There is just something about California that keeps drawing us back for family vacations year after year.
It’s the intoxicating combination of palm tree lined boardwalks, pastel sunsets, beachside cafes, and the glitz of city lights.
Although we have yet to meet a beach that we don’t love, we do have a few favorites that we always return to. Oceanside, or O’side, is one of those.
This family-friendly beach town has plenty to do within walking distance and I’m excited to share with you seven of our favorite things to do in Oceanside, California!
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7 of the Best Things to Do in Oceanside with Kids
Table of Contents
- 1. Cruise The Strand at Sunset
- 2. Relax on the Beach
- 3. Explore the Historic Pier
- 4. Visit Oceanside Harbor Village
- 5. Stop by the California Surf Museum
- 6. See the Top Gun house
- 7. Shop the Sunset Market
- A few more things to do in Oceanside:
- Where to stay in Oceanside
- Best Family-friendly places to eat in Oceanside
1. Cruise The Strand at Sunset
One of our favorite things to do in Oceanside is cruise The Strand at sunset.
The Strand is a 1.5-mile one-way southbound street that follows between Breakwater Way and Wisconsin Avenue.
You may recognize this stretch of ocean road that Tom Cruise rides his motorcycle down on Top Gun.
The pavement runs parallel to the shoreline and captures the true essence of California.
With crashing waves on one side, and colorful cottages and towering palm trees on the other.
You’ll find a mix of tourists taking a stroll, locals out for a jog, and convertibles slowly cruising along.
Everyone is out enjoying the coastal breeze while soaking up the last drops of sun before it dips into the ocean.
We like to bring our own skateboards to ride along The Strand, but bicycles are also available for rent.
The Wheel Fun Rentals kiosk is located near the pier, and rentals are $25/hour. While you’re there, grab a sweet treat from the funnel cake stand next to the bike rentals!
2. Relax on the Beach
With 3 miles of coastline, you’re bound to find some prime real estate to set up your beach chairs and spend the day relaxing in the California sun.
If you want to get out and enjoy the waves, I would recommend taking a private surf lesson.
The instructors are great and my kids were all able to stand up and catch a wave! Surfboards are also available for rent at a small shop near the pier.
Another unique option to try is a Sumo Surf Tube that is available for rent from Upsports for $25 for the day.
We saw some kids riding one in the ocean and it looked so fun, we’ll have to try it out next time!
At the end of the day, cozy up around one of the many fire pits on the beach for a bonfire and s’mores.
You’ll find the fire pits scattered around the beaches near the pier and north of Oceanside Harbor. These fill up fast in the summer, so come early to claim your spot!
There are 8 beaches that can be found along Oceanside’s Coastline, all connected with the same strip of sand.
Here are the different beaches that can be found in Oceanside beginning at the north:
- Harbor Beach: The main hub for water sports and rentals. It is also located adjacent to Oceanside Harbor with plenty of restaurants and shops.
- Breakwater Way: This is a favorite spot for families. The beach is less crowded and kids flock to the shallow waters of the San Luis Rey River mouth. However, playing in the river is discouraged due to strong currents and high levels of bacteria in the river. Showers, restrooms, and picnic tables are available.
- Pier View North Beach: This beach has more sand and fewer crowds than South Beach. Volleyball courts are available, but you must provide your own net and ball.
- Pier View South Beach: Located just south of the pier, this beach is the most popular beach in Oceanside. It is the location for various surfing competitions in the summer months. A playground, restrooms, picnic tables, barbecue grills, and food vendors are available.
- Tyson Street Beach: A great spot for families with a playground, grass, and picnic facilities. The park is located on the other side of The Strand across from the beach.
- Wisconsin Street Beach: One of the least visited beaches in Oceanside. The beach is smaller and can only be accessed at low tide. You can find an access ramp to the beach at Lifeguard Tower 7.
- Oceanside Boulevard Beach: This narrow beach is located in front of private homes. It is a smaller beach with large boulders, but less frequented. Restrooms are not on-site but there is a shower.
- Buccaneer Beach: The beach itself is relatively small, however, it is neighbors with Buccaneer Park. The park offers a playground, basketball court, picnic and barbecue facilities, a snack bar, restrooms, and showers.
3. Explore the Historic Pier
Oceanside’s Historic Pier is one of the area’s most recognizable landmarks.
