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I’m an area local here to help you discover the most fun things to do in Oceanside!
I’ve spent the better half of my life here, so you’ll want to keep reading for a unique mix of popular activities, hidden gems, and new attractions I’ve sprinkled in that you won’t find anywhere else!
Pick out your hotel in Oceanside, and then start deciding what you want to do during your visit!
Disclosure: Travel Lemming is an independent reader-supported blog. You can support us by purchasing via the affiliate links on this page, which may earn us commissions. See our Advertising Policy for further explanation. Thank you!
36 Best Things to Do in Oceanside
Oceanside Pier
Leisurely stroll down Oceanside’s historic wooden pier for a beautiful view of the Pacific Ocean.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (800) 350-7873 | Website | Hours: 4 am – 10 pm daily | Free
The Oceanside Pier should be first on your sightseeing list. At all hours of the day, this landmark is bustling with tourist attractions. Watch fishermen, marathons, surfers, and concerts at the pier. Plus, you won’t want to miss the spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean.
🛏️ Need a Hotel? Book the new Seabird Resort which overlooks the Oceanside Pier so you can watch activity along the pier throughout your stay. The sunset is also a killer view from the hotel’s oceanfront rooms and the pier lights up at night. This is definitely one of the best places to stay!
Wheel Fun Rentals
Pedal the Oceanside strand boardwalk on a rental Surrey.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (760) 828-0166 | Website | Hours: 9 am – sunset daily, Last rental goes out 1-hour before close; Closed Thanksgiving Day | Surrey Rentals: $30-40/hourly | Bikes & Paddleboards: Prices vary
Do you love trying new things? Have you ever ridden a Surrey? Now you can with Wheel Fun Rentals! Fit 3-6 people on a single or double Surrey cart and pedal down the Strand of the Oceanside City Beach.
You can also rent a deuce coupe, chopper, quad sport, cruiser, tandem, or electric bike. Or opt for stand-up paddleboards. It’s first-come, first-served, so get to Wheel Fun Rentals early and you’ll have plenty of rental choices.
📚 Related Reading: 47 Best Things to Do and See in San Diego (By a Local)
Oceanside Harbor
Sail your way around the harbor to spot marine life including whales, dolphins, and sea lions.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (760) 435-4500 | Website | 👉 Book a Dolphin & Whale-Watching Tour on Viator
The Oceanside Harbor and Oceanside Harbor Beach are a 25-minute walking distance from the Pier and boast a range of outdoor activities perfect for all ages. Bring your binoculars on the harbor cruises to spot marine life including whales, dolphins, and sea lions.
Rent a charter, go sport fishing, paddleboarding, or kayaking. When you’ve worked up an appetite Harbor Beach has shower facilities and barbecue grills. Or you can meander on over to the Oceanside Harbor Village for fresh seafood dining with breathtaking views.
Oceanside Rock Garden
Paint rocks for the community art installation across from the beach.
📍 Google Maps
Stroll along the Oceanside Beach Strand and you’ll stumble upon a community rock garden in the middle of the roundabout. The Oceanside Community Rock Garden is a great budget-friendly activity. I suggest getting some dollar-store paint and having a picnic at the beach while painting found rocks.
Rock gardens are catching on in North County San Diego. There’s another one – Dave’s Rock Garden – in Encinitas. I love to call this, “reverse souvenirs” because you get to leave a piece of yourself behind.
Sound by the Sea
Transport your senses at this sultry vinyl and cocktail club in Oceanside.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (760) 547-5441 | Website | Hours: 1 pm – 6 pm, Monday-Tuesday, 1 pm – 11 pm Wednesday-Sunday
Sound by the Sea used to be MoPa Lounge and I am so proud of the evolution of this space. It is now a stylish vintage vinyl and cocktail bar with a European flair. It hosts rotating DJs and intimate events. The minute you enter this space, you’ll feel like you’ve been transported to a timeless oasis.
