10 reasons to visit oceanside in fall
Think pumpkin spice and everything nice, blended with the quintessential year-round attractions of O’side! We can’t believe how quickly time has flown by, but the fall season is here, and Oceanside is ready to welcome you for a coastal retreat as part of our Season of Swellness. Whether you’re planning a romantic couples getaway, a family trip, a team bonding weekend, or a solo adventure, you’ll FALL in love with our SoCal city all over again. Here are the TOP 10 reasons to make our coastline your next autumnal oasis!
season of swellness
Step into Oceanside’s Season of Swellness, when the pace slows, the skies glow, and the value is unbeatable. This is the season to trade crowded beaches for wide-open coastal walks, enjoy California sunshine without the summer rush, and stretch your stay further thanks to off-season rates. With more space to explore and more reasons to linger, O’side is at its most relaxed and rewarding.
Fall doubles as sunset season, when mornings and evenings illuminate the coastline with breathtaking colors. With classic California visuals of palm trees, crashing waves, and vibrant skies, Oceanside becomes a photogenic paradise — see for yourself with our Best Places to Take a Photo in Oceanside.
You don’t have to paddle out to feel the thrill – watching surfers carve through seasonal swells is an event in itself, best enjoyed with toes in the sand and a local craft drink in hand. With over 3.5 miles of beaches, including the Oceanside Harbor and Oceanside Pier, there are plenty of perfect spots to soak it all in. Pair that with fall specials at our properties and you’ve got more reasons than ever to stay and play.
frontwave arena
Frontwave Arena’s fall lineup includes their First Birthday Bash, the LA Clippers vs. Guangzhou Loong Lions, plus music fans won’t want to miss the Dream Theater 40th Anniversary Tour featuring Parasomnia and A Change of Season and Lisa Lisa 40th Anniversary Take You Home Tour!
Since opening its doors last September, Frontwave Arena has brought a state-of-the-art venue for sports, concerts, and community events to our city. It’s now home to the San Diego Sockers, the San Diego Clippers, and the San Diego Strike Force Indoor Football League, making it the perfect place to catch thrilling games and discover your new favorite team. Beyond sports, the arena is also set to host a variety of concerts and festivals, spotlighting both national headliners and local talent. With a 7,500-seat capacity and design built for versatility, Frontwave Arena is officially Oceanside’s hub of excitement and entertainment.
NEW dining hotspots
THE VICTORIAN, ODIE'S PIZZA, FISH SHOP, TIERRA MIA, BIERGARDEN, HILL STREET BBQ
Oceanside’s vibrant dining scene keeps growing with exciting new spots! The Victorian at Hill Street is now open, breathing new life into a historic landmark with a modern menu and craft cocktails. The highly anticipated Odie’s Pizza Co. is serving up sourdough pies hot from the oven and is quickly becoming a local favorite. Opening soon are several exciting additions: Fish Shop, offering a build-your-own seafood experience with locally sourced catch; Biergarden, a lively beer hall pouring craft brews alongside hearty pub fare; Tierra Mia Coffee Shop, known for its Latin-inspired coffee creations and fresh pastries; and Hill Street BBQ & Brewing, set to deliver smoky, slow-cooked barbecue classics and brews.
Coming Soon: Don’t miss the return of the Swell Plates Series, happening January 14 – February 11, when Oceanside’s top chefs craft special dishes inspired by our city’s local flavors and coastal culture.
stay with a purpose
Making a difference is more convenient (and comfortable) than ever. Book your stay at one of our lodging partners in Kind Traveler’s ‘Every Stay Gives Back’ program supporting local causes like coastal resiliency and healthy food access. A portion of every stay with participating lodging partners BeachFront Only and Marbella funds local charities Wild Coast and Berry Good Food Foundation. Check out the properties offering Fall Specials on your stay!
farming season fun
MELLANO FARM STAND & OCEANSIDE FARMERS MARKET
Experience Oceanside’s fresh produce and flowers with fall farm activities! Visit the Thursday Farmer’s Market from 9am to 1pm, featuring ripe with fresh local produce, flowers and plants, handcrafted jewelry and clothing and gourmet goodies. Many top restaurants and cafes in the city source ingredients from local O’side farms, offering authentic farm-to-table dining. Stop by the Mellano Farm Stand conveniently located a short distance inland of the coastline to pick up organic produce and beautiful flowers. This local farmland hosts seasonal festivals with tractor rides, sunflower gardens, a pumpkin patch, live music and much more!
festival season
Enjoy our coastal destination by making plans to attend these awesome events happening this season!
