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Whether you’re celebrating a birthday or a bachelorette weekend, or just reaffirming the bonds of sisterhood, O’side is a great place to escape with your girlfriends. And since no girl gang is alike, you can tailor your travel plans based on whatever your crew is passionate about (and yes, wine drinking counts as a passion). Here’s a roundup of some of our favorite things to do on your next girls’ trip.
There are two huge reasons to take a self-guided tour of the O’side art murals. One, because they’re an amazing example of public art and a big part of our O’side identity. And two, because Instagram (or TikTok – you do you).
The Oceanside Museum of Art exhibits works by lesser-known luminaries of the art world, including several local artists. You’ll find light installations, paintings, sculpture, glasswork, ceramics, and more. Nearby, you can check out the studio spaces on Artists’ Ally.
Sorry, terrible pun. But the California Surf Museum does use its impressive collection of vintage surfboards to chronicle the history of wave riding and explore the influence of surf culture on SoCal beach towns including our very own O’side.
Always wanted to join the dawn patrol? There are numerous surf schools in O’side, and you can arrange for a group or private lesson tailored to your experience and ability. (Just want to look the part? Surf shops all over town have the gear and the goods to help you channel your inner surf babe.)
O’side is super bike friendly, and rental shops around town have a variety of cruisers and city bikes so you can get around like a local. (Or, if you don’t want to break a sweat, consider an e-bike or an electric scooter from Ride O’side or Pedego Electric Bikes.
Yep, O’side’s got plenty of surf and sunshine, but if you’re looking for some indoor adventure, even the most seasoned climber can find a new challenge at Vital Climbing Gym. And if scaling a wall isn’t your thing, they offer several Yoga and Aerial classes as well.
The O’side coastline is home to an astonishing variety of marine life. Be awe-inspired when you set sail from the harbor on a two-hour whale and dolphin spotting catamaran cruise with Oceanside Coastal Expeditions.
Behind the big yellow doors at The Seabird, find traditional and holistic wellness rituals plus salon services at Sunny’s Spa & Beauty Lounge—everything from mani- pedis to reiki to bodywork and skin care.
You can raise a glass at tasting rooms and wine bars around O’side while learning as much- or as little!—as you want about the winemaking craft.
Start your tasting adventure a few miles inland from the beach, where Beach House Winery has ocean views and bottles their own single-varietal vintages.
You can bring your own picnic to Coomber Craft Wines and discover their house wines while listening to live music (bonus: Coomber is also pet friendly).
And in South O, you don’t want to miss the Privateer Marketplace & Wine Bar, which sources, sells, and pours distinctive and interesting wines from all over the world, including some from San Diego County vineyards.
Or, for a memorable evening, grab your girls and set sail on the Oceanside Adventure catamaran, which departs the Harbor each evening for a sunset wine cruise (with appetizers!).
Start the evening with cocktails at some of Oceanside’s standout spots. Watch the sunset from The Rooftop Bar at Mission Pacific Beach Resort, where chic coastal views set the perfect mood for a relaxed sip. Then head over to Local Tap House (LTH), a spot that locals love for its approachable cocktails and vibrant yet laid-back energy. Finish the night at Cococabana, the rooftop tiki bar at The Brick Hotel, where music, playful cocktails, and ocean breezes make it impossible not to linger.
If you lean toward beer with a little something extra, Oceanside won’t disappoint. Green Cheek offers craft beers alongside a full food menu and plenty of space to bring the whole crew- perfect for discovering new favorites. Hangar 76 blends beer, wine, and laid-back vibes, creating the ideal spot to relax and socialize. For a bottleshop experience with an actual shopping twist, Shoots lets you browse the Tremont Collective and discover unique finds (Brixton, anyone?)
Whether cocktails or pints, Oceanside’s scene offers a mix of elevated rooftops, inventive brews, and local flavor- ideal for a night (or day) out with friends.
Sun’s up, and it’s time to grub! In the heart of downtown, Petite Madeline Bakery on North Coast Highway is a hometown favorite, serving omelets, crepes, and heavenly pastries, all with a generous side of Oceanside vibes-tres cute. Rose Café in South O takes those cozy vibes up a notch with its inviting atmosphere and hearty breakfast options.
