“Welcome to Oceanside!” is what you will hear as you enter our beautiful visitor center. The California Welcome Center in Oceanside receives more than 60,000 visitors each year and has a fantastic group of volunteers that are friendly and eager to provide helpful information and tips to you and your group when exploring Oceanside and the greater San Diego County.
The Welcome Center is a great resource to visitors and locals alike, providing helpful information on top things to do in Oceanside and around the state. Additionally, the visitor center sells discount attraction tickets, local gifts, and souvenirs.
928 North Coast Highway
Oceanside, CA 92054
1-800-350-7873
Open daily from 9am-5pm*
*Winter Hours (11/11/18- 12/23/18) Sunday hours ONLY will change to 10am-2pm.
*Closed Holidays: New Year’s Eve, New Year’s Day, Easter, Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, and Christmas Day. Subject to change without notice.
Information: State, Regional, and Local
- Maps – complimentary regional maps and detailed street maps available.
- Brochures – come, see, grab and explore what you want to do.
- Visitor Guides – for Oceanside and many of San Diego’s communities.
- Events – event calendars for the local area.
- Attractions – we have information, ideas, tips, and discounted tickets.
- Information about all of the official California Welcome Centers throughout the State.
Hotel Recommendations
- Get information on types of lodging.
- Get information on hotel and vacation rental availability.
- Need to book a reservation? We will help facilitate that.
Discount Attraction Tickets
- The California Welcome Center is a redemption location for the Go San Diego cards and available for purchase.
- Discounts are available to the major Southern California attractions including: LEGOLAND California, SeaWorld San Diego, San Diego Zoo, Safari Park, Old Town Trolley Tours, USS Midway Museum, Oceanside Adventures Luxury Cruises, and more.
- View current discount attraction ticket pricing.
Services
- Restrooms – clean and tidy.
- Computer for visitors’ use
- Personalized visitor tips, directions, ideas and recommendations.
- Souvenir Penny Machine – 4 beautiful Oceanside Scenes.
- Bike Repair Station (outside, available 24/7)
Retail
- Oceanside branded merchandise.
- Beach inspired gifts and jewelry.
- Locally made: pottery, art, photography, cards and apparel.
- Souvenir items.
- Toys: cute, cuddly friends to travel with or take home as gifts.
- Travel needs: sunscreen, sunglasses, beach towels, hats and travel candles.
- Hostess gifts and local honey.
Motorcoach Friendly
- Suggestions for Group and Bus-Friendly Things to Do
- Motorcoach Friendly Hotels
- Motorcoach Driver Incentive Program – bus drivers that bring 10 or more riders into the Welcome Center will receive a $20 gift card to a local Oceanside restaurant.
Local Residents Welcome
- Gather idea information before visitors arrive.
- Create a care package or welcome bag for your out of town guests.
- Planning a family or class reunion? Get ideas, brochures, visitors guides and maps.
- Buy your area attraction tickets in advance to avoid long lines.
- Pickup free periodicals and magazines.
Stay In Touch
- We love to hear how your Oceanside experience is going!
- Post your comments on Trip Advisor.
- Drive, bike, or walk to North Coast Hwy to visit us.
Related Content
The Questions You’ve Been Asking at the California Welcome Center
Oceanside’s California Welcome Center is a powerful resource for visitors and locals alike. Leading the way on TripAdvisor as the #1 thing to do in the city, the Welcome Center sees more than 60,000 visitors every year and the knowledgeable volunteers and staff hear every traveler question under the sun. 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, including discount ticket information, where to get a cup of great coffee and where you can eat while enjoying a great view!
Fun Photo Opportunities in O’side
Calling all selfie lovers, keen eyed creatives, and capturers of the moment! Whether you enjoy photographing sunset filled landscapes, vibrant street murals, crashing waves, docked boats, sea lions, whales or dolphins check out these great places to snap away in Oceanside.
Best Things to Do in Oceanside in the Spring
Looking for some ideas on what to do and where to go this spring? We’ve got the inside scoop on not only great activities to do, but also the best spots for a picnic and great indoor/outdoor restaurants to try! So look no further than our Volunteer Corner series highlighting California Welcome Center volunteer expertise on ideas and suggestions from those that know and love Oceanside! For any other questions you might have the best place to get them answered is always the California Welcome Center here in Oceanside. With 60+ volunteers that operate the center daily there is always a wealth of great information there to take advantage of.
Become a Volunteer
Do you love Oceanside? Do you love sharing local tips and suggestions with friends when they visit? Meet interesting people from all over the world and become friends with other volunteers when you serve as a volunteer at the California Welcome Center in Oceanside. To learn more, contact: Veronica Voorhees, Volunteer Coordinator, at veronica@visitoceanside.org or call 1-800-350-7873.
