Between LA And San Diego Lies A Coastal California City Travel Pros Love For Weekend Trips
Most of us can admit that we're not travel experts. Yes, everyone enjoys a vacation, but where do the people who know the ins and outs of travel suggest the rest of us spend some much-needed downtime, especially on the weekends? At the top of those experts' lists is the aptly named city of Oceanside, California, situated between the larger cities of San Diego and Los Angeles.
Beaches take the spotlight in Oceanside, not surprisingly, and Tripadvisor puts Oceanside Strand at the top of the city's best beaches list. Reviews highlight this stretch of beach as the place to go for a walk or run, or just to enjoy the coastal views. The site puts Oceanside Harbor Beach near the top, too, especially for those looking for stunning sunsets and the native seals warming themselves in the California sun. But even away from the beaches, you'll find plenty of ways to spend a weekend here, from browsing local shops to filling your belly at Oceanside's foodie spots.
The city brags on its website that its average daily temperature of 72 degrees Fahrenheit makes its many festivals possible throughout the year. However, temperatures can fluctuate, so it's best to bring sun protection for the daytime and light layers for cooler evenings when packing your weekend bag.
Food and shopping in Oceanside, California
Staying on the beach all day may sound attractive, but vacationers need a break from the sun. Oceanside's bustling retail district is an excellent place to grab a bite to eat and browse some unique shops. The experts at San Diego Magazine say Oceanside is having a "well-deserved moment" as a travel destination and point to boutiques and vintage shops like Captain's Helm and artisan collective Sea Hive Marketplace among the stops that are worthy of your weekend shopping time.
To refuel between stores, San Diego Foodies points specifically to the city's Sunset Market. This collection of vendors is an international food court that blends in retail across five city blocks. The outdoor market runs all year long, but the catch is that it's only open on Thursday evenings from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., so consider starting your weekend getaway a little early.
Food fare stretches across many culinary tastes in Oceanside, and visitors can enjoy everything from fresh salmon to soulful barbecue and pizzas. For those looking to try as many foodie options as possible, travel expert Samantha Brown suggests coordinating visits around specific culinary events. Restaurant Week hits Oceanside in October, as well as in September, when the city participates in San Diego Restaurant Week, and Brown writes on her website that organizing travel around these culinary events may help you "save on amazing food, hotel, and maybe airfare!"
Getting to and exploring Oceanside is easy, even without a car
One of the most attractive features to Oceanside, other than its beautiful beaches, is its proximity to Los Angeles and San Diego, travel expert Ben Komenkul told Travel + Leisure. "You feel like you left the hustle of the big city, but it is within driving distance," he explained. In fact, the relaxed coastal city is only 40 miles north of San Diego International Airport, one of the most beautiful airports in the world, making a short drive for your rental car.
Even if you find yourself commuting from Los Angeles, about 90 miles away, your precious weekend time won't be wasted with hours in your vehicle. That's because one of California's most scenic trains offering Pacific Ocean views stops directly in the city of Oceanside from both larger cities. And once visitors arrive, they'll find that navigating the city itself is easily done on foot. Oceanside also has bike rental kiosks throughout the city, and there's even the convenient gO'Side shuttle, which is accessible through the Ride Circuit app from 2 p.m. to 10 p.m., Wednesdays through Sundays.
Of course, it's easiest to reach top destinations in Oceanside when your accommodations are centrally located. Travel blog Local Love & Wanderlust recommends the Seabird Ocean Resort & Spa, which is within walking distance to the city's iconic pier, a spectacular subject for sunset photos, the site said. The Mission Pacific Beach Resort also comes highly recommended by travel experts and is especially attractive for those without children. There, you'll find the on-site restaurant Valle, featured in the Michelin Guide.