Best Things to do in Oceanside | Must-see attractions 2025

Mission San Luis Rey

9:00 AM–5:00 PM

Museum

4050 Mission Ave (at San Luis Rey Ave.)

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Mission San Luis Rey, located in Oceanside, CA, is the largest of California's missions, founded in 1798, and a National Historic Landmark.

Duration: 1.5 to 2 hours.

Free. Some special events may require a paid ticket.

California Surf Museum

10:00 AM–5:00 PM

Museum

312 Pier View Way

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The California Surf Museum in Oceanside preserves surfing heritage with rotating exhibits on surf and skateboard culture, including historical artifacts and notable surfers.

Duration: More than 1 hour.

Free. Some special exhibitions and events may require a paid ticket.

Guajome County Park

8:00 AM–sunset

Park

3000 Guajome Lake Rd

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Guajome County Park in Oceanside offers 100 acres of natural beauty with trails, lakes, and picnic areas. Ideal for outdoor activities and family gatherings.

Duration: About 2-3 hours.

Free. No entry fee is required for general access.

Heritage Park Village Museum

10:00 AM–5:00 PM

Museum

220 Peyri Dr

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Heritage Park Village Museum, founded in 1976, showcases Oceanside's mid-1890s history with notable landmarks, a gazebo, and cultural artifacts.

Duration: Approximately 2 hours.

Free. Donations are welcomed to support preservation efforts.

Antique Gas and Steam Engine Museum

We-Su 10:00-16:00

Museum

2040 N Santa Fe Ave (at Museum Way)

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The Antique Gas and Steam Engine Museum in Oceanside, California features historic farming equipment, steam tractors, blacksmithing, and weaving demonstrations.

Duration: 2 to 3 hours.

Free. Some special exhibitions may require a paid ticket.

QLN Conference Center

8:00 AM–10:00 PM

Event hall

1938 Avenida del Oro (College Blvd.)

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QLN Conference Center in Oceanside offers versatile meeting spaces, modern amenities, and scenic views for events, located right by the coast.

Duration: 2-4 hours depending on the event.

Variable. Pricing depends on event type and includes options for corporate rates.

Rancho Guajome Adobe

10:00 AM–4:00 PM

Park

2210 N Santa Fe Ave

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Rancho Guajome Adobe is a historic hacienda in Oceanside, California, featuring 19th-century Spanish Colonial architecture, gardens, and wetlands.

Duration: 1 to 2 hours.

Free. Special events may require a paid ticket.

Prince of Peace Abbey

9:00 AM–5:00 PM

Church

650 Benet Hill Rd

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Prince of Peace Abbey, located in Oceanside, California, is a serene Benedictine monastery offering spiritual retreats and beautiful grounds for contemplation.

Duration: 1-2 hours.

Free. Donations accepted.

Oceanside Museum of Art

10:00 AM–5:00 PM

Museum

704 Pier View Way

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Oceanside Museum of Art features diverse national and global artworks in a modern space, emphasizing contemporary art and local culture.

Duration: Approximately 2 hours.

Free. Some special exhibitions and events may require a paid ticket.

Oceanside City Hall and Fire

8:00 AM–5:00 PM

Architectural Building

300 N Coast Hwy

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Oceanside City Hall and Fire serves as the administrative hub and fire station for Oceanside, California, representing local governance and public safety.

Duration: Approximately 1 hour.

Free. No admission fee required.

Ocean's Eleven Casino

10:00 AM–4:00 AM

Casino

121 Brooks St (at Mission Ave off I-5)

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Ocean's Eleven Casino in Oceanside features blackjack, poker tournaments, a sports bar, and an eclectic dining experience.

Duration: 2-3 hours.

$5 entry fee. Offers discounts on specific days and special events.

Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton

24 hours

Public Building

Oceanside

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Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton is a vital military installation in Oceanside, CA, established in 1942, known for its expansive training facilities and coastal landscape.

Duration: Varies, typically 2 to 3 hours for informal visits, longer for official access.

Access is generally restricted to military personnel and approved guests; no general admission fees.

Emerald Isle Golf Public Golf Course

6:00 AM–6:00 PM

Golf Course

660 S El Camino Real

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Emerald Isle Golf Public Golf Course in Oceanside offers an 18-hole championship layout with scenic ocean views and a welcoming atmosphere for golfers of all skill levels.

Duration: 4-5 hours.

Green fees range from $25 to $50 depending on the time of day; discounts available for seniors and military.

Lake San Marcos Executive Course

6:30 AM–6:00 PM

Golf Course

1556 Camino del Arroyo (Rancho Santa Fe road)

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Lake San Marcos Executive Course in Oceanside, California, offers a manageable 18-hole golf experience with scenic views and facilities for all skill levels.

Duration: About 2-3 hours.

Green fees apply. Average cost is $30 for 18 holes, discounts for locals available.

