Oceanside Brings California Charm with Its Culture and Chill Vibes

Vacay.ca occasionally publishes content on destinations outside of Canada that our editors believe will be of keen interest to our audience. This article focuses on the surf city of Oceanside on California’s Pacific coast. For more International coverage, venture to VacayNetwork.com.

The easiness that defines Oceanside was keenly made aware to me along the city’s landmark pier. The 595-metre (1,954-foot) boardwalk that stretches into the Pacific Ocean like the nose of a surfboard chasing a wave buzzed with activity from foot to tip. Anglers young and old wrestled with the groupers and flounders that bit into baited hooks and were lifted more than 100 feet to the nets that swept them up just long enough to untangle the line and settle them into a tackle box. Anyone can do it. You don’t need a fishing license and if you’re a visitor you can rent poles and purchase bait at stores near the pier. Designated metal rod holders are stationed along the wooden walkway and the public can use them to rest their poles until they get a bite. It’s thrilling, too, just to watch.

And that may be the most attractive feature of the Oceanside Pier — the sights are jaw dropping and beautiful, whether manmade or natural like the sunset.

Some of the best surfing in the world takes place in Oceanside and you can watch the wave seekers from the pier. There’s also the California Surf Museum, a 10-minute walk from the landmark. It gives a background and history of the sport, providing more respect for those who participate.

Until recently Oceanside was in a bit of an odd pocket — farther from Los Angeles than other beach towns and without enough amenities or infrastructure to support tourism growth. But in 2013 the change of Mission Avenue from two-way traffic to one way made Oceanside more walkable, and enticing for local businesses. The thoroughfare leads down to the beach and the Pacific Ocean, so it was no surprise that hotels debuted as the number of travellers eager to get out of their cars and explore increased. With the rise in accommodations came more restaurants and then tour operators.

Two immaculate hotels opened in 2019 and a long-time standout, SpringHill Suites Marriott Oceanside, recently underwent a $4-million renovation that makes it a smart choice for consumers. A thriving craft-brewery scene emerged and with the pandemic over Oceanside is poised to ride the wave of record-setting tourism that has gripped the world.

Located about 30 minutes by car north of San Diego, it is a classic California coastal town. Laid-back hippie vibes, a long and beautiful beach, wild surfs, and plenty of quirks await. Families should try the surrey four-wheel family cycle from Wheel Fun Rentals. It’s a stable, easy-to-pedal bike that you can pick up beneath the pier and ride along the coastline.

Stop for photographs or tacos and pedal on in the sunshine. My 6-year-old kindergartner, Gabriel, sat between his parents and turned giddy during the novel experience. Although both adult riders have steering wheels, the only one that works belongs to the rider on the left side. But both riders can, and should, pedal to keep the rickshaw-like bike moving.

Another activity kids and their parents will enjoy is a whale-watching tour with Oceanside Adventures. Fin whales, humpbacks, and gray whales are likely to be seen, with views of dolphins and orcas also possible. The tour starts in Oceanside’s quaint Harbor Village, where local stores with a nautical theme sell souvenirs and clothing, and a number of restaurants await. We visited the Lighthouse Oyster Bar, located in a namesake structure that overlooks the marina. The oysters, which actually come from Virginia, were delicious.

Along with the Surf Museum, which does a good job of explaining the sport’s history and the science behind the waves, Oceanside’s art museum is also worth a visit. Both are small spaces that won’t take much time to enjoy, which is key when travelling with kids. Notably, the Oceanside Museum of Art has children in mind with its scavenger hunt, which challenges boys and girls to find the images in the collection that are shown on a handout. Some images are easily spotted, while others take some time to locate as they’re not central to the piece they’re in.

Gabriel took to the challenge with excitement and even enlisted the help of another patron to find the most obscure of the hunt’s images. It was good and educational fun that immersed him in the artwork. A simple, but clever game that sparked his imagination.

As did the scene on the pier. In its sixth iteration, following destructive storms, the pier is a beacon for anyone in the city. Built in 1987, the current pier is alive with giddiness and spontaneity. With its buzz of activity, charming and reputable food stand, the Brine Box, and forever sunsets, the structure is an attraction that is fitting for residents and tourists. It embodies the hallmarks of Oceanside: A place with joy for all things water and playful ways to interact with it that are neither extravagant nor exclusive.

Far from the ritz of Newport or Laguna beach, Oceanside is a throwback to the California of bonfires on the shore, Beach Boys in your ear, and flip-flops for fashion. Of the many times I’ve been to California (mostly the Bay Area), this was the first experience where I left wishing for more of what I found in Oceanside: The California that now seems like it’s from lore; a place before big tech and endless highway consternations, one of peacefulness and gentle pleasures. It’s certainly worth a visit as it finds its day in the tourism sun.

MORE ABOUT VISITING OCEANSIDE

Getting There: The best flight option for Canadian travellers to reach Oceanside is to arrive in San Diego and venture north from there, either by rental car or taxi/ride app. Public transit is also a good option, with Amtrak and the North County Transit District (NCTD) Coaster each operating trains to Oceanside (though not to the San Diego airport). The Coaster is a commuter train similar to Toronto’s GO Transit or Vancouver’s West Coast Express. A one-way ride from either of San Diego’s two stops (Old Town or Santa Fe Depot in downtown) to Oceanside costs $6.50 USD (about $9 CAD) and takes about one hour. I flew with my family from Vancouver to Anaheim (John Wayne Airport in Orange County) for a visit to Disneyland and then took an Uber for about $85 USD (about $117 CAD) to Oceanside.

Where to Stay: SpringHill Suites Marriott Oceanside is a pleasant and comfortable option, especially for families. There’s a rooftop pool and hot tub, and the beach is only one block away. Breakfast is served daily and the first-floor “Board House” provides rental options for a variety of recreational items such as surfboards, bicycles, and beach towels. The adjacent Hello Betty restaurant offers a discount to hotel guests and serves good tacos, and fish and chips. Location: 110 North Myers Street, Oceanside, California (see map below). Room Rates: A weekend night in June, based on a recent search of the property’s booking engine, starts at $225 USD (about $310 CAD).

 

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Disclosure: Visit Oceanside provided Visa gift cards to Vacay.ca Managing Editor Adrian Brijbassi and his family during their stay to cover some dining costs. No business or organization reviewed the article before it was published.