Visit Oceanside Beach, a popular Oceanside California beach just south of Camp Pendleton, with nice sandy beaches without the crowds of the San Diego beaches.
December 11 2011 last update for Oceanside Beach.
Oceanside Harbor, near The Jetties, is a popular surfing and fishing area at the north end. Oceanside City Beach, along The Strand, has a boardwalk, Oceanside pier and wide open sand, and is great for swimming and boogie boarding. Nearby is the California Surf Museum. Further south is Buccaneer Beach Park, another surfing spot.
Parking: Parking lots on Mission Ave. just a few blocks from the beach. Parking available on The Strand, which runs along the beach. Other small parking lots and street parking available. Bring quarters for meters or dollar bills for self-pay lots; some street parking is free.
Getting There: Short walk to the beach from parking areas. There is a ramp at the Oceanside Pier.
Things to Do: Walking, jogging, roller blading, sunbathing, fishing from pier, swimming, bodyboarding, beach volleyball, surfing, beach fires in firepits, picnic in nearby parks, visit California Surf Museum a few blocks away.
Things to See: Young people at the beach, sunset over the Pacific Ocean
Facilities: Restrooms, showers, changing rooms, trash cans, amphitheatre, playground, small grassy parks along beach (like Tyson Street Park), picnic tables, Oceanside Pier, Oceanside Harbor nearby
Services: McDonalds and taco stand near the pier, vending machines, SeaBreeze cafe, surf shops, rental shops and hotels along the beach.
High Tide Access: Good access to this wide beach.
Lifeguard: Lifeguards during summer. For info. call 760-722-8000.
Dog Rules: No dogs allowed on the beach or pier. Leashed dogs are allowed on The Strand.
Things NOT to Do: No alcohol, no glass containers, no smoking, no littering, no disturbing noise, no overnight sleeping, camping or parking (except camping allowed near Harbor Beach area, limited spaces available), no fires outside fire rings or between 11 PM and 6 AM (except at Harbor Beach)
Disability Access: Some disabled parking and access near Oceanside Pier and along The Strand.
Hazards: Rip currents. Stay well clear of rocks, pilings and jetties
Oceanside Beach Driving Directions - From Interstate 5, go west on Mission Ave. to the Pacific Ocean. I recommend that you park in a parking lot before you get to The Strand, as parking along The Strand is limited.
Directions to Oceanside Beach by Train - You can easily reach Oceanside Beach from the San Diego Coaster Train. It is 4 blocks from the Oceanside Transit Center train station. Note: The Coaster trains have limited service on weekends and holidays, so check the current train schedule.
