Places I love to share
While you are visiting, enjoy a few of my close to home faves (10-15 min drive):
Every Thursday between 5PM - 9PM
Enjoy bands, food from our eateries, sweets, crafts by local artisans and it is a quick stroll to the beach or pier to catch sunset.
Another don't miss morning market...
Every Thursday, from 9AM to 1PM, Oceanside Farmers Market; including local fruits, vegetables, flowers and more.
Perfect time to drop into Elena's French crepes cafe.
109 locals recommend
Oceanside Sunset Market
401 Pier View WayEvery Thursday between 5PM - 9PM
Enjoy bands, food from our eateries, sweets, crafts by local artisans and it is a quick stroll to the beach or pier to catch sunset.
Another don't miss morning market...
Every Thursday, from 9AM to 1PM, Oceanside Farmers Market; including local fruits, vegetables, flowers and more.
Perfect time to drop into Elena's French crepes cafe.
Some 4.5 miles of trails meander through diverse Southern California habitats such as woodlands, chaparral, wetlands and mixed grasslands. Two ponds attract a migratory birds and serve as home to a variety of fish that will test the skills of any angler.
39 locals recommend
Guajome Regional Park
3000 Guajome Lake RdSome 4.5 miles of trails meander through diverse Southern California habitats such as woodlands, chaparral, wetlands and mixed grasslands. Two ponds attract a migratory birds and serve as home to a variety of fish that will test the skills of any angler.
The longest pier in California.
There is a small shop halfway that sells fishing supplies if you feel like dropping a line, or just enjoy the stroll out over the ocean., ending at Ruby's restaurant.
146 locals recommend
Oceanside Pier Surfing Area
Oceanside PierThe longest pier in California.
There is a small shop halfway that sells fishing supplies if you feel like dropping a line, or just enjoy the stroll out over the ocean., ending at Ruby's restaurant.
The Strand runs along the shore and is a great place for bikers, walkers, runners. etc. You share the road with cars, but pedestrians rule and it is at least a mile long walk along the beach. An experience to view sunset and people watch.
The Strand North
The Strand NorthThe Strand runs along the shore and is a great place for bikers, walkers, runners. etc. You share the road with cars, but pedestrians rule and it is at least a mile long walk along the beach. An experience to view sunset and people watch.
Southern California's Oldest Operating Winery (est.1889).
Tour the grounds and end with a wine tasting experience.
I took my mom, dad and several other visiting family members to the winery. They all enjoyed, even if they weren't wine buffs. It is about a half hour drive from here.
bernardowinery.com.
44 locals recommend
Bernardo Winery
13330 Paseo Del Verano NorteSouthern California's Oldest Operating Winery (est.1889).
Tour the grounds and end with a wine tasting experience.
I took my mom, dad and several other visiting family members to the winery. They all enjoyed, even if they weren't wine buffs. It is about a half hour drive from here.
bernardowinery.com.
France can't possibly make crepes this delicious!!
They serve both sweet and savory masterpieces.
You can watch Elena's husband create your made-to-order, mouthwatering crepe right in front of your eyes.
I personally give them six stars (five stars are not enough).
7 locals recommend
Elena's French Crepes Cafe & Peet's Coffee
511 Pier View WayFrance can't possibly make crepes this delicious!!
They serve both sweet and savory masterpieces.
You can watch Elena's husband create your made-to-order, mouthwatering crepe right in front of your eyes.
I personally give them six stars (five stars are not enough).
More To Dos while in town:
The list is endless....
Check visitoceanside.org for new events and calendar updates.
I will offer my opinion, if you ask.
;D
Offers visitors one-of-a-kind experiences, from waterfront dining, sport fishing and stand-up paddle boarding. rent a kayak or sign up for a whale watching tour. The soul and character of Oceanside Harbor Village are reflected in the shops and businesses, many of which have have been around since the beginning of the Harbor’s rich history.
