62+)

Features: State of California Surf Museum covering the History of Surfing in California; Skateboarding Memorabilia

California Surf Museum Highlights: Surfers throughout the world seek out the California Surf Museum to share their adventures in surfing. Some want to share their stories of surfing in extreme conditions like the Arctic while others want to send pieces of history to be displayed at the Museum.

The California Surf Museum receives this worldwide attention because music and movies have made California synonymous with surfing. Beach Boys songs like ‘Surfin USA’ and ‘California Girls’ to Bruce Brown film classics such as ‘Endless Summer’ is what makes travelers from around the world ‘California Dreamin’.

Over the years, the California Surf Museum has acquired an impressive collection that will take you on a journey through the history of surfing, which has made California beaches famous.

What to Expect

You will first learn about George Freeth, nicknamed Brown Mercury by author Jack London. Freeth brought surfing to California in 1907 from the shores of Hawaii. Large crowds depicted in photographs on display greeted Brown Mercury’s arrival. Soon, the surfing lineage of new beach boys began to grow from the likes of San Diegan Ralph Noisat to the current day’s surfing champions like Kelly Slater. You will see pictures, memorabilia, and trophies while reading the stories about these great surfers.

Along the way, you will also learn about the many changes that took place in surfboard design. Stories and examples of surfboards line the walls, including the story of world-renowned Gerry Lopez and his Lightning Bolt.

After spending 45 minutes to an hour reliving the glory days and developing a fuller appreciation for surfing’s impact on modern culture, you can also enjoy a walk down memory lane on the sister sports of roller skates and skateboarding. The Museum invokes nostalgia with memorabilia from Skee-Skates to Roller Derby Skates.

At the end of your visit, you can browse through the Museum’s Gift Shop full of pictures, clothes, books, stickers, and other memorabilia to bring home memories of what has made California so famous.

Food – There are a number of restaurants and bars along Pier View Way and one block south along Mission Avenue. Consider getting take-out and walk two blocks down Mission Avenue to the beach. At the beach, you will also find a McDonald’s underneath the Oceanside Pier and a Ruby’s restaurant sitting out over the ocean at the end of the Pier. (Note that the Pier is nearly 4/10ths of a mile long.) Otherwise, there are limited offerings once you reach the beach.

Information on Visiting the  California Surf Museum

California Surf Museum web site – Get details for the California Surf Museum in Oceanside.

Admission Costs: (Costs are Approximate)

• $3 for Adults
• $1 for Students, Military, and Seniors 62+
• Free on Thursdays + Free everyday for kids under 12 years old
• Membership with Free Admission also available

Directions from Google Maps to 312 Pier View Way in Oceanside, CA 92054.

Traffic – Other than summer weekends, getting in and out of the Surf Museum is relatively easy. If you encounter heavy traffic heading to the beach on Mission Avenue after exiting from highway I-5, make a right on N. Home Street, or shortly thereafter, and then make a left one block later on Pier View Way (also known as 3rd Street). Pier View Way will have less traffic since it ends just past the Surf Museum at the train tracks. (Learn more about getting San Diego traffic updates.)

Parking – There is street parking along Pier View Way. You will find large parking lots at the end of Pier View Way, just a block past the museum.  Some street parking and parking lots are free for a limited time period (up to a few hours in some cases). Others spots require a nominal fee.

Transit – The California Surf Museum is a quarter mile walk north of the Oceanside Transit Center.  (Turn left on Tremont Street, left again on Topeka Street, and then right on Cleveland Street, which will take you to Pier View Way.) See San Diego Transit Information for details about the Oceanside Transit Center, which is served by AMTRAK, Coaster, and Metrolink trains.

Nearby Attractions: Find more things to do in Oceanside, CA . You can walk out on the largest wooden pier on the West Coast, take surfing lessons, enjoy an ocean sailing tour, bike along a nature trail, and see history at California’s largest Mission.

Open Daily: Each Location is Open Year-Round but offer Different Hours

Cost: $20+ per Hour for Surreys and $10+ per Hour for Bicycles.

