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23 Best & Fun Things To Do In Oceanside (California)

Have you ever wished to have a great fun experience in a beautiful and exciting place, but you don’t know how or where to fulfill those wishes? Well, we have a list of places you can achieve those wishes in Oceanside, California.

Oceanside is a city on the South Coast of California in San Diego County.

The city is known for palm-dotted Harbor Beach and nearby Oceanside Harbor, with its marina and shops.

Oceanside, California, is a beautiful place to spend time with your family. The city is filled with attractive centers.

It is home to different museums, outstanding parks, beautiful theatres, restaurants, wineries, and breweries.

Indeed, it is a beautiful, interesting, fantastic, and wonderful place to spend your holiday.

The city has attracted tourists with its perfect climate, the well-preserved historic district, and a fun, beautiful atmosphere.

Oceanside, California, is indeed a place worth visiting.

Here is the list of the 23 best, most beautiful, and fun places to visit during your stay in Oceanside, California.

Things To Do In Oceanside

 1. Oceanside Museum of Art

Things to do in Oceanside

Oceanside Museum of Art

Are you a lover of history, art, and culture? Do you love to discover new things? If so, the Oceanside Museum of Art is one place to find beautiful things like that.

The museum is just a perfect place to go. The art collections are wonderful and are worth viewing. Their staffs are lovely, informative and they also know the story behind each piece of art.

Besides, Oceanside museum art is a peaceful place to be. The rooms have classical music playing softly in the background.

Also, they have a gift shop filled with beautiful art pieces, clothes, books, and jewelry created by local artists.

The Oceanside museum gift shop is a beautiful place to get gifts for your lovely family and friends.

Although the museum is small, but you know what they say, the smaller things are better. The museum has a great layout upstairs and downstairs. The arts are spread out so nicely and evenly.

However, the museum is also a great place to improve your creativity.

The Oceanside museum art is a must-see for all visitors and locals. You are definitely going to love this incredible experience.

Address: 704 Pier View Way, Oceanside, CA 92054, United States

2. Oceanside Municipal Fishing Pier

Things to do in Oceanside

Oceanside Municipal Fishing Pier

This is one of the best, most beautiful, and most fun places for you to be with your family and friends. Oceanside municipal fishing pier is a park that offers you a space to fish with your loved ones.

Besides, you don’t need a fishing license to experience this beautiful moment. All you need is your standard fishing tools like a hook, rods, tackle, etc.

Oceanside Pier is the longest pier over the Pacific Ocean in California. The dock is a beautiful, clean, and peaceful place. It is definitely a great place to take children for an easy walk and also to have a fun time.

Indeed, you can fish from the pier and about halfway to the end of the pier. Also, it is pretty easy to see wildlife from the pier, and the view of sunsets and sunrise is unique and pleasing.

The Oceanside Municipal is indeed a beautiful and exciting place to spend time with your kids. There is something for everyone, including a playground for the kids, a bike path, and roads right next to the beach to walk or ride a bike on.

The lifeguards are also helpful, and they are always available to help. Therefore, your safety is certain.

The Oceanside municipal fishing Pier is definitely a great place worth visiting.

Make sure you visit and also don’t forget to bring your fishing tools along.

Address: Pier, Oceanside, CA 92054, United States

3. California Surf Museum

Things to do in Oceanside

Photo: California Surf Museum

The California Surf Museum opened in 1986 and has been in operation ever since. The museum is to preserve surfing heritage and also to display surf art, surfing equipment, surfboards, memorabilia, videos, magazines, and photographs.

The Surf is a great place to learn about wave action, history, and design of surfboards and also to know what is behind surfing culture, lifestyle, and contests.

The museum is one of the best places for both kids and adults.

They have beautiful displays that rotate over time, and also the staff are doing an excellent job by educating and engaging the visitors.

The staffs are friendly and fun to interact with. You are definitely going to love the fun experience. This museum is a place you need to visit.

