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Get the lowdown, from legalities to locales.
Here’s a little friendly straight talk about hosting your dream beach wedding or event. Yes, they’re magical! The sun, the sand, the sunsets. Pure heaven. Also, the beach is a living, breathing, frequently unpredictable and very public place. So, let’s get you up to speed on what you need to know, including the fact that in O’side, your beach event can also be beach adjacent (all the feels, more controlled environment).
Oceanside Harbor Beach has the most sand and parking, and the easiest vendor access. The beach north of the Pier, off Breakwater Bay, runs a close second for accessibility.
The City issues permits year-round for the Pacific Street Linear Park, with its partially shaded white lattice gazebo and stunning views of the historic O’side Pier.
Steps from the Strand, this big, flat, grassy park is big enough for a reception site and boasts easy access from Pacific Street. You’ll need a City permit.
The “Top Gun”/Graves House is the backdrop for events on the waterfront hotel’s landscaped, 2,800-square foot lawn and garden. Cinematic and tres romantic.
Up to 250 guests can gather on the Coastal Terrace, a 3,050-square foot open-air deck with unobstructed ocean views and plenty of wow factor.
The lawn and gazebo of this tucked-away spot on its own private peninsula (seriously!) have views of both the O’side harbor and the Pacific.
When it comes to ceremonies in the sand, there’s fantasy and there’s IRL. Happily, in O’side, the two aren’t all that different. Cue sunset!
The most popular spots are Harbor Beach and Pier Beach North, due to their accessible parking and wide, sandy beaches.
Sadly, the city will generally not grant permits for Buccaneer Beach weddings or events, due to its small size.
If your event has more than 25 people and/or includes chairs, decorations, tenting,
amplified music, or anything not normally associated with typical beach use, then yes. All beach receptions/parties require a permit, as well. The City of Oceanside Special Events department can answer any specific questions specialevents@oceansideca.org.
Visit the City of Oceanside website.
Yes. Permits for public beaches and Tyson Street Park are only considered
for dates between Sept. 15 and May 15. However, the city considers permits for Stand Gazebo and its adjacent park year-round. The City of Oceanside Special Events department can answer any specific questions specialevents@oceansideca.org.
You can! If you have less than 25 guests, no set up, and will be finished in 30 minutes or less, you can walk onto any beach at any time and say your I do’s, no permit required. The City of Oceanside Special Events department can answer any specific questions specialevents@oceansideca.org.
Sorry, no. Paid parking in public parking lots is on a first come first served basis.
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