Things To Do

BEACHY FUN

Oceanside Municipal Pier

Just outside the doors of The Seabird, this pier (it's 6th incarnation since the original was built in 1888) is about 1900 feet in length. Unfortunately in 2023 a fire broke out at the end of the pier, but you can still walk along the vast majority of its length while taking in the sights and sounds of this vibrant Oceanside landmark. A little trivia about the pier: it's a longest wooden pier on the Western United States coastline!

Buccaneer Beach

There's plenty of sand steps from The Seabird, but if you want a to spend some time a more quaint beach, try Buccaneer Park and Beach. It's a bit away from the buzz of downtown oceanside and a lovely way to spend an afternoon!

Ride Oside

Rent an e-bike or scooter here and ride along the coastline or choose a more adventurous route--just be sure to wear a helmet. Biking trails info and map: https://www.ci.oceanside.ca.us/government/parks-recreation/parks-trails-amenities/biking-trails https://www.ci.oceanside.ca.us/home/showpublisheddocument/5922/638055920140630000

Learn to Surf (or just rent a board!)

When in Rome . . .Did you know the first professional surfer was from Oceanside? There is a rich surfing history here so now is the perfect opportunity to dip your toes in the water! Just schedule a lesson and they provide the boards, training and wetsuits!

Oceanside Harbor

Here you can find any number of activities including whale watching and fishing expeditions if you don't get sea sick (Rebecca can't partake). On Sunday mornings you can find the Fishermens Market where local fishermen sell their fresh catch. Any day of the week, you'll find about two miles of sidewalk to stroll, which will take you around the entire Harbor. There are benches and picnic tables to do a little people, boat, and sea bird watching.

A LITTLE CULTURE

Oceanside Museum of Art

Who needs the MOMA when you've got the OMA? Adjacent to the Oceanside Civic Center, this museum is worth a visit. Part of the complex was designed by Irving Gill, a legend in San Diego archtecture. Also check out the grounds of the civic center. It's quirky and colorful and we love it!

California Surf Museum

We haven't had the chance to check this one out yet. This museum chronicles the history of surfing and has been around for over 30 years. Definitely one of Oceanside's unique attractions.

Self-Guided Mural Walking Tour

Oceanside is home to a wide array of public murals. Be sure to keep your eyes peeled as you walk around town, and if you are really interested in seeing them all, check out this self-guided mural tour that lets you know where to go!

Self-Guided Tour of Irving Gill's Architecture

Calling all architecture buffs (Paul Meyer, we are talking to you). Irving Gill, one of San Diego's most formative architects, designed many buildings in Oceanside and also happened to design several houses on the street on which Rebecca grew up and her parents still live! This self-guided tour can take you around Oceanside to see his works in person.

ACTIVITIES AROUND OCEANSIDE

Oceanside Sunset Market

Arriving early for the weekend? This Thursday night market has hundreds of food and retail vendors. You won't leave hungry!

The OZONE

This boutique is one of Rebecca's favorites. The selection of clothes, gifts, and jewelry is well-curated and a lot of fun to browse.

Tremont Collective

This small collection of stores features a little bit of everything. Communal coffee has great coffee and is adjacent to an adorable little shop with gifts and small home goods. Brixton has great casual clothes and hats, and Shoots has yummy fish tacos.

Sea Hive Marketplace

This treasure-trove of goodies is part vintage store, part artisan shop and part grandmother's attic! Jonathan and Rebecca have spent many afternoons browsing the stalls and taking it all in. You can really get lost in here! It's located in South Oceanside.

Zito Hat Co.

This hat shop features custom and semi-custom hats for the true hat connoisseur. The owner makes the hats right there in the shop and they are really works of art. It's located in South Oceanside.

