1. Our Pier Has No Peer
You can cast out a line, people watch, or even take a nice stroll and work up your appetite for Ruby's Diner, which is located at the end of the
Oceanside pier. Be sure to grab a classic Ruby burger, garlic fries and don't forget to wash it all down with a double vanilla shake.
2. In Oceanside Surfing Is The Highest Form Of Art
Don't believe us? Check out the California Surf Museum which gives you a look at local SoCal legends and learn more about the evolution of the sport. Or head to City Beach (aka the Strand) to watch the surfers in action.
3. Get Centered (And Tan) With Yoga On The Beach
After all that vodka at 333 Pacific you may need a little zen in the morning. Fortunately, Pacific Local instructors give morning classes during the Summer for you to get your downward dog on while working on your tan.
4. The Only Wing(wo)man You'll Ever Need
Remember the beach hut Kelly McGillis owned in "Top Gun"? Locals know it as the Graves House on Pacific Street while the house isn't open for visits, it's always cool to see it on your way to the Pier.
5. Speaking Of Men In Uniform...
Camp Pendleton is the local marine base for the west coast, which means you'll be seeing a lot of locals in uniform. When they're off base, you can catch them at Dani P's Cork & Tap grabbing a beer, perusing the sports memorabilia, or racking up the billiards.
6. Have A Whale Of A Time At The Harbor
McCovey cove might get all the press in NorCal, but the Harbor in Oceanside is host to a ton of great restaurants, spectacular views of the lighthouse and has something that the Cove doesn't offer: Whale Watching. The best time of the year is from October to March as the Whales migrate up from Baha. A tour with Helegren's Sportfishing is the best way to see them in action.
7. In Oceanside It's Either Love The Padres, Or Get Out
Oceanside is mainly Padres territory. Which means even if you're not a fan of baseball, you'd better at least respect the Padres, because fans won't hesitate to get in your face. People down in Oceanside bleed the navy and white. And don't even get them started on the Dodgers.
8. Same Goes For The Chargers
Even though the Chargers Belong to San Diego, Oceanside is still considered a part of their turf and Oceansiders take that very seriously.
9. Downtown Oceanside Has Everything You Could Ever Want
Quick access to the beach? Got it. Feel like a movie? Check out the latest Oscar winner at Regal Stadium, which has the old school charm of movie theaters that are unique to California. And don't forget, there are plenty of restaurants like Swami's Cafe where you can pick up a turkey sandwich with delicious house tortilla chips and salsa that epitomizes west coast "fast" food.
10. The Coffee Cake At Beach Break Café Is Gonna Knock Your Tastebuds' Socks Off
Beach Break Café not only boasts some of the best views of the lighthouse and the harbor, but has the best coffee cake--ever. One bite of its marbled layers of chocolate and yellow cake drizzled with vanilla frosting will change your life. #NoExaggeration
11. Just Keep Swimming
The average temperature of the pacific ocean in Oceanside hovers around 70 degrees during the Summer meaning unlike other parts of the country you can dip your toes in the water without wanting to shriek.
12. Hey Caffeine Addicts! Oceanside Is The Place To Get Your Fix
Oceanside Residents take their coffee seriously. Whether you have the preference for Black Rock Coffee Bar's Caramel Blondie or Pier View's free bagel and gelato Mondays, you're sure to get your caffeine fix.
13. Cars? Ain't Nobody Got Time For That
At least when it comes to Downtown Oceanside on the weekend, which makes all the driving that you have to do on a daily basis more bearable. But even though monday through friday means jumping back into your car...you can spend your weekend wading through troves of antiques in places like Treasures on The Coast and Cape Cottage Antiques stores.
14. Traffic Stays Outside Our City Borders
Oceanside is seen as the bridge between LA and San Diego, which means that the I-5 and I-76 and I-78 cut through the city, meaning Oceanside sees its fair share of traffic--just outside of city limits.
15. Although Really, You Don't Have To Get In The Car During The Weekdays Either
The transit system boasts the coastal commuter train, Amtrak, the sprinter train, and the metro train keep you connected to both San Diego and LA.