31 locals recommend
Oceanside Harbor Department
300 N Coast HwyOffers visitors one-of-a-kind experiences, from waterfront dining, sport fishing and stand-up paddle boarding. rent a kayak or sign up for a whale watching tour. The soul and character of Oceanside Harbor Village are reflected in the shops and businesses, many of which have have been around since the beginning of the Harbor’s rich history.
Great place for hiking, six trails down sandstone bluffs landing on the beach.
21 locals recommend
San Onofre Beach
Great place for hiking, six trails down sandstone bluffs landing on the beach.
Try the zip lining!! I have personally experienced this, it was amazing flying along over the park!!
967 locals recommend
San Diego Zoo Safari Park
15500 San Pasqual Valley RdTry the zip lining!! I have personally experienced this, it was amazing flying along over the park!!
Walk the gardens including rare bamboo groves, desert gardens, a tropical rain forest, California native plants, Mediterranean climate landscapes, and a subtropical fruit garden. Plenty for all ages, especially children
195 locals recommend
San Diego Botanic Garden
300 Quail Gardens DrWalk the gardens including rare bamboo groves, desert gardens, a tropical rain forest, California native plants, Mediterranean climate landscapes, and a subtropical fruit garden. Plenty for all ages, especially children
California Surf Museum
312 Pier View WayFor those that prefer sticking closer to the ground but still want the rush of wind and the feeling of weightlessness, look no further than indoor skydiving. Oceanside is home to the only indoor skydiving location in North San Diego County.
22 locals recommend
iFLY OCEANSIDE
3178 Vista WayFor those that prefer sticking closer to the ground but still want the rush of wind and the feeling of weightlessness, look no further than indoor skydiving. Oceanside is home to the only indoor skydiving location in North San Diego County.
Feeling adventurous? Tandem skydive in Southern California with a full view of the Pacific Ocean.
My daughter has several jumps under her belt; with her dad in Chicago and in Hawaii with cousins. Anxious for her return to Cali so I (she) can add a more personal endorsement!
34 locals recommend
GoJump Oceanside
480 Airport RdFeeling adventurous? Tandem skydive in Southern California with a full view of the Pacific Ocean.
My daughter has several jumps under her belt; with her dad in Chicago and in Hawaii with cousins. Anxious for her return to Cali so I (she) can add a more personal endorsement!
Carlsbad
Our neighbor to the south has much to offer during your stay.
LEGOLAND California
One Legoland DrFun for the whole family.
Try out an electric bike (e-bike) and cruise alongside Highway 101 on the edge of the Pacific Ocean in sunny Southern California. The small group bike tour will wind its way up to a gorgeous lookout point, where you’ll have a view out over the ocean and at the waves crashing on the rocks below. Make sure you have your camera ready!
144 locals recommend
Tamarack Beach
Try out an electric bike (e-bike) and cruise alongside Highway 101 on the edge of the Pacific Ocean in sunny Southern California. The small group bike tour will wind its way up to a gorgeous lookout point, where you’ll have a view out over the ocean and at the waves crashing on the rocks below. Make sure you have your camera ready!
A fifty-acre dazzling rainbow of beautiful ranunculus flowers set on a hillside. April is a perfect time to visit, opens once a year in spring from March 1 through May 10.
172 locals recommend
The Flower Fields
5704 Paseo Del NorteA fifty-acre dazzling rainbow of beautiful ranunculus flowers set on a hillside. April is a perfect time to visit, opens once a year in spring from March 1 through May 10.
Right around the corner from the Flower Fields, The U-Pick for berries is open on a limited basis - come before 3pm for picking.
11 locals recommend
Carlsbad Strawberry Company
1050 Cannon RdRight around the corner from the Flower Fields, The U-Pick for berries is open on a limited basis - come before 3pm for picking.
Carlsbad Premium Outlets
5620 Paseo Del Nortewww.premiumoutlets.com/outlet/carlsbad/stores
Agua Hedionda Lagoon
Lagoon PlaceAgua Hedionda Lagoon Foundation
1580 Cannon RdLocated between Tamarack Avenue and Cannon Road, Agua Hedionda Lagoon allows active use, such as boating, water skiing and wake boarding, personal watercraft use, sailing, windsurfing and fishing. It includes three inter-connected lagoons, which are divided by the I-5 freeway and the railroad bridge.
