Things To Do
Torrey Pines State Beach
Torrey Pines is a 4.5 miles long sandy beach backed by 300 foot cliffs. It's popular for surfing, swimming, hiking, fishing, and dolphin spotting!
La Jolla Tide Pools
The tide pools are a must see with spectacular marine life including sea anemones, crabs, octopuses, and starfish. Try to go during a low tide and stick to the reef between La Jolla Cove and Scripps Pier for the best view!
Liberty Station
Liberty Station is a remodeled Naval Station that now houses dining, art galleries, and artisan shops next to a park honoring the military in San Diego. It's a darling spot that you could spend hours exploring - we highly recommend Sea Hive Markets for some quality vintage finds!
Hotel del Coronado
This famous hotel is definitely worth a visit! The Hotel Del Coronado was established in 1888 and is one of the last standing examples of Victorian beachfront architecture. The hotel has been the filming location for several films, including Some Like it Hot with Marilyn Monroe. It has been said to have inspired the Emerald City in the Wizard of Oz, and has housed several famous guests, including Madonna, Keanu Reeves, Babe Ruth, Jimmy Stewart, and Thomas Edison. Enjoy the beautiful hotel and the white sand beaches!
USS Midway Museum
The USS Midway Museum is a historic naval aircraft carrier museum featuring 29 restored aircraft, flight simulators, and interactive exhibits. If you're curious about the naval history of San Diego and the experiences of the naval veterans, this is the stop for you! While you're in the Midway District, check out Seaport Village for dining and shopping options.
The Taco Stand
If you're craving good tacos and burritos, we'd have to recommend the Taco Stand. Since moving here, we've eaten at the Taco Stand at least once a week and never regretted it! We highly recommend the chips and guacamole, California Burrito, and carne asada tacos.
Ironside Fish & Oyster
We went here on Danica's first visit to Oceanside and we've been back every chance we get! If you like oysters, they do a great happy hour on Monday-Friday from 3-5 pm. If not, no worries! The menu is fantastic with a lot of options, and the ambience is worth it alone! Ironsides is in the heart of Little Italy so definitely take a stroll around the neighborhood if you choose to go!
Top Gun House
The Top Gun House is downtown Oceanside by the Oceanside Pier. It is the oldest beachfront cottage in Oceanside and, most notably, featured as the home of Tom Cruise's love interest in Top Gun. Now, the Top Gun House houses An's Gelato, a delicious gelato spot that's definitely worth it.
Merenda Wine Bar
This is where we went immediately after getting engaged, so obviously it had to make the list! The drinks are good, the charcuterie is delicious, and the vibe is impeccable. We highly recommend!
Corner Pizza
We love Corner Pizza so much that we're catering it for the wedding. If you want to check it out ahead of time or you love it so much that you need it again before you leave, we recommend the lunch happy hour - from 11 am to 3:30 pm, slices are $1!
Tanner's Prime Burgers
If pizza isn't your style, walk down the street to Tanner's Prime Burgers. We went here on Danica's first visit to Oceanside and it was delicious. Tanner's Prime is on the 2025 Michelin Guide and absolutely deserves to be there. It's a smash burger served with beef tallow fries and we could not recommend it more!
San Onofre State Beach
Greyson loves surfing and camping at San Onofre State Beach. It's little past Oceanside, but worth the drive and the walk to get down to the water. If you want to surf, boogie board, or just enjoy a beach a little out of town, we'd definitely pick this one!