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Tucked away on the northern edge of O’side, The Harbor is bedecked in bobbing sailboats and fluttering palm trees and crowned with a red-and-white striped (purely decorational) lighthouse that’s straight out of central casting. Opened in 1963, the scene is a colorful, quirky gem of midcentury Americana and home to deep-sea fishing and whale watching outfitters, plus eateries; boat, jet ski, kayak, and paddleboard rentals; and one of the finest surf breaks in O’side.
The nearby surf break is legendary, but if you’re more into pleasure craft, rentals come in all speeds, from high-speed adrenalin jet skis to low-fi meandering paddleboards. Hop aboard a chartered sailboat and cruise the coast or grab some tackle and go deep-water fishing. Whale-watching tours depart from The Harbor year-round, or closer to shore, spot the local population of seals and sea lions lounging on the boat slips.
Enjoy your morning coffee with a side of sailboats and sea breezes, or tuck into fresh seafood while watching the local boats bring in the catch of the day. From quick snacks and ice-cream treats to fresh-shucked oysters and steak-and-lobster dinners, dining at The Harbor means stunning scenery and ample options for outside dining.
Harbor Village recreates an idyllic New England seaside retreat, from the colorful clapboard architecture right down to the souvenir swag. Find “chotchkies” and t-shirts, postcards and plushies, plus O’side merch, kites, and beach gear.
Oceanside Harbor is home to Harbor Village, where New England vibes meets SoCal surf culture. Home to a variety of shops and restaurants, it’s chockablock with gram-worthy scenes and backdrops and the perfect place to lick an ice cream while playing peekaboo with a pouty local pelican.
Let Hollywood have its hillside marquee. Since the 1960s, boats chugging into The Harbor have been greeted by this iconic bit of all caps lettering. Equal parts functional and fantastic, it’s quintessential O’side and a don’t-miss photo opportunity.
Do you know the history behind the Oceanside Harbor Village? Learn about the construction of this iconic storybook setting and its importance to the city!
Free street parking is available throughout the Harbor on a first-come, first-served basis with a five-night limit for overnight parking. You’ll also find free all-day parking on the east side of Harbor Village and on the railroad tracks, plus a free two-hour parking lot located east of the pay lots on Harbor Drive South. At Harbor Beach, paid all-day and overnight parking is available at seasonal rates, with extra-long spaces available for boat trailers.
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