Neighborhood Spotlight - South O
The city of Oceanside lives up to its reputation as a thriving, hip hub for all tastes, interests and walks of life. Its lively downtown dotted with eateries that run the gamut from fast-casual to Michelin starred draws crowds of locals and visitors alike, but just a few minutes south down the 101, sits another trendy pocket boasting delicious craft coffee spots, funky boutiques and thrift shops, quintessentially California beaches and even a serene freshwater lagoon. All at once, South O sports California coastal charm and an edgy authenticity.
eat
If you’re looking for a little variety all in one place, Freeman Collective is the social destination that delivers. Its sister collective, known as Tremont Collective, sits just a few miles north, but this South O gem brings a unique mix of food and beverage to the city’s southern edge. Straddling Freeman Street, the collective’s foundation is two iconic buildings that host eateries for all palettes. Stop by HomeState for a Texas-inspired taco or queso, or grab a table inside the airy local favorite, Corner Pizza. If a beer and a burger is more your taste, you’ll also find juicy Brandt Beef burgers at Tanner’s Prime Burgers and an array of craft brews at Artifex. And if you’re still craving something sweet afterward, pop over to Little Fox Cups & Cones for whimsical, artfully created ice creams. Finally, the no-nonsense Blackmarket Bakery offers simple yet inventive breakfast sandwiches served all day, plus an endless assortment of croissants, cookies, tarts, desserts and coffee.
Outside of Freeman Collective, don’t miss buzzworthy neighborhood spots like Wrench and Rodent Seabasstropub, The Plot, Privateer Coal Fire Pizza and Rose Cafe.
sip
Whether you enjoy sipping craft coffee or craft beer, you’ll find both in abundance in South O.
For coffee and a light bite, stop by Captain’s Grounds, or head next door to Revolution Roasters for a mix of high-quality drips and pour-overs, along with original indulgences like an ice cream-infused cold brew float or their full lineup of in-house pasteries. At either edge of the neighborhood, you’ll also find the east-coast originating roastery, Vigilante, as well as Bound Coffee Co.
For a boozier buzz, visit Heritage Brewery and South O Brewing Company, or the newly opened Merenda Wine Bar!
shop
South O’s stylish boutiques and vintage and second-hand clothing shops add an extra hint of trendiness to the neighborhood. Wander into vintage consignment wonderland all within a few blocks. Stop into Captain’s Helm, where you’ll find new and used clothing, candles, hand-made jewelry, records, and local art, or check our Ransack for vintage clothing with a Western touch.
Further down the road you’ll find the two largest treasure troves, Veterans Thrift Store and the Sea Hive Market. Veterans Thirft, a non-profit that assists veterans in San Diego, and the storefront on the 101 offers affordable deals on quality finds from household items to clothing for everyone. Just on the next block across the street is the Sea Hive Market. The space is a mecca, with 13,000 square feet that houses a curated creative space for small businesses and artists. Spend hours meandering through room after room of trinkets and treasures of all kinds, from vintage clothing, to furniture and artisan-made items, not to mention an expansive section of records and fine jewelry.
If you’re looking for something new to wear to the beach, be sure to stop by swimwear boutique Boom Boom Brazil for vibrant beach fashion before you hit the waves. Elevate your shopping day at the new Municipal flagship store with the infamous San Diego made-to-order taqueria The Taco Stand and LA’s organic coffee and fine tea haven Urth Caffe.
play
No trip to Oceanside is complete without a stop at the beach. The city’s smallest beach with a lifeguard tower – Tower 11 – is just across the street from Buccaneer Park and the locally loved snack shack, The Buccaneer Café. With an extensive menu of breakfast burritos and tacos, acai bowls, coffees and juices, The Buccaneer is open from 7AM to 2 PM, plus “Summer Snack Shack” hours from 2 PM to 7 PM, making it the perfect pitstop to grab a bite and a drink before heading to the water to soak up some sLocated at the Oceanside-Carlsbad border, the Buena Vista Lagoon is another outdoor area worthy of exploration. The coastal lagoon is the only one in the county not open to the Pacific Ocean, making it a freshwater wetland habitat. Running through the land surrounding the lagoon are two trails that offer lovely views and opportunities for tranquil walks and light hikes. Listen to the sounds of nature, observe countless species of birds, and picnic on a sunny afternoon.
