Oceanside in North County San Diego is perhaps an extra drive in the event you’re coming from the San Diego Worldwide Airport, nevertheless it’s chock stuffed with family-friendly actions and locations to remain. Relying on the size of your trip, you possibly can choose to remain in one in every of Oceanside’s accommodations 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 stunning seashores to partaking museums to fabulous meals.
The town is designed for energetic households seeking to benefit from the nice outside, however you don’t have to return throughout summer time to get pleasure from the most effective—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 provides many amusing seashore 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 good for a household day trip. Buccaneer Seashore is smaller however much less crowded, which will be preferrred if you wish to stroll round with the kiddos to let off some pent-up vitality.
Oceanside Harbor Seashore has bigger seashores with extra facilities, resembling picnic tables, BBQ grills, and, better of all, a children’ play space. It’s additionally near eateries in the event you want a chew to eat after exploring.
Suggestions
See additionally: Information to Household Seashores in San Diego
Surf’s Up: Classes and Browsing Tradition
Oceanside is thought for its vibrant browsing tradition. You’ll nearly at all times spot surfers by the Oceanside Pier.
A number of surf faculties, resembling Oceanside Surf College or North County Surf Academy, supply beginner-friendly classes. Instructors give attention to educating fundamental abilities and security guidelines.
It’s an effective way to introduce your children to browsing and the ocean. You may also go to native surf outlets to purchase cool gear.
Paddleboarding and Kayaking Adventures
For one thing completely different, attempt paddleboarding or kayaking. Paddleboarding is calm in comparison with the crashing waves of browsing. It’s a great exercise and simple for teenagers to select up.
Kayaking is another choice, letting households discover the harbor or close by waters. Some locations even supply guided excursions. Simply bear in mind to deliver sunscreen and keep hydrated.
Spend the Total 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 youngsters discover one thing to eat with out spending too lengthy at a sit-down restaurant with antsy toddlers.
You may also hire a ship or store at one of many many shops. Oceanside Harbor Village is the right place to make household reminiscences.
Out of doors Actions and Parks
You may uncover loads of enjoyable household actions exterior and attention-grabbing 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, make sure to go whale watching. The coastal waters round Oceanside are good for recognizing whales, dolphins, and sea lions. Native excursions usually present binoculars and guides that share attention-grabbing information about marine life.
You would possibly even see an imposing grey whale or playful pods of dolphins. It’s an unforgettable expertise that the youngsters will discuss for weeks or probably a life-long reminiscence.
Picnics and Playgrounds in Oceanside Parks
Oceanside’s parks are good for picnics and playtime. Tyson Avenue Park has a playground for youthful youngsters, picnic tables, and nice views to look at the sundown. You may even deliver 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 select from. My household loves parks as a result of they’re free!
Tenting Underneath the Stars
For an evening underneath the celebs, think about tenting. The coastal space offers quite a few spots the place you possibly can arrange a tent and revel in nature. Think about the youngsters 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 wish to spend time exterior. There are alternatives close to the ocean or extra inland. Guajome Regional Park has 33 websites, however you probably have an RV, chances are you’ll desire Paradise by the Sea RV Resort or the Oceanside RV Park.
Sea Lion Island
Sea Lion Island is a small however magical commentary deck the place you possibly can see sea lions basking within the solar. Positioned close to the harbor, this place offers you an up-close view of those playful animals — however be respectful and secure by watching them from a distance.
They’re fairly the entertainers, usually bouncing out and in of the water and barking playfully. It’s a terrific alternative for teenagers to witness sea lions of their pure habitat.
Sea Lion Island is positioned by N Pacific St, Oceanside, CA 92054. This can be a good thing to do in Oceanside with children who love animals.
Skate Park and Out of doors Recreation
In case your children love skateboarding or scootering, they’ll have a blast at Oceanside’s skate parks. Sure, there are multiple. There’s John Landes Skatepark, Libby Lake Skatepark, Martin Luther King Skatepark, and extra.
The parks could function ramps, rails, and open areas appropriate for varied talent ranges. Simply make sure to observe the foundations and rules, resembling carrying a helmet, elbow, and kneepads.
Cultural Exploration for Children
Oceanside provides a variety of cultural actions good for youngsters. Uncover native museums, historic landmarks, and vibrant public artwork. This wealthy cultural expertise is academic and enjoyable, letting children be taught concerning the space’s distinctive roots.
Study and Play at Oceanside Museums
Oceanside has a number of museums which might be preferrred for younger explorers. The Oceanside Museum of Artwork options varied academic and interesting reveals. Children can recognize artwork or take part in workshops.
For these considering browsing, the California Surf Museum showcases the historical past and tradition of browsing in California. It’s free for teenagers underneath 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 town’s native historical past. This mission is among the oldest in California, offering a glimpse into the previous via its preserved structure and artifacts.
Children can discover the church, gardens, and nature middle and be taught concerning the mission’s position in California’s historical past. Household-friendly excursions can be found, together with academic applications specializing in the mission’s cultural significance.
