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
Embrace the magic of the Season of Swellness, where stunning sunsets and exhilarating surfing come together for an unforgettable experience! Fall mornings and evenings illuminate O’side’s coastline with breathtaking colors! With classic California visuals of palm trees, crashing waves, and stunning sunsets, it’s a photogenic paradise. Check out our list of the Best Places to Take a Photo in Oceanside.
For many avid surfers, nothing beats catching those fall season swells. With warm weather keeping the water comfortable, it’s the perfect time to catch a wave. Whether you’re surfing or just enjoying the scene, local surfers are often paddling out to showcase their skills. With over 3.5 miles of beaches, including the Oceanside Harbor and Pier, there are plenty of great spots to ride the waves.
the new frontwave arena
We have an exciting new addition to Oceanside! The Frontwave Arena opened September, bringing a state-of-the-art venue for sports, concerts, and community events to our city. This versatile arena is now home to the San Diego Sockers, the San Diego Clippers, and the San Diego Strike Force Indoor Football League, making it the perfect spot to catch thrilling games and find your new favorite team to cheer on. In addition to sports, the arena will host a variety of music festivals and concerts, showcasing both local and national artists throughout the season. With a seating capacity for 7,500 fans designed to accommodate diverse events, the Frontwave Arena promises to be a hub of excitement and entertainment in Oceanside!
NEW dining hotspots
MERENDA, CRACKHEADS, TANNER'S PRIME BURGERS, NORTHSIDE SHACK, SURF CLUB
Oceanside’s vibrant dining scene keeps growing with exciting new spots! Merenda, a cozy bistro and wine bar, brings Mediterranean flair with delicious offerings like house-cured charcuterie, seafood crudo, and mushroom canelés. For a fun and quirky experience, Crackheads now houses Tacos 1975, Thai Style , Sidelines Sandwhiches and Smash’d Burger. Burger lovers won’t want to miss Tanner’s Prime Burgers, helmed by 3 Michelin-starred Chef Brandon Rogers—don’t forget to try the Beef Tallow Ice Cream Sandwich! Northside Shack offers fresh, healthy options like smoothie bowls and juices, while The Surf Club dishes out seafood tacos with live music in their laid-back, two-story beachside venue.
Keep an eye out for more O’side dining scene editions such as sourdough pizza from Odie’s Pizza Co., the infamous San Diego made-to-order taqueria The Taco Stand and LA’s organic coffee and fine tea haven Urth Caffe by following @DineOside on Instagram.
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, Marbella, and Stay Coastal Vacations 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!
events this season
Enjoy our coastal destination by making plans to attend these awesome events happening this season! The 23rd annual Dia de los Muertos Festival brings a celebration of life and lowriders to Downtown, sample food from the hottest our city’s incredible dining scene has to offer at Taste of Oceanside and come “move your feet before you eat” this Thanksgiving at the O’side Turkey Trot. Throughout October the little ones will also get a chance to play and explore attractions, tours, museums and more for FREE during Kids Free Month.
EVENT HIGHLIGHT: Check out the Valley Arts Festival which celebrates Oceanside’s arts and culture while honoring the San Luis Rey Band of Mission Indians, with live performances, art exhibits, and activities for all ages.
Fall in love with our perfect year-round temperatures and experience everything we have to offer with our full Oceanside Event Calendar!
whale watching wonders
OCEANSIDE ADVENTURES, OCEANSIDE COASTAL EXPEDITIONS, OCEANSIDE SEA CENTER
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, but Oceanside also has a full-fledged harbor with whale watching tours and charters departing everyday for an up-close experience out on the water. As blue whale season wraps up in late November the grey whale season begins! Plus, since dolphins don’t have migratory habits, sightings can be enjoyed year-round!
WINE DOWN
BEACH HOUSE WINERY, CARRUTH CELLARS, COOMBER CRAFT WINES, PRIVATEER WINE BAR
While San Diego may be well-known for its craft beer (we even just launched a collab brew with Craft Coast!) 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 Beach House Winery, Carruth Cellars, 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.
