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Oceanside is a coastal city in northern San Diego County, about 80 miles south of Los Angeles and 40 miles north of the city of San Diego. It’s a laid-back Southern California town that has a number of great beaches, as well as Oceanside Harbor, a marina that offers multiple seafaring activities.

Located right next to Oceanside Harbor, Harbor Beach is a huge, flat stretch of sandy shoreline that offers just about everything a beachgoer might want. There’s swimming and sunbathing; surfing, windsurfing, and kiteboarding; picnic tables, gazebos, barbecues, and overnight parking for RVs and camper vans.

Oceanside Beach, CA
Habor Beach in Oceanside, CA. Photo: cultivar413

If that’s not enough for you, there’s always the nearby marina where you can rent boats and go on a whale watching tour or the historic Oceanside Pier.

Activities

Swimming, sunbathing, surfing, kiteboarding, windsurfing, fishing, whale watching, deep-sea fishing, picnicking, barbecuing, bonfires, and volleyball.

The rock jetties on either end of the beach are popular spots for fishing.

Dogs are not allowed on the beach.

Amenities

Restrooms, showers, lifeguards, picnic tables, gazebos, fire rings, barbecues, boat rentals, RV camping, snack bar, and playgrounds.

The parking spaces for overnight RVs and camper vans are limited. Be sure to book way ahead of time.

Paid parking is available at the beach.

Nearby Attractions

Image of Harbor Beach in Oceanside, California
Harbor Beach and Oceanside Pier. Photo by: cultivar413

Oceanside Harbor is right next to Harbor Beach. There you can rent a boat or charter one for deep-sea fishing, take a whale & dolphin tour, or even book some overnight accommodations at the Harbor Inn & Suites.

Nearby, Oceanside Municipal Fishing Pier is a local landmark. It’s a great place for walking, fishing, watching surfers, watching the sunset, or grabbing a bite to eat at the restaurant at the very end of the pier.

Fun Facts

Oceanside Municipal Fishing Pier is 1,942 feet long, making it one of the longest piers on the entire West Coast. It was originally built in 1888 and has since been destroyed by storms and subsequently rebuilt on several occasions. Its current iteration has stood since 1987.

One of the more unusual landmarks in Oceanside is the house from the 1986 film “Top Gun”, which has been moved from its original location to a spot at the Oceanside Beach Resort, just across from the Oceanside Pier.

Details

Location: N Pacific Street, Oceanside, CA 92054

Season: Year-round

Pets: Not allowed

Website: visitoceanside.org…