16. You Don't Need To Leave The City For A Cultural Fix...
The Oceanside Museum of Art not only hosts critically acclaimed exhibitions, but films, events, and tours for the public--and the Museum's selection is anything but stale. With an average of 15 events new year, highlighting things from neon sculptures, to botanical prints and even the occasional surrealist painting, Oceanside is sure to satisfy your inner art geek.
17. And In Oceanside The Nightlife Is Hopping, Too
With menu options that scream big city, and the impeccable service that comes from a small town, Oceanside has the best of both worlds. This especially evident in places like 333 Pacific which has the best (and largest) vodka bar ever known to man and features local fresh catches like pacific salmon and mussels. Yum!
18. Angelo's Fries Are Like Fried Potato Crack
You'll dream about the fries at Angelo's Burgers long after you've eaten them. Others may tell you about other diners in the city--they are wrong. Do yourself a huge favor and go for Angelo's, every time.
19. Arrowood Isn't Just Another Pretty Face
You can hit the links at local course Arrowood, which offers a challenging and well maintained course that is often noted as the jewel of Oceanside. Arrowood boasts ocean breezes and lush bent grass greens while saving some of the best views for the back nine. Don't think it's all just about looks though, as Arrowood's back nine really challenge you to push your handicap.
20. Blaze Your Own (Hiking) Trail
Just try hiking the Coastal Rail Trail, which borders the express train tracks. Full of twists and turns, and the occasional horn blast from nearby commuting trains, this trail is sure to get your heart pounding.
21. Get Out And Smell The Roses!
Oceanside takes its green space pretty seriously. From the Oceanside Dog Park, which allows for you and Fido to get around, to Guajome Regional Park which features a stunning view of Guajome Lake, to the local downtown skate park, Oceanside has it all.
22. It's Not Biking--It's Cycling
Since 2006, Oceanside has hosted the starting point for the Race across America, which is as grueling a race as the Tour De France. You can check out the contenders at the starting line which just happens to be on the Pier. If crowd-watching isn't your thing, then you can still watch it safely on TV from Tony's Sport's Bar and Grill where you can chomp down on a breakfast burrito and sip one of the 80 beers that they offer.
23. The Farmers Market Has Some Of The Best Views Of The City
The weekly farmer's market makes it easy for you to get all the fresh fruit and veggies that you need with the over 30 vendors present. If you're not a morning person, than the sunset market is perfect for those night owls that like to do their shopping in the evening. And of course, both markets are located on Coast Highway which has a clear view of the Pier.
24. Rock Out(doors) At The Pier Plaza Amphitheatre
The Pier Plaza Amphitheatre hosts loads of local and outside talent during the summer months and provides a great view of the ocean while catching some of the best tunes during the annual 94.9 Independence. Previous acts include: Cage The Elephant, Smallpool and Dead Feather Moon.
25. Oceanside Has The Jewel Of California Missions
Mission San Luis Rey is touted as the king of all the California Missions due to its size. The Quiet Mondays and monthly cooking classes makes this a must-see place to visit.
26. LegoLand Is A Coffee Break Away
So technically it's not part of Oceanside, but with a drive this short, you'll be seeing Bronte the dinosaur at the entrance faster than it takes to get a latte. You can visit the Sea Life Aquarium, and heave-ho your way over to Pirate Shores and take a ride on Captain Cranky's seaworthy vessel, but this one will test your mettle, savvy?
27. Baby, You're a Firework!
Just like the Katy Perry song, Oceanside has one of the best annual fourth of July Fireworks Shows. Why? Because not only can you spend all founder's day on the beach--but you can spend the night watching fireworks that are displayed from Camp Pendelton and El Corazon.
28. Jason Mraz Made A Name For Himself Here...
Inspired by singer/songwriter Jewel, Jason Mraz voyaged to the San Diego Area in order to make a name for himself on the coffee shop scene in the early 2000s. Locals still can catch him playing intimate concerts at venues like the Star Theatre.
29. And El Camino High School Alum Denise Richards Did, Too
After moving with her family from the Chicago Area, Denise Richards began her modeling career at the tender age of 15 while still attending El Camino High School. Although she no longer resides in the area, her family still owns the Jitters Coffee Shops.
