Oceanside Ranked Among Top Vacation Spots in California

Congratulations Oceanside! Trip Advisor recently released their top 20 best vacation spots in California and Oceanside is, of course, on the list. Not just on the list, but ahead of larger cities like San Diego and Santa Cruz for top destinations. It’s no wonder that Oceanside is one of the top tourist spots in California. We really do have it all! Beach, check. Hotspots and attractions, check. Great food and people, double check.

Everyone that lives here gets why visitors love it and keep coming back. There are many beachy cities in Southern California with great beaches, and Oceanside has some of the best. However, our pier and harbor are favorites of visitors and locals alike, and part of what makes Oceanside unique. At 1942 feet, the Oceanside Pier is the 2nd longest in California and allows public fishing. Plus, after a nice long walk down to the end of the pier, visitors can enjoy Ruby’s Diner for fantastic burgers & shakes.

The Oceanside Harbor is a quaint New England style village with shops, dining and boating. A destination where you can go from eating casual at Harbor Fish & Chips to fine dining and dancing at the Oceanside Broiler. You can go deep sea fishing with Helgren's Sportfishing or sailing and whale watching with Pacific Marine Charters. Or just kick back at the many outdoor picnic areas scattered from the beach to the inland side of the harbor where you can enjoy the sea lions taking a snooze or the fisherman retuning with the days catch. All in one marvelous place!

For those with a more rustic outlook, there is the Buena Vista Audubon Society & Nature Center. With very easy hiking trails around a lagoon, wildlife and native vegetation, it is quite the peaceful site. They also have discussion groups, a nature camp for kids and a whole lot more.

Looking for some culture, the Oceanside Museum of Art is a leader of the arts and culture. Their highly praised contemporary art exhibitions draw people from all over the state. Museum programming also includes classes, lectures, docent tours, parties, concerts, films, culinary events, and chartered travel to other cultural art venues and destinations.

If you want to jazz up your stay in Oceanside we have a great selection of micro-breweries, wineries and tasting rooms. With places like Surfside Tap Room, Miller's Table or Belching Beaver to choose from, you’ll find great food, fun events, beer tasting and even mead tasting at Golden Coast Meadery. With all those options, you’re sure to find the best for what ales you.

Oceanside nightlife includes a wide variety of restaurants, nightclubs, walking tours and frequent concerts and events at the Amphitheater by the Pier. Speaking of events, every Thursday the Sunset Market is a local favorite filled with artisan vendors, delectable food options and live music. Come earlier in the day and pick-up fresh veggies at the Farmer's Market. Just strolling around downtown O'side you will have no problem finding a place that’s right for you.

Oceanside has so much to offer and we've only touched on the downtown area and nearby. Do yourself a favor and spend a little time exploring Oceanside. But don't just take our word for it... take Trip Advisor's!

To read the entire Trip Advisor article: https://www.tripadvisor.com/Va...

For more visitor information check out the Visit Oceanside website: http://visitoceanside.org/