Oceanside in North County San Diego is perhaps an additional drive for those who’re coming from the San Diego Worldwide Airport, however it’s chock stuffed with family-friendly actions and locations to remain. Relying on the size of your trip, you’ll be able to choose to remain in certainly one of Oceanside’s motels or drive up if staying in San Diego.
These planning an entertaining day in Oceanside with children can create lasting reminiscences and discover plentiful actions to maintain their little (or massive) ones entertained. Oceanside has all the pieces from lovely seashores to partaking museums to fabulous meals.
The town is designed for lively households seeking to benefit from the nice outside, however you don’t have to return throughout summer season to get pleasure from the very best—there are many enjoyable household actions to do all 12 months lengthy.
Key Takeaways
See additionally: Final Information to San Diego Household Actions
Seashores and Water Enjoyable
Oceanside presents many amusing seaside actions for households. From sandy seashores to browsing classes, there’s a lot to do exterior to maintain children entertained.
Exploring Oceanside’s Sandy Seashores
Oceanside’s sandy seashores are excellent for a household time out. Buccaneer Seaside is smaller however much less crowded, which could be preferrred if you wish to stroll round with the kiddos to let off some pent-up vitality.
Oceanside Harbor Seaside has bigger seashores with extra facilities, reminiscent of picnic tables, BBQ grills, and, better of all, a children’ play space. It’s additionally near eateries for those who want a chunk to eat after exploring.
Ideas
See additionally: Information to Household Seashores in San Diego
Surf’s Up: Classes and Browsing Tradition
Oceanside is understood for its vibrant browsing tradition. You’ll virtually at all times spot surfers by the Oceanside Pier.
A number of surf faculties, reminiscent of Oceanside Surf College or North County Surf Academy, provide beginner-friendly classes. Instructors give attention to instructing fundamental expertise and security guidelines.
It’s an effective way to introduce your children to browsing and the ocean. You may as well go to native surf retailers to purchase cool gear.
Paddleboarding and Kayaking Adventures
For one thing totally different, attempt paddleboarding or kayaking. Paddleboarding is calm in comparison with the crashing waves of browsing. It’s a superb exercise and straightforward for teenagers to choose up.
Kayaking is another choice, letting households discover the harbor or close by waters. Some locations even provide guided excursions. Simply keep in mind to convey sunscreen and keep hydrated.
Spend the Whole Day at Oceanside Harbor Village
Oceanside Harbor Village is a family-friendly spot to eat and play by the water. Eat at one of many oceanfront eating spots that provide eating for all ages. The fast-casual choices let households with youthful kids discover one thing to eat with out spending too lengthy at a sit-down restaurant with antsy toddlers.
You may as well lease a ship or store at one of many many shops. Oceanside Harbor Village is the right place to make household reminiscences.
Outside Actions and Parks
You possibly can uncover loads of enjoyable household actions exterior and fascinating parks in Oceanside that can hold your children entertained. From watching whales to having fun with a picnic, there’s one thing for each household.
Whale Watching and Nature Excursions
If your loved ones loves the ocean, remember to go whale watching. The coastal waters round Oceanside are excellent for recognizing whales, dolphins, and sea lions. Native excursions usually present binoculars and guides that share fascinating details about marine life.
You would possibly even see an impressive grey whale or playful pods of dolphins. It’s an unforgettable expertise that the children will speak about for weeks or doubtlessly a life-long reminiscence.
Picnics and Playgrounds in Oceanside Parks
Oceanside’s parks are excellent for picnics and playtime. Tyson Road Park has a playground for youthful kids, picnic tables, and nice views to observe the sundown. You possibly can even convey your canine to incorporate the entire household.
Buccaneer Park has basketball courts for older children and youths in addition to a playground. There are many parks to choose from. My household loves parks as a result of they’re free!
Tenting Beneath the Stars
For an evening below the celebrities, contemplate tenting. The coastal space supplies quite a few spots the place you’ll be able to arrange a tent and luxuriate in nature. Think about the children laughing, telling tales, and falling asleep to the sound of the waves. Native campgrounds usually have facilities like restrooms and picnic tables, making the expertise snug for households.
Oceanside has campgrounds and RV parks for households who need to spend time exterior. There are alternatives close to the ocean or extra inland. Guajome Regional Park has 33 websites, however in case you have an RV, chances are you’ll favor Paradise by the Sea RV Resort or the Oceanside RV Park.
