With sandy beaches, historic buildings, amazing architecture, world-class surfing, the largest wooden pier, and a stunning coastline, Oceanside has a lot to offer for all visitors. The pleasant weather all year round is its biggest plus. Here are the top 15 things to do in Oceanside California.
Book Hotels in Oceanside California
Things To Do In Oceanside California
1. Stroll Along the Oceanside Pier
This is the most popular place in Oceanside. The history of the wooden pier runs back to 1888. A stroll along the pier is relaxing and fun. The view of the coastline and horizon from the dock is spectacular. Take your binoculars with you to see seagulls, pelicans, rays, sea lions, and dolphins. Watch live musical and cultural shows at the Junior Seau Beach Amphitheatre. Find a place to have a snack and drink and relax watching the beauty of nature.
2. Go for Dolphin and Whale Watching
Watching the playful dolphins and huge whales is fun and a wonderful stress-relieving activity. The experience of spotting whales and dolphins in the sea can be exciting. If you are lucky you can see large pods of dolphins. There can be several hundreds of dolphins in a single pod and it can be an unforgettable experience. Watching blue whales in their natural habitat is awesome. If you love the ocean and the beautiful marine life, you will find dolphin and whale-watching tours interesting.
3. Ride a Surrey
Surrey is a four-wheel bike. Surrey rides are popular in Oceanside. If you want to have fun with your family and friends and if you want to ride something new, you should rent a Surrey. It can fit 3-6 people. Pedal along the boardwalk and enjoy the ultimate fun of pedalling on the road with your loved ones.
4. Go Skydiving and Feel the Adrenaline Rush
Are you an adventure lover? If so, you should try skydiving in Oceanside. The feel of whizzing through the air and having a birds-eye view of the coast and the city is incomparable. Take the plunge into the sky and return slowly to the ground admiring the fantastic views. Do you feel outdoor skydiving is not for you? Don’t worry. You can still have fun with indoor skydiving. Tick skydiving from your bucket list here at Oceanside.
5. Ride a Wave While Surfing
Oceanside has surf year-round which makes it an excellent surfing spot. The coastline stretches for more than three miles and has several breaks. Oceanside is referred to as the most consistent surfing spot in California because of the consistent waves in the sea. If you are new to surfing you can take a surfing lesson. The place is perfect for surfing for people with all skill levels.
6. Visit Oceanside Harbor
The harbour has so much to explore. The place is incredibly beautiful with sailboats, tall palm trees, and scenic views. You can hop in a sailboat and relax while cruising the coast. If you want to have some thrilling adventure take a high-speed jet ski ride. There are ample options for eating from morning to night. Enjoy the fresh seafood including oysters, lobsters, and prawns. Visit Oceanside Harbor Village, home to a variety of unique shops and restaurants.
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7. Have a Picnic at the Tyson Street Beach
It is just a few minutes walk away from the pier. It has a large grassy yard and plenty of shady trees for relaxing and several picnic tables. There is a playground with slides, jungle gyms, and swings for the kids to enjoy. Relax peacefully listening to the crashing waves. The crystal clear blue sea is a splendid view.
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8. Have a Look into the History of the Heritage Museum
The museum was formed in 1976 during the bicentennial celebrations. The museum has the best landmarks in the city including the printing office of the newspaper The Blade, Libby Schoolhouse, the train depot, etc. There is a miniature rail museum where you can find little trains with the layout of the mountains of the locality. Your kids will be happy to operate them and thrilled to see them run. The place hosts several concerts and events. Check them before you go.
9. Learn About Surfing at the California Surf Museum
Do you love surfing? Are you interested in knowing its history and the local legends and heroes of surfing? If so, you would love this museum where you can gain a wealth of knowledge about surfing and surfers. Learn about the history of surfboards. Know about Bethany Hamilton and how she won competitions with a single arm. Find how the boogie board got its name. The rotating exhibits are impressive and informative.
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10. Visit the Oceanside Museum of Art
It is a wonderful place for art lovers. The art pieces displayed are a mixture of traditional and modern art. The exhibits include sculptures, paintings, glass architecture, quilts, and many more. Temporary ongoing special exhibitions are interesting and exceptional. Visit the local artists’ exhibit and encourage them. There is a gift shop that sells unique memorabilia. Buy unusual items handcrafted by local artists.
11. Enjoy Farm Life at Mellano
Oceanside is not about the sea and beaches alone. You can find farms and country life if you head south. Mellano farm is one of the farms where you can take your children and educate them about farm life. It is a sprawling farm stretching 375 acres of flowers and fruits. You can pick a basket and collect fresh produce from the farm. They conduct kids camps, farm festivals like watermelon festivals, tractor rides, etc. Check their calendar before going.
12. Watch Birds and Animals at Guajome County Park
Do you want to listen to the chirping sound of the birds? Do you want to breathe in fresh unpolluted air? If your answer is yes, Guajome County Park is the right option. The park has many beautiful hiking trails. It has a duck pond where you can see scores of ducks and geese. The colourful foliage will leave you awe-inspired. There is a kids’ playground for the little ones to have fun. Adults can play a game of volleyball and exercise in the workout area. You can have a picnic with your family and enjoy nature.
13. Go Biking and Hiking
There are many biking and hiking trails in Oceanside to delight the bikers, making it one of the top things to do in Oceanside California. Some of them are challenging and some of them are easy. There is something for bikers of all skill levels to try. The trails take you through dams, lakes, steep hills, and high bushes. You will come across beautiful flowers blossoming. The flora, the fauna, and the greenery are sure to make you happy and relaxed.
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14. Learn About Birds and Plants at Buena Vista Audubon Society and Nature Center
The centre features a lot of local plants, animals, fossils, and other educational exhibits, making it one of the top things to do in Oceanside California. The short trail with a scavenger hunt will excite little kids. The staff are friendly and are willing to educate you on all exhibits. You can fish, birdwatch, hike, and learn a lot about the ecosystem.
15. Play Volleyball at Breakwater Way Beach
This is a quiet and family-friendly beach, one of the top things to do in Oceanside California. This is the favourite beach of volleyball players. With a wide expanse of sand, the beach is perfect for long leisurely walks. The water is warm and the sea is not too rocky which makes it ideal for swimming. The beach has a lot of picnic tables. Pack a picnic before going or grab a snack from one of the eateries.
Summary
Oceanside is a beautiful seaside town where you can choose what you want to do. Plan your next vacation trip to Oceanside and explore the numerous things to do in Oceanside California to create unforgettable memories.
