Oceanside Travel Guide, California

Oceanside, CA – Overview

Oceanside, CA is one of the three cities that make-up the “Tri-City Area” in San Diego County. The area was first developed by the Spanish missionaries since their first arrival in 1769 until the US’s annexation of California in 1848. The current coverage of the city today is on the beachside which stretches for about six miles or more than nine kilometers. In modern history, the city used to house one of the many factories for ammunitions for WWII.

The city today is predominantly a residential area but has key places that have become part of the history of California. The Mission San Luis Rey de Francia is a Roman Catholic Church that started its services in 1798. Although the church does not have the original structure, it still boasts of traditional architecture. There’s a museum, a garden and statuary wherein the artifacts of the old church are displayed. A small fee is required to enter the museum.

Oceanside was also able to preserve its wooden pier for more than 100 years. Established in 1888, it is currently one of the oldest wooden piers in this part of the country. It is also the longest wooden pier in the western end of the country. It currently measures 596 meters.

Because of the natural location of Oceanside, it has become the venue of different water local and international sports. On a usual day, visitors from other parts of the country and locals alike would gather and enjoy the challenging waves, the sun and sand. Hotels and popular establishments are usually found near the Ocean.

The city has two festivals besides the 4th of July. The first festival is called the Day of the Dead and it is celebrated on the weekend nearest the 1st day of November. On this day, thousands of visitors from other parts of the city visit Oceanside for different types of entertainment, food and wares. There is the Harbor Day Festival which celebrates the pier, the harbor and the history behind it. The festival is celebrated in the 2nd week of September and just like the Day of the Dead; the city offers different types of entertainment, food and wares but geared towards the festival’s theme. The celebration of the 4th of July is held at the pier with spectacular fireworks that have become a traditional event.