Oceanside Morning Farmers Market & Sunset Market
Shop small and taste local with farm-to-beach produce and more at this dog-friendly farmers market.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (760) 754-4512 | Website | Farmers Market Thursdays 9 am – 1 pm; Sunset Market Thursdays 5 pm – 9 pm
Right in the heart of downtown Oceanside on Pier View Way is where the weekly Oceanside Morning Farmers Market and Oceanside Sunset Market collide.
Come on Thursday mornings for amazingly fresh seasonal produce, flowers, handmade baskets, and local music. The market is dog-friendly and you are free to sample many of the vendor’s treats.
When the sun sets, locals flock to the streets for the Sunset Market which has hot food booths, beverages, desserts, a variety of cuisines, live music, and artisan crafts. You’ll find plenty of seating to hang out and socialize.
🍎 Pro Tip: Go towards the end of the market to get better prices from vendors packing up!
California Surf Museum
Dive face-first into the history of Surfing at this popular attraction.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (760) 721-6876 | Website | Open 10 am-4 pm daily | Adults, $7 Admission, Kids 11 and under, Free
It’s no secret that Oceanside has some of the best surfing breaks in California. Surfing legends like the famous Phil Edwards grew up riding the waves in Oceanside and inspired Hobie Surfboards’ first signature model board. Learn more about Edwards, the history of the sport, and the rest of surf culture when you visit the California Surf Museum.
🏄 Surfs Up: After a day at the California Surf Museum, try it for yourself with a hands-on surfing lesson.
Tyson Street Beach & Park
Hang beachside at a grassy park and playground that’s the perfect pit stop for families.
📍 Google Maps | Website | Open Daily | Metered street parking & nearby pay parking lots
Tyson Street Beach & Park is the perfect pit stop along the boardwalk. It’s a well-maintained green space with some shady trees, a playground for kids, picnic tables, restrooms, Aqua’s grab-’-go Cafe Shack, and more. Tyson Street Beach has everything you need to rest and relax with the backdrop of crashing ocean waves.
San Luis Rey Mission
Soak up history and culture during a self-guided tour at Mission San Luis Rey.
📍 Google Maps | Website | (760) 757-3651 | Open 10 am – 4 pm Daily | Parking lot | 👉 Browse Self-Guided Tour on Viator
Mission San Luis Rey is known as the King of the Missions of California. If you’re a museum lover, be sure to visit San Luis Rey Valley during your stop or stay in Oceanside. Immerse yourself in the Luiseno Indian Culture.
Enjoy a self-guided tour by pre-purchasing your admission. Or if you’re feeling spontaneous, you can simply purchase the day of. The museum also has lots of hands-on events and workshops so be sure to check the event calendar before you go.
👉 Pro Tip: Heritage Park is very close to Mission San Luis Rey. Find easy parking at Heritage Park Village and knock out both museums in one afternoon. If you have time, bike or view the San Luis Rey River Trail.
Heritage Park & Museum
Go back in time and see what Oceanside was like in the early 1900s.
📍 Google Maps | Website | (760) 435-5540 | Open Wednesday – Sunday 9am – 4pm | Parking lot | Admission: Free
At Heritage Park, you’ll be transported back to the old Pioneer days. Enjoy a walk in a park full of historic buildings and an iconic gazebo.
The park is also great for kids and it’s dog-friendly. Heritage Park is a short walk from Mission San Luis Rey, so it’s a great stop if you’re doubling up on your history and museums or looking to explore some unique San Diego landmarks.
👉 Read Next: 17 Best Museums in San Diego
Buccaneer Beach
Go shell hunting and hike the rocks at South Oceanside’s prime seashore.
📍 Google Maps | Website | Beach pay parking lot
Buccaneer Beach is the best-underrated beach in South Oceanside. It’s lined with huge rocks and is filled with loads of seashells and sand dollars if you know where to look. Hint: Slightly beneath the wet sand.
