The Questions You’ve Been Asking at the California Welcome Center

The California Welcome Center offers visitors and locals alike an unparalleled resource for all things Oceanside, even leading the way on TripAdvisor as the #1 thing to do in the city! With more than 60,000 visitors coming through the doors every year, the knowledgeable Welcome Center volunteers and staff hear every question under the sun relating to our beautiful beach city and are ready to answer the travelers most hard-hitting questions. For the times you can’t make the drive over to the California Welcome Center in Oceanside, check out these answers to some of the most common questions being asked right now!

928 North Coast Highway
Oceanside, CA 92054
1-800-350-7873

Open daily from 9am-5pm*

*Closed Holidays: New Year’s Eve, New Year’s Day, Easter, Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, and Christmas Day. Subject to change without notice.

Specialized Q's

Where can I experience the local surf culture?

Oceanside is the quintessential Southern California surf town with stellar year-round waves, an abundance of incredible surfboard shapers, and a variety of local surf shops, surf lessons and even a Surf Museum!

How accessible is it to bike in Oceanside?

The city has diverse terrain that lends itself to a variety of fun and exciting bike routes; ranging from leisurely coastal cruises to high impact endurance challenges. Experience a unique side of Oceanside by exploring our beautiful city by bicycle!

Carla and Linda Walking Food Tour Oceanside

What are the dining options?

All eyes are on Oceanside! Oceanside has quickly gained a reputation as being one of the leading foodie destinations in San Diego County.

Local chefs are making headlines by pushing the limits, creating new and unique menu items and experimenting with classics to bring exquisite and mouth-watering flavors to every plate.

What are some quick hikes in and around Oceanside?

Oceanside is a great spot for being outdoors which expands from the beach to the trails! From easy to conquer to extensive hikes, Oceanside has it all.

Frequently Asked

How do I take the Coast Highway heading North? Is it better to take Coast Highway or Interstate 5?

Due to Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton you must take Interstate 5 (I-5) North before being able to drive north on Coast Highway. Continue on I-5N for 25 miles until you see the signs for exit 79, titled “Coast Highway -Beach Cities 1”. From there you have the option to stay on I-5 towards your destination or exit onto the continuation of Coast Highway.

Depending on the amount of travel time you have available, Coast Highway is considered the scenic route through Orange County. This option will take you along several beach cities and communities, each with their own unique personality that helps make the California coastline such a special place. Taking interstate 5 on the other hand will be less scenic, but is usually a faster route overall.

Do you sell discounted attraction tickets?

YES! Oceanside is surrounded by local attractions and the California Welcome Center Oceanside offers discount tickets to many of them, including whale watching, SeaWorld, Universal Studios and more! To see the latest ticket pricing and the amount you can save by buying them at the Welcome Center visit Discount Attraction Tickets.

Camp Coffee Company Oceanside, PC: Will Lefevre — PC: Will Lefevre

Where is the closest coffee shop?

Oceanside is lucky to have plenty of fantastic coffee shops in our downtown region, each with their own unique flare. Some of the closest ones to the California Welcome Center include Jitter’s Coffee Pub, Camp Coffee Company, Brown Cup Café & Lounge, Panels Comic Book Coffee Bar, and Nautical Bean Coffee Company in the Oceanside Harbor.

There are many other Unique Craft Coffee Shops Found in Oceanside!

Where can I go for a restaurant with a view?

Oceanside’s dining scene is one of the best in San Diego County, and is home to a great deal of talented local chefs and diverse offerings that are sure to hit the spot no matter what you’re craving. For restaurants with a view, popular local favorites include Lighthouse Bar and Grill, Stratford’s at the Harbor, Dominic’s Italian Restaurant, Oceanside Broiler, Harbor Fish & Chips, 333 Pacific and Hello Betty Fish House.

What are the sources of transportation from Oceanside?

Oceanside is located in the heart of Southern California and is considered the gateway city between metropolitan San Diego and Los Angeles. A classic Southern California beach town, Oceanside’s central location offers visitors an ideal place to stay and experience California’s casual spirit. The most northern city in San Diego County, Oceanside is located just 38 miles north of downtown San Diego, 50 miles south of Orange County and 100 miles south of Los Angeles.

The most popular mode of transportation for the California Welcome Center visitors would be jumping on the Coaster Train, which rides from Oceanside to Downtown San Diego with stops in-between. Check out a guide to 5 Tips for Taking the Train to San Diego.

Do you have the latest edition of O’Sider Magazine?

YES! We are normally the first stop on The O’sider’s delivery route. This popular local magazine is bi-monthly and highlights so much of what makes our city great. Whether you’re a local or a visitor stop by and check them out, you’re sure to find something new and interesting in each issue!