Any summer vacation calls for a little fun under the sun and there is no place better to do that than in California. Make the most of your summertime with kids at home before they return to school by planning for a trip to Oceanside. You will find a variety of fun activities waiting for you here perfect for the whole family. Take a look at how you can have the best back-to-school vacation right here on the sunny shores of Oceanside:
Hit the Beach
Ask any kid what they want to do in Oceanside, and we guarantee they will say, “go to the beach!” Hitting up the beach is always the best summer activity and you are sure to find plenty to enjoy here. Oceanside is full of many different beaches where you can find plenty of sandy beach space to lay down out. Perhaps the most popular beach here in the area is over at Oceanside Harbor Beach. As the name suggests, the beach sits right alongside Oceanside Harbor, where you can find a ton of local restaurants and shops. The beach is the perfect spot to claim an area where you and the family can lay out under the sun. Bring some sandcastle equipment to make your own little kingdom on the sand. The kids can splash around in the water cooling off in no time. Lifeguards are on duty as posted to ensure those in the water stay safe. The beach also features plenty of amenities such as picnic tables and fire pits where you can easily enjoy a meal at. Have a little friendly competition on the sand volleyball courts. Many of the locals enjoy the harbor jetty as a great spot to fish from. Simply grab some rental gear from the local shops and you will be all set! Visitors are also able to rent beach cruiser bikes so you can cruise on down the beach and take in the views. Now that sounds like the perfect relaxing day by the beach!
Visit the Farmer’s Market
Feeling like a local is always best done when you visit a local event such as the weekly Farmer’s Market here in Oceanside. Take the family with you to enjoy all ages activities as you peruse the local farmer and produce stands. The Farmer’s Market takes place each week from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM where hundreds of merchants and local vendors set up in Downtown Oceanside. If you get to the market before 5:00 PM you can visit the Mellano Farm Stand where kids can enjoy tractor rides and strawberry picking. Who knew visiting the local farmer’s markets can be so fun here in the summer!?
Go Whale Watching
Give your kids a memory that will hold onto for years to come with a whale watching excursion. Oceanside Harbor offers whale watching cruises year round and are especially a popular activity during the summer season. The summer season brings the best opportunity to see blue whales out in their natural habitat; you can also see gray whales later in the year if you come back to visit during the fall to winter seasons! These memorable journeys take you out onto the water and check out areas that are best known for whale watching. The captain will guide you along the way and provide educational commentary. Attendees may also get the chance to see other wild animals such as dolphins, fin whales, minke whales, sea lions, and so much more. There are a few different tour providers for you to pick from with some options providing food and drink onboard your vessel. Make sure to bring binoculars and have a camera always ready to snap a few pictures!
Visit Mission San Luis Rey
One of the top attractions nearby Oceanside has been around since 1798 making it one of the oldest buildings in the city. We are talking about Mission San Luis Rey of course, one of the 21 different California missions in the state. This historic mission offers self-guided tours for a reasonable cost of admission. The best way to reach it is on the San Luis Rey Bike Trail that is approximately 7 miles long and starts over nearby Downtown Oceanside. You can rent a traditional bicycle or motorized bike to make the trek. Show your kids some of the rich history of the area while having a blast getting there by bike!
Get Ready for Oceanside This Summer!
The summer season is in full swing here in Oceanside so make sure you get to visit with the family before the kids return to school. Book your stay today over at The Brick Hotel. You will have the most comfortable stay in town and be close to these exciting activities!