Buccaneer Beach is also a great place to walk with its spread-out sands, and it’s a lot less busy than other nearby beaches.
Are you a beach connoisseur? Be sure to check out our article on the best beaches around San Diego.
🚌Transportation Tip: Going to visit other beaches in nearby coastal towns? Take the Amtrak Pacific Surfliner Coaster for easy transport to and from them! You’ll also have an amazing oceanfront view along the way.
Seaside Flowers
Build-your-own bouquet at a local flower shop known for the seashells they add to each bouquet.
📍 Google Maps | Website | (760) 722-5602 | Open Monday-Friday 9:30 am – 7 pm, Saturday 9:30 am – 6 pm, Close Sunday
Seaside Flowers has been around for over 20 years with the owner’s passionate community ties seeing repeat customers grow into adults. It’s well-known for its rare and iconic blue orchid flowers, as well as the seashells they add to every bouquet.
The shop is also home to local artist items and gifts with a variety of workshops and planter box events. Be sure to stop by for a specially designed arrangement or pick your stems and design your bouquet.
Arrowood Golf Course
Challenge yourself at an unconfined and scenic hilltop course that also happens to be dog-friendly.
📍 Google Maps | Website | (760) 967-8400 | Open daily 6 am – 6 pm | Parking lot & nearby street parking
Arrowood Golf Course is located in Oceanside but is about 10 miles inland. If you’re looking to branch out from just beach activities, you’ll find solace with a day on the green. Arrowood has 18-holes and 6,721 yards of course.
Arrowood is uniquely a dog-friendly golf course, where your furry friend can ride around on the golf carts that come with your reservation. And if you happen to visit in October, Arrowood has a seasonal glow ball that lights up at night and is quite unique.
👉 Pro Tip: After your tee time, wine down nearby at Beach House Winery!
Rais Case
Make a DIY leather keychain at Rais Case inside Rising Co’s coastal community hub.
📍 Google Maps | Website | Open daily 9am – 5pm | Parking lot
The Rising Co. is home to many residents’ favorite O’side coffee. It also has flowers, gifts, leather handbags, candles, jewelry, and is a nice place to hang out.
Rais Case premium handmade leather bags are located inside the Rising Co. They offer a fun DIY craft in leatherwork.
Stop by Seaborne Coffee on the other side and make your way to the DIY station to indulge in a morning of arts & crafts. Check out Landmark Plant Co. across the street if you want to keep crafting and pot a plant to take home.
Craft Coffee Hopping
Taste your way through every artisanal coffee shop in Oceanside.
📍 Multiple Locations
Hop around the artisanal coffee shops that make Oceanside a mecca for coffee lovers! You have plenty of options.
Enjoy the artistic feel at Seaborne Coffee. Grab flowers and coffee at Communal. Follow the smell of the newest beans on the block at Vigilante. Get fueled and enjoy the mural at Jet Fuel Coffee Co, located inside The Lab Collaborative. Or let your tastebuds be transported to roasting marshmallows over an outdoor fireplace at Camp Coffee.
Bliss Tea & Treats
Sip on “communitea” with a unique tea experience to nourish the kid-at-heart.
📍 Google Maps | Website | (442) 500-4796 | Open Thursday-Sunday 11am – 5pm, Closed Monday-Wednesday | Nearby street parking
Bliss Tea & Treats is a fairly new establishment in Oceanside. What’s most exciting is from the moment you step inside the delightfully quirky shop, you won’t know where you are.
At Bliss, you can have tea time with finger sandwiches, scones, and other delectable desserts in an Alice-in-Wonderland-themed environment.
The owner of Bliss Tea & Treats left her corporate career to make her dream a reality and open up a tea shop. Every major season, she even changes up the decor just to keep things interesting and make this a one-of-a-kind activity.
Guajome Regional Park
Breathe in fresh air and enjoy the sounds of birds, ducks, fish, and other wildlife while hiking through a regional park.