18 locals recommend
Agua Hedionda Lagoon
Lagoon PlaceLocated between Tamarack Avenue and Cannon Road, Agua Hedionda Lagoon allows active use, such as boating, water skiing and wake boarding, personal watercraft use, sailing, windsurfing and fishing. It includes three inter-connected lagoons, which are divided by the I-5 freeway and the railroad bridge.
By the hour rentals for Wave-runners, Pontoon Boats, Craig and Fun Cats, Paddle Boards, Kayaks, etc.
39 locals recommend
Carlsbad Lagoon Recreation Area
4215 Lagoon Pl By the hour rentals for Wave-runners, Pontoon Boats, Craig and Fun Cats, Paddle Boards, Kayaks, etc.
Del Mar
Down the coast abt 20 min
Home of the Bing Crosby classic:
Where the turf meets the surf
Down at old Del Mar
Take a plane
Take a train
Take a car.
There is a smile on every face
And a winner in each race
Where the turf meets the surf
At Del Mar.
185 locals recommend
Del Mar Racing
2260 Jimmy Durante BlvdHome of the Bing Crosby classic:
Where the turf meets the surf
Down at old Del Mar
Take a plane
Take a train
Take a car.
There is a smile on every face
And a winner in each race
Where the turf meets the surf
At Del Mar.
Home of the San Diego County Fair
Open to the public at 4 p.m. on May 31, 2019 through July 4, 2019, it will be closed Mondays and Tuesdays except for the last week of the fair.
Theme and Lineup for 2019.
Guests are invited to skip down the yellow brick road and enter a world inspired by L. Frank Baum’s Classic Tale, “The Wonderful Wizard of Oz.”
198 locals recommend
Del Mar Fairgrounds
Home of the San Diego County Fair
Open to the public at 4 p.m. on May 31, 2019 through July 4, 2019, it will be closed Mondays and Tuesdays except for the last week of the fair.
Theme and Lineup for 2019.
Guests are invited to skip down the yellow brick road and enter a world inspired by L. Frank Baum’s Classic Tale, “The Wonderful Wizard of Oz.”
San Diego, "America's Finest City.”
Our two giant pandas are departing for their new home in China on April 27th. The only places left to visit giant pandas in the US are Atlanta, Memphis and Washington DC.
2510 locals recommend
San Diego Zoo
2920 Zoo DrOur two giant pandas are departing for their new home in China on April 27th. The only places left to visit giant pandas in the US are Atlanta, Memphis and Washington DC.
More than 16 museums, multiple performing arts venues, lovely gardens, trails, and the world-famous San Diego Zoo.
3289 locals recommend
Balboa Park
More than 16 museums, multiple performing arts venues, lovely gardens, trails, and the world-famous San Diego Zoo.
Seaport Village is a waterfront shopping and dining complex adjacent to San Diego Bay in downtown San Diego. It had more than 70 shops, galleries, and eateries on 90,000 square feet of waterfront property.
125 locals recommend
Seaport Village station
Seaport Village is a waterfront shopping and dining complex adjacent to San Diego Bay in downtown San Diego. It had more than 70 shops, galleries, and eateries on 90,000 square feet of waterfront property.
Gaslamp Quarter is a lively downtown neighborhood, known for its nightlife.
1207 locals recommend
Gaslamp Quarter
Gaslamp Quarter is a lively downtown neighborhood, known for its nightlife.
Catch a baseball game while town, walking distance to Gaslamp or Seaport Village.
709 locals recommend
Petco Park
100 Park BlvdCatch a baseball game while town, walking distance to Gaslamp or Seaport Village.
Coronado Island
Restaurants & Pubs Nearby
Let me introduce you to a smattering of joints I have can personally vouch for...