Therapy Social Fitness Studio

This is where Rebecca goes to blow off a little steam! This woman-owned fitness studio in South Oceanside offers lots of classes with very supportive and friendly instructors. Classes range from Barre to dance to trampoline to strength. You can purchase individual classes or they even have a "vacation special" for three classes at a discounted rate. Be sure to let Rebecca know if you tried it!

Captain's Helm

Part vintage shop, part gift shop, part coffee stand (Captain's Grounds). Another of our common stops on our daily walks! Located in South Oceanside.

Estate Sale Warehouse

A large store with consigned furniture, art, home goods. If you love a good treasure hunt, don't skip this place! It's located in South Oceanside.

Shore Shot

Jonathan and Rebecca happened upon this place during a recent outing. We were both skeptical, as we think you probably are as well. It's a shop with a strong focus on handgun safety and training and offers simulators that are essentially huge video games. It was actually quite fun.

San Diego Clippers vs. Mexico City Capitales

San Diego has a (G-League) basketball team! See the San Diego Clippers face off against the Mexico City Capitales on Friday March 14 @ 7pm or Sunday March 16 @ 6pm at the brand new Frontwave Arena. The food and drink options are all local. It's a good time! Single game tickets are available. (And Jonathan has 2 season tickets he'll gladly hand over to whomever wants them, he'll be too busy to go!)

FURTHER AFIELD

Flower Fields

With over 50 acres of ranunculus, the flower fields are a breathtaking spot just off the freeway. The stripes of colors are impossible to miss. They also have tractor rides and a maze for little ones. It's only open part of the year, and the weekend of the wedding will be 2 weeks into the open season, so hopefully will have some impressive color.

Carlsbad Village

Just a couple miles south of Oceanside, this town has blocks and blocks of restaurants and shops! If you are not finding what you want in Oceanside, definitely check out Carlsbad. Plenty to see and do here to occupy yourself for an entire day . . . or more.

Balboa Park

Balboa Park was Rebecca's front yard as a child. This park has something for everyone! You can pick from many museums, The San Diego Zoo, The Old Globe Theater, the newly-renovated botanical building, a rose garden and plenty of open space to walk, run and play. Although it's a bit of a drive from Oceanside, if you have time you should definitely try to visit.

LEGOLAND California

There are Legos, lots and lots of Legos. It's about 15 minutes from Oceanside. Need we say more?

San Diego Zoo Safari Park

Part of the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance, this is the larger of two parks, about 3 times the size of the San Diego Zoo. It was formerly known as the San Diego Wild Animal Park. At this location, exhibits are set up to evoke the feeling of going on a real safari. We also recommend the San Diego Zoo which is located in Balboa Park.

La Jolla Cove and Downtown La Jolla

One of the most famous coastal towns in San Diego and for good reason, La Jolla, as its name implies, is a jewel. Downtown is home to tons of shops, restaurants, galleries and the Museum of Contemporary Art. La Jolla Cove beach is great for swimming or snorkelling. Be sure to check out the (in)famous Sea Lions!

PROVISIONS

A couple places to grab some groceries or snacks for your room to enjoy during your stay.

Always Hungry Grocery & Goods

A small locally-owned shop selling produce and items from small and local artisans. It's located in the Springhill Suites Hotel. If you need some provisions for your stay, stop by!

Bubbles By The Beach Market & Liquor

Though primarily a liquor store, this market has quite a large selection of snacks and other beverages.

DRINKS

Banana Dang Coffee

Banana x Coffee = yum! Oceanside has no shortage of great coffee shops, but this one stands out for its use of banana in many of its coffee drinks. Also they have great t-shirts--just ask Jonathan!

Revolution Roasters

We frequent this place at least once a week. This is located in South Oceanside. It has delicious coffees and a rotating seasonal menu. The pastries are also really good.

Stone Brewing Tap Room - Oceanside

The best beer on the planet! A small outpost of the larger Stone Brewery, this outdoor tap room feels like someone's back yard and is a great place to relax and taste some awesome beer.