Features: Bicycle and Surrey Rentals for the Whole Family. Surreys can seat up to 6 Adults and 2 Small Children.

Wheel Fun Rentals Highlights: Balboa Park, the San Diego Bay Waterfront, and Coronado are large areas with lots to see. Get the whole family, or all of your friends, to pedal together on a bike to explore the local attractions. Ride your bike down long sidewalks and enjoy the scenery.

Visit the links below for details on recommended biking tours as well as hours and directions. Advanced Reservations are Not Accepted. Just show up and enjoy. If you have questions, you can leave a message at 619-239-3347. (805-650-7770 for the Oceanside location)

Balboa Park – Located at The Village Grill between the Natural History Museum and the Spanish Village Art Center.

Embarcadero North – Located at Holiday Inn on the Bay. (1355 N. Harbor Drive, San Diego, CA 92101). Across from the San Diego Maritime Museum

Embarcadero South – Located at the Marriott Hotel and Marina. (333 Harbor Drive, San Diego, CA 92101). Near the San Diego Convention Center.

Coronado (South side) – Located at the Hotel del Coronado. (1500 Orange Avenue, Coronado, CA 92118)

Coronado (North side facing Downtown San Diego) – Located at the Coronado Island Marriott. (2000 Second Street, Coronado, CA 92118)

Oceanside – Located underneath the Oceanside Pier.  (300 North The Strand, Oceanside, CA 92054)

Performances: Year-Round

Cost: $17 – $20 (Discounts for Seniors, Students, & Military)

Features: Community Theatre is home to Plays, Musicals, and Concerts; Just a Few Blocks from the Oceanside Pier

Sunshine Brooks Theatre Highlights: The Sunshine Brooks Theatre in Downtown Oceanside is home to the New Vision Theatre Company. The non-profit theatre company hosts up to a dozen events throughout the year ranging from one-evening concerts to multi-week engagement plays and musicals.

The intimate, old-fashioned Theatre is caddy-corner from the Oceanside Civic Center and just a couple blocks east of the Oceanside Pier. Visit the New Vision Theatre Company web site for the current schedule of plays, musicals, and concerts.

Food – There are a number of restaurants along North Coast Highway next to the Theatre and along Pier View Way (one block to the north) and Mission Avenue (one block to the south). If you are looking for a casual, but unique experience, consider eating at Ruby’s Diner, which sits out over the ocean at the end of the Oceanside Pier. (Note that the Pier is nearly 4/10ths of a mile long.)

Information on Visiting the Sunshine Brooks Theatre

Admission Costs for Plays and Musicals: (Costs are Approximate)

• $17 – $20 for Adults
• $14 – $15 for Seniors 55+
• $10-$12 for Military and Students
• $7.50 for Kids 12 and under.
• Concert tickets generally cost $5 – $15.

Directions from Google Maps to 217 North Coast Highway in Oceanside, CA 92054.

Traffic – Other than summer weekends, getting in and out of the Sunshine Brooks Theatre is relatively easy. If you encounter heavy traffic heading to the beach on Mission Avenue after exiting from highway I-5, make a right on N. Home Street, or shortly thereafter, and then make a left one block later on Pier View Way (also known as 3rd Street). Pier View Way will have less traffic and intersects with North Coast Highway, a half-block north of the Theatre. (Learn more about getting San Diego traffic updates.)

Parking – There is street parking near the theatre.  Some street parking spots are free for a limited time period (up to a few hours in some cases). Others spots require a nominal fee. Patrons can park during evenings and weekends for free at the Civic Center Parking Garage, which is a few blocks away at 4th and Ditmar. (The Garange Entrance is underneath the structure crossing Ditmar Street.)

Transit – The Sunshine Brooks Theatre is a quarter-mile walk north of the Oceanside Transit Center.  See San Diego Transit Information for details about the Oceanside Transit Center, which is served by AMTRAK, Coaster, and Metrolink trains.

Nearby Attractions: Find more things to do in Oceanside, CA . You can walk out on the largest wooden pier on the West Coast, explore the California Surf Museum, take surfing lessons, enjoy an ocean sailing tour, bike along a nature trail, and see history at California’s largest Mission.

