3 Things We're Grateful for in Oceanside
O’side is often celebrated as a coastal paradise, and it’s easy to see why! For decades, this beachside haven has been a year-round destination for creating cherished memories, whether you’re a visitor or a local. As new businesses and experiences flourish, our rich history, vibrant spirit, and unique charm continue to grow. With so much to appreciate, here are three things we’re especially thankful for in Oceanside!
O’Mazing O’riginal O’siders
Our city thrives on creativity, ingenuity, and originality—and let’s be honest, it doesn’t need much help captivating us! Visionary entrepreneurs, hoteliers, artists, and restaurateurs keep adding their magic, making this coastal gem even more irresistible.
This past year, our O’siders gave us plenty to celebrate. The launch of O’side O’riginals spotlighted incredible local talent, including “The Pride of O’side,” Caity Simmers. Not only did she crush it as the youngest-ever World Champion at the Lexus World Surf League Finals, but she also brought the Women’s World Title back to California after 40 long years. Talk about making waves! Our athletes didn’t stop there—multiple Oceanside O’lympians represented Team USA at the 2024 Paris Olympics, proving our town knows how to bring the heat. And with the opening of Frontwave Arena, a 7,500-capacity hotspot for sports and entertainment, Oceanside is officially the place to be for concerts, indoor soccer, basketball, and more.
Sustainability also took center stage this year. Initiatives like Love O’side, Oceanside Museum of Art’s Transformative Currents and Kind Traveler’s Every Stay Gives Back are making an impact, while Sustainability Hero chef Davin Waite wowed Forbes with his whole-use cooking. The Harbor is now the spot for a fresh seafood experience, where you can catch Waite and other talented chefs performing live culinary demonstrations at the new Fishermen’s Market. Add in expanded offerings from South Morro Hills farmers and Doatnut’s epic Shark Tank win, and it’s clear Oceanside’s food scene is hotter than ever.
On the arts and culture front, new events like the O’Arts Festival infused the city with fresh energy. These creative moments inspired the Season of Swellness campaign, proving that even Oceanside’s off-season is packed with on-point experiences. And for those looking to soak it all in, the Mission Pacific Beach Resort was recently named one of the top resorts in the U.S. by Travel + Leisure. This beachfront oasis pairs stunning ocean views with world-class service.
From groundbreaking accomplishments to unparalleled hospitality, Oceanside’s community continues to define what it means to be Always O’riginal.
Oceanside’s Beauty & Endless Adventures
With 3.5 miles of stunning beaches, as well as beautiful inland parks and fantastic year-round weather providing the perfect conditions for any outdoor activity, O’side has always been a treasure in San Diego County. At any time of year, the city is full of people from around the world catching epic waves, taking beautiful walks along the historic pier and harbor village, biking down palm-tree lined streets, fishing for a local catch, visiting the California Surf Museum or Oceanside Museum of Art, reeling in history at Mission San Luis Rey and so much more. (We could GO ON!)
We’re grateful that there is always a reason to make the most of your time in our city by rounding up the whole fam for adventures that won’t be forgotten. Year-round whale watching trips depart from the Oceanside Harbor daily and bike rentals that range from traditional beach cruisers to zipping e-bikes are available from vendors like SoCal Bikes, Mostly E-Bikes, Wheel Fun Rentals and Ride O’side! You can cruise the O’side coastline with MOKE & Sun beach buggies and Pegasus Sidecar Tours. Get in the water for a fun surf sesh with your squad, or take a lesson from a local pro. Kayaks, stand up paddle boards and Beach Genie beach set up rentals are all readily available for your enjoyment too. If you really want to feel the thrill, jump for joy at GoJump Oceanside for the ultimate view of the city’s stunning coastline.
Plus, with elite sporting events, such as SuperGirl Surf Pro, IRONMAN 70.3 and Bike the Coast there is an endless amount of inspiration and opportunity to train and remain active along our coastline. Click Here to stay up to date with upcoming events you can participate in or cheer on from Oceanside.
All Our Visitors
What makes Oceanside such a thrill to reside and live in, is the joy of getting to share it with all of YOU – our treasured visitors and travelers. You’ve had beautiful beach weddings, hosted epic family vacations, traveled from far and near for your annual company retreats, participated in incredible athletic events, chased killer surf breaks and kept your yearly vacation rental tradition up for decades in Oceanside. We are grateful to be the playground for memories that will last a lifetime. Continue to share your memories with us by tagging @VisitOceanside or @DineOside so that we can celebrate all your unforgettable moments in Oceanside with you, no matter the occasion – be it big or small!
If you have any questions at all regarding travel updates or recommendations, remember we’re only a call away! Reach out to our California Welcome Center here in Oceanside to speak with a local to help answer any of your questions. (PS – You can always stop at our convenient visitor location along the Pacific Coast HWY to say “HI” to us in person as well.) Feel free to request your FREE Oceanside Visitor Guide too to get itinerary inspiration mailed directly to you!
Thank you for continuing to Visit Oceanside!
