Oceanside has miles of beaches, an emerging craft beer scene, and an epic weekly food festival.
If the word “ suburb ” press up figure of gated community with manicured lawns and a Costco that ’s close , but not close enough , Oceanside , California is not that . There ’s a Costco in nearby Vista , but that ’s moderately much where the law of similarity terminate . The northernmost suburban area of San Diego had , for eld , scantily been a pip on the road from Los Angeles to San Diego , with a downtown area that could politely be described as “ offensive . ”
“ Nobody want to go downtown , ” says Kim Heim , Director of Special Projects forMainStreet Oceanside , whose mission is to appeal new , pedestrian - well-disposed activities and businesses to Oceanside ’s downtown . “ Bar bash were fairly trite , and the conflict did n’t always end at the pavement , ” Heim continues . “ It scared people , and locals were n’t travel to come business district for dinner . ”
That sentiment is echoed by Harrison Dwelley , Colorado - owner of Beach Break Cafe in South Oceanside . “ I was bear in Oceanside and grew up here . There ’s a exposure of Gary Blair , my occupation partner and me when we were in Little League on the back wall . I ’ve see the changes . Downtown Oceanside was definitely pretty sketchy not so long ago . But this is one of the last undeveloped beach towns in Southern California . It ’s beautiful , and it was just a topic of time before the braggart hotels total . ”
Jon Bilous/Shutterstock
No one is knocking the reaching of the beachside hotel , though . Tourism in Oceanside was enjoy platter growth pre - COVID-19 , and with travel restriction eased , there ’s plenty of indite - up demand for sun and play pickup . Oceanside ’s proximity to both Los Angeles and San Diego make it a perfect day trip or long weekend sashay .
Dwelley takes the changes in stride . “ Tourism is a bigger piece of Oceanside ’s economy now , and that means mass are more willing to make the investiture in new businesses . A lot of former military member stay in Oceanside ; they want to be part of the residential district , to raise their category here . ”
“ But even with all the growth , Oceanside is still Oceanside , ” Dwelley keep . “ We wish it that way and we ’re working to keep that local feel . So far , we ’ve been successful . ”
How to get there
Oceanside is easy to get to by automobile from either Los Angeles or San Diego — Interstate 5 or Highway 101 are the most pop route , with CA-76 and CA-78 also hunt down through the urban center . By train , take Amtrak’sPacific Surflinerfrom Santa Barbara or theMetrolinkfrom LA , Orange County , San Bernardino and Riverside . From San Diego , hop on theCoasteror take theSprinterfrom Escondido .
Hit the beach
It ’s not called Oceanside for nothing — the city enjoy near - perfect atmospheric condition and what theEncyclopedia of Surfingcalls “ one of Southern California ’s most consistent breakers smear '' along its most four miles of coastline . The most democratic beach iseasily approachable on footwith a pass down Pier View Way , through a unretentive tunnel under the railroad tracks , and directly to theOceanside Pier , the prospicient wooden over - water pier on the West Coast . The most democratic surfboarding spots are here , atOceanside Pier View South BeachandOceanside Pier View North Beach , which have consistently whole waves and can get crowded during upright conditions . It ’s also popular with non - surfers for its all-encompassing swaths of gumption and propinquity to restaurants and shopping . Check out nearbyWheel Fun Rentalsfor squad car bicycle , tandem , single and double Surrey , quadruplet sports and beach chopper to rent by the time of day , half - day , and full day .
Oceanside has a total ofnine diagnose beachesthat range from talkative to petite , some of which want a little foresightedness and may go away completely at high tide . Keep this in creative thinker before you decide to wander off and leave your poppycock on the sand . Oceanside Harboris a mecca for body of water activities of all kinds — you’ll find deep sea fishing , whale watching , and sunset cocktail cruises here , as well as a fuel loading dock , launch Allium tricoccum , bait receiver , and slip rentals available for those visiting by ocean . It ’s also a smooth , subdued place for remain firm up paddleboarding and kayaking , as well as deliver its ownbeachesand groovy surfriding condition . you may easily hire SUPs , kayak , jet ski , electric boat , and power boats for utilisation in the haven atBoat renting of America . take hold of a chomp to consume or do some shopping at Harbor Village , and check out the Insta - worthy Oceanside sign , which welcomes visitors to the harbor .
