Oceanside Guide: Top things to do in Oceanside, CA
This Oceanside guide provides an overview of the best things to do and explore while in Oceanside, California. It also includes how to get there, when to visit, where to stay, and how to get around.
Over the past year, I have visited Oceanside many times since I am getting married here soon (yay!!!). I have really enjoyed exploring the beautiful coastal town! Read below in my Oceanside guide to see tips on what to do when visiting Oceanside.
Overview
How to Get There:
If you’re flying in, I recommend getting a rental car for your stay to have maximum flexibility. However, if you are more flexible on timing, there is an Amtrak train that runs from both LA and San Diego to Oceanside.
- On the way from LA, I recommend seeing:
- Hermosa Beach
- Manhattan Beach
- Palos Verdes Cliffs
- Crystal Cove State Park
- Laguna Beach/Dana Point
- San Onofre (famous surf spot)
- In San Diego, I recommend seeing:
- Old Town (great Mexican Food)
- Gas Lamp District (downtown)
- Beaches: Coronado Island, Ocean Beach, Mission Beach
- Along the drive, I recommend seeing:
- La Jolla (rugged coastlines and seals)
- Torrey Pines State Reserve
- Encinitas Beach
When to Visit:
Oceanside has beautiful weather year-round, with temperatures staying in the 60s and 70s. Like most of Southern California, Oceanside has a late summer from about July-November. This is the nicest time of the year and when the water is the warmest!
Where to Stay:
I always recommend looking at Airbnb and Vrbo for any vacation. There are many great ones in Oceanside right by the beach and downtown area. If you want to get as close to the water as possible, I recommend looking at Robert’s Cottages. They are right off the beach and are very cute little places to stay! If none of these options look great, there are some great hotel options in Oceanside too (listed below). All hotels listed are within 10-minute walking distance of each other. Hotels 1-3 are oceanfront, 4 and 5 are closer to downtown.
- Wyndham Hotel by Hyatt: ocean view right behind the pier. This hotel has a few different hotel units including regular hotel rooms, 1 bedroom units, and 2 bedroom units. If you are traveling with a group, the 2 bedroom units are the best deal. Since this is a popular summer destination, we recommend booking as soon as possible. This hotel offers free cancellation up to 72 hours before arrival.
- Mission Pacific Resort by Hyatt: New oceanfront resort as of Spring 2021.
- The Seabird Resort by Hyatt: New oceanfront resort as of Spring 2021
- SpringHill Suites by Marriott: Does not have Ocean views, but is close to downtown and walking distance to the beach.
- The Fin Hotel by Hilton: Closer to the PCH. Still walking distance to downtown. A little farther of a walk to the beach, but still very doable.
How to Get Around:
I recommend driving to Oceanside vs. taking the train. This will give you full flexibility. However, once you are in Oceanside, likely, you won’t need a car for much and could use Uber if you need to go somewhere outside the downtown area. Especially if you plan to hit the beach and explore the downtown area. If you would like to return your rental car while here to save on paying for extra days, there is an Avis in Oceanside. If you would prefer to have a car the entire time, I recommend looking into weekly rental car rates (I’ve had luck with these rates being much cheaper than even 5 days of renting).
Things to Do
- Bring your beach gear and enjoy the sand and saltwater
- Get surfing lessons/rentals (there is a rental place right off the beach so you don’t have to transport the surfboard far)
- Walk/bike the strand (there are also bike rentals right off the beach)
- Walk/explore the pier
- Go fishing (fishing pole rentals are available on the pier)
- Stone Brewery: a great place to grab beers. They don’t have any food here, but you can order takeout from the Mexican place across the street, Senor Grubby’s, to eat there
- Craft Coast Beer and Tacos: great place for lunch or dinner
- Blade 1936: great Italian restaurant with a large selection of wines
- Local Tap House: a great place for lunch or dinner with a great selection of beers
- Camp Coffee Company for great pick me up
- World Surf Museum
- The Harbor: go explore the boats and shops
A short drive away:
- Carlsbad Village is another great place to explore with a lot of places to eat and shops to explore. It is a short 10-minute ride south of Oceanside.
- SkyDive Oceanside: I highly recommend skydiving here! I went in May 2021 and it was my second-time sky diving (my first was in Arizona). It was a BLAST and the mountain and ocean views are stunning!!
- Buccaneer Cafe: in south Oceanside, you’ll find this tiny Mexican hut that is a local gem! They have the best breakfast burritos, tacos, you name it!
I hope this Oceanside Guide helps plan your trip! Feel free to reach out on my Contact page if you have any questions!