The 24th annual Dia de los Muertos Festival brings a vibrant celebration of life and lowriders to Downtown, while Taste of Oceanside (and their VIP event) lets you sample bites and sips from our city’s hottest restaurants and breweries. Don’t miss the chance to “move your feet before you eat” this Thanksgiving at the beloved O’side Turkey Trot, and throughout October, kids get to play and explore attractions, tours, museums and more for FREE during Kids Free Month.
EVENT HIGHLIGHT: The Valley Arts Festival celebrates Oceanside’s arts and culture while honoring the San Luis Rey Band of Mission Indians, with live performances, art exhibits, and family-friendly activities.
But that’s just the beginning – this season also brings:
ArtWalk Oceanside – Downtown streets come alive with art, music, and local creativity.
Inaugural Oaxacan Festival – A cultural celebration filled with traditional food, dance, and artisans.
A Day in the O Music Festival – A brand-new music fest spotlighting Oceanside’s eclectic sounds with headliner Too $hort.
Oceanside Zine Fair – Indie publishers and artists showcase DIY creativity.
O’wineside – A wine lover’s dream featuring tastings, pairings, and community spirit served up from the Baja region.
Fall in love with our perfect year-round temperatures and experience everything O’side has to offer with our full Oceanside Event Calendar!
whale watching wonders
OCEANSIDE ADVENTURES, OCEANSIDE COASTAL EXPEDITIONS, OCEANSIDE SEA CENTER, O'SIDE WHALES
Did you know Oceanside is home to some of the best whale watching in San Diego County? You can stroll the pier to catch a glimpse of wildlife at your own leisure, or head to the harbor where daily whale watching tours and charters set out for an up-close experience on the water. Joining the fleet this year is O’side Whales, a new six-passenger vessel company offering a more intimate, personalized adventure at sea.
As blue whale season wraps up in late November, the gray whale migration begins—giving you front-row seats to one of nature’s greatest journeys. And since dolphins don’t have migratory habits, playful pods can be spotted off Oceanside’s coast year-round.
WINE DOWN
BUENO, CARRUTH CELLARS, COOMBER CRAFT WINES, MERENDA, PRIVATEER WINE BAR
While San Diego may be well-known for its craft beer, O’side has been making waves in the wine scene. Whether you’re in the mood for an intimate evening or more lively wine experience enjoying live music, we have the perfect craft beverage scene awaiting you. Enjoy Bueno Wine & Goods, Carruth Cellars, Merenda Wine Bar, Privateer Marketplace & Wine Bar and Coomber Craft Wines, among others all with the O’side Sips passport program and unlock prizes for supporting these vino hotspots!
AUTUMN adventures
For some motorized fun, zip around on an e-bike from Mostly E-Bikes or Ride O’side’s fat tire electric scooters for a smooth adventure through our beautiful coastal town. For a more laid-back experience, book a Pegasus Sidecar Tour and sit back while learning about Oceanside’s history and hidden gems. What about a true SoCal ride? Cruise around in style with an electric Moke Beach Buggy, perfect for a coastal drive along The Strand!
Don’t forget to book all your experiences through the Oceanside Activity Marketplace for the best options and deals!
fall fishing
CHARTER A BOAT OR CAST OFF THE PIER
Reel in a fresh fall catch! The iconic Oceanside Pier not only offers visitors an incredible view of the Pacific Ocean and stunning coastline, but it also allows for the unique chance to cast a line into deep ocean water. The Oceanside Pier is classified as a fishing pier which means that it is open for public use with no fishing license required. There is also a dedicated bait shop located in the center of the pier which offers rod rentals and fresh bait, as well as local advice on what’s biting. For those with their own equipment handy, the Oceanside Harbor has its own small fishing pier and daily fishing charters. Check out our Fishing Page for more info!