Be sure to visit and have a wonderful trip.

Address: 312 Pier View Way, Oceanside, CA 92054, United States

4. Mission San Luis Rey

Things to do in Oceanside

Photo: Mission San Luis Rey

The Mission San Luis Rey is also called the king of the Missions and is the largest in Oceanside, California.

The Mission is one of the best and most beautiful in Oceanside. It is also a great place to bring kids to have fun. They will definitely be happy to visit because the beauty of the Mission will for sure lighten their spirit.

The grounds are beautiful to walk around and learn all the history of this mission. Besides, everything in the Mission is well-kept and clean.

The mission is absolutely a perfect place to host any event.

You will be happy to see Abraham Lincoln’s actual signature on a document in the Misson.

Make sure you visit whenever you are in Oceanside, California.

Address: 4050 Mission Ave, Oceanside, CA 92057, United States

5. The Wave Water Park

Things to do in Oceanside

Facebook / Wave Water Park

Oceanside Wave Water Park is definitely one of the best beautiful, pleasant, fantastic, unique, and entertaining places to spend your day with your kids, family, and friends.

Also, the park is also small enough to allow your older and younger children to have their own fun experiences and activities.

The place is well kept, many lifeguards are on duty, and they actually take their job seriously, so you have no reason to worry about your kids.

Their staffs are always helpful & friendly. Amazingly, the park is small enough to entertain all its visitors.

In addition, they have an excellent snack bar. The bar offers the best food at even better prices. They have hot dogs, hamburgers, dots, pizzas, sodas, and other treats.

You don’t want your kids to miss this great fun experience.

Make you visit the Oceanside water park because the park is worth visiting.

Address: 101 Wave Dr, Vista, CA 92083, United States

 6. Oceanside Harbor Beach

Things to do in Oceanside

Photo: Oceanside Harbor Beach

Do you love the sight of sunset and sunrise? Do you love to have a perfect, beautiful time all by yourself or with your family on a huge and beautiful beach? If so, Oceanside Harbor Beach is the ideal place for you to be.

Harbor Beach is Oceanside’s largest beach in Oceanside, California, offering everything from surfing to volleyball.

The Oceanside Harbor Beach is one of the most beautiful, attractive, fantastic, and fun places. It is definitely worth visiting.

However, the beach is an excellent place for kids and adults of all ages.

Indeed, it is a beautiful place to hang out. Also, they have lots of restaurants where you can get delicious meals.

Whenever you decide to walk down the shoreline, you will surely find seals having sunbathed.

Hands down, it is one place to spend a fun and a great time with your family and friends.

Also, what can make you feel better than having fun and also feeling safe?

The lifeguards are always active and available.

Make sure you include Oceanside Harbor Beach on the list of places you wish to visit whenever you are in Oceanside, California.

 7. Hosp Grove Park

Things to do in Oceanside

Photo: Hosp Grove Park

Hosp Grove Park is a great place to spend time with your family and friends.

However, the park is always clean and well-maintained. Lots of people enjoy walking and having a lovely time in the park. Indeed, it is a great place to take children to have one of the best days of their lives.

The park is also an excellent place for a quick, easy hike. A beautiful and interesting playground is made especially for kids with safety padding on the ground. Therefore, your kids will definitely have a great fun experience.

Also, there are multiple tree swings hidden through the park for the older kids, a tree see-saw, and logs big enough to balance on trails for hiking and biking.

Make sure you visit this park with your kids; they will definitely love it and have a great fun experience.

There is also a bathroom, some benches for lunch or a picnic, and the trail has some lovely hills.

Address: Jefferson St, Carlsbad, CA 92008, United States

Planning a road trip outside of Oceanside? Why not check out the lists of things to do in Humboldt County, Irvine, San Luis Obispo, Alameda, and Bakersfield?