Open Daily: Dawn to Dusk

Cost: Free, Including Bike Rentals

Features: Hike and Bike a 14.4-Mile Round-Trip Trail Along a Riverbed Starting Near the Oceanside Pier

San Luis Rey Trail Highlights: The San Luis Rey is a small river that runs east-west through the northern part of Oceanside. The City Parks and Recreation Department has taken advantage of the sliver of wildlife surrounding the river, which is dry during some parts of the year, to create a 7.2-mile (one-way) dedicated path for cycling and hiking.

What to Expect

The San Luis Rey Trail is a smoothly paved, relatively flat trail. There are a few places along the way where the trail dips down below a roadway so you must peddle or hike up a slight incline on the other side.

Other than on weekends, it is a lightly used trail. Despite passing near the back sides of businesses and homes, the trail does provide a sense of seclusion where it is just you, the 500+ foot wide river bed, and wildlife. Near the Benet Road and Foussat Road trail access points, the open space opens up to the north, providing more expansive views of rolling hills without any development. Those looking for more adventure and exercise can exit the trail at one of these two access points and hike / bike on the hilly roads to the north.

Trail users are allowed to bring their leashed dogs.

Bike Rentals – If you are visiting from 8AM – 4PM from Monday through Thursday, register to sign-out a Dasani Blue Bike for Free. At the corner of Mission Avenue and North Coast Highway, you can register with the City of Oceanside to check out TREK cruisers, which are available at a nearby location for use on the San Luis Rey Bike Trail and along the Oceanside Strand. Riders must be at least 13 years of age and those under 18 must be accompanied by a parent.

Food – There are several restaurants along Pier View Way and Mission Avenue, which are a half-mile south of the San Luis Bike Trail entrance on Neptune Way. You will find a few additional restaurants as you head towards Mission Avenue. Consider getting take-out and walk two blocks down Mission Avenue to the beach. At the beach, you will also find a McDonald’s underneath the Oceanside Pier and a Ruby’s Diner sitting out over the ocean at the end of the Pier. (Note that the Pier is nearly 4/10ths of a mile long.) Otherwise, there are limited offerings once you reach the beach.

Along the trail, you will not find relatively close food options until you reach the end of the trail at College Boulevard. When you reach College Boulevard, head south about a half-mile to reach a shopping plaza with restaurants.

Information on Using the San Luis Rey Trail

San Luis Rey Trail web site – Get details on the trail access points and safety information from the City of Oceanside.

Directions from Google Maps to the corner of Neptune Way and Sea Cottage Way in Oceanside, CA 92054.

Traffic – Other than summer weekends, getting to the start of the bike trail in downtown Oceanside is relatively easy. If you encounter heavy traffic heading to the beach on Mission Avenue turn on one of the side streets that take you north towards the trail. Those driving south on highway I-5, will only be a few blocks away when they exit  to visit the California Welcome Center. (Learn more about getting San Diego traffic updates.)

Parking – There is free street parking near the start of the bike trail.

Transit – The San Luis Rey Trail starts about a mile north of the Oceanside Transit Center.  (It is a flat walk through downtown Oceanside between these two points.) See San Diego Transit Information for details about the Oceanside Transit Center, which is served by AMTRAK, Coaster, and Metrolink trains.

Nearby Attractions: Find more things to do in Oceanside, CA . You can walk out on the largest wooden pier on the West Coast, explore the California Surf Museum, take surfing lessons, enjoy an ocean sailing tour, bike along a nature trail, and see history at California’s largest Mission.

Open Daily: 10AM – 4PM (Opens at 1PM on Sundays and Closed on Mondays)

Cost: Free; Donations Accepted

Features: Nature Center Hosted by the Buena Vista Audobon Society on the only Freshwater Coastal Lagoon in Southern California; Mastodon Fossils

Buena Vista Nature Center Highlights: The Buena Vista Lagoon is about a 1/3-mile wide and over a mile long. Despite coming within a stones throw of the Pacific Ocean, a sand berm keeps the two separate, and as a result, the Buena Vista Lagoon is the only coastal freshwater lagoon in Southern California.

