Spanning almost 4 miles of lovely Pacific shoreline, Oceanside, CA, gives a diversified collection of seashores, every with its personal distinctive attraction.
That will help you discover the perfect seashore to suit your vibe, I’ve created this checklist of the perfect seashores in Oceanside. Organized from north to south, every seashore consists of an summary, issues to notice, and instructions and parking info.
Whether or not you’re on the lookout for unimaginable surf or a sandy stretch for household enjoyable, Oceanside, CA, has the right seashore for you.
Oceanside Harbor Seaside
Why Go: Widest and sandiest of the Oceanside, CA seashores with premier surf.
Oceanside Harbor Seaside is an extended, broad, sandy seashore located in entrance of Oceanside Harbor and bordered by two rock jetties. The marina is situated behind the seashore, with open ocean entry on the seashore’s northernmost finish.
This seashore is likely one of the greatest seashores in Oceanside for energetic individuals and households. It consists of volleyball courts and a children’ play space. Kiteboarding, windsurfing, browsing, sunbathing, and fishing are in style actions at this seashore. It has lifeguards, coated picnic tables, barbecues, fireplace pits, restrooms, and showers.
Noteworthy: Located adjoining to Oceanside Harbor Village, there are a number of close by facilities, together with quite a lot of retailers, eateries, and resorts like Marina Inn Resort.
Stand-up paddleboarding and kayaking are harbor favorites. You’ll be able to lease kayaks and different water tools right here, plus e-book crusing or deep-sea fishing journeys.
The seashore has among the greatest surf, making it an enormous draw for surfers and different watersport lovers. You’ll usually see surf competitions right here throughout summer season.
Parking and the right way to get right here: Take Harbor Drive exit off I-5, which is able to deliver you proper to the harbor entrance. There are numerous parking lots on the harbor. Some are free, some free with time restrictions, and the remaining paid.
Even paid heaps might have time restrictions. Watch the indicators rigorously when selecting rather a lot. While you pull into the harbor, in case you keep left, you’ll come to a tunnel below the railway bridge. The tunnel takes you to a big, free car parking zone with the least time restrictions (Lot 1). It’s additionally farthest from the seashore.
Breakwater Approach Seaside
Why Go: Quieter, family-friendly seashore additionally in style with surfers and volleyball gamers.
Breakwater Approach Seaside is situated north of Oceanside Pier and south of the San Luis Rey River mouth. Among the finest seashores in Oceanside for households, it’s a big stretch of sand lined with palm timber.
There are lifeguards, restrooms, showers, barbecue grills, and picnic tables, making it a one-stop seashore for all your loved ones’s wants. Sunbathing, browsing, and volleyball are the principle attracts of Breakwater Approach seashore.
Nevertheless, in the summertime months, browsing is closed in entrance of Lifeguard Tower 8, so surfers should stroll alongside the jetty to get into the water.
Noteworthy: One of many least populated seashores, the river jetty is the place the San Luis Rey River and the Pacific Ocean meet. A sandbar usually kinds right here, creating an epic surf break. For security, keep away from swimming, wading, or enjoying within the water the place the river meets the ocean.
Parking and the right way to get right here: Take the Coast Freeway exit west off I-5, flip left on Coast Freeway and go two blocks to Surfrider Approach, flip proper and go to North Pacific Avenue, flip proper and go three blocks to Breakwater Approach. There’s a pay lot on the nook of Breakwater Approach and North Pacific Avenue. Metered parking can also be out there alongside North Pacific Avenue.
Pier View North Seaside
Why Go: A quiet, native favourite; sunbathing, swimming, and browsing.
Pier View North Seaside is located on the north facet of Oceanside Pier with a wider, longer, and sandier stretch of seashore. That is the right seashore to loosen up with family and friends whereas having fun with actions like sunbathing, browsing, swimming, fishing, and volleyball.
There are two lifeguard towers at this seashore. Through the summer season, a selected space of this seashore, marked by flags, is closed to browsing however open to all different water actions.
Noteworthy: The Oceanside Seaside Group Middle is simply north of Pier View North Seaside. It’s near issues to do in Oceanside, just like the Oceanside Pier and the downtown space.
Parking and the right way to get right here: Take the Mission Avenue exit off I-5 and go west to North Pacific Avenue. There’s one small pay car parking zone close to this seashore, but it surely fills up quick through the summer season. Extra pay parking heaps are on the nook of North Myers Avenue and Mission Avenue and east of North Pacific Avenue on Surfrider Approach. There’s additionally metered parking alongside North Pacific Avenue.
Oceanside Pier
Why go: Historic coronary heart of the Oceanside seashore neighborhood; backdrop for browsing competitions; reside live shows and occasions at outside pier amphitheater; pier fishing.
You could be questioning how Oceanside Pier made the checklist of greatest oceanside seashores. It’s a pier, in spite of everything.
