Located in northern San Diego County, Oceanside is a lively beach town known for its palm tree-covered Harbor Beach and Oceanside Pier which juts into the Pacific Ocean. This coastal city is one of only 14 designated cultural districts in the state, and visitors can experience Southern California’s unique California Surf Museum that traces the sport's history with a surfboard collection and exhibits on famous athletes.

There’s a thriving art scene here, and sculptures, paintings, and drawings from the region are on display at the Oceanside Museum of Art. Oceanside’s large inlet hosts a marina, beaches, seafood restaurants, and casual beachy boutiques, making it a lively California getaway. Oceanside is also a fantastic pick for nature lovers with many surfing, fishing, and hiking opportunities.

Like most of Southern California, the weather in Oceanside is usually warm and dry from June to October. In August, the city hosts an annual surfing contest and beach festival, making it a lovely time to catch some waves and exciting competition fun. The Taste of Oceanside in October features food, wine, and beer tastings in this increasingly food-focused destination, so this is a popular time to book Oceanside vacation house rentals. November sees an influx of bikers for the annual Bike the Coast bike ride up Historic Route 101. Winters tend to be a bit cooler and partly cloudy, but the temperatures are still pleasant with a light jacket.

Local Farms

There are a number of family-owned farms worth checking out around Oceanside. Some even host community block parties and holiday festivals with live music and wonderful food trucks. Many offer other events that are great for all ages like tractor rides, curated crafts, and strawberry picking. Of course, you can also just enjoy shopping at the local farm stands’ and browsing the selection of fresh produce and seasonal flowers.

Colorful Murals and Street Art

Oceanside is home to many wonderful artists who have created more than two dozen vibrant murals in the center of town and in the southside. The best way to view them is to take a self-guided tour, and you can find a map with the location and a picture of each mural on the city’s website, so you can create your own route and snap the perfect vacation selfie.

Fishing and the Grunion Run

Oceanside’s long expansive shores and jetties, fishing charters, and two fishing piers allow for plenty of fishing and people-watching. For a truly unique fishing experience, check out Southern California’s famous Grunion Run. Each year between March and August, small six-inch silvery fish ride the waves onto the shore and beach themselves as part of their spawning. Those with a California sport fishing license can catch the grunion, but only with their bare hands.