Oceanside in North County San Diego is perhaps an additional drive should you’re coming from the San Diego Worldwide Airport, nevertheless 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 accommodations or drive up if staying in San Diego.
These planning an entertaining day in Oceanside with children can create lasting recollections and discover ample actions to maintain their little (or huge) ones entertained. Oceanside has every part from stunning seashores to participating museums to fabulous meals.
The town is designed for energetic households seeking to benefit from the nice outdoor, however you don’t have to return throughout summer time to take pleasure in one of the 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 affords many amusing seaside actions for households. From sandy seashores to browsing classes, there’s lots to do outdoors to maintain children entertained.
Exploring Oceanside’s Sandy Seashores
Oceanside’s sandy seashores are excellent for a household day trip. Buccaneer Seashore is smaller however much less crowded, which will be best if you wish to stroll round with the kiddos to let off some pent-up power.
Oceanside Harbor Seashore has bigger seashores with extra facilities, corresponding to picnic tables, BBQ grills, and, better of all, a children’ play space. It’s additionally near eateries should 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, corresponding to Oceanside Surf Faculty or North County Surf Academy, supply beginner-friendly classes. Instructors give attention to instructing fundamental expertise and security guidelines.
It’s a good 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 an excellent exercise and straightforward for teenagers to choose 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 convey 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.
You may also lease a ship or store at one of many many shops. Oceanside Harbor Village is the proper place to make household recollections.
Outside Actions and Parks
You possibly can uncover loads of enjoyable household actions outdoors and attention-grabbing parks in Oceanside that may 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 you go whale watching. The coastal waters round Oceanside are excellent for recognizing whales, dolphins, and sea lions. Native excursions typically present binoculars and guides that share attention-grabbing information about marine life.
You would possibly even see an impressive grey whale or playful pods of dolphins. It’s an unforgettable expertise that the children will discuss for weeks or probably a life-long reminiscence.
Picnics and Playgrounds in Oceanside Parks
Oceanside’s parks are excellent for picnics and playtime. Tyson Road Park has a playground for youthful youngsters, picnic tables, and nice views to observe the sundown. You possibly can even convey 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 choose from. My household loves parks as a result of they’re free!
Tenting Below the Stars
For an evening underneath the celebs, contemplate tenting. The coastal space gives quite a few spots the place you’ll be able to arrange a tent and luxuriate in nature. Think about the children laughing, telling tales, and falling asleep to the sound of the waves. Native campgrounds typically 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 outdoors. There are alternatives close to the ocean or extra inland. Guajome Regional Park has 33 websites, however if in case you have 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 remark 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, typically bouncing out and in of the water and barking playfully. It’s an amazing alternative for youths to witness sea lions of their pure habitat.
Sea Lion Island is positioned by N Pacific St, Oceanside, CA 92054. It is a great point to do in Oceanside with children who love animals.
Skate Park and Outside Recreation
In case your children love skateboarding or scootering, they’ll have a blast at Oceanside’s skate parks. Sure, there are a couple of. 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 you comply with the foundations and laws, corresponding to carrying a helmet, elbow, and kneepads.
Cultural Exploration for Youngsters
Oceanside affords a variety of cultural actions excellent for kids. Uncover native museums, historic landmarks, and vibrant public artwork. This wealthy cultural expertise is instructional and enjoyable, letting children study concerning the space’s distinctive roots.
Be taught and Play at Oceanside Museums
Oceanside has a number of museums which are best for younger explorers. The Oceanside Museum of Artwork options varied instructional and fascinating reveals. Youngsters can respect artwork or take part in workshops.
For these involved in browsing, the California Surf Museum showcases the historical past and tradition of browsing in California. It’s free for youths underneath 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 children to the 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 study concerning the mission’s function in California’s historical past. Household-friendly excursions can be found, together with instructional applications specializing in the mission’s cultural significance.
Public Artwork and Native Heritage
Downtown Oceanside is wealthy with numerous public artwork installations and murals. Youngsters will take pleasure in strolling excursions that function colourful road artwork unfold all through the town.
Many of those works replicate native heritage and supply a enjoyable and interactive solution 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 affords 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 one of the best 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 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’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 an excellent breakfast units the tone for a enjoyable household outing. Mellano Farm Stand affords contemporary, natural produce and pleasant baked items.
One other favourite is Seashore Break Café, the place you’ll be able to take pleasure in a wide range of breakfast classics. I notably love the comfortable and fluffy espresso cake, and it’s a favourite for all ages. The environment is welcoming, making it an ideal spot for youths to take pleasure in 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’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 wish to eat however really love.
It could 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 could 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
Keep in mind to maintain a watch out for native happenings, which yow will discover on the Go to Oceanside web site. These can fluctuate by day or month. The Oceanside Worldwide Movie Pageant in February will be nice for youths and youths who take pleasure in movies.
However there are additionally smaller occasions like dwell music at eating places. Privateer Coal Fireplace Pizza has dwell 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 road 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 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 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 gorgeous household pictures. 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’ll be able to take pleasure in dwell performances, arts, and crafts.
This occasion is held in Downtown Oceanside and is free to attend, making it an reasonably priced and pleasurable exercise for the entire household.
Purchasing 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 received’t discover elsewhere.
Oceanside Farmers Market Finds
In Oceanside, the Farmers Market is the place to seek 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 affords baked items, jams, and different native treats, excellent for a household outing. It’s an amazing spot to seize a fast chew, like a croissant or different goodies for the children to munch on.
Whereas procuring, don’t miss the possibility to discover varied meals cubicles. One favourite is the cannoli sales space, which affords scrumptious, freshly made cannolis. Apart from meals, yow 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 Items and Handmade Items
If you’re in search of memorable items and handmade items, Oceanside has lots 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 amazing place to peruse for classic finds. The Ozone has a vivid house with cured gadgets so every member of the family can discover one thing fascinating.
Transport and Lodging Suggestions
Touring round Oceanside with children will be enjoyable and straightforward if you realize your choices. Whether or not you favor trains, bikes, or a comfortable place to remain, Oceanside has you lined.
Getting Round O’Aspect: Trains and Bikes
Getting round Oceanside is a breeze. The COASTER practice is a handy solution to journey up and down the coast. Youngsters will love the scenic ocean views from the practice. If you happen to or the children get automobile sick, make certain to face ahead!
For shorter distances, contemplate renting bikes. It is a terrific choice if you wish to keep close to the coast, take within the ocean views by bike (and get slightly train). Oceanside has many bike rental outlets, and it’s a bike-friendly metropolis. If you happen to want, there are additionally electrical bikes out there that may make the experience even simpler. You may also discover free or paid parking do you have to drive along with your automobile or a rental.
Staying in Oceanside: From Airbnbs to Resorts
Oceanside affords a variety of locations to remain. For a bit extra luxurious, try The Seabird Resort. We ebook this lots for households due to its beachfront location, informal nature, nicer rooms, wonderful service, and the perks we’ve there at no further price.
On the extra wallet-friendly facet, Vacation Inn Oceanside Camp Pendleton Space has a Youngsters Keep and Eat Free coverage. Youngsters underneath 18 keep free of charge 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 ebook early, particularly throughout peak trip seasons.
See additionally: Greatest Household Motels in San Diego
