As one of the coastal resort cities along the south coast of California, Oceanside in San Diego County has distinguished itself by being the third-largest city in the county. Site attractions and notable landmarks found in the city include the Oceanside Pier, which is the longest wooden pier on America’s West Coast; Mount Ecclesia, where the singular architecture and landscaping of the Rosicrucian Fellowship’s headquarters are located; and the California Surf Museum, located in the city’s downtown area. Numerous Hollywood films were shot on location in Oceanside. With the spirit of adventure and daring guiding your way, you will definitely unearth travel gems and great bargains while on vacation in Oceanside.
City Highlight: If you are looking for affordable mementos and other unique finds in Oceanside, make sure to drop by the Harbor Village (quaint treasures), outdoor markets (for organic produce) and the historic Coast Highway 101 (for guests looking for fine antiques).
Where to Stay While Vacationing in Oceanside
Being one of the premier travel destinations on California’s South Coast, Oceanside offers a wide selection of hotels that fit one’s accommodation preferences and budget. Hotels in Oceanside CA can range from the extremely luxurious to value-for-money establishments that nonetheless offer comfort and convenience during your stay.
For the budget-conscious traveler, the following hotels offer value-for-money lodgings featuring comfortable rooms and great service from the staff. Best Western, Super 8, and Rodeway Inn are located near Camp Pendleton and provide quick access to numerous area attractions.
If you are longing for a place to stay that has a quick access to the beach, the following establishments cannot be beat both for location and room rates: Guesthouse Ocean on North Coast Highway; Oceanside Travelodge also on North Coast Highway; and Days Inn Oceanside at the Coast on Carmelo Drive. For those traveling with the whole family, some of the best establishments include Comfort Suites Marina, La Quinta Inn San Diego Oceanside, and Ramada Limited Oceanside.
Enjoying an Oceanside Vacation Without Busting the Bank
Of course, a solid travel itinerary works wonders in helping you stay within your trip budget during your vacation in Oceanside. When all the necessary preparations and inquiries are done, here are some of the attractions that you must check out while in the city.
“Surf’s up!” is a familiar phrase in this coastal town. For those who are interested in anything to do with surfing, head over to the California Surf Museum which is situated in Oceanside’s downtown area. Here, you will find a plethora of surfing memorabilia spanning the 1900s up to present. Adults and students will have to pay a minimal entrance fee, while museum members and kids under 12 can enter for free during Thursdays.
Meanwhile, the white sandy beaches of Oceanside are one of America’s West Coast’s ideal spots for sunbathing, building sand castles, and surfing. You do not have to shell out a lot of money for a memorable day at the beach, and make sure to bring your sunscreen with you!
If you are interested in learning more about Oceanside’s history, a stroll along the Main Street and the Heritage Park Village and Museum treats you to a charming showcase of some of the city’s original buildings, including the premiere General Store, the Blacksmith Shop, and the Old City Jail.
