Oceanside in North County San Diego is perhaps an extra drive in the event you’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 may choose to remain in certainly one of Oceanside’s accommodations or drive up if staying in San Diego.
These planning an entertaining day in Oceanside with youngsters can create lasting recollections and discover plentiful actions to maintain their little (or huge) ones entertained. Oceanside has every thing from lovely seashores to participating museums to fabulous meals.
The town is designed for lively households seeking to benefit from the nice outside, however you don’t have to come back throughout summer time to get pleasure from the very best—there are many enjoyable household actions to do all yr 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 loads to do exterior to maintain youngsters entertained.
Exploring Oceanside’s Sandy Seashores
Oceanside’s sandy seashores are good for a household time out. Buccaneer Seaside is smaller however much less crowded, which may be very best 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, corresponding to picnic tables, BBQ grills, and, better of all, a youngsters’ play space. It’s additionally near eateries in the event you want a chew to eat after exploring.
Ideas
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 virtually at all times spot surfers by the Oceanside Pier.
A number of surf faculties, corresponding to Oceanside Surf College or North County Surf Academy, supply beginner-friendly classes. Instructors deal with educating fundamental abilities and security guidelines.
It’s an effective way to introduce your youngsters to browsing and the ocean. It’s also possible to go to native surf retailers to purchase cool gear.
Paddleboarding and Kayaking Adventures
For one thing totally different, strive paddleboarding or kayaking. Paddleboarding is calm in comparison with the crashing waves of browsing. It’s exercise and straightforward 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 carry sunscreen and keep hydrated.
Spend the Complete 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.
It’s also possible to lease a ship or store at one of many many shops. Oceanside Harbor Village is the right place to make household recollections.
Outside Actions and Parks
You may uncover loads of enjoyable household actions exterior and fascinating parks in Oceanside that may hold your youngsters 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 you 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 fascinating information about marine life.
You may even see an imposing grey whale or playful pods of dolphins. It’s an unforgettable expertise that the youngsters will speak about for weeks or probably a life-long reminiscence.
Picnics and Playgrounds in Oceanside Parks
Oceanside’s parks are good for picnics and playtime. Tyson Road Park has a playground for youthful youngsters, picnic tables, and nice views to look at the sundown. You may even carry your canine to incorporate the entire household.
Buccaneer Park has basketball courts for older youngsters 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 Beneath the Stars
For an evening beneath the celebrities, take into account tenting. The coastal space offers quite a few spots the place you may 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 comfy 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 when you’ve got an RV, chances are you’ll want Paradise by the Sea RV Resort or the Oceanside RV Park.
Sea Lion Island
Sea Lion Island is a small however magical statement deck the place you may 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 an ideal 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 youngsters who love animals.
Skate Park and Outside Recreation
In case your youngsters love skateboarding or scootering, they’ll have a blast at Oceanside’s skate parks. Sure, there are multiple. There may be John Landes Skatepark, Libby Lake Skatepark, Martin Luther King Skatepark, and extra.
The parks could characteristic ramps, rails, and open areas appropriate for numerous ability ranges. Simply make sure you comply with the foundations and rules, corresponding to carrying a helmet, elbow, and kneepads.
Cultural Exploration for Children
Oceanside provides a spread of cultural actions good for kids. Uncover native museums, historic landmarks, and vibrant public artwork. This wealthy cultural expertise is academic and enjoyable, letting youngsters be taught concerning the space’s distinctive roots.
Study and Play at Oceanside Museums
Oceanside has a number of museums which can be very best for younger explorers. The Oceanside Museum of Artwork options numerous academic and fascinating reveals. Children can admire artwork or take part in workshops.
For these excited about browsing, the California Surf Museum showcases the historical past and tradition of browsing in California. It’s free for teenagers beneath 11, making it an accessible choice 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 youngsters 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 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 numerous public artwork installations and murals. Children will get pleasure from strolling excursions that characteristic colourful road artwork unfold all through the town.
Many of those works replicate native heritage and supply a enjoyable and interactive technique to find out about Oceanside. In addition 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 provides 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’ll find the very best meals and treats for your loved ones throughout your go to.
