O’riginal Oceanside Holiday Parties

The familiar tones of Jingle Bells ringing out in every department store has brought you to the realization that the holidays are not just around the corner, but are about to run you over. Whether planning an employee party, a client event, or a customer mixer, planners are tasked with creating holiday events that draw people in during this busy time and show the company’s appreciation. With budgets getting smaller as well as people’s attention spans, we wanted to put together some unique and o’riginal ideas for your Oceanside holiday party.

Events that are most memorable come down to where you were, what you ate, and what you did. Enjoy the sample itineraries that we’ve put together for you below or use them to inspire your own creativity.

Come out for an AWE inspiring adventure of Dolphin and Whale Watching in Oceanside. Oceanside Adventures operates a catamaran for sea life tours out of Oceanside Harbor and each trip is narrated by an expert Captain, a certified naturalist who loves Whales and Dolphin just like you do. While you can book individual tickets on their regularly scheduled trips, they’ll also book private charters for up to 45 people, and can either do 90 minute coastal cruises during daylight hours (weather permitting) or harbor only cruises (day or evening). Starting at the beginning of December, the boat is decked out in its holiday best with festive lights. Wine tasting can be added to any charter and catering options are available. Once off the boat, walk up the ramp and finish the evening at the Lighthouse Oyster Bar and Grill (private event space available) where you can sample seafood fresh from local fishermen.

Where to Stay: Holiday Inn Oceanside Marina Suites

Trust us when we say if we did it, so can you. iFly Indoor Skydiving is truly all-ages fun and thrills and our team is proof. When our CEO first mentioned this for our holiday party many of us were hesitant to give it a try. Those of us with a debilitating fear of heights pushed through and persevered as is evident from the big smiles above. Our personal tip is to pay the extra fee for the “high fly”. The exhilaration that you’ll experience as you float back down is the stuff of dreams. We cannot recommend this activity enough and your team will thank you for the memories. Plan on this activity prior to your meal and either bring in catering and hang out in their conference room, or explore one of the many fun restaurants nearby, including Texas Roadhouse.

Surfing reached the height of popularity in the 1960s and Oceanside was right in the mix of this fervent culture. The city’s southwest facing shoreline makes it world renowned for consistent surf and world-class surf conditions. Over the years, there have been many legendary surfers along with current professionals that have roots in Oceanside.

The California Surf Museum was founded in 1986 and has been in operation for three decades serving tens of thousands of annual visitors from over 40 nations around the globe. With a permanent collection which chronicles the history of surfboards and wave-riding, the museum also offers many revolving exhibits each year. In its current museum-quality space, it has acquired a rare set of archives and collections gathered over more than 30 years, comprising one of the world’s richest troves of surfing history. By having your holiday party at the California Surf Museum, you not only get a unique venue surrounded by surfing history, but you’re also supporting ongoing education efforts for future generations. The main exhibit hall is 2100 sq.ft. and holds 120 guests for a cocktail reception.

Where to Stay: SpringHill Suites Oceanside Downtown

What better way to celebrate the holiday season than to eat, drink, and be merry? Sure, you can rent out a restaurant and have a typical holiday celebration dinner, or you can do a walking food tour throughout Oceanside. Your food and drink connoisseurs will appreciate being able to experience a variety of Oceanside’s chef inspired cuisine and cocktails while simultaneously learning a bit more about Oceanside’s history and what’s in store for its future. Carla & Linda’s Walking Food Tours host scheduled tours, but you can also arrange for a private one just for your friends. The tours guide you to four specially chosen restaurants in coastal Oceanside. You will spend approximately 45 minutes per restaurant sampling chef recommended specialties. Bring your comfy shoes and your appetite.

“We will introduce you to the chef and tell you what is going on in the area. A lot of the chefs and owners are O’side O’riginals and take pride in serving you. We get VIP service at all of the restaurants as well as off menu dishes. Come give us a chance to show you how awesome the food is here in O’side.” – Linda Pina, Owner

Where to Stay: The Fin Boutique Hotel

Visit Oceanside’s Gathering and Special Events Guide is a complete list of area event venues, vendor referrals, and local accommodations and is a one stop shop for your event planning. This guide includes Oceanside’s venues categorized by type and includes capacity details, contact information, and catering options. The guide also includes group dining locations along with activities and excursions for your entire group to enjoy together! Prefer to chat? Call Michelle Martini-Brown for personal planning and destination consultation at 760-458-6016.