10 NEW Things to Do in Oceanside this Summer!
Oceanside, CA is the Southern California hot spot for activities in art, dining and outdoor adventure this summer! From food tours and artisanal dining venues to family-friendly bike excursions, an explosion of new art galleries, luxury whale watching cruises, and a revitalized golf course, this laid-back beach community is bursting with new experiences for all ages.
Here is our list of 10 new things to do during your next trip to Oceanside:
1. Check out the Big Wave Surfing Exhibit at the California Surf Museum
In February, the California Surf Museum debuted “Going Big: A 21-Gun Salute to the History of Big Wave Surfing.” The exhibit celebrates big wave spots, the surfers who challenge them, and the surfboard “guns” they have used. There’s also a special mini-exhibit about legendary surfer Greg Noll.
2. Explore All of the New Art Galleries and Exhibits
Muramid Mural Museum and Art Center
The new Muramid Mural Museum and Art Center, located in Oceanside’s Artists Alley, is believed to be the first mural museum of its kind. In addition to inspiring mural displays, the museum functions as a classroom, studio and transitional home for thousands of murals. (Featured in above image.)
Oceanside Museum of Art
Following a month-long closure earlier this year, the celebrated Oceanside Museum of Art has re-opened its doors with all new galleries full of exhibitions by notable local artists—Robin Bright, Tom Driscoll, Marjorie Nodelman, Laddie John Dill, Deanne Sabeck, and Bill Rastetter. Their work reflects themes including minimalism, abstract composites, reflective dichroic glass, and figurative pop in the form of both two- and three-dimensional works that will thrill art lovers of all interests.
First Friday: Oceanside Art Walk
Downtown Oceanside comes alive the first Friday of the month from 5pm-8pm during the First Friday: Oceanside Art Walk with artistic displays from local artists and live entertainment within local businesses and public spaces.
3. Go on a Foodie Walking Tour
Oceanside’s Coast Highway corridor has rapidly become the “it” destination in North County San Diego for dining and craft beer with new restaurants that range from the Asian-inspired Whet Noodle to gastro pubs like Local Tap House and O’side Urge: Gastropub and Whiskey Bank. Visitors can navigate the dining scene via Carla and Linda’s Walking Food Tours, a new, guided tour that provides hungry customers with a “locals” introduction to popular dining venues in coastal Oceanside.
4. See Agri-Tourism Grow at Cyclops Farms
An organic farm located in South Oceanside, Cyclops Farms has rapidly become a popular destination for visitors in search of locally sourced produce. New for this summer, Cyclops has created an ocean view event space and will be hosting a rotating schedule of chef pop ups where local chefs create meals featuring vegetables picked fresh from the farm.
5. Lounge in Luxury Cabanas on the Beach
This summer, beach goers can take advantage of a new luxury cabana chair service at Oceanside’s Breakwater and Tyson Street beach. Oceanside Cabanas rents luxury beach cabana chairs that include shade covers and a lock box to secure valuables. Visitors are encouraged to reserve online prior to arriving at the beach, so that chairs are all set up and ready for a relaxing day at the beach.
6. Enjoy A Redefined Golf Experience at Goat Hill Park
Following an extensive $2.5 million renovation, Oceanside’s Goat Hill Park has reopened for locals and visitors seeking to experience what Golf Channel recently called “one of the top five short courses in the country.” Saved from redevelopment by golf apparel designer John Ashworth and his team, the historic, coastal course includes a new pro shop, new greens, native landscaping, new golf carts, a drought-friendly recycled irrigation system and the addition of disc golf. It is also home to the North County Junior Golf Association geared to making golf fun, affordable and educational for children.
7. Train Like a Local: Run, Bike and Ocean Swim
Oceanside is a training ground for some of the world’s top triathletes and is host to prestigious athletic events each year such as IRONMAN California 70.3 and Race Across America (RAAM). Visitors can now train like a local with Oceanside Multi-Sport Group, which offers coached workouts led by experienced local athletes. Workouts cater to all levels and include weekly bike rides, runs and ocean swims around Oceanside’s iconic pier.
8. Attend a Summer Concert, Right on the Beach
Just yards from the Pacific Ocean, and right on the sand, the Oceanside Pier Amphitheatre offers a unique venue experience for concert-goers and music lovers. The venue has been home to many famed acts such as The Black Keys, Credence Clearwater Revisted, Walk the Moon, and more. During the summertime, the Oceanside Pier Amphitheatre plays host to music festivals, local artists, and movie nights under the stars. You won’t want to miss the upcoming summer events showcasing the Music of Oceanside!
9. Go On Year-Round Whale Watching Adventures
Visitors can explore Oceanside’s beautiful, coastal waters with Oceanside Adventures Luxury Cruises, a new, year-round whale watching company located in front of the picturesque lighthouse at the Oceanside Harbor. Passengers cruise on a brand new, state-of-the-art, 50-foot catamaran for two-hour excursions that explore the local waters flourishing with sea life including whales, dolphins, seals and sea lions. Each trip is narrated by a certified naturalist, who offers expert and experienced commentary along the journey.
10. In-N-Out Burger (… Need I Say More?)
Last but certainly not least… Oceanside recently welcomed a new coastal In-N-Out Burger – making it the second location that you can find within the city limits. Locals and visitors alike have eagerly awaited the opening of this popular burger establishment.