8. Antique Gas And Steam Engine Museum

Things to do in Oceanside

Alan Islas / Wikimedia Commons

The Antique Gas & Steam Engine Museum is a non-profit organization. It is run by several paid employees, along with volunteer help.

However, the museum collects, preserves, and displays mechanical ingenuity and crafts related to American farms and rural communities.

The collection focuses on 1849 through the early 1960s with exhibits that actively demonstrate early American life and technology.

The Oceanside Antique gas and engine is a great place to educate your family on the early life of American technology and farm.

The museum is a fascinating place to have fun. The site is full of history. Besides, they have friendly volunteers to attend to visitors, and also their calendar is full of exciting events.

Oceanside Antique gas and engine is full of treasures, and they know how to show them off.

There are many interesting engines, tractors, blacksmiths, weavers, trains, and many more.

Also, their entrance fee is so low that you can go with your family.

The Museum has a neat little gift shop as well.

Address: 2040 N Santa Fe Ave, Vista, CA 92083, United States

 9. South Carlsbad State Beach

Things to do in Oceanside

Facebook / South Carlsbad State Beach

Do you love swimming, surfing, skin diving, fishing, and picnicking, or do you wish to hang out with your friends and family? Well, we have a beautiful, exciting, and wonderful place for you to fulfill those wishes.

South Carlsbad State Beach is a lovely and wonderful place to spend your afternoons with your friends. It is definitely a peaceful place for bonding with your loved ones.

Further, the beach is wild, pleasant, and sandy for a romantic run, it is a popular spot for families, most especially during holidays.

It is right next to the road, therefore you can easily spot the beautiful views of the beach right inside your car.

Also, not all dogs are allowed on the beach, but some registered dogs can also have fun on the beach.

However, there is a huge space for parking your cars, although you have to pay a small fee in some of the parks while some are free parking.

Besides, there are showers and toilets on the beach.

Oceanside Carlsbad State Beach is one of the most beautiful, pleasant places you can take a perfect picture.

You are going to love this fun experience. Also, you will be happy to see the great and beautiful smiles on your kids’ faces whenever they are having fun.

Be sure to visit Oceanside Carlsbad State Beach. You will definitely be happy you did.

Have a wonderful trip.

Address: 7106 Carlsbad Blvd, (800) 444-7275Carlsbad, CA 92011

10. Alta Vista Botanical Gardens

Things to do in Oceanside

Alan Islas / Wikimedia Commons

Are you a lover of nature and art? Do you love beautiful flowers, or do you love the smell of flowers? Then the best place to visit is the Alta Vista Botanical Gardens.

The purpose of the garden is to provide a beautiful, fun, and interactive living classroom for students.

Furthermore, the garden is to educate, enlighten, and inspire children to learn.

The garden is a beautiful place to spend time with your family. It’s so peaceful and you will definitely feel better and relaxed.

The Oceanside Alta Vista Botanical Gardens is truly a hidden gem, with delightful artwork and fascinating examples of remarkable plants. However, the children’s area is worth the effort and also your kids will enjoy watching the turtles swim around the ponds.

This place is a great place to teach young children to have fun, walk around and explore art. It’s also great for a stroll around because the garden is huge. Also, some trails are paved for easy wheelchair and stroller access.

The admission fee is really low compared to the fun experience you are going to have.

Above all, you can plan to have an event in the garden for a very reasonable fee.

You are indeed going to have fun here. Have a wonderful trip.

Address: 1270 Vale Terrace Dr, Vista, CA 92084, United States

11. Oceanside Beach House Winery

Oceanside Beach House Winery

Photo: Beach House Winery

Are you planning an event and wish to serve your guests a tasty, healthy, and beautiful wine or do you love to drink wine often? Then the Oceanside Beach House winery is the best place to get those quality wines.

The winery is a beautiful and wonderful place for a perfect date; the rooftop is great for gathering.

The wine tastes superb and you can get it at a very reasonable price.

