About Oceanside, California

Located at the northernmost end of San Diego’s coastline, Oceanside is a classic Southern California beach town and is home to some of Southern California’s widest beaches, historical landmarks and a distinct Southern California surf culture. With a population of 167,086 as of 2010, this coastal city is the third-largest city in San Diego County, California.

Due to its proximity to the Camp Pendleton Marine Corps Reserve, the City of Oceanside has long been stereotyped as a military town. However, it has now matured into a thriving community and a popular beach destination. Oceanside is a true SoCal beach town and has one of the best year-round climates in California. It boasts gorgeous beaches, a historic wooden pier, quaint New England-style harbor, and charming bungalow neighborhoods. O’side (as locals affectionately call it) is a destination of discovery where people can explore everything from awe-inspiring sea life through exciting ocean adventures, colorful eateries, California history at the “King of Missions,” and surf culture at the California Surf Museum.

Oceanside has been designated as one of the 14 California Cultural Districts based on the City’s rich, vibrant and authentic concentrations of art, culture and creativity. The districts showcase some of the unique artistic identities that drive California’s culture and help promote authentic grassroots arts and cultural opportunities which increases the visibility of local artists and community participation in local arts and culture.

Centrally located in the heart of Southern California, Oceanside is also a major transportation hub with several connections within San Diego County and Southern California. The Oceanside Transit Center sits a block from the ocean and a few blocks from downtown Oceanside, making the train a convenient and easy alternative to driving.

The Annual World Bodysurfing Championships, a popular and prestigious surfside tradition, takes place in August at the Oceanside Pier and Beach. International and U.S. bodysurfers, equipped with only a pair of swimming fins, ride and perform on waves as they compete for the championship title. In addition, the Ironman Oceanside attracts a large number of professional athletes for the 1.2 mile swim in Oceanside Harbor, a 56-mile bike ride through the Camp Pendleton Marine Corps Base and a 13.1-mile run along the Pacific Ocean. Source: Wikipedia