Sandwiched Between San Diego And LA Is One Of California's Coolest Coastal Cities With New England Vibes

You don't have to visit the scenic beach towns of Massachusetts or the picturesque seaside neighborhoods of Rhode Island to experience the captivating character of New England. Believe it or not, the same inviting allure can also be found on the West Coast. Nestled between San Diego and Los Angeles in sunny Southern California, the coastal city of Oceanside is brimming with New England charm much the same.

Although it was officially incorporated in 1888, Oceanside's origins trace back to the Spanish missions of the late 18th century, mirroring the religious roots of New England. The Mission San Luis Rey de Francia was established in the area in 1798, playing a pivotal role in the region's early development. Known as the "King of the Missions," the religious outpost greatly prospered, quickly becoming a bustling agricultural center. This drew ranchers to the area, and soon, a small town of about 1,000 people had sprung up, laying the foundation for the thriving seafront city that stands today.

Situated right along the Pacific Ocean, Oceanside offers visitors much to explore. From its rustic harbor and sprawling wooden pier to its abundant seafood options and historic landmarks, this California town has all the trappings of a quintessential Northeastern adventure without having to venture to the East Coast.

Those eager to tap into Oceanside's New England-style appeal should start their trip with a visit to the stunning Oceanside Harbor. Located on the northern edge of town, the walkable area features a beautiful beach as well as vendors offering whale-watching tours and rentals for kayaks and larger boats. Nature enthusiasts can also see sea lions, seals, and sea birds, making for an excellent wildlife-viewing excursion. As one Oceanside visitor shared on Tripadvisor, "The harbor is a gorgeous place with beautiful views, outstanding restaurants, fun boating adventures, a free fishing pier, & clean facilities." 

To take advantage of the picture-worthy waterfront dining, head to the nearby Harbor Village. Located within the harbor area, the quaint shopping district has a distinct Cape Cod feel, complete with a historic lighthouse. Some of the restaurants at the harbor include Tony's Sports Bar and Grill, Lighthouse Oyster Bar and Grill, Lighthouse Seafood Market, Rockin' Baja Lobster Coastal Cantina, Dominic's at the Harbor, Harbor Fish and Chips, D'Vino Cafe & Wine Bar, and Stratford at the Harbor. If you're not hungry for seafood or Italian but want to indulge your sweet tooth, Nana and Pop Pop's Sweet Shop sells candy and ice cream on the harbor.

Situated about a mile away (half an hour if you're walking) from the Harbor Village is another one of the city's gems: the Oceanside Pier. Built in the late 1800s and added to since, the wooden platform spans nearly 2,000 feet, making it one of the longest piers on the West Coast. Blocks away, visitors will find the California Surf Museum, dedicated to preserving the city's storied surfing history, as well as the Oceanside Museum of Art. Other must-see sites include the Heritage Park Village Museum and the Mission San Luis Rey, both of which are located about 6 miles inland from Harbor Village.

Without a doubt, Oceanside deserves a spot at the top of the list of the best things to do in Southern California. But to help ensure your vacation is as seamless and stress-free as possible, make a pit stop at the California Welcome Center upon arriving in the city. Located near Strand Beach, not far from the Harbor Village, the welcome center offers travel guides, discount attraction tickets, and a souvenir shop and can assist you with making hotel reservations.

From beachfront resorts to inexpensive motels, Oceanside offers travelers a multitude of accommodation options. For a more luxurious stay, check in to The Seabird Resort or the Mission Pacific Beach Resort, which both won Travelers' Choice awards in 2024 from Tripadvisor. Or for a budget-friendly getaway, try the Oceanside Inn & Suites, which is rated "Very Good" on Booking.com.

Need help getting around? Centrally located in Southern California, Oceanside serves as a convenient transportation hub for those keen on exploring the region. The city provides an array of commuter rail options, including the Coaster line to San Diego, the Metrolink service to Los Angeles, and Amtrak trains, which travel to a variety of destinations throughout the state, meaning you can travel with ease.