Oceanside Golf Course

6:00 AM–7:00 PM

Golf Course

825 Douglas Dr

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Oceanside Golf Course offers a picturesque 18-hole experience with coastal views and a family-friendly environment in Oceanside, California.

Duration: 4 hours.

Green fees: $40 for adults, $20 for children. Special rates available for seniors and military personnel.

Brooks Theater

10:00 AM–8:00 PM

Theater

217 N Coast Hwy

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Brooks Theater in Oceanside, CA, hosts live performances, featuring local talent and diverse shows in a historic setting since 1940.

Duration: About 2 hours.

General admission: $20. Discounts available for students and seniors.

First Baptist Church of Oceanside

9:00 AM–1:00 PM

Church

240 (Grace St)

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First Baptist Church of Oceanside is a historic landmark in Oceanside, CA, known for its unique architecture and vibrant community involvement.

Duration: 1-2 hours.

Free. Donations are appreciated for ongoing programs.

First Presbyterian Church In Oceanside

9:00 AM–12:00 PM

Church

Oceanside

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First Presbyterian Church in Oceanside is a historic place of worship founded in 1883, known for its beautiful architecture and welcoming community events.

Duration: 1–2 hours.

Free. Donations are welcomed to support church activities.

Friendly Church of God in Christ

6:00 PM–8:00 PM

Church

Oceanside

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Friendly Church of God in Christ in Oceanside offers a vibrant community and spiritual services. Established in 1955, it stands as a significant local landmark.

Duration: 1-2 hours.

Free. Donations are welcome for community programs.

King of Kins Lutheran Church

9:00 AM–12:00 PM

Church

2993 Macdonald St (at Oceanside Blvd)

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King of Kins Lutheran Church in Oceanside, United States, offers a welcoming community space with historic value and architectural beauty.

Duration: Approximately 1 hour.

Free for all community services and events.

First Samoan Methodist Church

8:30 AM–1:00 PM

Church

Vista

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First Samoan Methodist Church in Oceanside offers a peaceful spiritual experience, blending rich Samoan cultural heritage with vibrant community activities.

Duration: 1-2 hours.

Free. Donations are appreciated for special events.

North Coast Church

9:00 AM–5:00 PM

Church

2405 N Santa Fe Ave (Osborne)

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North Coast Church in Oceanside, CA, is known for its welcoming community and modern architecture, hosting diverse services and family-oriented events.

Duration: 1-2 hours.

Free. Donations are welcomed for community programs and events.

Guajome Regional Park

8:00 AM–5:00 PM

Park

3000 Guajome Lake Road

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Guajome Regional Park in Oceanside offers 200 acres of natural beauty with hiking trails, picnic areas, and a historic adobe structure dating back to the 1800s.

Duration: 2-3 hours.

Free. No admission fees required.

Anstine-Audubon Nature Preserve

7:00 AM–6:00 PM

Nature reserve

2437 Hutchison St

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Anstine-Audubon Nature Preserve in Oceanside features diverse habitats, native wildlife, and walking trails for nature enthusiasts and families.

Duration: 1 to 2 hours.

Free. Donations appreciated to support conservation efforts.

Junior Seau Oceanside Pier Amphitheater

Open for events

Event hall

Oceanside

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Junior Seau Oceanside Pier Amphitheater hosts concerts and events, featuring beach views and a capacity of 3,000. It's a community hub named after NFL linebacker Junior Seau.

Duration: Varies by event, typically around 3 hours.

Free. Some special events may require a paid ticket.

Muramid Mural Museum & Art Center

11:00 AM–4:00 PM

Gallery

212 Artist Aly Ste F

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Muramid Mural Museum & Art Center in Oceanside showcases murals and art inspired by local culture, contributing to community identity and educational outreach.

Duration: About 1-2 hours.

Free. Some special workshops may require a small fee.

North Coast United Methodist Church

9:00 AM–12:00 PM

Church

Oceanside

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North Coast United Methodist Church in Oceanside, USA, offers spiritual services and community programs in a welcoming environment, emphasizing inclusivity and faith.

Duration: 1-2 hours.

Free. Donations are welcome to support community programs.

Oceanside Foursquare Church

5:00 PM–7:00 PM

Church

Oceanside

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Oceanside Foursquare Church, founded in 1956, is a vibrant community hub offering worship services and events in Oceanside, United States.

Duration: 1-2 hours.

Free. Donations are appreciated for special events.

Vista church of Christ

Office hours vary

Church

2020 Sunset Dr

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Vista Church of Christ in Oceanside, CA is a community-oriented church known for its welcoming environment and active congregation. Ideal for spiritual growth.

Duration: Typically 1-2 hours.

Free. All services and events are open to the public at no cost.

Oceanside Harbor Lighthouse

Open 24 hours

Lighthouse

Oceanside

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Oceanside Harbor Lighthouse, completed in 1978, is a functional lighthouse located in Oceanside, California, guiding boats safely to harbor entrance.

Duration: 30 minutes.

Free. No ticket required for general access.