📍 Google Maps | Website | (760) 724-4489 | Open daily 9:30am-sunset | $3 parking
Oceanside is home to Guajome County Park Campground. It has a lake, playground, and plenty of great hiking trails. Less than 10 miles from the ocean, Guajome is perfect for all ages. Plus it’s a great place to enjoy a picnic and take in the sights and sounds of the birds, ducks, fish, and other wildlife that make this park worth visiting.
👉 Read Next: The Best Places to Get Away from San Diego for a Weekend
Oceanside Museum of Art
Spark your curiosity with a collection of masterpieces including paintings, sculptures, glass, & light installations.
📍 Google Maps | Website | (760) 435-3720 | Open to public 11 am – 5 pm Wed-Thurs & Sat-Sun, 11 am-8 pm Fri | Admission General $10, Seniors $5, Free for Children 17 and under | Street parking
For contemporary art, check out the OMA, Oceanside Museum of Art. You’ll love the Oceanside Museum of Art’s unique collection of artist paintings, sculptures, glass, light installations, & textile-woven wearable art if you’re a museum lover. It also has a handful of workshops and rotating exhibitions you won’t want to miss.
Watch the Sunset
Take in the unforgettable sunset views at one of these perfectly-located spots.
📍 Multiple Locations
A sunset is a perfect way to end your day in Oceanside, but let me tell you, there are some spots around town where you can enjoy the view to its fullest. Two new hotel offerings have taken over the oceanfront property that overlooks the iconic wooden pier.
I recommend going to The Rooftop Bar and restaurant on the top floor of the Mission Pacific Hotel for a nice aerial view. For a more up-close sight of the sunset, enjoy Sunday live music amidst a fireplace, complimentary blankets, and free sunset champagne at the Seabird Resort’s Shore Room patio bar and restaurant.
👉 Pro Tip: For the best local-style and affordable sunset viewing, bring a portable hammock to the two slanted palm trees for the most unforgettable spot in town (located at Oceanside City Beach, 361 The Strand N, near the Sportfisher public restrooms and before Lifeguard Tower 4).
Self-Guided Mural Tour
Discover local artist murals in and around Oceanside.
📍 Google Maps
There are a ton of murals and street art all around town, just keep your eyes open. A few favorites include the Plot restaurant and the two mural houses (one is on the corner of Ditmar St. & Stanley St. and the other is a few steps back at Ditmar St. & Eucalyptus St.)
You’ll want to stop by the side of the SpringHill Suites hotel, Revolution Roasters, Masters Kitchen and Cocktail, Ikigai Artifacts Co, Artist Alley, and many more.
See this mural map for a handy listing of murals so you can check them all off!
Tremont Collective
Immerse yourself in the newest mix of coastal lifestyle shopping, eating, drinking, and fitness.
📍 Google Maps | Website
The newest area of Oceanside opened at the end of 2021. It’s called Tremont Collective and is a great new walkabout. You’ll find a curated mix of craft coffee, floral arrangements, trendy restaurants, picnic items, specialty shopping, and an outdoor cycling studio.
Tremont Collective is nestled right in the heart of residential living so if you’re looking to take in the local culture, this is a great place to go.
Oceanside’s Foodie Scene
Dine out on a variety of cuisines and locally sourced ingredients at Oceanside’s top restaurants.
There are a ton of Oceanside restaurants to try depending on your preference of cuisine and if you want touristy, local, or newer spots. If you’re looking for more old-school Oceanside, stick with Beach Break Café and Hello Betty Fish House.
For tourist spots, head to Joe’s Crab Shack right on the pier. New restaurants to try include Le Citron (temporarily closed), The Plot (sustainable, vegan, eco-friendly), The Lab Collaborative, Dija Mara, and Craft Coast Beer & Tacos.
Drink Local
Taste craft cocktails, beer, and spirits unique to Oceanside.
ou won’t have to look far for artisanal cocktails, small-batch breweries, and wine tasting in Oceanside!