Traditional cozy feel you imagine an Irish or English pub to be. They offer true Irish hospitality with great grub!
50 locals recommend
Hennessey's Tavern
34111 La PlazaTraditional cozy feel you imagine an Irish or English pub to be. They offer true Irish hospitality with great grub!
Outdoor patio, happy, friendly wait staff, FAB margaritas... over a dozen variations/flavors, at least 15 different tequila options. My mom's go-to place when she is in town.
There are always discount coupons on their website.
Marieta's Fine Mexican Food & Cocktails
485 Vandegrift BlvdOutdoor patio, happy, friendly wait staff, FAB margaritas... over a dozen variations/flavors, at least 15 different tequila options. My mom's go-to place when she is in town.
There are always discount coupons on their website.
Din's is nostalgia for me, one of the first places a friend brought me, more years ago than I will mention, lol.
I have taken all my friends from back east, my parents and my kids here for a true welcome to a southern California experience.
Patio overlooks the ocean.
Great for people watching joggers and dog walkers passing by. If you are lucky, you may find yourself dining on an evening the trumpeter appears on the outdoor patio and plays taps at sunset. Really awesome....
36 locals recommend
Dini's Bistro
3290 Carlsbad BlvdDin's is nostalgia for me, one of the first places a friend brought me, more years ago than I will mention, lol.
I have taken all my friends from back east, my parents and my kids here for a true welcome to a southern California experience.
Patio overlooks the ocean.
Great for people watching joggers and dog walkers passing by. If you are lucky, you may find yourself dining on an evening the trumpeter appears on the outdoor patio and plays taps at sunset. Really awesome....
Everything here is great. My mom, born and raised in Ireland, ordered their bread and Irish butter to go after our meal. Irish bar has more than a dozen beers on tap, pub food, live music, trivia nights & patio fire pits.
20 locals recommend
O'Sullivan's Irish Pub & Restaurant
640 Grand AvenueEverything here is great. My mom, born and raised in Ireland, ordered their bread and Irish butter to go after our meal. Irish bar has more than a dozen beers on tap, pub food, live music, trivia nights & patio fire pits.
Over looking O'side Harbor, this is a casual nautical-themed restaurant with a see-through fireplace. The foot of onion rings were a treat.
11 locals recommend
Jolly Roger Restaurant
1900 N Harbor DrOver looking O'side Harbor, this is a casual nautical-themed restaurant with a see-through fireplace. The foot of onion rings were a treat.
SUPER casual, not much to look at, it's really a local tavern with several TV's, usually tuned to sports.
The place for a killer burger cooked to your liking on the grill behind the bar. On Sundays, you can order a raw steak and grill it yourself on the patio behind the restaurant. There are two fire pits back there if it gets chilly.
Red Rooster
1985 Oceanside BlvdSUPER casual, not much to look at, it's really a local tavern with several TV's, usually tuned to sports.
The place for a killer burger cooked to your liking on the grill behind the bar. On Sundays, you can order a raw steak and grill it yourself on the patio behind the restaurant. There are two fire pits back there if it gets chilly.
If you are celebrating a special occasion. FINE dining. Best Martini bar in area, overlooking the pier.
70 locals recommend
333 Pacific
333 N Pacific StIf you are celebrating a special occasion. FINE dining. Best Martini bar in area, overlooking the pier.
The place to go for authentic German comfort food.
They have a few pool tables, NFL Sundays (in season) tap beers
Irina's Bar and Grill
3375 Mission AveThe place to go for authentic German comfort food.
They have a few pool tables, NFL Sundays (in season) tap beers
Check their site for details about open mic night, trivia night and a whole lot more...
27 locals recommend
Pour House
1903 S Coast HwyCheck their site for details about open mic night, trivia night and a whole lot more...
Davina's Cabo Grill
212 N Tremont St"Happy Hour” on the Rooftop everyday fm 4pm-8pm
Mimi's Bistro & Bakery
2177 Vista WayCute decor, really tasty food, friendly wait staff.
Butcher shop & a sit-down delicatessen with breakfast, lunch & dinner eats, plus draft beer & wine. Also, famous for its European grocery store.