Fuel up
You ’ll need lot of muscularity to do all the merriment things on your itinerary , and Oceanside ’s burgeoning culinary scene has a overplus of fresh and OG local favorites . From passel of buttery hot cake in the sunup to vegan sushi at night , you ’ll find a encompassing range of choices to satisfy your craving . Some of our dearie include :
Beach Break Cafe
Start your day at Beach Break Cafe , South Oceanside ’s wildly popular breakfast and lunch spot , where your coffee cup is always full and the plate of food are always enormous . Do not slumber on the umber cake , a buttery , warm piece loaded with crunchy , cinnamony streusel that come as a side with most dishes , but you really should get an special small-arm to go . Corned beef hash fans will love the big lump of meat and spud under dead cooked testicle , but there ’s also a case to be made for Banana Crunch French Toast , starring deep , custardy wedges piled high with sliced bananas and mound of whipped emollient . lunch period selections extend the gamut from hearty sandwiches and salads to taco and burritos .
Communal
The brainchild of Jen Byard , Communal offers a full craft coffee and drink menu , seasonal food mantrap , fresh flowers , and curated good in an inspired blank that fosters residential area and originative thinking . The anchor ofTremont Collective , a community of like - minded businesses , it has a individual terrace , designated bloom store , and a home interior decoration store next threshold dub “ The Annex . ” Menu items let in beigel , breakfast sandwiches , bowls , and latte flight , plus a goner legal profession , pizzettas , salads , and entrees , with craftiness cocktails and beer and wine-colored by the Methedrine .
The Plot
The chic ambiance and diverse menu are n’t the only things to love about The Plot . It ’s also the metropolis ’s only zero - waste restaurant , where more than 99 % of the green groceries and juiceless goods are utilized , as compared with a 4–10 % industriousness norm . Even the stems from romaine lettuce lettuce are n’t rot — owners Davin and Jessica Waite ’s rescue tortoise , Winston Churchill , take care of those . industrial plant - based proteins are made nearly exclusively in - house ( the exception is their organic bean curd fromSan Diego Soy Dairy ) , including an imitation crӓb using San Diego’sMindful Mushroom ’s Leo the Lion ’s mane mushrooms . Standouts include the client favorite Chronic , a tempura fry roll stuffed with crӓb , spicy tüna , and avocado , drizzle with sweet and spicy citrous fruit and mäyo ; Chickën and Waffles , made with “ maple love ” ; and costa - sticking Shepherd ’s Pie .
Wrench & Rodent Seabasstropub
Just about a closure away from The Plot is the Waite ’s sister eating house , Wrench & Rodent Seabasstropub , where Chef Davin crafts cut - bound dish that often utilise less known fish species and kitchen garden ingredient ; you might discover a scattering of nasturtium petal or a mint stem sauce under your impeccably develop ocean bream . prohibitionist - ripened fish , a more recent conception , and a vegan omakase menu are usable , and there ’s a fistful of casual specials to prefer from as well .
The Privateer Coal Fire Pizza
Childhood protagonist Charlie Anderson and Jamey Stone grew up together in Oceanside and dreamed of one day opening a pizza pie joint in their hometown . Sometimes dreams do come honest , and that includes dreams of chewy , crispy coal - raise crust , top with wise , local factor . Their signature dish , The Privateer Pie , may evoke an eyebrow with its chicken breast and walnut pesto transcend , as does The Captain Fin Pie , slathered in white-hot sauce , provolone , white potato , Viscount St. Albans , and black capsicum pepper plant , but entrust us , they work deliciously . Traditional combos like Brixton Pie , with tomato plant sauce , Grana Padano , and pepperoni receive a tweak of sweet lemon tanginess ricotta , while Raen Pie combines snowy sauce , provolone , fior di latte , prosciutto di Parma , arugula , and black pepper . The all-inclusive wine-colored leaning is one of the largest in North County .
Dija Mara
A Balinese - inspired unification menu that perfectly complements the inebriate cocktail menu is the tie at Dija Mara . dish like Beef Short Rib or Tofu Pendang toy flavorfully against key signature crapulence like Cardinal Sin , featuring Dija ’s mansion - spiced fermented rum , or the earthiness of the beetroot - infuse wine - ground knock rummy in Beets by Bali . They also have Oceanside ’s only all - natural wine course of study , featuring domestic and international bottle not often seen on SoCal wine tilt . check over them out on Sundays for sparkling brunchtails and local faves like Dija Hangover burritos and Kaya French Toast .
Eat your way around the world at The Sunset Market
If at all possible , plan to visit on a Thursday , when Oceanside garner together for the Oceanside Sunset Market , a celebration of nutrient , euphony , and community . Now in its 15th year , the Sunset Market features more than 200 vendors over a four - block surface area and happen from 5 - 9 postmortem every Thursday except Thanksgiving and during inclement weather . There ’s aninternational food court , aworld market , live music , andFresh and Ready Row , where you ’ll find gastronome seize - and - go delicacy .
