Oceanside California Day Trip
	By Matthew Martz

Oceanside California

Oceanside Boulevard Beach offers more actual beach area than Buccaneer Beach, and is filled with private homes facing the ocean. There are no restrooms located at this beach. There is a shower. Parking is available along Pacific Street and other neighboring streets. Wisconsin Street Beach is located at Wisconsin Street and The Strand; a one-way southbound street that parallels the Pacific Ocean. There is a ramp just north of the lifeguard tower 7 for access to the beach. This is Oceanside’s least frequented beach because it’s narrow, so it’s a great day spot to avoid the crowds. When the tide is high, the water often comes all the way up to the rocks, leaving very little or no beach at all. The ocean in this area is open to all water activities. A small pay parking lot is located directly behind the lifeguard tower on The Strand. There is also parking along Pacific Street. Pier View South is Oceanside’s most popular beach. If you don’t mind crowds, you will be comfortable here. Surfing contests are held at the Oceanside Pier. Various events are held in the Oceanside Pier Amphitheater. The pier itself is a beautiful walk and a popular fishing spot as well. No water activity is allowed within 100 feet of the pier, bit there are plenty of covered picnic tables, benches and barbecues available, as well as some fire rings on the adjacent sand. Restrooms and showers are provided. Golfing is abundant in the area, with over 80 courses in an hour radius. In Oceanside, one of the best spots is the Goat Hill Golf Course, and the Arrowhead Course. Green fees are competitive, but they are popular spots so call ahead for reservations. Whale watching is great for the family, and daily tours are available through the Oceanside welcome center. Prices vary by group size and area explored, so call for details. Sea lions often appear at the beaches and while exciting to watch its best to let them be and admire from a distance. Camp Pendleton is close by and offers tours of the grounds. Call (760) 721-1101 for details. A great trip for a veteran, those who appreciate our armed forces, or a way to tame unruly kids!

View norh toward Camp Pendleton

Oceanside Beachfront Amphitheater

The Oceanside music Festival starts on October 12 and runs through the 24th. Call the Oceanside cultural arts foundation for specifics. Multiple performances will be shown, including choral performances, big band music, and world music performances are being featured. When looking for lodging, there’s plenty of it available throughout Oceanside and San Diego County, but why not try camping? Overnight camping is allowed at Harbor Beach year round. All you have to do is pay for parking, which is $5.00 from 4 a.m. to 8 p.m., $10.00 from 8 p.m. to 4 a.m., a total of $15.00 per day. No reservations are needed. Camping is on a first come, first serve basis. There is a five-night limit in any 30-day period. Barbeques and stoves are not allowed in parking lot area, landscaped areas, or sidewalks. Barbeques and stoves can be used on the beach but no portable fire pits are allowed. Restaurants are all over; visit the Oceanside Rockin' Baja Lobster Bar & Grill on Harbor if you want some classic seafood, or Johnny Manana's on Mission for some reasonably priced and fresh Mexican cuisine. When visiting Oceanside, allow two hours for the drive from the San Fernando Valley, an hour and a half from Los Angeles, and about an hour from anywhere in Orange County -- traffic permitting. A

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