Oceanside a Good San Diego Starting Point

The community of Oceanside was once a very large military town, and while it has diminished it is still possible to see many young military members throughout Oceanside. As for the houses, the tiny beach bungalows have been transformed into luxurious beachfront homes. Oceanside is becoming a great place to invest as this city is attracting many businesses and resorts and 17 percent of visitors hail from Europe. Vacationers will find all sorts of accommodations while in Oceanside, including vacation rentals.

My recent visit to Oceanside took place in early 2008, where my party stayed at the Wyndham Ocean Pier Resort. This resort has the best location, right across from the Oceanside Pier. While this resort rents units, it is generally easier to find units available for purchase. The Wyndham resort has spectacular ocean views and a wide range of beach activities, where you can see swimmers and bicyclists equally enjoying the shore. From my sixth floor-unit, I could see everything.

My unit had two bedrooms, and was decorated with playful colors like aqua and lime green, and was equipped with three flat-screen televisions and a complete kitchen. The furniture that filled our unit was fun, and fit with the vacation motif. Each of us enjoyed the views from our unit, while reading the paper and enjoying a cup of coffee over this fantastic California beach.

Oceanside has a reputation as an amazing surf town, and while on vacation, my party witnessed a competition underway near the Oceanside Pier. Judges were situated on a platform on the beach, analyzing each move while awarding points. All the visitors on this beach watched in awe as the surfers executed daring moves upon the ocean waves. Instead of finding soccer or baseball camp in Oceanside, you’ll find surfing camp offered by Oceanside Parks and Recreation.

Oceanside Harbor is just a short distance from the beach, and is where private boats are kept and visitors can find a way onto the water in a variety of ways. Visitors can find a variety of fishing charters here; when my visit took place, there was a shark fishing trip priced for $70 a person. Kayaks tours around the harbor are available through OEX Kayak. The lighthouse that also calls this harbor home houses Old Skull Rentals, where surfboards, body-boards, wetsuits are available for your ocean adventures. Once you’re ready to take a break and replenish your energy, stop at the many harbor restaurants that each have unique ocean views.

History buffs will enjoy the Mission San Luis Rey, also known as the “King of the Missions.” This mission is a National Historic Landmark, and is currently undergoing improvements. Spanning over 56 acres, some new additions to this landmark include walking trails and interpretive gardens that seek to replicate the plant life that was present during the mission’s early years. Artifacts are also here for perusing.

As mentioned before, Camp Pendleton is located near Oceanside, and it is possible to tour this military base. Tours are available when the threat level is low. Call 760-725-5569 for more information.

Oceanside Museum of Art is a relatively new addition to this attraction available in this city. Designed by modern architect, Frederick Fisher, this building is a two-story, 16,000 square-foot pavilion that hosts both art exhibitions and special events in the area.

Don’t forget to get a taste of the local culture, and visit Highway 101 Café, the oldest continuously-operating restaurant on the eponymous highway. This is perfect for those who enjoy 50s themed diners, as the food and vintage photos scattered throughout this restaurant are sure to make you reminisce. The Sunset Market is a local event that takes place every Thursday night through the year. Four city blocks are shut down so any intrepid visitors may enjoy live music, and purchase fresh produce and art from local vendors.

San Diego is 38 miles from Oceanside, making it perfect for anyone who wants to get some air away from the city, but definitely close enough to visit some famous attractions such as Sea World and the San Diego Zoo.

Wildlife enthusiasts may like the Rancho Buena Vista Lagoon, where the Buena Vista Audubon Nature Center and Museum is located. Visitors can walk scenic paths along the lagoon and observe different waterfowl. This is the only fresh-water lagoon in California, as well as San Diego’s only Audubon nature center.

Legoland is south of the Oceanside city limits, and is a theme park designed around these treasured childhood toys. Geared towards 2-12 year olds, there are dozens of rides here. You’re sure to see as many as 10,000 people scattered throughout this 128 acre park. Locals also enjoy this park, as 70,000 residents have annual passes. Kids aren’t the only ones who have fun, as parents and grandparents are invited to join in. Everyone can participate in building model racecars or participate in pirate ship water fights. Legoland features more than 15,000 lego creations in the park, ranging from cars to cities and animals. These toy building blocks certainly have made a name for themselves so check them out!

AT A GLANCE

WHERE:

Oceanside is one of several beach communities in North San Diego County. It is a 30 minute drive north of San Diego on Interstate 5, and many vacations based in this county utilize day trips to San Diego.

WHAT:

Oceanside is a “bedroom community” that has quickly become a tourist destination with great beaches, shopping and restaurants.

WHEN:

Anytime of the year, but keep note that it is slower in the spring and fall seasons.

WHY:

Oceanside has a very unique local culture, and is slower when compared to other beaches in the San Diego area. This city is very close to San Diego, and is perfect for having lodgings outside the busy city life.