If you love Siamese intellectual nourishment , The Pad Thai Standis a must - chaffer — they make five different regional adaptation of the darling bean dish , admit a standout Southern style that come out with vibrant spices and silky coconut milk , and all are made fresh when you order . Sabor Piri Piri Kitchenserves up Mozambique - inspired comfort solid food like Chicken Peanut Curry and Kale with Black - Eyed Peas in a coconut curry sauce over rice . There ’s also classical fare like hotdog , bbq , cajun and East Coast strong suit and fried poulet , island favorites from Jamaica and Hawaii , Mediterranean and Middle Eastern delicacies , and Latin America is well - represent with diverse offering from Venezuela , Mexico , El Salvador , Brazil , and Guatemala . There ’s even a full street with nothing but sweet !
If this all seems overpowering , make your first stop a sojourn to theMainStreet Oceansidetent , where Kim Heim and the crew will give you the lay of the land so you’re able to narrow down your hunting . We recommend that you deplete ( or just buy ) sweet first , especially if it ’s something that will keep fairly well . Most citizenry naturally visit the savoury side of the street first , then go hound for a sweetened polish , make the line at the afters stands to get recollective as the night get on .
Photo by Mary Beth Abate for Thrillist
Travel the O’Side Sips Trail
Thirsty travelers will want to check outO’Side Sips , a complimentary , web - based passport program that presently features 29 position serve up local beers , cocktails and spirits , wine , coffee bean and tea , and juices . Scroll through the inclination of participation concern and diagram your route , take advantage of exclusive discount , and check into in at location to accumulate degree , redeemable for nerveless travel pillage at theCalifornia Welcome Center Oceanside . Ca n’t miss stops on the trail admit :
Bagby Beer Company
Bagby Beer Company has been an Oceanside front-runner for nearly a tenner . The brewery features a rotating mold of beer ( if you fall out to be there when the You ’re The Best is on tap , get it ) , as well as a alone computer menu that features everything from Saucy Frites , a Riffian on classic poutine , to a Cheddar Smashburger , and Lomo Saltado , all of which can be made vegan on request . Not into beer ? There ’s also an impressive inclination of cocktails with handcrafted syrups and fresh juice , boozy slushies and equally thoughtful , bombination - free non - alcoholic libations .
Banana Dang Coffee
Banana Dang Coffee sport delicious burnt umber swallow , banana - ground smoothies , sweet and piquant toast and vegan pastry in a quirky , fun little gem of a store . Doodle away in one of the available notebooks or pen a spry ode to your best-loved thing to do in O’side and your art might appear in theirDoodle Gallery .
Pacific Coast Spirits
Head distiller Nicholas Hammond at Pacific Coast Spirits may have ascendent in winemaking , but he ’s drop the good part of a decade learning the art of distilling from expert both stateside and in Mexico and Chile . gasconade an telling listing of feel that includes a bloodless rye , a single malt , American and London gin , and a pisco - way immature brandy , the 12,000 - hearty - fundament distillery includes a monolithic cocktail lounge and a farm - to - table kitchen that serve up shareable plates like Albacore Tuna Rolls , masa - fry Cauliflower Tacos , and a demolish Fried Chicken and Cheddar Biscuits combo .
Where to stay
The SeabirdandMission Pacific Hotel
If you ’re spending more than a day in Oceanside , you ’ve bugger off plenty of options for fitting . Brand newfangled oceanfront hotels , The Seabird ResortandMission Pacific Hotel , both Hyatt Hotels brands , are steps from the beach and Oceanside Pier . The Seabird is reminiscent of a definitive beachfront resort , with three restaurants , a pool pretermit the Pacific Ocean , and a full service watering hole . Mission Pacific Hotel boasts a rooftop pool , three restaurants , includingVallefrom acclaimed chef Roberto Alcocer , and Oceanside ’s first rooftop taproom , aptly namedThe Rooftop Bar , also helmed by chef Alcocer . In the courtyard , you ’ll find the historic Graves House , better eff as theTop Gun House , which has been beautifully restored and housesThe gamey - Pie , with orchard apple tree or cherry hand pies - on - a - stick that can be dip in toppings like chocolate , sea table salt caramel , and gamboge curd , or fill a la modality - way .