Sea Lion Island
Sea Lion Island is a small however magical remark deck the place you’ll be able to see sea lions basking within the solar. Situated close to the harbor, this place offers you an up-close view of those playful animals — however be respectful and protected by watching them from a distance.
They’re fairly the entertainers, usually bouncing out and in of the water and barking playfully. It’s an important alternative for teenagers to witness sea lions of their pure habitat.
Sea Lion Island is situated by N Pacific St, Oceanside, CA 92054. This can be a great point to do in Oceanside with children who love animals.
Skate Park and Outside Recreation
In case your children love skateboarding or scootering, they’ll have a blast at Oceanside’s skate parks. Sure, there are a couple of. There may be John Landes Skatepark, Libby Lake Skatepark, Martin Luther King Skatepark, and extra.
The parks might function ramps, rails, and open areas appropriate for varied talent ranges. Simply remember to comply with the principles and laws, reminiscent of sporting a helmet, elbow, and kneepads.
Cultural Exploration for Youngsters
Oceanside presents a variety of cultural actions excellent for youngsters. Uncover native museums, historic landmarks, and vibrant public artwork. This wealthy cultural expertise is instructional and enjoyable, letting children be taught in regards to the space’s distinctive roots.
Study and Play at Oceanside Museums
Oceanside has a number of museums which are preferrred for younger explorers. The Oceanside Museum of Artwork options varied instructional and fascinating reveals. Youngsters can admire artwork or take part in workshops.
For these involved in browsing, the California Surf Museum showcases the historical past and tradition of browsing in California. It’s free for teenagers below 11, making it an accessible possibility for households. The small reveals present an intimate studying expertise about surf historical past and well-known surfers.
Historic Landmarks: Mission San Luis Rey
A go to to the Mission San Luis Rey introduces children to the town’s native historical past. This mission is without doubt one of the oldest in California, offering a glimpse into the previous by way of its preserved structure and artifacts.
Youngsters can discover the church, gardens, and nature heart and be taught in regards to the mission’s position in California’s historical past. Household-friendly excursions can be found, together with instructional packages specializing in the mission’s cultural significance.
Public Artwork and Native Heritage
Downtown Oceanside is wealthy with various public artwork installations and murals. Youngsters will get pleasure from strolling excursions that function colourful road artwork unfold all through the town.
Many of those works replicate native heritage and provide a enjoyable and interactive solution to find out about Oceanside. Additionally they make nice backdrops for household selfies! The Grasp’s Kitchen and Cocktail Mural is daring and vibrant, whereas the Rising Co. one is extra muted.
Household Eating and Native Treats
Oceanside presents quite a lot of eating choices that cater to households, together with cozy breakfast spots and vibrant night markets. Right here’s the place you could find the very best meals and treats for your loved ones throughout your go to.
Greatest Household-Pleasant Eating places in Oceanside
For a hearty meal, head to the Flying Pig Pub & Kitchen. This spot is legendary for its big selection of dishes, from deviled eggs to steak and seafood.
One other nice alternative is Rockin’ Baja Oceanside Harbor, identified for its tasty salsa bar and seafood buckets. If your loved ones loves pizza, you’ll be able to’t miss ZIGZAG Pizza, the place the pizza is scrumptious and fairly priced.
Scrumptious Breakfast Spots to Begin Your Day
Beginning your day with a superb breakfast units the tone for a enjoyable household outing. Mellano Farm Stand presents recent, natural produce and pleasant baked items.
One other favourite is Seaside Break Café, the place you’ll be able to get pleasure from quite a lot of breakfast classics. I significantly love the mushy and fluffy espresso cake, and it’s a favourite for all ages. The environment is welcoming, making it an ideal spot for teenagers to get pleasure from pancakes, eggs, and extra.
See additionally: Greatest Household Eating places in San Diego
Exploring the Sundown Market Meals Distributors
The night Sundown Market is a must-visit for households. Each Thursday from 5 – 9 pm, you’ll be able to discover quite a lot of meals distributors providing a variety of snacks and meals. There’s one thing for everybody, from recent crepes and tacos to grilled corn and kettle corn. Teenagers and toddlers alike can discover one thing they not solely need to eat however really love.
It could actually get extraordinarily busy as a result of they block off the streets, so chances are you’ll need to come to the world forward of time to search out parking.
Tip: It could actually get extraordinarily busy as a result of they block off the streets, so chances are you’ll need to come to the world forward of time to search out parking.
Expertise Native Occasions
Bear in mind to maintain an eye fixed out for native happenings, which you could find on the Go to Oceanside web site. These can range by day or month. The Oceanside Worldwide Movie Competition in February could be nice for teenagers and youths who get pleasure from movies.
