Unique and Unexpected Things to Do in Oceanside - Visit Oceanside (2024)

Known for itsiconic wooden pier,wide sandy beaches,picturesque harbor,bustling downtownand a growing reputation as theleading destination for foodiesin San Diego County, Oceanside certainly has a lot to offer! But what about those that are interested in doing something a little more off the beaten path, a little quirky, and most certainly unique? Look no further, Oceanside has you covered with these awesome activities you might not have ever expected!

Oceanside Harbor Excursions

Enjoy Oceanside’s quaint New-England style Harbor Village, complete with shops, restaurants and a lighthouse! Theharboris a charming spot to go on an ocean adventure by chartering a relaxing sailboat at sunset withPacific Coast Sail Charters, embarking on a thrilling whale-watching expedition withOceanside Adventures, getting up close with the most incredible marine mammals with anOceanside Coastal Expeditionsdolphin tour, or joining a sport fishing excursion hosted byOceanside Sea CenterorHelgren’s Sportfishing! While visiting the harbor, you can embrace a chill vibe by packing a picnic and taking in the picturesque view of docked sailboats while listening to our O’riginal sea lions barking and playing in the water.

Fun Ways To Ride

Cruise the beach in style with these fun rental options in Oceanside! Looking for some two-wheel motorized fun?Ride O’side’sfat tire electric scooters offer a smooth yet exciting way to ride around our beautiful coastal town. For groups that like to take things at a slower pace, look no further thanWheel Fun Rentalsand their fun two or four person surreys which can be rented right on The Strand, just below the Oceanside Pier. This is a “must-do” with kids for an afternoon of laughter and fun.

Have you ever been in a motorcycle sidecar? Experience this unique tour through Oceanside withPegasus Sidecar Tours. Your personal driver and guide will take you on a tour around our stunning coastline and wine country in their top-of-the-line 2-person sidecar rigs. Go for a1-hour cruisethrough all of the major O’side hotspots including The Strand, Oceanside Harbor and Mission San Luis Rey. If you’re feeling extra adventurous, the3-hour Winery and Classic Automotive Museumtour will include an O’side tour and then an excursion out to the local Deer Park Winery and Deer Park Automotive Museum.

BONUS:Riders can pick up Visit Oceanside’sbike mapfor tips on where to ride and sites to see along the way. Available atOceanside’s California Welcome Center, the pocket-sized map features handy information such as route descriptions and rate of difficulty, unique sightseeing opportunities and even places to fuel up before, during and after a ride.

Sunset Helicopter Experience

Take to the sky! Riding a helicopter over the scenic coastline is something to behold, andWaverider Helicopter Toursin Oceanside allows you to get those sunset pictures that are both unforgettable and completely unique!

Visit A Local Farm Stand

Arrowood Golf Course

Outdoor Skydiving

Self Guided Mural Tour

With over two dozen murals within our coastal neighborhood, the best way to view them all is to take a self-guided tour. No need to aimlessly search however, we’ve done the hard work for you by compiling the location and a picture of each mural so that you can create your own route and stop by all of your favorites for that perfect urban selfie!

Paddle Board and Kayak Experiences

Thursday Market Day

Operating from 9am to 1pm, the Farmers Market is the perfect place to pick up fresh local produce, blooming and fragrant flowers, gourmet treats, freshly baked goods, organic honey and more. Operating from 5pm to 9pm, the Sunset Market enhances the market experience featuring dozens of craft booths that offer jewelry, clothing, soap and lotions, local photography and more in addition to food booths for those craving a ready-made meal such as panini sandwiches, gyros, and crepes.

Grunion Run

There is no shortage offishing opportunitiesin Oceanside! With long expansive shores and jetties, two fishing piers that allow for license-free fishing and a number ofsports fishing chartersin the harbor ready to help you catch the big one, you’re sure to find a great spot to reel in your next catch. For those that want an entirely different experience, one that requires no fishing rod, no lures and has to be seen to be believed, look no further than Southern California’s famous Grunion Run!

Every year hundreds to sometimes thousands of grunion, a small 5-6″ silvery fish, ride the waves onto the shore purposefully beaching themselves as part of their remarkable spawning behavior. This momentous event occurs March through August for three to four days at a time, following a full or new moon and immediately after the tide has reached its highest point. The grunion run schedule is split into two parts, open season and observation only. During open season kids under 16 years old, and those 16+ with a California Sport Fishing License are allowed to catch the grunion. Thecatch? You must use your bare hands only, no traps or nets are permitted so expect to get a little wet and sandy! Because this is a natural phenomenon, there is no guarantee you will see the grunion on any given night. To help increase your chances however, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife have put together a schedule of expected grunion runs to maximize your chances of seeing this incredible spectacle. To learn more about these fascinating fish and this bizarre behavior, as well as when to go out to see them,click here.