The reply is straightforward. It’s an iconic fixture that separates Pier View North from Pier View South seashores. It’s a historic landmark initially inbuilt 1888 and one of many longest picket piers (spanning 1,942 toes) on the California coast.
Close to the Junior Seau Oceanside Pier Plaza Amphitheater, you’re near the reside performances and occasions which can be frequently scheduled there.
Noteworthy: A serious draw is, after all, pier fishing which doesn’t require you to have a fishing license. With its expansive size, there’s ample house for everybody. There’s a bait store with rental tools on the pier.
When you don’t fish, it’s at all times enjoyable watching the surfers and marine life play within the water. Seize a espresso or an ice cream and hit the pier to get pleasure from a leisurely stroll and unimaginable views. A Nineteen Fifties diner on the finish of the pier has closed however will likely be changed. Adjoining to the previous diner, a tiny, new seafood-inspired idea opens in Spring 2023.
Parking and the right way to get right here: Take the Mission Avenue exit off I-5 and go west to North Pacific Avenue. You’ll see the pier to your proper. There are a number of parking choices surrounding the pier on each side. They embody free parking heaps, metered parking alongside streets, and free time-restricted spots and plenty.
On your comfort, the Metropolis of Oceanside Parking Map offers a whole overview of the parking choices close to the pier. Be aware the Oceanside Transit Middle gives free parking heaps three blocks away.
Pier View South Seaside
Why Go: Finest seashore within the coronary heart of the motion; entry to probably the most facilities and actions.
The most well-liked seashore in Oceanside, Pier View South Seaside is situated south of the historic Oceanside Pier in downtown Oceanside.
A large and sandy stretch, the seashore has lifeguards, barbecues, picnic tables, and firepits. Swimming, browsing, bodyboarding, bodysurfing, sunbathing, and fishing are the most typical seashore actions.
This seashore additionally hosts browsing contests through the summer season, and the close by Junior Seau Oceanside Pier Amphitheater hosts numerous cultural and musical occasions all year long. You’ll discover meals and tools rental distributors right here too.
Noteworthy: The home from the film Prime Gun is immediately throughout the road from Pier View South. Now a retro pie store, The Excessive Pie homes memorabilia from the film. Pier View South Seaside blends seamlessly into Tyson Avenue Seaside and Park, additionally an Oceanside favourite. Visitors of The Seabird Resort and Mission Pacific Resort additionally stroll throughout the road to this seashore.
Parking and the right way to get right here: Take the Mission Avenue exit off I-5 and go west to North Pacific Avenue. There are two pay parking heaps located north and south of the pier.
If these heaps are full, there’s one other pay car parking zone on Myers Avenue and Mission Avenue, only one block east of South Pacific Avenue. Metered parking will also be discovered on South Pacific Avenue. The Oceanside Transit Middle gives free parking three blocks away.
Tyson Avenue Seaside and Park
Why Go: Folks watching; being within the heart of the motion; a grassy park with playground.
Tyson Avenue Seaside and Park is likely one of the hottest Oceanside seashores south of Oceanside Pier. The park and seashore are located on both facet of The Strand, the place automobiles crawl by for a have a look at beachgoers and the ocean past.
Tyson Avenue Park, immediately behind the seashore, has a kids’s playground and bogs on a big grassy space. Throughout summer season, there’s a pleasant mixture of younger adults and households blanketing the grassy space and the sandy seashore in entrance of it. The park is a well-liked place to picnic.
Noteworthy: Dramatic stairs lead from South Pacific Avenue to Tyson Avenue Park under, with a pedestrian crossing to the seashore.
The Aqua Café is a traditional seashore shack-style café tucked behind the park with a menu of tasty, nutritious, and natural eats – dine in, or take out. The café additionally has native music on Sunday afternoons.
Parking and the right way to get right here: Take the Mission Avenue exit off I-5 and go west towards the ocean, flip left on South Pacific Avenue. The park and seashore are about one-half mile up in your proper.
Parking on South Pacific Avenue is metered, and there’s a paid lot at Mission Avenue and Meyers Avenue. About three blocks behind Tyson Park is the Oceanside Transit Middle car parking zone with free parking and a charging station. There are three handicapped parking areas in Tyson Park, accessed off First Avenue and S. The Strand.
Wisconsin Avenue Seaside
Why Go: A paid car parking zone proper throughout from the seashore; an entry level to the Pier and Pier seashores; summertime low-tide jog or stroll.
Wisconsin Avenue Seaside is oddly named, as its location is on the nook of South Pacific Avenue and Wisconsin Avenue, not avenue.
Through the years, the seashore has gotten more and more slim because of erosion. Now, even at low tide, the seashore is little greater than a slim strip of moist, hard-packed sand.
Massive boulders line the seashore shoreside and separate it from The Strand and beachfront properties behind it. It’s a “again door” to the extra in style seashores on both facet of Oceanside Pier.
