Oceanside Celebrates 125 Years

July 3, 2013 Oceanside will officially celebrate its 125th birthday. Weekend activities will include a proclamation by the mayor and other city officials, movie at the outdoor beach amphitheater, concerts in the park, 4th of July fireworks (TBA), and special holiday/anniversary street market. Visitors can enjoy Oceanside's many important historical and cultural attractions including Mission San Luis Rey (The King of Missions), California's longest wooden pier, vintage 101 Café, 1920's era Robert's Cottages, Top Gun House, California Surf Museum and the Oceanside Museum of Art. The city has served as a film location for dozens of Hollywood productions and was once the preferred getaway of many of Hollywood's elite. Bordering Camp Pendleton to the north, Oceanside has long enjoyed a strong relationship with the U.S. military and a deep commitment to the men and women serving the nation. www.visitoceanside.org

Visitor Friendly Projects

Oceanside is moving forward with visitor friendly projects that will enhance its appeal as a coastal getaway for generations to come. Last summer, construction began on a 149-room SpringHill Suites by Marriott just steps from Oceanside pier beach. The 40-million dollar project is slated to open in January of 2014 and will include a five-story contemporary hotel, street level seafood restaurant and a roof-top swimming pool. Additional projects in the works include a more pedestrian friendly Mission Avenue with wider, tree-lined sidewalks and boutiques, a high-end beach front resort and a luxury boutique hotel.

Sweat It Out in Oceanside

Oceanside is a huge draw for the fitness-minded traveler not only as a training ground, but a place to compete in elite athletic events. Adding to its allure is the recent announcement of the new Life Time Tri Oceanside Championship, an Olympic distance triathlon set for October 20, 2013. Other top events held in the city include California Ironman 70.3 Triathlon (March), Southern California Beach Soccer Championships (May), Race Across America bike race (June), Surftech RSP3 (July), US Pro Longboard Championships (August), and World Body Surfing Championships (August).

A Birds Eye View of Oceanside

Visitors can enjoy Oceanside from new heights through two new adventure options: Tsunami Skydivers and Coastal Aero Scenic. Tsunami Skydivers offers beginners and experienced skydivers the only place along the Southern California coast for skydiving. Coastal Aero Scenic provides aerial tours from the open air cockpit of a vintage 1941 Wace Biplane.

Look What's Brewing In Oceanside

Oceanside is quickly becoming a hub for the craft brew movement in San Diego's north county. Last summer Stone Brew Co. joined Breakwater Brewing Company in downtown Oceanside with the opening of its hip tasting room Stone Company Store Oceanside. Two other craft breweries have plans to open in 2013 including Bagby Beer Brewery (by award winning former brew master of Carlsbad-based Pizza Port) and Legacy Brewing.

Coasting to the Perfect California Day

As a main hub for the rail system between Santa Barbara and San Diego, Oceanside enjoys a central train station in the heart of downtown that is walking distance from hotels, the beach, restaurants and many of the city's top attractions. Day-trippers can enjoy a ride up the coast on the train, a day in Oceanside, then return.

A Different Marine Life in Oceanside

Oceanside provides visitors with access to amazing marine life including whales, dolphins and over 150 species of seabirds. There's even a resident pelican that makes its home on a wooden perch at the pier. Fishing is a popular activity and can be done from the pier or via charter out of Oceanside Harbor. Of increasing popularity are Giant Squid Trips, where participants troll from 6-10 p.m. for giant squid.

Harboring the Perfect Family Vacation

Oceanside offers the quintessential California beach vacation without the luxury price tag. A wealth of vacation rentals with kitchens and separate bedrooms make family travel easy and budget friendly. Just steps away are a myriad of things to do (many for free) including beach play, exploring the classic wooden pier, discovering the bustling harbor, learning about surf culture at the California Surf Museum (free admission on Thursdays), bird watching, outdoor concerts at the beach amphitheater, biking along coastal paths and treasure hunting at downtown's weekly sunset market.

Bike Friendly

Oceanside is the only city in San Diego County to be named a Bicycle Friendly Community by the League of American Bicyclists. The city boasts numerous popular bike trails and is host to several prestigious bike events including the start of the Race Across America (RAAM) endurance bike challenge and Bike the Coast-Taste the coast, a community bike race that takes participants of all levels along coastal bike routes ranging from 7 miles to 100 miles with a finish at the Oceanside Pier for a fun family-oriented expo with food, activities and products.

Luxury – Absolutely – Laid Back Luxury: Though best known for its laid back coastal cool, there's luxury to be found from beachfront accommodations with gourmet kitchens, hot tubs, putting greens and fire pits, to ocean view dining options and private sailing charters.