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.

Oceanside, CA Guide

Oceanside, CA Guide


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.

Oceanside, CA Guide

Oceanside, CA Guide

  • 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.

Oceanside, CA Guide

Oceanside, CA Guide

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.

Oceanside, CA GuideOceanside, CA Guide

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.)

Oceanside, CA Guide

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

Oceanside, CA Guide

Sending hugs to you all! Xoxo,

Abby ♥

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17 comments on “A Local’s Guide to Oceanside, California”

  1. (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)

  2. I am so in the mood for a little beach getaway and Oceanside would be the perfect spot! Love this little guide! 🙂

  3. SO beautiful! I would love to be able to visit such a lovely town!! Pinning!

  4. This looks so magical!

  5. 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

  6. Hey There. I discovered your weblog the use of msn. That
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  7. 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

  8. 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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