Head to Frankie’s (new craft cocktail bar), Pacific Coast Spirits, Shore Room, The Rooftop Bar (dog-friendly), South O Brewing, & Local Tap House.
The Grid VR
Transport yourself into a game of virtual reality or try out laser tag, the arcade, or the blacklight lounge at this unique destination.
📍 Google Maps | Website | (760) 542-0954 | Public hours: 1 pm – 6 pm Monday-Thursday, 1 pm – 9 pm Friday & Saturday, 12 pm – 6 pm Sunday | Parking lot
The Grid VR eSports Arena is a great activity for a rainy day. There is a handful of VR games to enjoy from laser tag to fitness games, arcades, a blacklight lounge, art, and painting. Multi-player games in virtual reality mean an ultimate thrill for your whole group.
Pedego Electric Bikes
Bike the boardwalk and experience the city from a different angle on an electric bike.
📍 Google Maps | Website | (760) 310-9387 | Open 10 am – 5 pm Friday – Sunday | $25-$35/hour and $115/day | Street parking
With Pedego’s bike rentals, you can go fast in half the time with 20mph electric bikes. Pedal when you want to or cruise down the Pacific Coast Highway making stops along the way and taking in the sights of Oceanside.
Pedego’s has other locations in nearby beach towns in case you lose a charge. Pedego bikes make for a perfect day riding around town or up and down the coast while beach town hopping.
The Beach Genie
Book an ultimate luxury beach day with everything provided without lifting a finger.
📍 Google Maps | Website | (760) 828-0510 | Beach setup $175+
A new and popular thing to do amongst locals and travelers involves a beach day with a luxury setup. When you arrive at your spot, everything is already set up for you and your group. The Beach Genie service does it all – no tear-down needed.
The variety of setups available is endless. Choose from cabanas, reclining lounge chairs, tables, drinks, food, decor, tablecloths, pillows, umbrellas, firepits, toys, towels, blankets, boogie boards, and so much more.
👉 Read Next: Is San Diego Safe to Visit Right Now?
iFLY Indoor Skydiving
Seek greater heights with a freefall that you can experience indoors.
📍 Google Maps | Website | (760) 606-4359 | Open 12 PM – 8:30 pm Mon-Fri, 9:30 am – 7 pm Sat & Sun reservations needed | $85/person | 👉Book your flight today
In Oceanside you can go from surfing the waves to getting the chance to fly like a seagull. If you haven’t yet had the opportunity to try indoor skydiving inside of a wind tunnel, now is your chance to try something new on your trip to Oceanside.
Make sure to book your indoor skydiving experience in advance to secure your flight time and prepare for takeoff for a much-needed dose of exhilaration!
Buena Vista Audubon Society & Nature Center
Walk in the wild and feel as free as a bird thanks to San Diego’s local chapter of the National Audubon Society.
📍 Google Maps | Website | (760) 439-2473 | Open Tuesday-Saturday 10am – 1pm, Closed Sunday-Monday | Free admission | Parking lot
The Buena Vista Audubon Society & Nature Center is San Diego’s local chapter of the National Audubon Society. Its mission in conservation allows visitors to walk or hike the many trails around the lagoon and check out the preserved land, native birds, and indigenous plants.
Feel free to enter as you wish and if you desire to learn more, they have great nature guides.
Sailing Blue Water Charters
Come sail aboard a private yacht — you may experience dolphins swimming right next to the boat.
📍 Google Maps | Website | (619) 994-2438 | Private charters at $150/hour (minimum 2 hours) for up to 6 people
⚠️ Closure Note: This attraction is temporarily closed.
Sailing Blue Water Charters lets you embark on a sailing adventure with a Master Captain, known as David “Skully” Mora. Your captain is a US Coast Guard vet, offering charters for over 17 years. He loves to share his passion for sailing and the ocean with guests aboard.
