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Oceanside, Calif.--As the name Oceanside
indicates, there's not quite another place in California that captures the
essence of Americana beaches as does this Southern California favorite. While
neighboring Carlsbad (8 minutes by car) offers the
Legoland California themed attraction for kids vacations, and
San Clemente to the
north has its own character and charm as Orange County's southernmost beach
destination, this San Diego County beach is one of the best for pure sand
expanses, sunbathing, beach volleyball, and iconic pier wandering. Best of all,
it's bundled in a snug harbor with pleasure craft cruises such as fishing
excursions and whale watching, or shopping next to the unique lighthouse of red
and white.
It's easy to see why Oceanside is
investing in itself. It truly could and should be a top California vacation like
it once was known. Camp Pendleton next door and the heavy military influence
changed the character of the beach town for decades and put this once well-known
vacation spot into a tailspin. In the 21st century there's only one thing that
makes sense for the local economy and that is tourism.
With an Amtrak train and Coaster train
service connecting visitors to San Diego and L.A, you can stay at the beach,
wander over to the depot and hop aboard for a daytrip, then return to this
mellow place where sunshine and warm temperatures greet travelers year-round.
While beach cottages have been the
preferred mode of vacation for many years, the city has worked to create a
complex of destination attractions that include an oceanfront hotel, shopping
and dining. Creating more quality hotel accommodations that tourists like to
book, the stage will be set for putting Oceanside back on the map.
Many say Oceanside never left the map,
however, and from a resident's perspective, that is absolutely true. There's
also been a wonderful shopping area along Coast Highway 101, plus the beaches,
surfing, and outdoor sports galore. In addition to all the great shopping,
dining and beach attractions, there's also a surfing museum that's worth
checking out.
One of the shining stars of the city is
its historic pier. Oceanside Pier stands 1,942 feet in length, making it one of
the longest piers on the west coast. It outpaces
Huntington Beach's concrete
pier in Orange County by nearly 100 feet (1,853 feet is the length of the OC
concrete pier). You'll find Oceanside Pier on Third Street and will add it to
your list of Oceanside charms. Take a stroll at sunset for a romantic
experience, or walk the pier for sheer pleasure and exercise. You can stop on
the pier and grab a chocolate malt or hamburger and french fries at Ruby's
Diner, that offers affordable faire for kids and adults to enjoy. Many Ruby's
serve beer & wine as well, ideal for adults who want to enjoy a favorite brew
with the food.
Another point of interest is historic
Mission
San Luis Rey in Oceanside. It is one of a chain of 21 missions built along
the California coast during the settlement of California by Spaniards. The
lovely mission offers a beautiful fountain outdoors in front of the building
with a reflection pool ideal for photos and reflecting on how life must have
been over 200 years ago when this mission was built in 1798.
Getting to Oceanside: There are various ways to get to Oceanside. Public
Transportation includes an Amtrak train stop, and
Coaster commuter train
from Oceanside to San Diego. Small airports such as Oceanside Municipal Airport
and Palomar/McClellan Airport in Carlsbad probably aren't your best choice for
affordable airline travel, so you might want to consider flying into John Wayne
Airport in Orange County, or Lindbergh Field in San Diego. Oceanside is
divided by Interstate Highway 5, San Diego Freeway, and if you're driving by
car, you'll no doubt be driving along that road to get to your Oceanside,
California vacation. Where to
stay:
Oceanside Hotels offer approx. 19 options in accommodations. From America's
Best Value Inn at a rock bottom rate that sometimes dips below $60, to the
luxury rooms and suites such as
Oceanside Marina Suites or
Wyndham Oceanside Pier Resort, we think the values are often more desirable
than some of Carlsbad hotel offerings, better known because of Legoland.
What to do & see:
Golf - On location. Golf courses abound with El Camino Country Club, Emerald Isle, Oceanside
Municipal, and Center City.
Beaches - On location. Our money is on the beaches and harbor. If you do
one thing during your visit, get out and enjoy the beach! It is free, and the
reason you would go to Oceanside for a vacation. Sand volleyball nets are
positioned, and there's a beach path for roller blading.
Legoland California - 8 minutes by car. The number one kids theme park
in America offers toddler to youth-appropriate rides, games, and entertainment.
Buy tickets.
Wild Animal Park, San
Diego - 30 minutes by car. If you plan to make Oceanside the home base
for theme parks, you are on half an hour (30 minutes or 26 miles by car) from
Wild Animal Park in San Diego. Take I-5 South to CA 78 East. This is a wonderful
park that's especially enjoyable in the spring and fall.
Buy tickets.
SeaWorld San Diego
- 30 to 40 minutes south of Oceanside on 1-5 you'll find SeaWorld San Diego.
Shamu and the cast of whales, fish, penguins, dolphins, rides and stage shows
will entertain all ages.
Buy tickets .
Carlsbad < Oceanside >
San Clemente |