For brunch spreads that never disappoint, Local Tap House and High/Lo deliver everything from savory to sweet, making either spot perfect for a relaxed morning with friends. And don’t forget local Yelp favorites like Toasted and Don’s Country Kitchen, guaranteed to satisfy any classic breakfast cravings.
Midday, we like to hang at Craft Coast Beer & Tacos, where O’side celebrates tacos, mulitas, nachos, and world-class craft beer. Or head to the Harbor, where Lighthouse Oyster Bar & Grill serves fresh seafood and unbeatable views – watch the sea lions bask in the sun while you dine.
For something more gastropub-forward, stop by the Flying Pig for a stellar cocktail menu and crave-worthy dishes like bacon-and-pickled-Seranno mac ‘n cheese, the Grilled Pork Sando, or the Pig Burger — a pork-inspired feast with serious flavor.
Midday, we like to hang at Craft Coast Beer & Tacos because O’side celebrates tacos, mulitas, nachos, and world-class craft beer.
Or at the Harbor, we’ll keep it old school with a fish & chips basket at Harbor Fish & Chips and watch the sea lions bask in the sun. We’re also keen on the Flying Pig—it’s a little more gastropub, with a stellar cocktail menu and dishes like the bacon and pickled serrano Mac ‘n Cheese, the Grilled Pork Sando and the Pig Burger rounding out its pork-inspired burger offerings.
O’side has one of the hottest food scenes in SoCal, but no matter how elevated the cuisine, the vibe is always down to earth (yes, you can wear your flip flops).
In South O, at the Wrench ‘n Rodent Seabasstropub, Chef Davin Waite and his talented crew of fish wizards serve up fresh sashimi, nigiri, and specialty rolls like the tasty Hedgehog roll.
When you need a pasta or pizza fix, try Blade1936, where your hand-made pies come straight from their woodfired oven to your heart—plus a world-class wine list.
Dining in O’side shines with standout spots like Valle, San Diego’s first Michelin-starred Mexican restaurant, where Chef Roberto Alcocer celebrates the food and wine of Baja’s Valle de Guadalupe region.
If you’re chasing immaculate vibes and Insta-worthy eats, allmine is your go-to. This spot dishes out handcrafted food, artisanal pizzas, local beers, and natural wines- all with serious style. Pro Tip: Don’t leave without trying their Lasagna Bolognese – it’s gone viral for a reason.
And finally, when you’re craving a truly memorable dining experience, there’s Matsu, which San Diego Magazine called the Best New Restaurant of 2022—a 48-seat fine-dining restaurant serving a 10-course tasting menu focusing on the traditions and techniques of Japanese food married with Southern California terroir.
And if you want even more choices, try a culinary walkabout organized by Carl & Linda’s Walking Food Tour, you’ll explore four to five destinations in either North O’side, Heart of O’side, or South O over the course of about three hours, getting a history lesson about the community and the scoop on each spot as you stroll (and eat, of course)
On a girls’ trip, you want two things out of your hotel: style and amenities.
On the waterfront, The Mission Pacific Hotel has 161 rooms and suites, majority with ocean views and balconies and a rooftop pool with private cabanas, lounge seating, and hot tub Jacuzzi.
And if you need some spa time, you can book treatments at Sunny’s Spa & Beauty Lounge next door to The Seabird Resort.
The Green Room began its life as a 1950s era motel, and today boasts individually curated rooms with custom art from local artists, mid-century modern furnishings, Moroccan rugs, and even private patios. It features designer studios and one- and two-bedroom suites with kitchenettes that are perfect for groups.
And the rooms at The Brick give major design vibes while—thanks to tiki bar Cococabana on the rooftop and the The Lobby Tiki Bar on the ground floor- negating the need to ever leave the building. Unless of course you’re headed to Frankie’s next door for a cocktail.
Or check out the numerous O’side property rentals available through sites like Airbnb. You’ll find everything from inland estates to beachfront condos.
For more lodging options, click on the Stay page of the website and find the place to suit your needs.
Transportation Options: Getting Around SoCal
O’side is just 100 miles south of LA and 50 miles from Orange County. You can easily get around by car, bus, plane, or even train.
Nearby Attractions
Make O’side your vacation home base for exploring world-famous attractions and destinations like the San Diego Zoo and or a quick drive up the 5 to Disneyland.