Over 300 species of birds travel the North American Flyway from the northern reaches of Alaska to Central America. This is one of the many lagoons in San Diego County where the birds can rest and feed during their travels. (One of the main stopping points is the San Diego National Wildlife Refuge on the border with Mexico.)

The Buena Vista Nature Center is an excellent place for bird lovers to learn more about local birds. There are descriptions and models of the birds and well as replicas of bird eggs that help you differentiate between the various species. You will also find a gift shop with books on birding and helpful docents to answer your questions.

The Nature Center maintains a list of recent bird sightings, which will help you identify birds you may see on the small trail that leads you into the Lagoon next to the Nature Center.

Another prominent display is the fossil of a 100,000+ year old mastodon found in the area. On the adjoining display board, you can learn more about early wildlife in San Diego County and the remnants of a 22 million year-old volcano just two-miles to the east of the Nature Center.

Most visitors can plan on spending about a half-hour. It is a nice place to teach children about birds in a short amount of time for free.

Those wanting a more in-depth birding experience can join the Buena Vista Audobon Society for trail tours and other events they host throughout San Diego County each month.

Food – There are a number of restaurants on the Coast Highway two miles north in Downtown Oceanside and two miles south in Carlsbad.

Information on Visiting the Buena Vista Nature Center

Nature Center web site: Get more details on the Nature Center

Admission: Free; Donation Boxes are available

Directions from Google Maps to 2202 S. Coast Highway in Oceanside, CA 92054.

Traffic – Other than summer weekends, getting in and out of the Buena Vista Nature is relatively easy. On summer weekends you will encounter heavy beach traffic but there should not be long delays except on Holiday Weekends. (Learn more about getting San Diego traffic updates.)

Parking – There is small parking lot behind the Nature Center.

Transit – The Buena Vista Nature Center is a two-mile bus ride south of the Oceanside Transit Center.  See San Diego Transit Information for the Transit Planner and details about the Oceanside Transit Center, which is served by AMTRAK, Coaster, and Metrolink trains.

Nearby Attractions: Find more things to do in Oceanside, CA . While in Oceanside, you can also walk out on the largest wooden pier on the West Coast, explore the California Surf Museum, take surfing lessons, enjoy an ocean sailing tour, bike along a nature trail, and see history at California’s largest Mission.

Features: Sailboat Tours, Whale-Watching, Sportfishing, Boat Rentals

Oceanside Harbor Highlights: Located at the north end of the Oceanside, the Oceanside Harbor provides a nice respite for boaters traveling along the Southern California Coastline. When traveling south from the Los Angeles area, boaters will come across the Huntington Harbor, Newport Harbor, and Dana Point Harbor in Orange County before reaching the Oceanside Harbor in San Diego County. Visiting the Harbors of Southern California provides an ideal way to experience the Southern California culture. Oceanside is the last stop before reaching San Diego Harbor and Mission Bay.

Harbor Slips

In addition to the nearly 1,000 boat slips, the harbor offers 50 guest slips for the passing traveler. To get information about renting Boat Slips, visit the City of Oceanside web site.

Sailing and Sportfishing

During the winter months, Helgren’s Sportfishing takes visitors out for whale watching. This is a unique opportunity to visit the largest mammals on earth, the California Blue Whale.

Year-round, Baja Sail offers sailing tours in the early afternoon and at sunset.

There are several companies that offer Sportfishing Charters, including Helgren’s and Sea Star Sportfishing. This is not an all-inclusive list but rather just a listing of companies with a web site to help you get started in finding the perfect company to fit your needs.

Boat & Kayak Rentals

Visitors can rent all types of boats, kayaks, and WaveRunners from Boat Rentals of America. Kayak tours on weekend mornings and Saturday evenings as well as Kayak Rentals are available from OEX Oceanside.

Harbor Beach

Harbor Beach is Oceanside’s largest beach. You will not find it as crowded as the beaches surrounding the nearby Oceanside Pier. There are a number of amenities at Harbor Beach, including grills, fire pits, showers, and free parking.

