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Background |
Oceanside lies in the
agricultural rich San Luis Rey Valley, which was first explores by the
Portola party in 1769. It was named by the San Luis Rey missionites and
ranch workers, who on warm days inland, reportedly said "let's go
to the ocean side".
The early settlers of Oceanside were mostly English gentry who had established landholdings and introduced agriculture into the San Luis Rey Valley, five miles inland from the ocean. In 1883, the city was officially founded, and by 1888, Oceanside had become a thriving commercial and agricultural distribution center. Between 1940 and 1950, the city's population tripled as a result of the development of Camp Pendleton Marine Corp Base to the north. |
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Karen
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put together some suggested itineraries for you. |
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1 Day Tour |
Spend a day at the beach! Over 3.5 miles of white sandy beaches make Oceanside the ideal place for sunning, surfing, and sandcastle building. Take a leisurely stroll along the water or bring your pole for some great surf fishing. With plenty of parking and easy beach access, Oceanside presents one of the finest beach areas on the west coast. Harbor beach alone offers more than 16 acres of clean level sand, and handicap “sand" wheel chairs are available for use at each lifeguard tower. Enjoy a day at the beach and don't forget your sunscreen! | |
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2 Day Tour
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If You Have 2 Days, spend the first day as suggested above. On the second day, drive down to San Luis Rey Mission, stroll to the Oceanside Pier where you can enjoy a light breakfast or lunch, or take some time few hours to fish off the historic pier. Then stroll down to Oceanside Harbor where you can shop and enjoy a wonderful dinner. On Saturdays and Sundays the Capa Art Show, located by the Lighthouse, showcases regional artists selling original art and crafts. Or instead of walking, take an Alternate Bike Tour where you can pedal along the Tour d' Oceanside! | |
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3 Day Tour
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If You Have 3 Days, spend the first 2 days as outlined above. On the third day, take advantage of Oceanside's recreational opportunities. The city boasts 3 golf courses, numerous tennis courts and over 6 miles of beachfront roadway just perfect for jogging, biking or rollerblading. Known as a mecca for watersports, the 260 slip Harbor has a convenient boat launch area and offers services for boat, kayak and jetski rentals. Helgren's Sportfishing Inc. operates daily sportfishing charters going out of the Harbor, and also offers Whale Watching Tours from December through March. Try your hand at surf fishing along our coastline, or simply drop a line off the end of the 1972 ft pier and wait for the fish to bite. Oceanside also hosts numerous amateur and professional surfing contests through out the year. | |
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4 Day Tour
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If You Have 4 Days, spend the first 3 days as outlined above. On the fourth day, visit Oceanside's museums. Several museums and galleries can be found in or near downtown Oceanside, such as the Museum of Art. Also visit the California Surf Museum, the Audobon Society at Buena Vista Lagoon, or for something different take a tour of Camp Pendleton - the world's largest U.S. Marine Corps Amphibious Training Base. | |
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San Luis Rey Mission Museum and Retreat
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Just four miles from the Oceanside Harbor stands "King of Missions," Mission San Luis Rey de Francia. Established in 1798 as the 18th in a chain of 21 California missions, it was established by Father Fermin Lausen (president of missions during that era) and named for Louis IX, king of France. Described as the shape of a cross, its impressive architecture combined Spanish, Moorish, and Mexican influence. Buildings were arranged around a 500 by 500 foot quadrangle, nearly the size of 2 football fields. Located off Hwy 76. | |
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Historic Oceanside Pier is one of the longest wooden piers on the West Coast, spanning 1,942 feet in length. Opened in 1987 as the city's sixth pier to be built (and fifth on this spot), it is located on Third Street. You can enjoy a meal at Ruby's Diner, go fishing or stroll to the end to see Oceanside Harbor, a marina that sits along the northwest border of the city. The pier is a recreational common ground for Oceanside, a place where young and old, fisherman and surfer, tourist and residents mingle, stroll, and sit to watch the waves or the sunset while enjoying the beauty of the Pacific Ocean. While a fishing license is required for surf fishing on the beach, no license is needed for fishing off the pier. | |
| Oceanside Harbor is an entertainment center located a short distance from the San Diego 5 Freeway and right next to the beach. It includes a lighthouse, restaurants, gift shops and fishing excursions and boat tours. From fine dining in restaurants such as the Chart House or fish and chips, burgers, ice cream and sandwiches at indoor/outdoor cafes with umbrella shaded tables overlooking the harbor, the scent of food will make you want to stop and eat. Aromas floating through the air include fried fish & chips, charbroiled fish and steaks and gourmet grind coffees. Harbor Village shops sell souvenirs, gift cards, clothing and a variety of unique nautical gifts. A special annual event is Harbor Days, held the 3rd weekend in September. | ||
The Oceanside area has
several beautiful golf courses:
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| Heritage Park Village & Museum is centered around an idyllic Main Street lined with many of historic Oceanside's original buildings. The first General Store, the Portola Inn, the Blacksmith Shop & Livery Stable, a doctors office, the Old City jail, Libby School and the Blade newspaper building provide an ambient backdrop for education programs, special events and social gatherings of all kinds. Every Sunday the Friends of Heritage Park offer guided tours from 1pm to 4 pm. Tours for groups of 10 or more are available during the week. Call (760) 433 8297 for more information. | ||
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The California Surf Museum is
capturing, preserving and chronicling the art, culture and heritage of the
surfing lifestyle. You can visit this internationally recognized world
class-museum. Address: 223 North Coast Highway Hours: Admission: For More Information visit www.surfmuseum.org or call (760) 721 6876. |
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Visit a coastal wetlands
habitat at the Buena Vista Audobon Society's Nature Center located
at Here you will see a variety of plants and birds. Address: 2202 South Coast Highway Hours: Admission: For More Information: (760) 439 2473 |
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| The world's largest U.S. Marine Corps Amphibious Training Base is located in North Oceanside. It is considered a "recreational" paradise with its military community of over 36,000 spread over 125,000 acres. The camp is well recognized for its interest and effort toward ecology and the preservation of natural resources. With its three mountain ranges and varied geographical terrain, Camp Pendleton has earned its title as an "Ecological Oasis of Coastal California." Home of the First Marine Division, Camp Pendleton is situated on what was once a Spanish land grant called Rancho Santa Margarita y Las Flores. The area's natural beauty has been changed as little as possible, making Camp Pendleton a modern military base in the heart of a little piece of history. For guided tours and information call (760) 725 3691. | ||
| The sunny climate makes bicycling the perfect way to enjoy Oceanside and its surrounding area. The Tour d' Oceanside bicycle route connects the Strand (beachfront road), the Harbor and Marina, the San Luis Rey River and downtown Oceanside. | ||
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Oceanside FAQs, Insider Tips and Links Great Travel Tips Our Favorite Travel Links |
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If
you have any questions, comments or if you have any full or half day
trips you would like to add, we would be very happy to share them with
the world! Send all the details to Karen, your Travel Guide, at info@destinationcoupons.com |
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