Besides, the staffs are really great, friendly and welcoming.

There is also a Saturday Pizza day where they offer pies along with a fine bottle of wine. You are definitely going to enjoy it.

However, all their wine collections are fantastic. Also, the most interesting part is that they are dog friendly, which is absolutely amazing.

Also, the views from the winery are so beautiful and special. It is also a wonderful place to be with family.

There is also a tasting room. Certainly, it is going to be an epic experience.

You need to add the Oceanside Beach House winery to the list of places you want to visit whenever you are in California.

Address: 1534 Sleeping Indian Rd, Fallbrook, CA 92028, United States

12. California Welcome Centre

California Welcome Centre

Photo: California Welcome Centre

This is one of the tourists’ most attractive centre in Oceanside. The California welcome centre offers the best open-air outlet shopping experience in Oceanside.

The place is big enough to explore, you can book a tour and also get guides and other helpful information from the staff. There is a great view of the yacht’s berth outside.

The staff are friendly, patient, very knowledgeable, and passionate about helping the visitors to explore. You can get and make use of some coupons too.

There are lots of interesting and wonderful things to view. You might need to go with your cameras. Besides, you can also charge your phone or cameras in the center.

The place is certainly tourist-friendly. Furthermore, you can get food from the restaurant close to the centre. You are definitely going to enjoy yourself and also have a great fun experience.

It is a wonderful place to connect with yourself.

Address: Pier 39, San Francisco, CA 94133, United States

13. State Street Farmers Market

Things to do in Oceanside

Photo: Bill Heller

Do you enjoy fresh organic produce, locally prepared foods, and handmade food? The only place to get those foods in Oceanside, California, is to visit State Street Farmers Market.

You will get to choose your favorite local produce and homemade foods, soaps, organic tea, fresh seafood, fruits and vegetables, olives, pumice, and more!

The market is a great place to spend time with your family and loved ones by doing some activities together.

The Oceanside California Street Farmers Market is not rough, so you can easily get your way in and out of the market. Also, there is a big enough space for parking cars.

Furthermore, the prices of items in the market are so reasonable, you don’t need to worry about spending too much.

Besides, there are restaurants on both sides of the market, so you can get some delicious and yummy food to eat while you shop.

There is a beautiful ocean not too far from the market, so you can stop by to catch your breath and also relax.

Whenever you are in Oceanside, California, make sure you visit the Market to get your groceries and other items at the cheapest price.

Address: 2907 State St, Carlsbad, CA 92008, United States

14. Lake Calavera Hiking Trails

Lake Calavera Hiking Trails

Photo: Jared Gustafson

Lake Calavera Hiking Trails is definitely one of the lovely places to spend your day. It is a great spot to let out your stress, anxiety and also a perfect place to feel better and relaxed.

It is one of the best and exceptional places for hiking but with fantastic views. You can also work your pets on the trails.

Furthermore, there are trails that surround the lake. This is one of the easiest walking paths with lakeside views.

The hike, however, is perfect for dog lovers and families. Also, there is a space for mountain bikes on the trail.

Definitely, you will be rewarded whenever you decide to hike to the top. You will see the beautiful sunset and the ocean view. You can also see all the mountains in the background too.

There are several places you can stop to rest and take a seat. Also, there is a restroom at one of the trailheads before going further.

Visit the Oceanside lake Calavera Hiking Trails wherever you are in California or you should add it to your list. You are definitely going to have a great fun experience.

Address: Tamarack Ave, Carlsbad, CA 92010, United States.

15. Ann D. L’Heureux Memorial Dog park

Ann D. L'Heureux Memorial Dog park

MapQuest

We all love our pets with all our hearts. You will definitely love to see them play and enjoy themselves. One of the best, most beautiful and interesting places to give your pets the greatest fun experience is to take them to the Oceanside Memorial Dog park.

It is a wonderful place for kids of all ages. The trail is nice and outstanding. It leads to an actual people’s park where you can also walk around and have fun.

