I lived in Southern California and one of my favorite escapes was Oceanside. This seaside village, which is located about 38 miles north of San Diego and 83 miles south of Los Angeles, is full of authenticity and charm. Nestled along the sun-kissed coastline of Southern California, Oceanside is a vibrant city that seamlessly blends rich history, cinematic fame, and modern attractions. With its pristine beaches, historic landmarks, and a burgeoning culinary scene, Oceanside offers a quintessential Californian experience for travelers seeking both relaxation and adventure.

Oceanside has a quaint walkable downtown area dotted with surf shops, art galleries, and cafes. It reminds me a bit of my hometown, St. Augustine. It’s also known for its beautiful year-round Oceanside weather, stunning coastline, incredible surfing, and the largest wooden pier on the West Coast. Here your list of things to do that let you experience this surprising seaside gem, which makes for the perfect long-weekend getaway, like another favorite town of mine, Costa Mesa. 

Here’s a random aside: Oceanside is where I fell in love with Old Fashioneds, despite not being a whiskey girl. The bartender at Masters Kitchen and Cocktails made me a blackberry Old Fashioned and I’ve been hooked ever since!

The history of Oceanside, including its appearance in Top Gun

Established in 1888, Oceanside’s origins are deeply rooted in its strategic coastal location. The arrival of the California Southern Railroad transformed the area into a bustling hub, attracting settlers and businesses alike. The city’s historic district reflects its storied past, with preserved buildings and landmarks that tell tales of a bygone era. Notably, the Oceanside Pier, first constructed in 1888, stands as a testament to the city’s enduring connection to the sea. Now in its sixth iteration, the pier stretches 1,942 feet into the Pacific, making it one of the longest wooden piers on the western United States coastline.

Film enthusiasts may recognize Oceanside as a backdrop in the iconic 1986 film Top Gun. The “Top Gun House,” a quaint Victorian cottage, featured prominently as the home of Charlotte “Charlie” Blackwood, portrayed by Kelly McGillis. This historic house has since been meticulously restored and relocated to the grounds of the Mission Pacific Hotel. Today, it operates as a dessert shop named High-Pie, offering visitors a sweet treat with a side of cinematic nostalgia.

What to do in Oceanside, California

1. Visit a Winery in Oceanside
The award-winning Beach House Winery boasts panoramic views and incredible wine. The winery produces a number of varietals including whites, rosés, and reds. Their grapes are sourced locally and from their own two-and-a-half acres of land. Owners George and Kim Murray are true craft vintners who are warm, welcoming, and always willing to share passion and philosophy for winemaking with visitors. Be sure to visit later in the day and enjoy a glass on the rooftop deck, which offers 360-degree views of the surrounding region.

2. Explore the California Surf Museum
The California Surf Museum features a permanent collection that chronicles the history of the sport and surfboards. Guests are afforded the opportunity to take a glimpse at rare archives and surfing equipment from world-class surfers including Bethany Hamilton and Kelly Slater. The museum also features an array of rotating exhibits in addition to its permanent collection.

3. Chow Down at Sunset Market 
I love night markets and this is one of my favorites! Every Thursday, the city center turns into a culinary mecca featuring dozens of food vendors. Here, you can binge on pirogies, hand-pulled noodles, Swedish-roasted salmon, Japanese desserts, and African goat stew, among many others. It’s a street food lovers’ paradise. Sunset Market features a whopping 200-plus merchants that occupy four city blocks, which means it’s nearly impossible to be bored. In addition to dining, there is also live music and shopping. 

4. Revisit Top Gun 
Many people don’t realize that many of the scenes in this iconic movie were filmed in San Diego and Oceanside. Two of the memorable sports bar scenes were shot at San Diego’s Kansas City Barbecue. Charlie’s seaside cottage (where Tom Cruise, AKA Maverick, appeared for that flirtatious dinner) is now part of a brand-new hotel complex. Fans will also remember one of the film’s most romantic scenes between Charlie and Maverick, shot at the corner of West Laurel and Union Streets in the Banker’s Hill neighborhood.

5. Go Whalewatching
This is the best activity in Oceanside for families. You can go whale-watching (or in my case, dophin watching) at any time of year. For a bucket-list-worthy adventure, embark on a two-hour excursion out into the Pacific with Oceanside Adventures to (hopefully!) catch a glimpse of a whale. Dolphins are almost a given (they are abundant in the area, so, chances are, you’ll get to see a large school of them swimming nearby). Also, if you don’t want to spend the money on a private tour, you can always visit the 1,942-foot-long pier.

6. Beach it!
With over 3.5 miles of sandy beaches, Oceanside is a haven for sunbathing, surfing, and beachcombing. The consistent surf breaks make it a popular destination for surfers of all skill levels.

7. Walk the Oceanside Pier
A stroll along the historic pier offers breathtaking views, fishing opportunities, and the chance to spot local marine life. It’s also a prime location to witness stunning sunsets over the Pacific.

8. Visit the Oceanside Museum of Art
Located in the cultural district, this museum features contemporary art exhibitions, workshops, and events, highlighting both local and international artists.

9. Stroll Harbor Village
Explore the charming harbor area, home to a lighthouse, boutique shops, and waterfront dining. Visitors can also rent kayaks, paddleboards, or embark on whale-watching tours.

Where to stay in Oceanside California

Oceanside, California, offers a variety of accommodations that blend coastal charm with modern luxury. For travelers seeking a high-end beachfront experience, the Mission Pacific Hotel delivers stunning ocean views, chic decor, and upscale amenities, including a rooftop pool and bar. This stylish property is also home to the famous ‘Top Gun House,’ now transformed into a charming dessert shop, adding a touch of cinematic history to your stay. For those planning a longer visit or looking for more space, the Wyndham Oceanside Pier Resort is an excellent choice. Located just steps from the iconic Oceanside Pier, this resort features spacious suites with fully equipped kitchens, perfect for families or extended stays. Both options provide convenient access to the beach, downtown attractions, and Oceanside’s vibrant cultural scene.

The best restaurants in Oceanside California

Oceanside’s culinary scene is on fire with some hot new Oceanside beach restaurants serving fresh, farm-to-fork California cuisine. Local favorites include Local Tap House and Kitchen (where diners can enjoy innovative dishes like Crispy Wonton Salad, Orange Miso Crispy Shrimp Banh Mi, and Pecan Crusted Scottish Salmon, to name a few). Masters Kitchen and Cocktails (which is set in an old car repair shop), Beach Break Cafe (famous for its delectable coffee cake), and the quaint Harbor Fish and Chips (which is known for, you guessed it, their fish and chips) are also worth a visit. 333 Pacific served steak and seafood with amazing ocean views and an extensive vodka bar.

Getting to Oceanside

Getting to Oceanside is easy whether you’re flying or driving. For those traveling by air, the nearest major airport is San Diego International Airport (SAN), located about 40 miles south of Oceanside. From there, visitors can reach the city in under an hour by car, with rental options available at the airport or shuttle services for a more convenient experience. Alternatively, the John Wayne Airport (SNA) in Orange County is another option, roughly 70 miles north of Oceanside, which also offers easy access to the city. If you’re driving, Oceanside is conveniently located off Interstate 5, making it easily accessible from both north and south. A scenic drive along the Pacific Coast Highway (Route 101) offers breathtaking ocean views, adding to the enjoyment of the journey.

This blog post may contain affiliate links, meaning that if you click on a link and make a purchase, I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. I only recommend products and services I truly believe in and use myself.