Oceanside vacation rentals

Escape to Oceanside vacation home rentals

With an Oceanside vacation rental, the water's warm, the surf's up, and the living's easy. Pretty much halfway between L.A. and San Diego, Oceanside's one of a cluster of upmarket oceanfront cities along this stretch of the California coast. What really marks Oceanside out is its good looks, with its long, wooden pier, charming old harbor, and its elegant whitewashed Spanish colonial mission. Oh, and did we mention the craft breweries? This part of California is a beer lover's paradise, so when you're done on the beach, you might want to rehydrate with a bottle of local brew.

Sightseeing in Oceanside vacation rentals

Feel like you haven't lived till you've seen the board that surfer Bethany Hamilton was on when she survived her famous shark attack? Don't worry, the California Surf Museum's got you covered. When you're done there, you could follow it up with a bit of art at the Oceanside Museum. And Oceanside's got some fairly iconic landmarks, too. The old Spanish mission, built in 1811, is a famous local attraction, while the Oceanside Pier is one of the longest wooden piers in the States and a favorite local fishing spot. It has a 50s-style diner stuck out on the end.

Things to do near Oceanside vacation homes

The name of this place should give you a clue about the main activities on offer with an Oceanside vacation rental. Surfers and sun worshippers flock to the 3.5-mile beach, and you'll also find plenty of sailors mooring their yachts up in the old-school harbor on sunny summer evenings. There's plenty of culture and sightseeing in town, and many vacationers are also hooked in by the city's busy program of events. From big sporting occasions like surfing competitions, long-distance cycle races, and beach soccer tournaments, right down to the weekly sunset market with food and live music.

Local weather for your stay in Oceanside vacation homes

You won't need to pack the oilskins and sou'westers for your Oceanside vacation rental, since this stretch of coast sees precious little rain. What's more, the temperatures are pretty mild even in the depths of winter, making Oceanside a perfect year-round destination. Come summer, it can get pretty hot, but it's never scorching, and fortunately the coastal location means there's usually a nice fresh breeze to take the edge off things. If you're in town for the surfing, then the gentler beginners' conditions are in the summer months, with the big swells turning up in the winter.

Whether you're after sea creatures or selfies, they're here

Oceanside is the last coastal city in San Diego County. Head any farther north, and you're in Orange County. This stretch of the Pacific coast is pretty spectacular, with rocky coastline, sandy beaches, and big waves to keep the surfers salty. Much of the coastline in San Diego County is protected, and the abundance of marine wildlife makes the area popular with fishermen. And if you're fishing for likes rather than sea creatures, the sight of the sun setting into the ocean just off the end of the pier is Instagram gold.

Transportation options to and around Oceanside

Fly into San Diego Intl. Airport (SAN), the closest airport, located 33.7 mi (54.3 km) from the city center. If you can't find a flight that works for your travel itinerary, you could book a flight to Carlsbad, CA (CLD-McClellan-Palomar), which is 7.7 mi (12.4 km) away.

If you're traveling by train, you can make your way to Oceanside Transit Center.

Family fun near Oceanside vacation homes

Kids of all ages will enjoy the many fun-filled attractions in Oceanside. Vacation rentals are available near places like Batiquitos Lagoon, a protected wetland with a nature center and hiking trails, and the Wave Waterpark, a park with pools, waterslides, and a lazy river. You could also visit the Antique Gas & Steam Engine Museum, a farming history museum with exhibits of old tractors, blacksmithing, and weaving.