Oceanside

Oceanside is a true SoCal beach town with a tangible laid-back vibe. The city boasts spectacular year-round weather, gorgeous beaches, a historic wooden pier, a quaint New England-style harbor, and charming bungalow neighborhoods. O'side (as locals affectionately call it) is a destination of discovery, where you can enjoy everything from awe-inspiring sea life and exciting ocean adventures to California history at the "King of Missions" and surf culture at the California Surf Museum.
A coastal community, Oceanside is easily accessed by car from Interstate 5 and the historic Coast Highway 101. The city can also be reached by rail with daily stops at the Oceanside Transit Center from Amtrak's Pacific Surfliner, which services cities between Santa Barbara and Oceanside. The Transit Center also is a central hub for three other rail lines: the Coaster, which operates a daily schedule between downtown San Diego and Oceanside; the Sprinter, which runs daily between Oceanside and Escondido to the east; and the Metrolink, which services eastern Orange County, San Bernardino, and Riverside.

Oceanside event facilities and venues range from beachfront hotels, historic theaters, and community centers to museums, gardens, and private estates. Oceanside is home to a wide range of lodging options as well.

Oceanside is a true SoCal beach town with a tangible laid-back vibe. The city boasts spectacular year-round weather, gorgeous beaches, a historic
wooden pier, a quaint New England-style harbor, and charming bungalow neighborhoods. O'side (as locals affectionately call it) is a destination of
discovery, where you can enjoy everything from awe-inspiring sea life and exciting ocean adventures to California history at the "King of Missions"
and surf culture at the California Surf Museum.
A coastal community, Oceanside is easily accessed by car from Interstate 5 and the historic Coast Highway 101. The city can also be reached by rail
with daily stops at the Oceanside Transit Center from Amtrak's Pacific Surfliner, which services cities between Santa Barbara and Oceanside. The
Transit Center also is a central hub for three other rail lines: the Coaster, which operates a daily schedule between downtown San Diego and
Oceanside; the Sprinter, which runs daily between Oceanside and Escondido to the east; and the Metrolink, which services eastern Orange County, ......

Things to Do

California Surf Museum...

The California Surf Museum was founded in 1986 and has been in operation for three decades serving tens of thousands of annual visitors from over 40 nations around the globe. With a permanent collection which chronicles the history of surfboards and wave-riding, the museum also offers many revolving exhibits each year. In its current museum-quality space, it has acquired a rare set of archives and collections gathered over more than 30 years, comprising one of the world’s richest troves of surfing history.

Heritage Park...

Nestled among the rolling hills of historic Oceanside Valley, Heritage Park features the original buildings of downtown Oceanside. These original structures date from the turn of the century and feature the City’s first General Store, the Blacksmith Shop & Livery Stable, the Portola Inn, the old city jail, a doctor’s office, Libby School and The Blade Newspaper. The charm of yesteryear is beautifully captured in this historic park which serves as a dramatic backdrop for weddings, special events, education programs, and social gatherings of all kinds.

Hill Street Country Club...

The Hill Street Country Club is a non-profit organization dedicated to shaping the growing arts and culture scene in Oceanside and the surrounding
North Country region. They create an inclusive and diverse atmosphere that reflects the socioeconomic landscape of our community....

Mission San Luis Rey...

Known as the “King of the Missions,” Mission San Luis Rey de Francia, is the largest of the California Missions. The title “King of the Missions” was bestowed upon this California state treasure because of its expansiveness and architectural beauty. With such peaceful and inspirational surroundings, it is easy to visualize the everyday life of the Franciscan Friars and Native Americans who inhabited the Mission more than two centuries ago.

The Mission architecture is extraordinary. Hand carved wooden doors, bright and colorful hand painted walls and murals, the original baptismal font (made by Native Americans) of hand hammered copper, and a mixture of Classical and Baroque reredos are not to be missed. The Mission provides guided and self-guided tours, a museum, a gift shop, retreat center, and year-round special events. Private retreats are also available.

Oceanside Museum of Art...

The Oceanside Museum of Art (OMA) is centrally located in downtown Oceanside within walking distance of the Oceanside Transit Center, the Oceanside Pier, ample free parking, and a variety of delicious eateries.

OMA began providing exhibitions and public programs in 1995. With the support of the Oceanside City Council and city staff, the lease for the renowned Irving Gill Building, the historic site of the Oceanside City Hall, was approved and a home for the museum was established. Following a renovation to the interior of the Gill Building, OMA formally opened its doors on October 6, 1997, with a grand opening and OMA dedication.

In 2008, OMA completed a contemporary, three-level 15,000 square foot expansion, designed by noted architect Fredrick Fisher. The new building was melded seamlessly with the original 5,000 square-foot Irving Gill modernist building from the 1930s.

Today, in addition to more than 15 highly-praised contemporary and modern art exhibitions per year, museum programming includes concerts, films, interactive art experiences, culinary events, fundraising parties, art classes and lectures, evening events, docent tours, and chartered travel to other local, national, and international cultural art venues and destinations. With a mission to celebrate art through engagement, education, and innovation, OMA engages visitors and members of all ages, interests, occupations, and cultural backgrounds.

The museum offers several spaces for private events. The classic Irving Gill-designed building represents the flavor of Southern California in the 1930’s, and the stunning Central Pavilion completed in 2007, designed by Modernist architect Frederick Fisher, boasts spectacular views and includes two adjoining galleries. The first floor lobby featuring four sliding glass doors seamlessly connect your event to the Central Pavilion, Biogen- Idec Terrace, and arched Irving Gill memorial arcade. These elegant spaces together are ideal for dinner, dancing, and banquets. The second-floor Groves Gallery Auditorium offers a variety of options and is a unique setting for any event.

Sunshine Brooks Theatre...

The Brooks Theatre, formally known as the Sunshine Brooks Theatre, is located in downtown Oceanside and is operated by the Oceanside Theatre Company. The Oceanside Theatre Company produces a broad range of can’t-miss productions, live music events, educational theatre and outreach programs to the community and more. The 198-seat theater and adjacent Studio 219 is available for private event rentals, including use of its landmark marquee.

Star Theatre...

The nonprofit community Star Theatre has been producing music, drama, concerts, and visual art shows for 30 years with its two theater companies:
the Star Theatre Company for teens and adults and the Star Theatre Coast Kids for younger performers. The 430-seat theater is available for privat......