Public Artwork and Native Heritage
Downtown Oceanside is wealthy with various public artwork installations and murals. Children will get pleasure from strolling excursions that function colourful avenue artwork unfold all through town.
Many of those works replicate native heritage and supply a enjoyable and interactive option to find out about Oceanside. In addition they make nice backdrops for household selfies! The Grasp’s Kitchen and Cocktail Mural is daring and vivid, whereas the Rising Co. one is extra muted.
Household Eating and Native Treats
Oceanside provides a wide range of eating choices that cater to households, together with cozy breakfast spots and vibrant night markets. Right here’s the place you will discover the most effective 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 known for its wide selection of dishes, from deviled eggs to steak and seafood.
One other nice alternative is Rockin’ Baja Oceanside Harbor, recognized for its tasty salsa bar and seafood buckets. If your loved ones loves pizza, you possibly can’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 great breakfast units the tone for a enjoyable household outing. Mellano Farm Stand provides recent, natural produce and pleasant baked items.
One other favourite is Seashore Break Café, the place you possibly can get pleasure from a wide range of breakfast classics. I notably love the delicate and fluffy espresso cake, and it’s a favourite for all ages. The ambiance 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 possibly can discover a wide range 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 wish to eat however actually love.
It may get extraordinarily busy as a result of they block off the streets, so chances are you’ll wish to come to the realm forward of time to seek out parking.
Tip: It may get extraordinarily busy as a result of they block off the streets, so chances are you’ll wish to come to the realm forward of time to seek out parking.
Expertise Native Occasions
Bear in mind to maintain an eye fixed out for native happenings, which you will discover on the Go to Oceanside web site. These can differ by day or month. The Oceanside Worldwide Movie Pageant in February will be nice for teenagers and youths who get pleasure from movies.
However there are additionally smaller occasions like stay music at eating places. Privateer Coal Hearth Pizza has stay music from native artists each Wednesday night.
Eventful Evenings: Sundown to Starlight
Night in Oceanside is a magical time for households. You may get pleasure from breathtaking sunsets at one in every of California’s most iconic piers and dive into vigorous avenue festivities that provide enjoyable for everybody.
Capturing the Good Sundown at Oceanside Pier
Discover the well-known Oceanside Pier, the place you possibly can get pleasure from a leisurely stroll, attempt fishing, or absorb the gorgeous 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 watch 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 gorgeous 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 rapidly.
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 possibly can get pleasure from stay performances, arts, and crafts.
This occasion is held in Downtown Oceanside and is free to attend, making it an reasonably priced and gratifying exercise for the entire household.
Procuring and Souvenirs
There are a lot of 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 items you received’t discover elsewhere.
Oceanside Farmers Market Finds
In Oceanside, the Farmers Market is the place to seek 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 provides baked items, jams, and different native treats, good for a household outing. It’s a terrific spot to seize a fast chew, like a croissant or different goodies for the youngsters to munch on.
Whereas procuring, don’t miss the possibility to discover varied meals cubicles. One favourite is the cannoli sales space, which provides scrumptious, freshly made cannolis. In addition to meals, you will discover cubicles promoting handmade crafts and clothes.
High Spots on the Farmers Market:
- Recent produce
- Flowers and crops
- Baked items
- Cannoli sales space
Distinctive Presents and Handmade Items
In case you are in search of memorable items and handmade items, Oceanside has a lot to supply. Children 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 a terrific place to peruse for classic finds. The Ozone has a vivid area with cured gadgets so every member of the family can discover one thing charming.
Transport and Lodging Suggestions
Touring round Oceanside with children will be enjoyable and simple if you recognize your choices. Whether or not you favor trains, bikes, or a comfortable place to remain, Oceanside has you coated.
Getting Round O’Facet: Trains and Bikes
Getting round Oceanside is a breeze. The COASTER practice is a handy option to journey up and down the coast. Children will love the scenic ocean views from the practice. For those who or the youngsters get automobile sick, make certain to face ahead!
For shorter distances, think about 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 a bit of train). Oceanside has many bike rental outlets, and it’s a bike-friendly metropolis. For those who desire, there are additionally electrical bikes obtainable that may make the trip even simpler. You may also discover free or paid parking must you drive together with your automobile or a rental.
Staying in Oceanside: From Airbnbs to Resorts
Oceanside provides a variety of locations to remain. For a bit extra luxurious, try The Seabird Resort. We e book this rather a lot for households due to its beachfront location, informal nature, nicer rooms, wonderful service, and the perks we’ve got there at no additional price.
On the extra wallet-friendly facet, Vacation Inn Oceanside Camp Pendleton Space has a Children Keep and Eat Free coverage. Children underneath 18 keep without cost and youngsters underneath 12 can eat free with a paid grownup meal.
Whether or not you select a comfortable rental or an expensive resort, Oceanside has one thing to suit your household’s wants. Be sure to e book early, particularly throughout peak trip seasons.
See additionally: Greatest Household Resorts in San Diego