The park is big enough for your dogs to have fun and you can also have fun with them.

Besides, The Oceanside Memorial Dog park is always clean, so you have no reason to worry about your pets getting any kind of disease

Our pet also needs to have a great fun experience, so make sure you take your dogs to the Oceanside Memorial Dog park. There are definitely going to love it.

Address: 2710 Carlsbad Village Dr, Carlsbad, CA 92008, United States

16. Lotus Sculpture Buddhist And Hindu Statues

Lotus Sculpture Buddhist And Hindu Statues

Lotus Sculpture Buddhist

Are you a lover of statues? Do you wish to have a statue of your own? Well, the best and perfect place to purchase those amazing Lotus Sculptures is to visit Oceanside Lotus Sculpture Buddhist And Hindu Statues.

It is a great and beautiful place to get Buddhist at a very reasonable price. You are definitely going to love the place.

Furthermore, they have an amazing selection, and it is a super easy ordering process.

The staff are very welcoming, friendly, and knowledgeable about every statue. You will definitely feel comfortable.

Be sure to visit to get those statues you love.

Address: 1834 Ord Way, Oceanside, CA 92056, United States

 17. Oceans Eleven Casino

Oceans Eleven Casino

Facebook / Oceans Eleven Casino

Oceanside eleven casino is the best place for poker and table games.

This is one of the best places to get a perfect fun experience for adults.

The place is really clean and beautiful. You can easily get your way around the casino. There are plenty of seats and space in the casino. Also, their beers are relatively Cheap.

They also have food service, unlike every other casino. Furthermore, the restroom is well maintained.

The casino staffs are really respectful and welcoming.

You are definitely going to have a great time visiting Oceanside eleven casino whenever you are in California.

Address: 121 Brooks St, Oceanside, CA 92054, United States

Looking to catch more fun in other California cities? Check out the best things to do in Palm Desert, Victorville, West Covina, Fresno, Big Bear Lake, and Pismo Beach!

18. Boomers Vista

Boomers Vista

Facebook / Boomers Vista

The Boomers Vista is a national amusement center chain that offers the best family-friendly fun, featuring an awesome, exciting mini-golf, go-karts, bumper boats & arcade games.

The Oceanside boomer Vista is one of the best places to have fun and also spent time with your kids.

The boomer vista is one of the most interesting places in Oceanside. It is a perfect place to bond with your family.

Above all, the staff are really nice and they take their seriously, also their pizza is really yummy and cheap.

Address: 1525 W Vista Way, Vista, CA 92083, United States

 19. Oceanside Buccaneer Park

Oceanside Buccaneer Park

Photo: Buccaneer Park

Do you love the view of sunset and sunrise or you love a sandy area to cool off yourself?

Buccaneer Park is one of the most beautiful, awesome, interesting, and wonderful places to be. It is a great place to spend time with your family and friends.

The Oceanside Buccaneer park is one of the perfect places to hang out. It is a beautiful and safe spot for kids to have fun experience.

Furthermore, there is a beach across the park. The beach is an interesting place to stroll. The beach also has a lot of parking space and showers to get all the sand off after a great day at the beach. Also, the buccaneer Cafe has a great menu with outdoor seating.

However, the park is a nice, great, and beautiful place for a picnic. You can also feed the duck and squirrels in the park.

The park has a wonderful basketball court, and a good patch of grass to play a game of soccer or football.

Be sure to take your kids to the Oceanside Buccaneer park. They will definitely have the greatest fun experience ever.

 Address: 1506 S Pacific St, Oceanside, CA 92054, United States

20. Cerro De Las Posas Park Pool

Cerro De Las Posas Park Pool

Photo: Alan Crosthwaite

Cerro De Las Posas Park Pool is a beautiful park with plenty of space to play soccer, frisbee, basketball, tennis, and even baseball. You can also go swimming in the public pool in the park.