If you’re lucky, you might experience dolphins swimming right next to the boat. This private charter is perfect for a more intimate day on the sea compared to much larger public tours elsewhere.
🏄 Read Next: When is the Best Time to Visit San Diego?
Scavenger Hunt
Explore Oceanside through a curated app that makes discovering the area even more fun.
📍 Google Maps | Website | (843) 212-6609 | $10/person | Tuesday to Sunday
Operation City Quest brings you a local scavenger hunt as a fun and unique way to explore the town. Hunt for items and accomplish tasks to win points along the way.
The Scavenger Hunt is around 2 hours and the app will guide you from start to finish. All you’ll need to bring is a smartphone to play. For more information or to check availability, book your Scavenger Hunt here.
Mellano Farm Stand
Taste fresh watermelons, pick sunflowers, & ride a tractor through the fields.
📍 Google Maps | (760) 517-8383 | Open Thursday-Sunday, 10:30am – 5pm | Parking lot
Visit Mellano Farm Stand for fresh produce and flowers from a long-standing family farm. The farmstand is open year-round plus there are a ton of events to attend. Go to the seasonal Watermelon Festival, listen to live music, and enjoy food trucks, tractor rides, and DIY strawberry and sunflower picking.
If you visit in the summer, make sure to try the watermelon honey!
Surf Competitions
Learn from the best and see some of the most talented surfers in the U.S. take over the waves.
Catch a thrilling day of watching talented surfers for Nissan Super Girl Surf Pro, USA Surfing Prime, USA Surfing Championships, and other competitions right in the heart of Oceanside.
Surfers compete throughout the year here, especially in January, March, June, and September. The best time to watch is in late summer. The competitions are a fun outing for everyone and include vendors, live music, entertainment, and other surprises.
See Bioluminescent Waves
Spot illuminated sea plankton during the annual red tide.
There are spectacular bioluminescent waves in Oceanside around August, September, and October. When the smell and water is a reddish-brown color, during the dark hours of the night, the tide will light up bright blue from the illuminated plankton! Photography lovers catch the perfect long-exposure shots during this time.
Boat Parade of Lights
Wrap yourself in winter cheer at this free annual event on the water.
📍 Google Maps | Website | Hours vary, check the calendar
December marks the Oceanside Harbor Boat Parade of Lights. If you happen to visit in December and you’re looking for free activities, check out Oceanside Yacht Club’s annual Parade of Lights for a fantastic night. The captains deck out their boats in so many decorations and lights. It is quite a sight to see floating on top of the water.
🌴 Read Next: 33 Best Things to Do in Encinitas, CA
Whale Watch
Set sail on a harbor cruise — you never know what you might encounter.
📍 Google Maps | Website | (951) 522-6104 | Open daily 6 am-12 pm | Reservations required | $75/person cruise
San Diego is ranked one of the best places to whale watch (in fact, it’s definitely one of the most popular things to do in San Diego).
Oceanside is a place where you can witness the Winter and Spring Gray whales and spot the Summer and Fall Blue whales. Dolphin migration is seen on our coastline more around October – January.
To get as close as possible to these magnificent creatures, make sure you book a whale watching & dolphin adventure, located right in Oceanside Harbor.
Grunion Run
Watch Southern California fish spawn on beaches during the spring and summer months.
A Grunion fish is known for leaving water and coming to our shores at night for the spawning season. This special time in SoCal is better known as the California Grunion Run. It happens during the Spring and Summer months, especially around April, May, and June.
There are certain beaches up and down the coast of San Diego to San Luis Obispo that have the best grunion runs and lucky for you, Oceanside City Beach, Oceanside Harbor Beach, and Oceanside Pier View North Beach are all hotspots!
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If you’ve skimmed all the way here, you can see you’ve got a wealth of options for things to do when you visit Oceanside. Want ideas for more things to do in the area? Bookmark our Ultimate San Diego Travel Guide and keep planning!