Discover the New Downtown Oceanside

By Josh Goldfaden & Jennifer Chapis

Revitalization

Bordering Camp Pendleton, one of the largest US Marine bases, Oceanside, California has historically been known as a curiously beautiful “military town.”  However, with its 3.5 miles of magnificent beaches, its charming palm tree-lined downtown, and an idyllic 1,600 foot pier, Oceanside was clearly destined to be discovered by more than the marines on leave. Easily accessible from the OC, inland Riverside, and downtown San Diego, it’s no surprise that Oceanside is finally claiming its role as a premier Southern Californian destination.  In the past two years, Oceanside has completed dozens of revitalization projects aimed at attracting both tourists and So Cal locals alike.  From expanding their world famous surf museum to building a luxurious beachside resort, there’s no doubt about it: the 2009 economy may have some towns feeling down, but not Oceanside!

A  P e r f e c t   O c e a n s i d e   D a y

First Things First

With the 160-room Wyndham Pier Resort recently completed and a 4 star beachfront hotel in the works (as well as countless vacation rental properties and new budget options), your perfect day in Oceanside might well begin the night before: drifting asleep to the gentle sounds of crashing waves.

Once awake and bright-eyed, consider either Ruby’s at the end of the pier (heaven just may be pancakes, coffee, and a 180-degree ocean view), the Hill Street Gallery with its creative healthy menu, or the Beachbreak Café, a funky local gem whose exceptional breakfast (don’t miss the Banana Crunch French Toast!) makes the 45-minute wait seem like time well invested.

Outdoor Activities

Looking to take advantage of Oceanside’s year-round perfect weather?  The most obvious choice is the beach: plenty of boogie board and bike rentals, snack shops, barbeque pits, and picnic tables to keep you, your friends, and family entertained for hours. (Even the public restrooms aren’t immune to the revitalization frenzy: new buildings coming soon.)  

If surfing, swimming, sunbathing, and sand castles aren’t your idea of a perfect day, then head over to the Oceanside harbor for shops, restaurants, and boat tours. Other possible outdoor options include swinging your 9-iron at one of the city’s four golf courses, fishing off the pier, or the San Luis Rey bike trail (Oceanside remains the only San Diego city named a “Bike-Friendly Community” by the League of American Bicyclists).  See www.visitoceanside.org for more information about Oceanside’s frequent outdoor festivals and cultural events, and download a schedule for the summer concert series at the Pier Amphitheater (whose renovation is in the works).

Coffee Break!  

Located on the Coast Highway in doable walking distance, Jitters Coffee Pub serves up great atmosphere and what must certainly be the best espresso in North County, as well as fresh homemade pastries. For a wide tea assortment, locally-made gelato, and open-window seaside breezes just steps away from the beach, you cannot beat Pier View Coffee. (Both provide free Internet.)

Museums       

Surf’s up!  Relocated in 2009 to its larger “totally radical” location, the California Surf Museum is a SoCal “must do” sure to fascinate even the most unlikely of museum-goers.  And don’t miss the provocative exhibitions featuring some of the most exciting artists in the country at the newly renovated Oceanside Museum of Art.  See www.oma-online.org for info about the Art After Dark series, where you can sample cuisine and cocktails by local restaurants while enjoying world-class fine art.

Hungry?     

Oceanside’s new restaurants are guaranteed to refuel and dazzle even the most finicky foody.  At Harney Sushi (www.harneysushi.com), executive chef and Oceanside native Robert Ruiz has created specialty sushi rolls that are, quite simply, better than those at your favorite sushi spot.  Might we suggest the Pirate Roll (named after Oceanside High’s mascot): a delicious high-sea adventure comprised of spicy tuna, avocado, shrimp, cucumber, and a heavenly ambrosia called “swashbuckler sauce.”  (If this roll doesn’t have you screaming “Arrrrgghh!” then, alas Matey, you deserve to walk the plank.) Vegetarians, don’t miss the Hippie Roll topped with tempura flakes and described by one trusted Veggie as “indeed the greatest roll ever.”  With 40 sakes by the glass (creamy, unfiltered Nigori: Wow!), a happening DJ five nights a week, and beautiful people galore, Harney’s is an undisputable hotspot. If you love yourself, save room for the Perfect Strawberry, a tempura-coated, ice cream-accompanied masterpiece dessert.

For palette tantalizing Italian, head over to Vigilucci’s Osteria (www.vigiluccis.com/osteria.html).  Three cheers for owner Roberto Vigilucci who, in late 2006, became the first high-end restaurateur to put his faith in the revitalization of Oceanside.  Specializing in Tuscan-influenced Milanese cooking (Roberto’s mother is Milanese and his father is Tuscan), Vigilucci’s—with its exposed brick, flickering candles, and tasteful rustic-elegance—is the perfect setting to enjoy an intimate meal.  You might start off with the Antipasto Misto, a huge assortment of fresh, delicious appetizers such as buffalo mozzarella, fried calamari, delicate prosciutto, and more.  From there, you may indulge in the Pappardelle con Funghi Porcini e Capesante, a magical mélange of pasta, mushrooms, and seared scallops finished in a white truffle brandy cream.  Another blissful standout: the homemade lobster ravioli.  Accompanied by a complex glass of their house Prima Voce, your taste buds will feel eternally indebted.  Obviously, you’ll want to save room for the downright dangerous Tortino al Cioccolata (warm chocolate cake, vanilla gelato, raspberry sauce: Mamma mia!). Finish with sips of port, lemoncello, or espresso.

For fine dining with steaks, seafood, a “happening” martini bar, and ocean view, try the well-reviewed Pacific 333.  Or for the casual on-the-go visitor who happens to be visiting on a Thursday evening, we suggest a stroll through the festive Sunset Market: sample goodies, listen to live music, and enjoy a genuine taste of laidback Southern California culture.

Just Right

An ideal spot for a romantic getaway or family vacation fun, the verdict is in: Oceanside has something to create the perfect day for everyone!  With new hotels, dining, and shopping (for the cutest trends check out Ensemble Boutique, at Oceanside Terraces near Harney Sushi), it’s no wonder smart developers are buying up Oceanside. All of the exciting development aside, some things never change: with one of the best beaches in all of Southern California, they don’t call it “Oceanside” for no good reason.  And perhaps the most miraculous attribute yet—much of the downtown parking is still free!