Shopping & Restaurants

At the Oceanside Harbor, visitors congregate around the souvenir shops and restaurants at the Harbor Village Shops. Visit the San Diego Coast Life blog for details on what to expect and the stores you will find at the Harbor Village Shops.

Oceanside Pier, Beaches, & Attractions

Find more things to do in Oceanside, CA . You can walk out on the largest wooden pier on the West Coast, explore the California Surf Museum, take surfing lessons, relax at the beach, bike along a nature trail, and see history at California’s largest Mission.

Information on Visiting Oceanside

Directions from Google Maps to the Lighthouse and Harbor Village Shops in Oceanside, CA 92054.

Traffic – Other than summer weekends, getting to and from the Oceanside Harbor is relatively easy. (Learn more about getting San Diego traffic updates.)

Parking – There is parking available at the Harbor Village Shops.

Transit – The Oceanside Harbor is a mile north of the Oceanside Pier and Downtown Oceanside. It is about a 1.5 mile bus ride north of the Oceanside Transit Center.  See San Diego Transit Information for the online Transit Planner and details about the Oceanside Transit Center, which is served by AMTRAK, Coaster, and Metrolink trains.

Open Daily: Entry Allowed 10AM – 4PM

Cost: $6 ($5 for Seniors 65+, $4 for Kids 6-18)

Features: Largest Mission in California; Historic Water Conservation System; Oil Paintings; Abraham Lincoln Signed Document

Mission San Luis Rey Highlights: Most visitors will need to plan at least a couple hours visiting the “King of the Missions”. Founded in 1798 as the largest Mission in California, the Mission was also the largest building in California during the early half of the 19th century.

History

Named after King Louis IX of France, Mission San Luis Rey served as home to approximately 3,000 Indians during its first 30 years. These Indians cared for over 50,000 livestock during that time. You will learn about the history of the Mission while browsing through the Museum displays before entering the church. Be sure to keep an eye out for the display where you will see the title deed signed by President Abraham Lincoln less than a month before his assassination.  The title deed returned ownership of the Mission to the Catholic Church, who had lost control when Mexico acceded to power over the area and introduced secularization, following their independence from Spain.

Video and Oil Paintings

Between the Museum and the Church, you can stop to rest your feet and watch a video history of the Mission. From there, you can head north down an outdoor walkway to a small room of oil paintings by the renowned artists Miguel Cabrera and Leon Trousset.

Church and Cemetery

The Mission’s church does not hold a regular mass but it can be used for special events such as weddings and funerals. You will exit out to the peaceful and beautifully landscaped cemetery. You will also come across a crypt just before leaving the cemetery.

Soldier Barracks and Lavanderia

After leaving the cemetery, the self-guided map tour will take you down the hill you drove past to reach the parking lot. You will come across remnants of barracks used to house the U.S. Calvary and Mormon Battalion as the United States sought to seek control of California from Mexico.

Farther down the path, you will see the Lavenderia, which provides an interesting look at the water conservation efforts developed over 200 years ago. It is a sunken garden with a maze of irrigation channels where the former residents bathed and washed their clothes. Read more about the Lavenderia on the Mission web site since you will see very limited details about it on the self-guided map you receive from the Museum.

Food – There are a number of restaurants heading west along Mission Avenue.

Information on Visiting Mission San Luis Rey

Admission Costs: (Costs are Approximate)

• $6 for Adults
• $5 for Seniors 65+
• $4 for Kids ages 6-18

Directions from Google Maps to 4050 Mission Avenue in Oceanside, CA 92057. (The Mission is approximately four-miles east of Downtown Oceanside.)

Traffic – Getting in and out of Mission San Luis Rey during regular visitor hours is relatively easy. You should encounter very few, if any, traffic delays. If you drive on Mission Avenue from highway I-5 to the Mission, you will have a lot of stop-and-go traffic due to traffic lights. You can avoid the traffic lights by taking SR-76 from highway I-5 to Rancho del Oro Drive. (Learn more about getting San Diego traffic updates.)