This is a great place to have a great fun experience both for kids and adults.

Furthermore, the park is spotless and well kept, also the bathrooms are clean as well as the pool which has some fun water features for the children. The park is a great location for exercise and for tennis.

Besides, there is a swim instructor that will teach your kids how to swim. The fee is very reasonable and the instructors are really patient and friendly with the kids.

Also, there is always a lifeguard on duty to keep watch on the other children while the instructor works one on one with the kids. So you have no reason to worry.

Make sure you take your kids to have fun and at the same time learn how to swim because swimming at times can be a lifesaving skill.

Certainly, your kids will have a great fun experience.

Make you include Oceanside Posas Park Pool to the list of places you intend to visit whenever you are in California.

Address: Cerro De Las Posas Park, 1387 W Borden Rd, San Marcos, CA 92069, United States.

21. Oceanside Oak Riparian Park

Oceanside Oak Riparian Park

Photo: Oak Riparian Park

Oceanside Oak Riparian Park is one of the most beautiful parks in Oceanside, California.

There are lots of trees in the park, and unique spots for picnics and hangouts.

Indeed, it is a beautiful and fun place to spend quality time together with your family and friends. Also, the park is a great spot for photoshoots.

Besides, the Oceanside Oak park is a fun place for mountain bike, there are a lot of shades along the trail. Also, you can walk your dog on the trails.

However, there is no entrance fee, which means you can have a great time and fun for free. There is a parking space big enough to park few cars.

The park also shave a restroom and the restroom is really clean and well maintained.

There is also a children’s playground to keep your kids busy and happy while you are hiking with your friends.

The Oceanside Oak park is definitely a very hotspot for you to hang out with your family.

Make sure you visit whenever you are in California. Have a wonderful trip.

Address: 4625 Lake Blvd, Oceanside, CA 92056, United States

 22. Legoland California Resort

Legoland California Resort

Photo: Legoland California Resort

What can make you feel better than seeing your kids having the best day of their lives?

Legoland  California Resort is a beautiful, outstanding, interesting place to have fun experiences with your kids and families.

However, the entrance fee is so reasonable. There are lots of interesting activities to do in the park coupled with different but beautiful playgrounds for kids of all ages.

Besides, there is also a place for adults in the park. The food in the restaurant is so delicious and cheap.

Furthermore, there is a mini-museum where you can learn about the history of banking in Legoland, California.

Definitely, it is one of the perfect places to have a great time with your family and also bond with your kids.

Make sure you take your kids to Legoland whenever you are in California because the fun experience is certainly unlimited.

Address; One Legoland Dr, Carlsbad, CA 92008, United States.

23. Heritage Park Oceanside

Heritage Park Oceanside

Photo: Heritage Park Oceanside

The Heritage park is one of the most beautiful and attractive places to have fun and relax.

The park is a perfect place to celebrate your birthday or wedding anniversary. While you are celebrating, your kids will be having a great time in the playground.

If you are into California history, you will like the park. There are old tiny buildings, artifacts, old schoolhouses, and a country-style gazebo in the park.

Also, the model train exhibit is a replica of San Diego country in the 50s.

The park is definitely a pleasant, safe, and fun place for both kids and adults. You will get to learn and have fun.

The fee to enter the park is relatively small, you are definitely going to enjoy yourself. However, the staffs are really nice and knowledgeable about the history of the park so you will have no problem learning them.

Have a wonderful trip.         

Address: 220 Peyri Dr, Oceanside, CA 92058, United States

 

Final Remark

Oceanside, California is indeed one of the most beautiful and tourists attraction place in America.

Oceanside is filled with different but entertaining museums, parks and beaches.

You are certainly going to enjoy yourself whenever you decide to visit.

Ensure you visit some of the fun and best places in Oceanside whenever you are in California.

Have a wonderful trip and ensure you have the greatest fun experience you ever wished for.