Things to do
Things to do in Oceanside
The pier, the harbor, and a downtown that has changed faster in five years than in the previous thirty.
Things to do
Oceanside PierLandmark
A 1,942-foot wooden pier first built in 1888 and now in its sixth version; most of it is open, but the western end has been fenced off since an April 2024 fire, with repairs expected to begin no earlier than 2027.
Oceanside HarborPark
A small-boat harbor with a Cape Cod-style shopping village, fishing charters, whale-watching trips and a sheltered beach for families.
Mission San Luis Rey de FranciaLandmark
Founded in 1798, the largest of California's 21 missions, with a museum, church and gardens open to visitors.
4050 Mission Ave, Oceanside
California Surf MuseumMuseum
A museum a few blocks from the pier covering surfing history, boards and the sport's local figures.
312 Pier View Way, Oceanside
Oceanside Museum of ArtMuseum
Contemporary and regional art in a campus that includes a former city hall designed by architect Irving Gill.
704 Pier View Way, Oceanside
The Strand and Beach PromenadeBeach
The beachfront road and walkway north and south of the pier, lined with vacation rentals and some of the county's widest summer beaches.
Buccaneer BeachBeach
A small neighborhood beach in South Oceanside with a snack stand and a park, less crowded than the pier area.
San Luis Rey River TrailTrail
A paved bike and walking path that follows the river roughly 7 miles inland from the harbor.
Guajome Regional ParkPark
A county park with a spring-fed lake, marsh trails, camping and the historic Rancho Guajome Adobe next door.
Eat & drink
Dija MaraIndonesian
A Coast Highway restaurant recognized by the Michelin Guide for its modern Indonesian cooking.
Blade 1936Pizza
A Seagaze Drive pizzeria named for the Oceanside Blade newspaper that once occupied the building.
333 PacificSteak and seafood
An upscale restaurant facing the beach at the foot of the pier.
Privateer Coal Fire PizzaPizza
A downtown coal-fired pizza spot popular with locals and Camp Pendleton families.
Mission Avenue Bar & GrillBreakfast and American
A downtown breakfast and brunch standby a few blocks from the beach.
Annual events
Oceanside Sunset MarketThursday evenings, year-round
A weekly downtown street market with food vendors, crafts and live music, organized by MainStreet Oceanside.
Super Girl Surf ProSummer
Billed as the world's largest all-women surf competition, held at the pier since 2007.
World Bodysurfing ChampionshipsAugust
A long-running contest at the Oceanside Pier that draws bodysurfers from around the world.
Oceanside Harbor DaysSeptember
A harbor festival with food, vendors and boating displays.