Oceanside California

Vacation Guide To Oceanside

The beach community of Oceanside California is eighty four miles south of Los Angeles and at the north end of San Diego County. Right at the Interstate 5 freeway exit there is a California Welcome Center, where you can pick up plenty of information about visiting this area and California in general.

Camp Pendleton is the well known military base and marine corps training center located in Oceanside. But besides that, the town has about 3 miles of nice, sandy beaches. Go to the Oceanside Beach page.

Oceanside Harbor, California



At Oceanside Harbor you'll find yachts, boats, restaurants on the water and shops to browse. A 4 lane boat ramp allows you to bring your own watercraft. You can also rent kayaks if you like. The harbor makes a good stop for sailors on their way between San Diego and Newport Beach.

Where To Stay

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Read about Oceanside hotels by the beach or see other hotels in Oceanside further inland, including the Best Western Oceanside Inn.

For longer stays, see Oceanside Vacation Rentals.

Or sleep in your RV at the Oceanside RV park.

Buena Vista Lagoon Oceanside California


More Things To Do

At the south end of town, just before Carlsbad is a bird sanctuary and nature reserve called Buena Vista Lagoon.

For art lovers, there's the Oceanside Museum of Art downtown near the train station.

For those more into surfing, the California Surf Museum at 223 N. Coast Highway features exhibits about the evolution of the surfboard and the sport itself.

Mission San Luis Rey Oceanside California


California history buffs will appreciate visiting the largest of all the state's missions: Mission San Luis Rey de Francia, founded in 1798. They offer self guided tours and are located about four miles inland from the freeway. Behind the mission is the Heritage Park Village and Museum, which is an 1800's era village on display.


Statues at Mission San Luis Rey Oceanside


Getting There By Train

To get to Oceanside California via the rails, you can take Amtrak from San Diego or Los Angeles. In addition, Metrolink runs north to L.A. or northeastward to the Inland Empire. The Coaster is another option down to San Diego or any of the North County beach towns.


View Southern California Beaches in a larger map

Click here to see an overview of Oceanside California real estate, including information on home values, demographics, and much more.

Back from the Oceanside California page to the Southern California Beaches Vacation Guide home page.


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