It extends almost 2,000 feet across the ocean and is one of the longest wooden piers found on the West Coast.
The original pier was built in the late 1880s but was destroyed in a storm. The pier was then rebuilt and destroyed twice again over the years until the final construction in 1926.
The grand opening of the new pier drew in a crowd of over 20,000. Today it still continues to draw in crowds.
The pier is always buzzing with activity. We like to walk to the end of the pier and grab a malt shake at Ruby’s Diner.
*Update: Unfortunately Ruby’s Diner burned down during the May 2024 fire.
About halfway along the pier, you’ll find a little shop where you can rent fishing poles or pick up inexpensive souvenirs like $3 shark tooth necklaces and bracelets.
It’s also fun to watch the fishermen bring in their catch.
We once spotted a small shark that was brought in and released, my kids thought it was so cool!
There are always large sea birds hanging out hoping to get some lunch, be sure to keep your eye out for the resident pelican, Charlie!
The pier is also a great place to watch surfers catch a wave. Bring some change to check out the view from the coin-operated binoculars found along the pier.
Just north of the pier, there is also a rock jetty that is fun to walk on and explore.
4. Visit Oceanside Harbor Village
Oceanside Harbor Village has the feel of a charming Cape Cod seaside town.
The harbor is lined with restaurants and shops while docked sailboats bob up and down in the water.
Enjoy waterfront dining, spot seals playing in the bay, or book one of the many activities or tours that depart from the harbor.
Some of the more popular activities include whale-watching tours, or renting a boat, jet ski, kayak, or paddleboard.
The spring is the best time for spotting whales. Oceanside Adventures offers 2-hour cruises for $39/adults and $29/kids.
In the evenings we love dining on the outdoor patio at Harbor Fish and Chips then walking over to Nana and Pop Pop’s Sweet Shop for our favorite Thrifty ice-cream cones.
The black cherry will always be my favorite.
Oceanside Harbor Village is the perfect place to unwind at the end of the day while catching one of California’s stunning sunsets.
If you head around to the north side of the harbor you’ll find sea lions and seals lounging on the floating docks.
If the sea lions are out they will get pretty vocal, the kids got a kick out of it! The harbor seals are more shy and keep quiet.
The iconic “Oceanside” sign is also found here.
Harbor Village is located about one mile north of the pier. We like to ride our skateboards there, you can also rent bikes or walk.
The Strand does not connect all the way to Harbor Village, but there are side streets that you can take to get there.
5. Stop by the California Surf Museum
If you’ve ever watched Soul Surfer and heard the remarkable story of Bethany Hamilton, then you’ll want to stop by the California Surf Museum.
Bethany’s surfboard with the shark bite and the swimsuit she was wearing at the time of the attack are both on display.
The exhibit talks about her experience and resilient spirit, it truly is inspiring.
The museum is one of the top surf museums in the nation. It chronicles the history of surfing with permanent and rotating exhibits.
The museum was much smaller than I had expected, but there is plenty of information to read.
Entrance is $5/adults, $3/kids, and 11 years and younger are free.
The museum is geared more toward older kids and adults, you won’t find any hands-on exhibits or a special kids’ area.
6. See the Top Gun house
If you’re a fan of the blockbuster movie, Top Gun, you’ll likely remember Charlie’s house.
It was featured throughout the movie, one of the more popular scenes is when Maverick showed up at her front door for dinner.
The Queen Anne Victorian Cottage was originally built in 1887 by Dr. Henry Graves and is one of the oldest remaining homes in Oceanside.
For years the house remained abandoned and could be seen from the beach on 102 Pacific Street.
The area is currently in the process of being developed into a resort so the house has been temporarily relocated.
The resort is planning to renovate the house and incorporate it into its complex.
I am hoping they turn it into a cute ice cream parlor or coffee shop. I have no doubt visitors will be lined up out the door to eat an ice cream cone from the Top Gun house!
For now, the house sits on a vacant lot on Meyers street next to the Springhill Suites, but keep your eye out for its new future home!
*Update: The Top Gun House has since been reopened as a sweet shop called High Pie.
Much of the movie was filmed in the San Diego area, here is a more extensive list of Top Gun filming locations.
7. Shop the Sunset Market
Every Thursday from 5-9, four city blocks on the corner of Coast Hwy and Pier View Way transform into an outdoor market.
