All imaged credit Visit Oceanside

Ideally situated between Los Angeles (1.5 hours from LAX) and San Diego (40 minutes away) lies Oceanside, California's most authentic beach town.

This destination boasts over 10 craft breweries, local wineries, a Michelin-starred restaurant, stunning beaches, the historic Oceanside Pier (the longest wooden pier on the West Coast), the California Surf Museum, and many other attractions. 

 So here is a brief guide to travelling in Oceanside!

Credit Visit Oceanside

Transit

Oceanside is quite a walkable city with a central transit hub for trains that provide convenient access throughout the city. Additionally, Oceanside provides an electric on-demand shuttle service connecting the harbour and South Oceanside.

Activities

Oceanside is known for its stunning beaches, whale watching, lively surf culture, and much more. It is a popular destination for surfers due to its expansive sandy shores and consistent waves. 

California Surf Museum, credit Visit Oceanside

The city also holds a significant military heritage, housing Camp Pendleton, one of the largest Marine Corps bases in the country. 

Additionally, Oceanside provides a range of outdoor activities like fishing, hiking, golfing, and even skydiving! visitoceanside.org/things-to-do

Credit Visit Oceanside

Culinary and Bar Scene

Oceanside is home to over 10 authentic craft breweries and several local wineries. Additionally, the destination is famous for the Michelin-star restaurant Valle, which offers a contemporary Mexican cuisine. All of this makes Oceanside a culinary hub for travelers and locals.

 For more information about Oceanside's culinary options, please visit: visitoceanside.org/food-and-drink.

Accommodations

Oceanside provides a wide range of accommodation options, including hotels, vacation rentals, RV parks, and campgrounds, catering to both leisure travellers and nature enthusiasts. Whether you prefer a cozy hotel room, a spacious vacation rental, or a scenic camping spot, Oceanside has something for everyone. Find your ideal accommodations here: visitoceanside.org/stay.

The Waves to Wines to Palms

For those seeking to explore multiple cities per trip, we recommend The Waves to Wines to Palms route! It is a scenic drive that takes travellers through diverse landscapes, from the coastal waves of Oceanside to the wine country vineyards in Temecula Valley (1-hour drive from Oceanside) and finally to Palm Springs (1-hour drive from Temecula Valley. We think this route offers a diverse and memorable road trip experience, showcasing the true beauty and variety of California's landscapes. 

Make sure to reserve multiple days to truly explore the laid-back vibe of Oceanside. Due to its ideal location between LA and San Diego, this destination should definitely be on your travel list. Plan your trip today at visitoceanside.org.

Read more:

What’s new in Oceanside spring 2025
 

By Kateryna Ivchenko