However there are additionally smaller occasions like reside music at eating places. Privateer Coal Fireplace Pizza has reside music from native artists each Wednesday night.
Eventful Evenings: Sundown to Starlight
Night in Oceanside is a magical time for households. You possibly can get pleasure from breathtaking sunsets at certainly one of California’s most iconic piers and dive into vigorous road festivities that provide enjoyable for everybody.
Capturing the Excellent Sundown at Oceanside Pier
Discover the well-known Oceanside Pier, the place you’ll be able to get pleasure from a leisurely stroll, attempt fishing, or absorb the beautiful views of the Pacific Ocean. You would possibly even see a sea lion swimming or pelicans scrounging round for leftover fish from the fishermen. My household loves strolling on the pier, and my toddler likes to look at the waves.
Watching the sundown on the Oceanside Pier is unforgettable. The pier, stretching 1,942 toes into the ocean, offers you a front-row seat to nature’s night present. The sky flares in fiery oranges and purples, making it an ideal location for taking beautiful household images. Simply get there early so that you’re not speeding as a result of as soon as the solar begins setting, it goes fairly shortly.
Night Leisure and Festivities
After the solar units, Oceanside comes alive with night actions. One of many highlights is the Sundown Market however there are additionally family-friendly occasions just like the First Friday: Oceanside Artwork Stroll, the place you’ll be able to get pleasure from reside performances, arts, and crafts.
This occasion is held in Downtown Oceanside and is free to attend, making it an inexpensive and fulfilling exercise for the entire household.
Procuring and Souvenirs
There are numerous alternatives to buy distinctive gadgets and souvenirs in Oceanside. Uncover recent produce on the Mainstreet Oceanside Licensed Farmers Market or discover handmade items and distinctive presents you gained’t discover elsewhere.
Oceanside Farmers Market Finds
In Oceanside, the Farmers Market is the place to search out recent and native produce each Thursday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. You’ll expertise a pleasant array of fruits, greens, and flowers. The market additionally presents baked items, jams, and different native treats, excellent for a household outing. It’s an important spot to seize a fast chunk, like a croissant or different goodies for the children to munch on.
Whereas procuring, don’t miss the possibility to discover varied meals cubicles. One favourite is the cannoli sales space, which presents scrumptious, freshly made cannolis. In addition to meals, you could find cubicles promoting handmade crafts and clothes.
High Spots on the Farmers Market:
- Recent produce
- Flowers and crops
- Baked items
- Cannoli sales space
Distinctive Items and Handmade Items
If you’re searching for memorable presents and handmade items, Oceanside has a lot to supply. Youngsters can discover souvenirs for a lot of tastes, whether or not they’re into keychains or beach-themed treasures.
SeaHive Market’s 13,000 sq ft area is an important place to peruse for classic finds. The Ozone has a vibrant area with cured gadgets so every member of the family can discover one thing charming.
Transport and Lodging Ideas
Touring round Oceanside with children could be enjoyable and straightforward if you understand your choices. Whether or not you favor trains, bikes, or a comfortable place to remain, Oceanside has you lined.
Getting Round O’Aspect: Trains and Bikes
Getting round Oceanside is a breeze. The COASTER practice is a handy solution to journey up and down the coast. Youngsters will love the scenic ocean views from the practice. In the event you or the children get automobile sick, be certain to face ahead!
For shorter distances, contemplate renting bikes. This can be a terrific possibility if you wish to keep close to the coast, take within the ocean views by bike (and get somewhat train). Oceanside has many bike rental retailers, and it’s a bike-friendly metropolis. In the event you favor, there are additionally electrical bikes accessible that may make the experience even simpler. You may as well discover free or paid parking do you have to drive along with your automobile or a rental.
Staying in Oceanside: From Airbnbs to Resorts
Oceanside presents a variety of locations to remain. For a bit extra luxurious, take a look at The Seabird Resort. We e-book this loads for households due to its beachfront location, informal nature, nicer rooms, glorious service, and the perks now we have there at no further price.
On the extra wallet-friendly facet, Vacation Inn Oceanside Camp Pendleton Space has a Youngsters Keep and Eat Free coverage. Youngsters below 18 keep at no cost and children below 12 can eat free with a paid grownup meal.
Whether or not you select a comfortable rental or an opulent resort, Oceanside has one thing to suit your household’s wants. Ensure to e-book early, particularly throughout peak trip seasons.
See additionally: Greatest Household Resorts in San Diego
