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.
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.
Southern California Attractions
Make Oceanside your home base as you visit the variety of attractions and theme parks that call Southern California home.
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
Elementary Schoolers
Wee little ones love the Model Train Museum in Heritage Park, which has weekly kids’ events. 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.
Middle Schoolers
After grinding at O’side’s skate parks, kids can fuel up with baked goods and other eats at the Sunset Market, held Thursday evenings. 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.
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. Up for a mental challenge? Located in Artist Alley in Downtown Oceanside you’ll also find the escape room School of Hard Locks and the GRID Virtual Reality Arcade.
WATER ACTIVITIES
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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!
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!
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.