Parking – Signs at the beginning of the driveway will direct you to a large parking lot to the right of the Mission Museum entrance.

Transit – Mission San Luis Rey is five miles east of the Oceanside Transit Center.  There is bus service that takes visitors from the Transit Center to within a half-mile walk of the Mission. See San Diego Transit Information for details about the Oceanside Transit Center, which is served by AMTRAK, Coaster, and Metrolink trains and information for the online Travel Planner.

Nearby Attractions: Find more things to do in Oceanside, CA . If you head to Downtown Oceanside, you can walk out on the largest wooden pier on the West Coast, explore the California Surf Museum, take surfing lessons, enjoy an ocean sailing tour, bike along a nature trail, and see art and theatre.

Open Weekdays: 7:30AM – 4PM (1PM on Fridays); Closed on Weekends

Cost: Free; Must Show Driver’s License and have Proof of Car Insurance to enter Camp Pendleton

Features: Relics of Past Conflicts including Tanks, Missile Carriers, Howitzer, and other Combat Vehicles

Marine Corps Mechanized Museum Highlights: Plan to spend up to a half hour visiting the Museum. This does not include the 9-mile (15-20 minute) drive each way from the entrance of Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton to the Mechanized Museum.  You will see over two dozen military vehicles, some of which date back to 1942.

Outside, there are several military tanks lined up at the end of the parking lot where visitors like to take pictures. Inside the Museum, descriptions are provided with the vehicles explaining their capabilities and when they were used in combat. They include such pieces as Missile Carriers, a 75 mm Pack Howitzer, Light Strike Vehicles, and Tractor Carriers.

You will see more than half the building is blocked off where they hope to expand the Museum one day. It includes more vehicles that need to be refurbished when more money can be raised. If you would like to help in this cause, you will find a donation box near an opening where you can peer into the closed off area.

Note that this Museum is generally unmanned but is under surveillance.  It is more of a self-help museum that gets very few visitors other than when Marines bring friends and family onto base. However, it does provide a rare opportunity to see large military vehicles. It is one of four Marine Corps Museums in the United States, three of which are located in San Diego County. (Select the ‘Military’ theme below for information on the other Marine Corps Museums in San Diego.)

Food – Eat at restaurants in the City of Oceanside. You can learn more by reading things to do in Oceanside, CA.

Information on Visiting the Marine Corps Mechanized Museum

Mechanized Museum web site: There is limited information regarding Museums on Camp Pendleton

Admission: Free; Note, all visitors must show current identification. Driver must have proof of car insurance available upon request. There is no guarantee you will be allowed on to the Marine Corps Base. Generally, most U.S. citizens should have no problem.

Directions from Google Maps to Harbor Drive and Vandegrift Boulevard in Oceanside, CA 92057. Once you pass through the Camp Pendleton entrance (see Traffic below for more information), you will proceed straight on Vandegrift Boulevard for 9 miles to reach the Mechanized Museum. When you get to the intersection with Basoline Road, you will have 1 mile to go. The museum is in a canyon on your left side immediately after passing through a traffic light.

Traffic – Getting to and from Camp Pendleton is relatively easy. The entrance is located right off exit 54 on highway I-5. (Learn more about getting San Diego traffic updates.) Traffic getting through the checkpoint and onto base can be heavy at unexpected times. However, other than morning and evening hours, traffic generally flows smoothly. Pull up to the gate to show your license and say you are looking to visit the Mechanized Museum. Once on base, strictly follow the speed limit. In some areas, the speed limit will be as high as 55 MPH. If you go 56 MPH, you will be the fastest car on the road so be careful.

Parking – There is a parking lot adjacent to the Mechanized Museum entrance.

Transit – There is no transit available to reach the Marine Corps Mechanized Command Museum.

Nearby Attractions: Find more things to do in Oceanside, CA . If you head to downtown Oceanside, you can walk out on the largest wooden pier on the West Coast, explore the California Surf Museum, take surfing lessons, enjoy an ocean sailing tour, bike along a nature trail, and see history at California’s largest Mission.