A Local’s Guide to Oceanside, California
Bonjour, Lovelies!
I have a very special something to share with you all this afternoon: a ‘lil guide to my super-sunny hometown, Oceanside, California. Though I no longer live here, this beautiful, beachside city will always mean oh-so-much to me, and its stunning views and weather never fail to fill my heart with joy.
I have, at long last, taken the time to create a guide of my own to Oceanside so those of you interested in perhaps visiting (which you absolutely must!) will have an idea of all the delightful treats and activities we have to offer.
As far traveling here: Oceanside is about 2 hours south of LAX by car, about an hour south of the John Wayne Orange County Airport by car, and just under 50 minutes north of the San Diego Airport by car.
I do hope you enjoy! Pretty please come to Oside… you won’t regret it.
EAT & DRINK
- Pier View Coffee Company
Breakfast, Lunch, Coffee, Snacks
300 Pier View Way
Oceanside, CA 92054
What you’ll find: coffee, tea, smoothies, bagels, pastries, soft serve ice cream, & more.
Go for…: the quaint, cozy atmosphere, ideal beachside location, friendly service, & their incredible BLTA sandwich. - 101 Cafe
Breakfast, Lunch
631 South Coast Highway
Oceanside, CA 92054
What you’ll find: the rich history of a diner founded on the original Highway 101 in 1928.Omelettes, pancakes, french toast, burgers, sandwiches, salads, a kids’ menu & more.
Go for…: the classic diner fare and adorable 1950s’-esque atmosphere. - Hill Street Cafe & Gallery
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
524 S. Coast Highway
Oceanside, CA 92056
What you’ll find: a little bit of everything, completely healthy and organic.
Go for…: the good-for-you-eats and adorable environment. - Brooklyn Boyz Pizza
Lunch, Dinner
2183 Vista Way, Ste. B
Oceanside, CA 92054
What you’ll find: an authentic NY-style pizza joint founded by owners originally from Brooklyn.
Go for…: pizza pies/pizza-by-the-slice, excellent heroes and rolls, salads, pastas, garlic knots, & more.
- ZigZag Pizza Pie
Lunch, Dinner
333 N. Myers Street
Oceanside, CA 92054
What you’ll find: pizza and salads.
Go for…: the salads here are especially excellent. - Succulent Cafe
Coffee, Tea, Breakfast Pastries & Snacks
322 N. Cleveland Street
Oceanside, CA 92054
What you’ll find: a gorgeous succulent-oasis of a cafe with a relaxing atmosphere and tasty beverages.
Go for the…: chai latte. Yum. - Local Tap House (LTH) & Kitchen
Brunch, Lunch, Dinner, Cocktails
308 S Coast Hwy
Oceanside, CA 92054
What you’ll find: sandwiches, burgers, sweet treats, salads, tacos, & more.
Go for the…: Their fish tacos are the best. - Ruby’s Diner
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
1 Oceanside Pier
Oceanside, CA 92054
What you’ll find: yes, I know this is a chain, but hear me out, pretty-please! Head here for the phenomenal location: the very end of Oceanside’s charming pier. The views along the stroll to and from the diner are totally breathtaking.
Go for the…: pier experience and sights (say hi to the pelicans for me!). And a banana split never hurts, does it? 😉 - Petite Madeline
Breakfast, Lunch, Bakery, Coffee
223 North Coast Hwy
Oceanside, CA 92054
What you’ll find: Classic breakfast and lunch fare, as well as delicious pastries and beverages.
Go for the…: Cute atmosphere and (somewhat) French-y food.
SIGHTS, SHOPPING, ENTERTAINMENT, ETC.
- Beaches
Buccaneer Beach, Oceanside Boulevard Beach, The Oceanside Pier, & More
Because you can never go wrong with a beach day. - Farmer’s Market
Every Thursday, 9:00 am to 1:00 pm
Baked goods, fresh fruits and veggies, entertainment, art, & more. I adore this market. - California Surf Museum
Surfing History & Heritage
312 Pier View Way
Oceanside, CA 92054
Surfing is kind of a big deal here. Just a ‘lil bit. 😉 - Whale Watching
All information can be found here. ‘Tis a fun time. - Asylum Surf Shop
310 Mission Ave
Oceanside, CA 92054
Surf shop that offers rentals (surfboards, wetsuits, etc.), as well. - The Oceanside Harbor
Restaurants, Gift Shops, Scenic Views, & More. The Harbor Beach is lovely, as well, and offers fishing, volleyball, kayaking, etc. - Regal Oceanside Stadium 16 Movie Theatre
A brief stroll from the pier and beach for those in need of a movie-long break from the sun. The location is ideal, and various restaurants surround the cinema, such as Hello Betty Fish House, Knockout Pizza, & More. - Mission San Luis Rey
The Largest of the California Missions
4050 Mission Avenue
Oceanside, CA 92057
Incredible history and architecture certainly worth seeing.
STAY
- Southern California Beach Club
On-the-Beach Resort
121 South Pacific Street
Oceanside, CA 92054
I spent time here on a ‘stay-cation’ a year or so ago and highly recommend their superb accommodations… and it’s literally on the beach. J’adore! - Courtyard by Marriott Oceanside
3501 Seagate Way
Oceanside, CA 92054
I have stayed her with my family on various occasions for various reasons over the course of the past decade, or so. Marriott is highly reliable and terrific, as always. (Though I would not recommend this hotel for those of you longing to be near the seashore.)
BEAUTY
- Studio 514
Hair Studio
514 S. Coast Hwy
Oceanside, CA 92054
My very favorite hair studio in Southern California. I could not recommend their services more. - Kaya Beauty & Threading Studio
Threading Services
2515 Vista Way
Oceanside, CA 92054
You may know by now that I absolutely swear by eyebrow threading… and Kaya does magnificent clean-ups. - Joy Nails & Spa
Nail Salon
2401 Vista Way
Oceanside, CA 92054
I frequented several nail salons throughout my early teen years, but this one in particular proved to be the absolute best. Since the age of sixteen or so I haven’t strayed from Joy… and I don’t regret my loyalty to this place in the slightest
Sending hugs to you all! Xoxo,
Abby ♥
Thanks for this super thorough guide! I could really do with a trip to the beach 😀 http://www.realsimple.com/home-organizing/gardening/indoor/low-maintenance-indoor-plants
Thanks, Audrey! <3
(oops lol, sry about that link. I was showing my friend plants we should consider getting for our apartment and accidentally copied and pasted it here)
Hahahahahah <3 <3 <3
I am so in the mood for a little beach getaway and Oceanside would be the perfect spot! Love this little guide! 🙂
Thanks, Laura! XO
SO beautiful! I would love to be able to visit such a lovely town!! Pinning!
Thanks, Kayle! I hope you’re able to visit somedaaayy! <3
This looks so magical!
Thanks, Robyn! <3
Hi Abby,
Thanks for this guide. We’ve only been as far as Dana Point and we haven’t even explored that city yet. Hopefully, we can visit Oceanside and try the places you recommended. Hope all is well 🙂
Ron
I’m glad you enjoyed it, Ron! You must make it further south… there is oh-SO much past Dana Point.
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I am just dying over these photos. Oh. my. goodness. They are SO DREAMY!!! And thank you for sharing this little guide. If I ever find myself there, I’ll be more than happy to drop by these places. Still totally swooning over those photos though. xx Laura
Thanks, Laura! I hope you visit someday… preferably while I’m there. XOXO!
ooh, this looks so cute! i’m usually down in irvine (currently home for the summer but i’ll go back in a month) and always looking for things to do besides eat, so this might be a good day trip place (:
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