Family Fun in Oceanside

When it’s time for the family to unplug and reconnect there is no better place than Oceanside for your next Southern California family vacation. Our family-friendly community boasts miles of sandy beach, wide-variety of outdoor activities, and stimulating cultural attractions to keep every member of the family smiling.

Beyond the beach days, there’s a lot that kids love about O’side, making it the perfect getaway for small families or big family reunions. Speaking of family reunions, if you are planning a family gathering or traveling with multiple families during your next vacation, let our local destination experts at Visit Oceanside help you save time and money by providing complimentary assistance with your group accommodations, activity suggestions, and event planning. Click to learn more about Group Family Travel.

Mission San Luis Rey

Educational Travel Experiences

“Back to school” this year calls for creativity and ingenuity! Consider O’side as an extension of your classroom. 

Family Funny at the Pier Beach PC: @krystaladele

3 Days in Oceanside

There is just so much to do!!! Learn about where to go and what to do while spending 3 days in Oceanside. 

Harbor Sea Lions

Free Things to Do

On a budget? Don’t fret! Have a blast in Oceanside without spending a lot of money.

Family on the Buena Vista Trail Photo By: @sdadventuremom

10 Things To Do With Kids

Fun and unique hands-on activities that are perfect for kids of all ages.

Outdoor Coffee Window at Seaborne PC: @everydayadventurefam

Oceanside Mural Tour

O’side is an inventive town whose community thrives on a unique combination of creativity and flair, seen by our collection of murals.

Pacific Street "Now"

Road Trip To The Coast

 Pack up the car and start your drive to one of California’s most iconic strips of the Coast Highway 101 to Oceanside.

Southern California Attractions

Oceanside is the ideal destination for families looking to explore Southern California thanks to its central location between Los Angeles, Orange Country, and San Diego. Famous attractions such as LEGOLAND California Resort, San Diego Zoo, and Disneyland California Resort are all just a short drive or train ride away.

Photo Credit: Smart Destinations

Southern California Attractions

Make Oceanside your home base as you visit the variety of attractions and theme parks* that call Southern California home.
*We advise checking with the theme park online or by phone call for their availability before purchasing tickets.
California Welcome Center Oceanside Exterior

Discount Tickets

Stop by the California Welcome Center in Oceanside for maps, local and regional information, artisan gifts, and discount tickets to many Southern California attractions.

FUN FOR THE ENTIRE FAMILY

Birding at Buena Vista Nature Center Oceanside
Birding at Buena Vista Nature Center
Oceanside Museum of Art
Oceanside Museum of Art

Elementary Schoolers

Whale watching tour give a close-up perspective on the behemoth mammals, plus seals, sea lions, and dolphins. The Buena Vista Audubon Society Nature Center tells the story of the freshwater oasis that birds find so appealing. Stroll the 1,942-foot wooden Oceanside Pier for a pelican’s-eye view of O’side.

Supergirl Pro Surfer
Surfing in Oceanside, CA
California Surf Museum Oceanside CA Bethany Hamilton exhibit
Bethany Hamilton Exhibit at the California Surf Museum

Middle Schoolers

After grinding at O’side’s skate parks, kids can fuel up with baked goods and other eats at the Farmers Market, held on Thursdays. Budding rippers will be stoked to visit the California Surf Museum’s permanent exhibit on Bethany Hamilton, the science of wave forecasting, and historical examples of surfboards. Cycling is always an option, whether they prefer easy beachfront paths or more challenging rides.

Goat Hill Park
iFly Visit Oceanside Holiday Party
iFLY Oceanside

Preteens and Teens

The links await at Goat Hill Park, where in addition to the Par 65 short course, youngsters can challenge their backhand with disc golf. Oceanside Museum of Art is enjoyable at any age, but the children’s tours and events are especially good. Adventurous souls can skydive indoors at iFLY or scale the walls of Vital rock-climbing gym.

WATER ACTIVITIES

Family Holiday Christmas at the Pier PC: @devinalopezphoto

A Day at the Beach

Oceanside is renowned for its wide, sandy beaches; enticing everyone to play in the sun, lounge under an umbrella or paddle out to ride the waves. Each beach location offers its own personality and charm. Discover what Oceanside Beach would be your perfect fit.
Kids with Surfboards at the Beach

Surf and SUP Lessons

Oceanside is known for its consistent and world-class surf conditions so a trip to our beaches wouldn’t be complete without taking a surf lesson or SUP lesson from one of our local professionals!
Learn all there is to know about the surf culture here in Oceanside.
Oceanside Harbor SUP

Nautical Fun

Your water exploration doesn’t have to be limited to just surfing and stand-up paddle boarding! Enjoy an afternoon on the water while you kayak, jet ski, scuba dive or even go sailing! There are unlimited water activities available for you and your entire family to take advantage of right here in Oceanside.
Oceanside Adventures - Blue Whale

Whale Watching

When traveling to Oceanside, whale watching is a MUST! Every year, gray whales pass through the coastal San Diego waters during the Winter, while blue whales travel during the Summer, giving you the opportunity to see these incredible creatures up close and personal year-round.

OUTDOOR ADVENTURES

Bike Wheel Fun Strand Oceanside

Family Bike Rides

Enjoy the beautiful scenery of Oceanside by bicycle! Oceanside is proud to be classified as a silver level bicycle friendly community by the League of American Bicyclists. Take a ride down one of our bike trails, each known for unique scenery and varying endurance levels.
Family fishing from the Oceanside Pier

Fishing with the Family

Did you know that Oceanside is a great place for catching fish? With lovely weather, abundant sea life, large beaches and jetties, and a 1,954 foot long pier to cast from your chances of catching fish are high, and your chances of having fun are even higher! Check out these expert fishing tips before heading out with your family and trying for the big one!
Walking the Dog at Guajome Park

Hiking Trails

Get outside and enjoy the fresh air. There are several quick hiking trails located in and around Oceanside.  These trails are not only beautiful but easy to conquer. Some are even pet-friendly!
Skydiving @imaginemygalaxypro

Unique and Unexpected Activities

Looking for something to do that is a little more off the beaten path, a little quirky, and most certainly unique? Look no further, Oceanside has you covered with these awesome activities you might not have ever expected! Learn More.