Oceanside is the ideal small beach town in Southern California for a family weekend getaway. It’s located between Los Angeles and San Diego, and as a smaller coastal city, it makes for a nice retreat if you’re coming from one of the bigger metropolitan cities. There’s still a lot to do in Oceanside – here is everything we did in a day, but it would be more relaxing over a weekend.
Here are the places we recommend visiting when staying in Oceanside:
- Heritage Park & Museum
- Mission San Luis Rey
- Oceanside Museum of Art
- Oceanside Civic Center
- California Surf Museum Ocean
- Oceanside Pier
- The Strand
- Oceanside Beach
- San Luis Rey River
- Oceanside Village Harbor
Places to Visit in Place
1. Heritage Park & Museum
This is a small museum with a collection of miniature model train sets running around the room. The exhibits are meticulously modeled after actual places in early California. There are buttons that set off lighting effects.
And there are trains running around the room.
Address: 220 Peyri Dr, Oceanside, CA 92058
Parking: Free parking lot available
Cost: Free
Hours: Wednesday-Sunday, 9am-4pm
2. Mission San Luis Rey
The old historic Spanish church is open for public viewing. The main sanctuary and some outdoor areas are free to the public, while there is a cost to explore the mission’s museum and other areas.
Address: 4050 Mission Ave, Oceanside, CA 92057
Parking: Free parking lot available
Cost: Free to view main sanctuary. Museum: Adults $8, Seniors (65+) $5, Youth (ages 6-18) $5, Ages 5 and under, free of charge. Buy tickets here >
Hours: Daily 10am-4pm
3. Oceanside Museum of Art
This art museum is a collection of paintings, sculptures, and photography. There are also tables and art supplies for kids to color.
Address: 704 Pier View Wy, Oceanside, CA 92054
Parking: Free street parking available
Cost: Adult $10, Seniors 65+ $5, Children 17 and under Free. Free first Friday & first Sunday of each month – get free tickets >
Hours: Daily 10am-4pm
4. Oceanside Civic Center
The outside of these city buildings, such as City Hall and the library, include a colorful and artistic main fountain structure, and a plaza with a large decorative pool with water fountains.
Address: 300 N Coast Hwy, Oceanside, CA 92054
Parking: Free street parking available
5. California Surf Museum
This is a small museum that has a collection of surf boards and other memorabilia, along with some science exhibits on waves.
Address: 4050 Mission Ave, Oceanside, CA 92057
Parking: Metered street parking and paid parking lots nearby
Cost: Adults: $7; Seniors (62+), Military, Students: $5; Kids 11 and under: Free. Buy tickets here >
Hours: Daily 10am-4pm
6. Oceanside Pier
This 1,954 feet long wooden pier goes far out in to the ocean, and makes for a nice walk with great views of the ocean and the coastline.
Parking: Metered street parking available
7. The Strand
There’s a 1-mile paved pathway that goes along the beach called The Strand, and is shared by vehicles, bicycles, and pedestrians. You can also rent a surrey from Wheel Fun Rentals to ride on the path. Wheel fun rentals is located on the Strand directly underneath the pier. See rentals >
Parking: Metered street parking and paid parking lots available.
8. Oceanside Beach
Oceanside has 3 miles of beautiful sandy beaches with moderate waves.
Parking: Metered street parking and paid parking lots available.
9. San Luis Rey River
Towards the north end of Oceanside Beach, the San Luis Rey River runs into the sea. It creates a calm and shallow body of water that’s great for young kids. There’s a large stretch of sand to settle down in. There isn’t a name or address for this spot, but it’s nearest to the North Coast Village HOA Condominiums.
Parking: There is no street parking directly next to it. Park a few blocks down on the beach, or in the paid parking lot in Oceanside Village Harbor and walk over.
10. Oceanside Village Harbor
This a collection of stores and restaurants on the waterfront walk way that make for a nice stroll or to site and have a meal.
Parking: Paid parking lots available
Hotels in Oceanside
If you’re coming from out of town and staying in Oceanside, here are a few hotel suggestions that are kid friendly – they have a swimming pool and/or spa, and have either complimentary breakfast or a restaurant on site for convenience. These are also located within walking distance to the beach.
Budget Hotels:
- Best Western Plus Oceanside Palms – pool, hot tub, and complimentary breakfast
- Comfort Suites Oceanside – pool, hot tub, and complimentary breakfast
Standard Hotels:
- Club Wyndham Oceanside Pier – pool, hot tub, sauna, fitness studio, and 2 onsite restaurants serving lunch and dinner
- Springhill Suites by Marriott – pool, hot tub, fitness studio, complimentary breakfast, and onsite restaurant serving lunch and dinner
Luxury Hotels:
- Mission Pacific Beach Resort – pool, saunas, fitness studio, bar, 2 cafes, and onsite restaurants serving lunch and dinner
- The Seabird Ocean Resort & Spa – pool, hot tub, saunas, fitness studio, poolside bar, and onsite restaurant serving lunch and dinner
Video of Oceanside