Pacific Coast Spirits & Kitchen

Jonathan was so excited that there's a distillery so close. It's a fun tour and tasting. While Jonathan isn't the biggest fan of their whiskey ("It's too young"), their gin and cocktails are delicious.

Same Same

This little gem is hidden upstairs in a touristy mall in Carlsbad. But don't be fooled. Their menu is creative, tasty, and changes frequently. This is our favorite place to get a cocktail! (Also it's a couple doors down from Gonzo Ramen, so you can grab dinner and then head here for a drink.)

EATS

Parlor Doughnuts

Indulgent donuts with creative flavors. They even have gluten free options.

Petite Madeline Bakery

Pastries as well as other breakfast and lunch items. Great for you early risers!

Beach Break Cafe

This very popular breakfast spot is located in South Oceanside. Classic breakfast foods and huge portions!

Northside Shack - Oceanside

Acai bowls are the specialty at this newer shop. The portions are generous and they are delicious!

Ryes and Grind

Yeah, we have an upscale Jew-ish deli here that serves breakfast and lunch.

Cococabana

Rooftop bar and restaurant with beautiful views and unequivocally the best bloody Maria you'll ever have, if you're into that kind of thing.

Valle

If you're feeling fancy, have a meal at Oceanside's only Michelin-starred restaurant (and one of only a handful in all of San Diego County). It serves contemporary Mexican cuisine and is located in the Mission Pacific Hotel.

allmine

This adorable italian restaurant has delicious food. They have great pizzas and are also known for their lasagna.

Dija Mara

Recognized as a Bib Gourmand by the Michelin guide, this Balinese restaurant is worth a visit.

Mission Avenue Bar and Grill

Jonathan LOVES the whiskey selection at this laid back place that also has good food (which means Rebecca is also willing to go sometimes). If you go, be sure to try one of their barrel picks which are absolutely amazing. If you enjoy it, you can even buy a bottle to take home with you!

Johnny Mañana's

This place has a cheesy name and vibe, but it's food is good and it's always buzzing!

Crackheads (ugh, we really hate that name!)

Please forgive the name of this place. This mini food court has a bar and a few food vendors with a shared outdoor space.

Tanner's Prime Burgers

This is the best smash-style burger in town. It's located in South Oceanside. Don't be deterred by the long line because it moves very quickly. But word of warning--the menu is very small and there are no vegetarian options on this one. Even the fries are cooked in beef tallow!

The Plot - Oceanside

This is a critically acclaimed vegan restaurant enjoyed by vegans and carnivores alike! A second smaller location is in Carlsbad Village.

Heritage Brewery & BBQ Oceanside

This was Rebecca's first ever introduction to Oceanside two years ago and has become one of our frequent date night spots. This place offers barbecue and beer and on weekend nights, they usually have live music also. A little bit of Texas in Southern California.

HomeState

This is one of our favorite places to grab a quick dinner in our neighborhood. This Tex-Mex spot serves amazing breakfast tacos any time of day and also has many other taco and non-taco options. The chips and queso is a great snack and we love the spicy paloma (don't worry it's not too spicy). It's located in South Oceanside.

Wrench and Rodent Seabasstropub

OK, ignore the odd name of this place. It's another of Oceanside's Michelin Bib Gourmand recipients and is located in South Oceanside. Sushi and Japanese-inspired dishes are the focus at this restaurant.

GONZO! Ramen

This ramen shop is located in Carlsbad Village. It's got delicious ramen, fun decor and the staff are really nice! Grab a drink before or after at Same, Same, which is just a few doors down.

1022 Cafe & Gelateria

The gelato here is very tasty, but the star here is the affogato which can be made with any of their gelato flavors. It's one of Rebecca's favorite Oceanside treats and the perfect afternoon pick-me-up!

Handel's Homemade Ice Cream

It's ice cream . . . what's not to love? There's always a line at this very popular spot. If you can't pick just one of their flavors to enjoy, they have a sampler.