The Brick Hotel
A few block from the beach is a lulu of a boutique hotel called The Brick Hotel , built on the os of an 1888 hardware store and showcasing the lovingly reestablish brick frontal after which it ’s bring up . delight a cocktail atFrankie ’s Cocktail Lounge , or visit theStone Brewing Tap Roomfor some of San Diego ’s favorite brewage . Additional options for solid food and beverage are expected to open soon , include executive chef Quinnton Austin ’s namesakeQ&A Restaurant & Oyster Bar , suffice chargrilled oyster and other NOLA - prompt chuck ( and finally , a separate computer menu of food offer to both Frankies and Stone Tap Room),Cococabana Rooftop Bar , and the proceeds of the Succulent Cafe , a beloved umber shop that ’s plushy with the current dearie of the plant world .
The Green Room Hotel
The Green Room Hotel , just a bit down the road , offers the quintessential South O’side experience in the city ’s new boutique hotel . This funky little 1950 ’s motel underwent a major makeover , and now sports matte black walls accentuate by frizzy white trim on the exterior , and a boho - chic , minimalist Department of the Interior . There are twelve individually curated rooms , include studios , one - bedroom suites , and a two - history , two - bedroom suite that ’s ideal for families . Each has gilded Tuft & Needle king or nance beds and agio Comphy bedding , contactless chit in with Igloo abode chic locks set to a unparalleled entryway code , and artwork by local artists . Some admit mini kitchenettes with cute , retro - looking appliances , and an outdoor patio where you could slow down with a glass of wine after a punishing solar day at the beach . There ’s also a cozy common area with comfortable chairs , a fire fossa , an outside shower , and an erstwhile schoolhouse cedar hot bath , plus free access to froth core grab - and - go surfboards , boogie-woogie boards , and beach cruisers . good of all , it ’s next door toMunicipal Taco & Mezcal , where you’re able to score $ 2 tacos from 8:30 post-mortem examination until close Monday through Saturday , and just a couple of block fromThe Pour House , a cool prima donna bar that fetch in live euphony several night a workweek .
The Oceanside Museum of Art
The Oceanside Museum of Art , which is celebrating its 25th day of remembrance this year , is adjacent to the beautiful Oceanside Library and City Hall building at the corner of North Ditmar Street and Pier View Way . The galleries sport a rotation of exhibit — presently there ’s six different presentations , includingShinpei Takeda : Limit Of Your Safe Space , an exploration of social changes and interactions in the era of a global pandemic and military difference of opinion , andJames E. Watts : Storyteller , with whimsical sculpture from authoritative stories , fashioned out of repurposed metal cookie atomic number 50 , lunch box , and other assorted metallic element object with exquisitely carved Mexican onyx accents .
The California Surf Museum
Did you know that Benjamin Franklin invented the swim fin when he was just eleven years honest-to-god ? Even if you ’re not a surfboarder , you ’ll love theCalifornia Surf Museum , a few blocks down Pier View Way from the Oceanside Museum of Art . It was founded in 1986 , and is dedicated to surf finish worldwide . For the best experience , let the encyclopaedic docents guide you around the galleries , but it ’s equally fascinating if you prefer a self - guided spell . A rotation of display — currently there ’s at least nine dissimilar presentment — take you through the chronicle and culture of wave horseback riding , including a tribute to renowned surfboard shaperDonald Takayama , and a delightfully nerdyWhere ’s The Surf ? Find Swell Direction With Wave Science , featuringThe Coastal Data Information Program ’s ( CDIP ) near actual - time meshing of monitor site for wave and beaches across the US . you’re able to also take a deep diva into the story of boogie boarding , explore a timeline of surfboard development , and be amazed by the most popular exhibit;Courageous Inspiration : Bethany Hamilton , the compelling news report of the then - thirteen year former surfboarder who lose her left limb when she was assault by a fourteen - foot Panthera tigris shark off the glide of Kaua’i in 2003 . The presentation includes the surfboard she was using at the clip , minus a freehanded , morsel - shaped clump , her bathing case , and an inspirational tribute to her recuperation and triumphant return to competitive channel-surf a mere two and a one-half months later .
Photo by Mary Beth Abate for Thrillist
Photo by Mary Beth Abate
Photo courtesy of The Privateer Coal Fire Pizza
Photo courtesy of Mary Beth Abate
Bagby Beer
Photo courtesy of Banana Dang Coffee
@pacificcoastspirits
Top Gun House|Photo by Jakob Layman
Photo by Mary Beth Abate for Thrillist
Photo by Mary Beth Abate for Thrillist
Photo by Mary Beth Abate for Thrillist
Photo by Mary Beth Abate for Thrillist
