Holiday Away: Calm the Commotion with the Ocean
Stressed out just thinking about the upcoming holidays? This year, why not use up your remaining vacation days and consider Oceanside for a beach holiday getaway for a fun and festive family reunion, and leave the planning to us. Your family is most likely already gathering for the holidays, so why not suggest giving the gift of time together in lieu of presents? There is so much hustle and bustle around this time, that you forget to slow down, breathe and connect with one another. We’ve put together some ideas on ways to bring your group together and enjoy each other’s company.
What to expect when traveling to Oceanside
during the holidays?
Expect warm clear days and cool evenings with wide-open sandy beaches. Our family friendly destination was rated by USA Today as having one of the most ideal climates. With high temperature averages in the 60s in November and December, there is 0% chance of snow but 100% chance of sand. November and December sunsets are as spectacular as any of the best holiday light displays. Our town holds several annual holiday events and our shopping opportunities will please those that enjoy searching for the perfect hidden gem. The best thing about traveling to Oceanside in the off-season is no traffic, little crowds, and better hotel and lodging rates. It’s a win, win, win!
Family Lodging
Having accommodations with space for friends and family to convene is key when planning a multi-generational vacation. Look for resorts offering pools, hot tubs, BBQ and picnic areas, game rooms or kid’s activity centers. Another important amenity for some extended stays may be fully equipped kitchens so family meals can be prepared and enjoyed together. Choosing a hotel within walking distance of either Oceanside Harbor or Downtown Oceanside will make exploring restaurants, shopping, and entertainment easier and convenient. Read More about Lodging in Oceanside
Keeping the Faith
For many families, it’s important to stay connected with their spiritual side during the holidays. Oceanside is an inclusive community with regional options for all faiths and beliefs. Our Religious and Faith-Based Travel Itinerary will give you some ideas on places to explore. Mission San Luis Rey de Francia, the “King of the Missions,” is the 18th and largest in a chain of 21 California Missions established by the Spanish Franciscans in 1798. This historic Catholic mission has a very active congregation, and while Mass is usually held in the Serra Center, they do hold early morning Mass in the Old Mission.
Meals for the Masses
Why spend all your time in the kitchen when you can leave the cooking to the professionals? Several Oceanside restaurants are open Thanksgiving Day, Christmas and New Years. Hunter Steakhouse offers a turkey dinner with all of the fixings while 333 Pacific offers a less traditional three-course menu and has private group dining rooms for a cozy group gathering.
See what’s open during the holidays!
If the thought of getting your entire group to a restaurant for a sit-down meal causes your blood pressure to rise, then how about having it catered? Anything But Ordinary Catering can custom create a menu that is sure to please your crowd, however, if your holiday wouldn’t be the same without traditional Italian cooking, then contact Mangia e Bevi Modern Italian Kitchen for home-style authentic cuisine that will even have your Nonni proclaiming “squisito!” Be sure to check with your hotel or vacation rental on their rules about bringing in a caterer.
Tasting devilishly celestial by SoCal design, Oceanside’s sugar chefs serve pastries encompassing a universe of sweets. You really won’t know where to start because the choices are dizzying. Regulars have even remarked how O’side’s pastry masters beat the stuff made in Paris. Petite Madeline Bakery and Bistro have a wide selection from Tarts to Yule Logs and Macaroons to Macarons. Call ahead for holiday ordering.
A few other local favorites include:
San Diego County is well known for its variety of local breweries and Oceanside is a key player within the craft beverage movement. Taprooms are also a big part of the local brew scene, featuring rotating regional beers and hosting tap take over events inviting customers to experience the different regional beer flavors. Our biggest growth is in our wine tasting options and the ability to taste and then purchase local award winning wines. Get out to our agricultural district of South Morro Hills to check out the growing operation at Beach House Winery. Be sure to give yourself time to explore what Oceanside has to offer and then select your favorite to serve to your family.
Holiday Parties in Oceanside
Whether planning an employee party, a client event, or a customer mixer, planners are tasked with creating holiday events that draw people in during this busy time and show the company’s appreciation. With budgets getting smaller as well as people’s attention spans, we wanted to put together some unique and o’riginal ideas for your Oceanside holiday party.
