Oceanside in North County San Diego may be an additional drive when you’re coming from the San Diego Worldwide Airport, however it’s chock filled with family-friendly actions and locations to remain. Relying on the size of your trip, you’ll be able to decide to remain in one in every of Oceanside’s resorts or drive up if staying in San Diego.
These planning an entertaining day in Oceanside with youngsters can create lasting reminiscences and discover ample actions to maintain their little (or huge) ones entertained. Oceanside has all the things from lovely seashores to participating museums to fabulous meals.
The town is designed for energetic households trying to benefit from the nice outdoor, however you don’t have to come back throughout summer time to take pleasure in 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 presents many amusing seashore actions for households. From sandy seashores to browsing classes, there’s loads to do outdoors to maintain youngsters entertained.
Exploring Oceanside’s Sandy Seashores
Oceanside’s sandy seashores are excellent for a household day trip. Buccaneer Seaside is smaller however much less crowded, which could be ideally suited if you wish to stroll round with the kiddos to let off some pent-up power.
Oceanside Harbor Seaside has bigger seashores with extra facilities, akin to picnic tables, BBQ grills, and, better of all, a youngsters’ play space. It’s additionally near eateries when you 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 thought for its vibrant browsing tradition. You’ll virtually all the time spot surfers by the Oceanside Pier.
A number of surf faculties, akin to Oceanside Surf College or North County Surf Academy, supply beginner-friendly classes. Instructors give attention to instructing primary abilities and security guidelines.
It’s an effective way to introduce your youngsters to browsing and the ocean. You can even go to native surf outlets 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 very good exercise and straightforward for teenagers to choose up.
Kayaking is an alternative choice, letting households discover the harbor or close by waters. Some locations even supply guided excursions. Simply keep in mind to deliver 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 kids discover one thing to eat with out spending too lengthy at a sit-down restaurant with antsy toddlers.
You can even hire 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 outdoors and attention-grabbing parks in Oceanside that can maintain 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 excellent 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 speak about for weeks or probably a life-long reminiscence.
Picnics and Playgrounds in Oceanside Parks
Oceanside’s parks are excellent for picnics and playtime. Tyson Avenue Park has a playground for youthful kids, picnic tables, and nice views to look at the sundown. You possibly can even deliver 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 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 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 need to spend time outdoors. There are alternatives close to the ocean or extra inland. Guajome Regional Park has 33 websites, however you probably have an RV, you could want 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’ll be able to see sea lions basking within the solar. Situated close to the harbor, this place provides 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 ideal alternative for teenagers to witness sea lions of their pure habitat.
Sea Lion Island is positioned by N Pacific St, Oceanside, CA 92054. It is a good thing 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’s John Landes Skatepark, Libby Lake Skatepark, Martin Luther King Skatepark, and extra.
The parks might characteristic ramps, rails, and open areas appropriate for numerous talent ranges. Simply make sure you comply with the foundations and rules, akin to carrying a helmet, elbow, and kneepads.
Cultural Exploration for Youngsters
Oceanside presents a spread of cultural actions excellent for kids. Uncover native museums, historic landmarks, and vibrant public artwork. This wealthy cultural expertise is instructional and enjoyable, letting youngsters be taught in regards to the space’s distinctive roots.
Study and Play at Oceanside Museums
Oceanside has a number of museums which can be ideally suited for younger explorers. The Oceanside Museum of Artwork options numerous instructional and fascinating displays. Youngsters can respect artwork or take part in workshops.
For these desirous about 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 displays 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 town’s native historical past. This mission is among the oldest in California, offering a glimpse into the previous by means 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 take pleasure in strolling excursions that characteristic colourful avenue artwork unfold all through town.
Many of those works replicate native heritage and supply a enjoyable and interactive technique to study Oceanside. Additionally they make nice backdrops for household selfies! The Grasp’s Kitchen and Cocktail Mural is daring and shiny, whereas the Rising Co. one is extra muted.
Household Eating and Native Treats
Oceanside presents a wide range of eating choices that cater to households, together with cozy breakfast spots and vibrant night markets. Right here’s the place yow will discover the most effective 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 wide 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 very good breakfast units the tone for a enjoyable household outing. Mellano Farm Stand presents contemporary, natural produce and pleasant baked items.
One other favourite is Seaside Break Café, the place you’ll be able to take pleasure in a wide range of breakfast classics. I significantly 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 take pleasure in 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’ll be able to discover a wide range 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 need to eat however actually love.
It may well get extraordinarily busy as a result of they block off the streets, so you could need to come to the realm forward of time to search out parking.
Tip: It may well get extraordinarily busy as a result of they block off the streets, so you could need 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 yow will discover on the Go to Oceanside web site. These can range by day or month. The Oceanside Worldwide Movie Pageant in February could be nice for teenagers and youths who take pleasure in 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 possibly can take pleasure in breathtaking sunsets at one in every of California’s most iconic piers and dive into full of life avenue festivities that provide enjoyable for everybody.
Capturing the Good Sundown at Oceanside Pier
Discover the well-known Oceanside Pier, the place you’ll be able to take pleasure in a leisurely stroll, attempt fishing, or take in 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 watch the waves.
Watching the sundown on the Oceanside Pier is unforgettable. The pier, stretching 1,942 ft into the ocean, provides 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 dashing 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’ll be able to take pleasure in stay performances, arts, and crafts.
This occasion is held in Downtown Oceanside and is free to attend, making it an inexpensive and gratifying exercise for the entire household.
Purchasing and Souvenirs
There are lots of alternatives to buy distinctive objects 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 presents baked items, jams, and different native treats, excellent for a household outing. It’s an ideal spot to seize a fast chunk, like a croissant or different goodies for the youngsters to munch on.
Whereas buying, don’t miss the prospect to discover numerous meals cubicles. One favourite is the cannoli sales space, which presents scrumptious, freshly made cannolis. Moreover meals, yow will discover cubicles promoting handmade crafts and clothes.
Prime Spots on the Farmers Market:
- Contemporary produce
- Flowers and crops
- Baked items
- Cannoli sales space
Distinctive Presents and Handmade Items
If you’re searching for memorable items and handmade items, Oceanside has loads 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 house is an ideal place to peruse for classic finds. The Ozone has a shiny house with cured objects so every member of the family can discover one thing charming.
Transport and Lodging Ideas
Touring round Oceanside with youngsters could be enjoyable and straightforward if you understand your choices. Whether or not you favor trains, bikes, or a comfy place to remain, Oceanside has you coated.
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. Youngsters will love the scenic ocean views from the prepare. When you or the youngsters get automobile sick, make certain to face ahead!
For shorter distances, contemplate renting bikes. It is 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 outlets, and it’s a bike-friendly metropolis. When you want, there are additionally electrical bikes obtainable that may make the trip even simpler. You can even discover free or paid parking do you have to drive together with your automobile or a rental.
Staying in Oceanside: From Airbnbs to Resorts
Oceanside presents a spread of locations to remain. For a bit extra luxurious, take a look at The Seabird Resort. We e book this quite a bit for households due to its beachfront location, informal nature, nicer rooms, glorious service, and the perks now we have there at no additional value.
On the extra wallet-friendly facet, Vacation Inn Oceanside Camp Pendleton Space has a Youngsters Keep and Eat Free coverage. Youngsters below 18 keep free of charge and youngsters below 12 can eat free with a paid grownup meal.
Whether or not you select a comfy rental or an expensive resort, Oceanside has one thing to suit your household’s wants. Make sure that to e book early, particularly throughout peak trip seasons.
See additionally: Finest Household Lodges in San Diego