It’s additionally a gathering spot at sundown when people and {couples} line the boulders to look at the solar’s spectacular descent into the Pacific Ocean. The seashore is open to all actions and is lifeguard-protected (Tower 7). No canines.
Noteworthy: There are restrooms/showers and picnic tables on one facet of the Wisconsin Avenue car parking zone. Despite the fact that seashore visitors alongside The Strand is one-way coming towards you, relaxation assured you possibly can flip into the car parking zone from Wisconsin Avenue. Stairs result in South Pacific Avenue.
Parking and the right way to get right here: Take I-5 to Oceanside Boulevard, exit west towards the seashores, flip proper on South Pacific Avenue to Wisconsin Avenue, flip left, and go down the block-long hill.
A car parking zone is on the appropriate with a U-shaped drive-through. The seashore is throughout the road. Paid lot. Avenue parking is metered or time-restricted north of Wisconsin alongside South Pacific Avenue. Parking is free alongside South Pacific Avenue south of Wisconsin however may be time-restricted. Test the indicators.
Oceanside Boulevard Seaside
Why Go: A straightforward entry level for a low-tide seashore stroll; a quiet place to perch atop an enormous boulder at sundown
This small seashore on the finish of Oceanside Boulevard is barely larger than Buccaneer Seaside, the smallest of the Oceanside seashores. You’ll discover a sandy space about 200 toes broad that’s lifeguard protected throughout summer season (Tower 9). It’s a terrific start line for a stroll alongside the Pacific Ocean.
Like many smaller Oceanside seashores, excessive tides usually depart the seashore with hardpacked, damp sand. However you’ll nonetheless discover a couple of solar worshipers getting their tans on right here.
Noteworthy: Oceanside Boulevard Seaside is a serene place to take a seat atop the boulders that line the shoreline for a West Coast sundown. Don’t be stunned to see some boulders already occupied with cairns – stacks of stones. This seashore is reserved for swimming, wading, and bodyboarding solely. There are not any bogs at this seashore, however there’s an outside bathe to rinse sandy toes. No canines allowed.
Parking and the right way to get right here: Take Oceanside Boulevard from I-5 to South Pacific Avenue and park there or alongside different close by streets. No parking charges.
Buccaneer Seaside
Why Go: A tiny, family-friendly seashore with every part you want shut by.
Nestled between oceanfront properties and condos on both facet, Buccaneer Seaside is the smallest of the lifeguard-protected Oceanside, CA, seashores (Tower 11).
The family-friendly seashore has all of it — handy lot parking, a grassy park with a kids’s playground, a small café, and public bogs, all situated immediately throughout South Pacific Avenue. There’s even a marked pedestrian crossing between the facilities and the seashore.
Noteworthy: Buccaneer Park, throughout South Pacific Avenue from the seashore, has a kids’s playground, a big grassy space, basketball courts, charcoal grills, picnic tables, bogs, and showers.
You’ll discover Buccaneer Café right here as properly, the place you may get breakfast, lunch, or snacks every day from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. Subsequent to the park is a footpath working alongside Loma Alta Creek for a enjoyable nature stroll or birdwatching alternative.
Canines usually are not allowed on this seashore. Browsing is accessible on both facet of the seashore space however not in entrance of the seashore, the place it’s solely swimming, wading, and physique boarding.
Parking and the right way to get right here: To get right here, take I-5 north to Vista Approach exit, go west towards the seashore to Coast Freeway (101), flip proper and go to Cassidy Avenue, the place you’ll go left to South Pacific Avenue, flip proper, and go a half mile. The seashore is on the left, parking is on the appropriate behind Buccaneer Café. No parking charges.
Cassidy Avenue Seaside
Why Go: An area favourite for a second of Zen; entry level for an energizing seashore stroll.
You’ll wish to watch the tide tables for this seashore, because it’s utterly absorbed at excessive tide. The seashore is lengthy and slim and lined with giant boulders shoreside to create an erosion barrier for coastal properties.
This doesn’t depart room for rather more than a low-tide seashore stroll. However once more, time it rigorously.
Though lifeguard tower 15 is situated on the seashore right here, there’s seldom a lifeguard current. There are not any bogs right here, both. For these causes, there could also be higher seashores for households with children.
Noteworthy: On the finish of Cassidy Avenue, you’ll see a stable picket staircase that takes you all the way down to the seashore. Don’t be stunned to seek out somebody meditating on a bench on the prime of the steps or to see a non-public wedding ceremony ceremony on the seashore under. Typically individuals will take their lunch break up prime, having fun with the sounds of waves crashing on rocks.
Parking and the right way to get right here: Cassidy Avenue Seaside is the southernmost public entry seashore in Oceanside. To get right here, take I-5 north to Vista Approach exit, go west towards the seashore to Coast Freeway (101), flip proper and go to Cassidy Avenue, the place you’ll flip left and go straight to the lifeless finish.
There’s restricted parking on the Cassidy Avenue dead-end. Extra parking is accessible alongside South Pacific Avenue. No parking charges.
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