26 locals recommend
Tip Top Meats
6118 Paseo Del NorteButcher shop & a sit-down delicatessen with breakfast, lunch & dinner eats, plus draft beer & wine. Also, famous for its European grocery store.
To Dos with kids
When you aren't spending the day at the beach, Zoo or LEGOLAND, check out these other venues:
Amusement center featuring mini-golf, go-karts, bumper boats & arcade games
15 locals recommend
Boomers
1525 W Vista WayAmusement center featuring mini-golf, go-karts, bumper boats & arcade games
Vista Skatepark
400 N Santa Fe AveLocated at: 400 N Santa Fe Ave in Vista.
Located at 2560 Orion Way, Carlsbad, this lighted skateboarding facility features a beginner's area, ramps, bowls, ledges & stairways.
Skatepark
2560 Orion WayLocated at 2560 Orion Way, Carlsbad, this lighted skateboarding facility features a beginner's area, ramps, bowls, ledges & stairways.
Visit the North County Model Railroad Museum to run and operate model trains with experienced volunteers.
The museum is open every Saturday for its weekly Trains for Kids event.
9 locals recommend
Heritage Park
34400 Old Golden LanternVisit the North County Model Railroad Museum to run and operate model trains with experienced volunteers.
The museum is open every Saturday for its weekly Trains for Kids event.
Buena Vista Audubon Society (BVAS) Nature Center rests along the shores of the Buena Vista Lagoon, which is the only freshwater lagoon in Southern California. The Nature Center is a wonderful resource for those that are curious about the birds, mammals, and insects that call the lagoon home. Throughout the year, the community is invited to the Nature Center to participate in guided bird walks and educational events.
There are special children’s events including story times, art days, and the monthly Joey’s and Johnny’s Clubhouse where 7 year old Joey and her 4 year old brother, Johnny, explore the Nature Center with their friends.
Learn about nature while having fun. Buena Vista Audubon offers free nature education programs and activities almost every week of the year.
12 locals recommend
Buena Vista Audubon Society
2202 S Coast HwyBuena Vista Audubon Society (BVAS) Nature Center rests along the shores of the Buena Vista Lagoon, which is the only freshwater lagoon in Southern California. The Nature Center is a wonderful resource for those that are curious about the birds, mammals, and insects that call the lagoon home. Throughout the year, the community is invited to the Nature Center to participate in guided bird walks and educational events.
There are special children’s events including story times, art days, and the monthly Joey’s and Johnny’s Clubhouse where 7 year old Joey and her 4 year old brother, Johnny, explore the Nature Center with their friends.
Learn about nature while having fun. Buena Vista Audubon offers free nature education programs and activities almost every week of the year.
Open 11am-9pm for the public, the perfect place to escape the weather and challenge your body in unique and fun ways.
37 locals recommend
Vital
525 S Coast HwyOpen 11am-9pm for the public, the perfect place to escape the weather and challenge your body in unique and fun ways.
Sea Hive Marketplace
1555 S Coast HwyA rainy day classic, bowling! Surf Bowl ALSO has billiard tables, a fun selection of arcade games, and even laser tag!
31 locals recommend
Surf Bowl
1401 S Coast HwyA rainy day classic, bowling! Surf Bowl ALSO has billiard tables, a fun selection of arcade games, and even laser tag!
A mere 3 miles door to door....
An awesome indoor playground with way more than trampolines; climbing wall, dodge ball, trapeze swing, balance beam, foam pit, even jump from mezzanine onto an inflated airbag.
Check out their website for more details.
Altitude Trampoline Park
1928 Hacienda DrA mere 3 miles door to door....
An awesome indoor playground with way more than trampolines; climbing wall, dodge ball, trapeze swing, balance beam, foam pit, even jump from mezzanine onto an inflated airbag.
Check out their website for more details.