The pier in Oceanside, California, which is one of the longest on the west coast, has recently reopened after being ravaged by fire. It extends into the Pacific from the bustling downtown area on the western edge of the city, offering panoramic views of the ocean and hills at sunset. Despite its history dating back to 1798 when the Spanish established Mission San Luis Rey de Francia, Oceanside has evolved into a modern city with skyrocketing property values, increased density, and major construction projects approved by the city council. North of the city, CA-76 runs through residential areas, passing landmarks such as Mission San Luis Rey and Guajome Regional Park. The intersection of Coast Highway and CA-76 serves as a gateway to Oceanside and San Diego County, attracting travelers between Tijuana, San Diego, and the greater Los Angeles area. The downtown area features cultural districts, theaters, and a bustling coastal scene with a mix of old and new establishments. Luxurious hotels, including the Seabird and Mission Pacific, have opened on Pacific Street, with the latter housing the famous “Top Gun” house that now serves as a museum and coffee house. The area also boasts Michelin-star restaurants and rooftop bars, making Oceanside a vibrant and diverse destination.
Heading east, under the pedestrian walkway beneath the railroad bridge, Q&A Oyster Bar is in the Brick Hotel complex. Next door, Frankie’s, a social lounge, serves a variety of $16 cocktails. The Brick Hotel’s first floor leads to the Succulent Café coffeehouse and an outdoor patio and Stone Brewing tap room, while Cococabana serves Caribbean-style craft cocktails with ocean views on its rooftop. Down Cleveland headed north, Pannikin Coffee & Tea, a beloved local coffeehouse with locations in Leucadia and the San Diego Airport, operates out of the 1886 brick Bunker House.
Along the water, sand is at a premium on the rocky, eroding beach in Oceanside. The downtown stretch of beach on either side of the pier still has plenty of sand to offer, however. Children enjoy the beach playground just to the south of the pier, sliding into the sand from above and then running around in all directions.
If parents are lucky, eventually they’ll tire out and catch the sunset from the comfort of a swing. On the opposite side of the Strand just to the south, Tyson Street park has grass and a playground, as well.
If you keep heading south along Coast Highway, you come across a variety of hip businesses. At The Jazzy Wishbone, a small and dark jazz bar, music—jazz, fusion, RandB, classic rock, and more—fills the wooden room and pours into the sidewalk and street. Space is tight, so get there early.
Or grab a coffee at one of the many coffee shops in town—Pier View Cafe, Communal, and Revolution Roasters. The Communal back patio is filled with sun in the summer months. Bottlecraft—where you can grab a beer, cider, or alcoholic kombucha—shares this same back patio.
Nightlife is best on Thursday nights in Oceanside after the Thursday morning Farmers Market and carnival-esque Thursday evening Sunset Market, attracting hundreds of people to local businesses.