The Oceanside Sunset Market is a vibrant street fair featuring over 200 international food and local artisan vendors.
Live music floats through the air adding to the electric energy and laid-back beach vibe.
There is also a children’s area, Dorothy’s KidZone, with free activities.
This family-friendly event is held every Thursday year-round, except for Thanksgiving. However, it may be canceled due to inclement weather.
Come earlier in the day from 9 am-1 pm to shop at the Oceanside Farmer’s Market.
Here you’ll find locally grown organic fruit and produce, as well as homemade baked goods.
A few more things to do in Oceanside:
Those are our top 7 favorite things to do in Oceanside that are within walking distance of the main beach and pier.
Here are a few more things to do in Oceanside that are not within walking distance, but still worth a visit if you have the time.
- The Mission San Luis Rey is considered the largest mission in California. Take a self-guided tour of this historic 1798 Spanish Catholic Church and museum. The architecture and detail are extraordinary. Admission to the museum is $7/adults and $3/kids. Make a day of it and rent bikes then ride along the 7-mile San Luis Rey bike trail to reach the Mission.
- Heritage Park Village Museum is a collection of the original buildings in downtown Oceanside. You’ll find the city’s first General Store, city jail, schoolhouse, blacksmith shop, newspaper printing shop, and many more original structures. Be sure to make a stop at the North County Model Railroad Museum where you can operate model trains with the help of volunteers. The park is open to the public Wednesdays thru Sundays from 9-4 pm. Entrance is free but donations are always appreciated.
- Guajome County Park offers wide-open spaces for walks, bike rides, picnics, and fishing. You’ll also find a historic 1850s adobe ranch house.
- The Buena Vista Lagoon is the only freshwater lagoon in Southern California. It is home to a variety of birds and mammals. Visit the BVAS Nature Center to learn more about the lagoon and the creatures that reside there. Check the calendar for special children’s events held throughout the month.
- Amtrak’s Pacific Surfliner train runs right through the city of Oceanside. This rail line connects to the major cities along the coast. Consider taking a day trip down to San Diego. The views along the way are magnificent as it hugs the coastline. It also takes the headache out of dealing with traffic and parking.
Where to stay in Oceanside
Every time we visit Oceanside, we always stay at the Marriott SpringHill Suites.
The hotel is conveniently situated a block from the beach and pier.
For years it had beachfront views, but a new resort is currently being constructed in the vacant lot in front of the beach so the view may be obstructed.
However, we love that the location is within walking distance of restaurants, shops, and all of our favorite things to do in Oceanside. They even have a cute cafe onsite.
Our favorite feature of the hotel is the rooftop pool and hot tub.
I’m convinced that the views over the ocean and city are the best in all of Oceanside.
The kids especially love watching the Surfliner Train thundering by from the rooftop.
When they aren’t at the beach, you can always find my kids swimming and doing cannonballs into the pool.
And there really is nothing better than relaxing in the hot tub under the stars at the end of the day.
The complimentary continental breakfast is a bonus, as well as the option to rent beach equipment like chairs, umbrellas, and boogie boards.
The only downside is the hotel’s location to the train. If at all possible, book a room farthest away from the tracks, it makes a big difference.
Each room is stocked with earplugs and a noise machine which helps. Even with the noise of the train, we still love staying at this hotel!
Best Family-friendly places to eat in Oceanside
- Petite Madeline Bakery in downtown Oceanside has the best lava cake.
- Beach Brake serves a delicious breakfast, try the crunchy French toast and coffee cake.
- Pedro’s Tacos off the 76 has the best potato and fish tacos.
- Try Felix’s BBQ With Soul for a hearty meal of pulled pork and homemade cornbread.
- That Boy Good is another great Southern BBQ joint, try their fried chicken and waffles.
- Stop at Ty’s Burger House for the best gourmet burgers in town. Try the Mac and Cheese Burger.
- If you have picky eaters, try the “build your own pizza” at Zig Zag Pizza.
We hope this guide will help you find the best things to do in Oceanside on your next family vacation. It is one of our favorite places to escape together as a family, and I hope it will become yours as well!
Other posts you might be interested in:
- 12 Unforgettable Things to Do in San Diego with Kids
- 9 of the Best Things to Do in Orange County with Kids
- Family-friendly LA
- A Complete Travel Guide to Newport Beach, CA
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