Finest 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 selection is Rockin’ Baja Oceanside Harbor, identified for its tasty salsa bar and seafood buckets. If your loved ones loves pizza, you may’t miss ZIGZAG Pizza, the place the pizza is scrumptious and fairly priced.
Scrumptious Breakfast Spots to Begin Your Day
Beginning your day with breakfast units the tone for a enjoyable household outing. Mellano Farm Stand provides contemporary, natural produce and pleasant baked items.
One other favourite is Seaside Break Café, the place you may get pleasure from quite a lot of breakfast classics. I notably love the tender 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: Finest 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 may discover quite a lot of meals distributors providing a variety of snacks and meals. There’s one thing for everybody, from contemporary 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 could actually 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 search out parking.
Tip: It could actually 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 search out parking.
Expertise Native Occasions
Bear in mind to maintain an eye fixed out for native happenings, which you’ll find on the Go to Oceanside web site. These can range by day or month. The Oceanside Worldwide Movie Pageant in February may 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 may get pleasure from breathtaking sunsets at certainly one of California’s most iconic piers and dive into energetic road festivities that provide enjoyable for everybody.
Capturing the Excellent Sundown at Oceanside Pier
Discover the well-known Oceanside Pier, the place you may get pleasure from a leisurely stroll, strive fishing, or absorb the beautiful views of the Pacific Ocean. You may 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 beautiful household photographs. 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 may get pleasure from reside performances, arts, and crafts.
This occasion is held in Downtown Oceanside and is free to attend, making it an reasonably priced and fulfilling exercise for the entire household.
Buying and Souvenirs
There are numerous alternatives to buy distinctive gadgets and souvenirs in Oceanside. Uncover contemporary produce on the Mainstreet Oceanside Licensed Farmers Market or discover handmade items and distinctive items you gained’t discover elsewhere.
Oceanside Farmers Market Finds
In Oceanside, the Farmers Market is the place to search out contemporary 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 an ideal 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 numerous meals cubicles. One favourite is the cannoli sales space, which provides scrumptious, freshly made cannolis. Apart from meals, you’ll find cubicles promoting handmade crafts and clothes.
Prime Spots on the Farmers Market:
- Contemporary produce
- Flowers and vegetation
- Baked items
- Cannoli sales space
Distinctive Items and Handmade Items
If you’re in search of memorable items and handmade items, Oceanside has loads 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 house is an ideal place to peruse for classic finds. The Ozone has a vibrant house with cured gadgets so every member of the family can discover one thing fascinating.
Transport and Lodging Ideas
Touring round Oceanside with youngsters may be enjoyable and straightforward if you already know your choices. Whether or not you favor trains, bikes, or a comfy place to remain, Oceanside has you lined.
Getting Round O’Aspect: Trains and Bikes
Getting round Oceanside is a breeze. The COASTER prepare is a handy technique to journey up and down the coast. Children will love the scenic ocean views from the prepare. When you or the youngsters get automotive sick, ensure to face ahead!
For shorter distances, take into account renting bikes. This can be a terrific choice 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 retailers, and it’s a bike-friendly metropolis. When you want, there are additionally electrical bikes out there that may make the experience even simpler. It’s also possible to discover free or paid parking do you have to drive together with your automotive or a rental.
Staying in Oceanside: From Airbnbs to Resorts
Oceanside provides a spread of locations to remain. For a bit extra luxurious, take a look at The Seabird Resort. We ebook this so much for households due to its beachfront location, informal nature, nicer rooms, glorious service, and the perks we have now there at no further price.
On the extra wallet-friendly aspect, Vacation Inn Oceanside Camp Pendleton Space has a Children Keep and Eat Free coverage. Children beneath 18 keep without spending a dime and children beneath 12 can eat free with a paid grownup meal.
Whether or not you select a comfy rental or an opulent resort, Oceanside has one thing to suit your household’s wants. Make certain to ebook early, particularly throughout peak trip seasons.
See additionally: Finest Household Resorts in San Diego
