Oceanside | Marijuana Travel Guide

Source: Visit Oceanside

Stretching almost 2,000 feet into the ocean, the huge wooden pier in town is quintessentially SoCal. It is an ideal spot for a stroll where you can watch the surfers or check out what the fishermen are bringing in off their lines. Keep an eye out for pelicans, dolphins, seals and stingrays as the creatures of the depths are common visitors to this pier. The views are great too – on a clear day you can see far south to La Jolla and north to Catalina Island with sunsets being particularly grand. If you’re hungry, Ruby’s Diner sits at the end of the pier and serves burgers and fries with a ‘50s retro flair.

Source: Visit Oceanside

Travel back in time to an old California fishing village by heading down to Oceanside’s harbor. This cluster of restaurants and shops is also a center for sport fishing and comes complete with a distinctive lighthouse. Walk down to the beach for some volleyball or make a fire in one of the several fire pits in the sand. There are also kayaks, jet skis and paddle boards available for rent. If you want to head out into the ocean in search of massive marine life this is the place to go as most of Oceanside’s whale watching tours embark from the harbor.

Source: Visit Oceanside

This two-for-one beach and park is a great place to lounge in the sun on the sand or enjoy the shade of the massive gazebo. There is also a basketball court and a small café that serves an excellent latte and delicious breakfast tacos or burritos. Just off the beach is the Loma Alta Creek’s bird habitat which is accessible via the Loma Alta Marsh Footpath. The bird watching along the creek where the fresh water meets the sea is exceptional.

Source: Pinterest

California’s largest mission (there are 21 scattered across the state) was founded in 1798 and is understandably known as the “King of the Missions.” The grounds include a museum and a cemetery and visitors are welcome to discover the immaculate gardens and grounds on their own or take a guided tour. Designated a National Historic Monument, Mission San Luis Rey remains home to a community of Franciscan Friars and offers spiritual renewal programs that are open to the public. It is also home to the oldest pepper tree in California.

Source: California Beaches

Surfing is synonymous with Southern California and there is no better place to learn about its culture and heritage than at this museum just a few blocks from the pier. There is a permanent collection of historic surfboards and plenty of videos and photographs that chronicle the evolution of the sport and its impact on popular culture in the U.S and across the globe. Even those with just a passing interest in the sport will find plenty of intriguing exhibits. There are also rotating displays that focus on certain surfers or other aspects of the Southern California surfing experience.

Source: Deviant Art

The Star is a historic landmark originally built in 1956 as a movie theatre. It is now a family-owned non-profit and home to two active production companies. In addition to the plays performed by the highly rated in-house groups, the beautiful theater hosts bands, ballet, comedy and other community events. Check out the calendar to see what is currently on stage.

Source: Vital Climbing Gym

If you are ready for some action after you are tired of sitting under the swaying palms and watching the waves, head over to VITAL climbing gym. Grab a Day Pass for $17 (discounts for students, kids and seniors) and start climbing. Or join a Climbfit class (60-minute full-body workout), dance on the aerial silks and check out the rotating local art exhibit. This climbing gym occupies a beautiful space in Oceanside and doubles as a quasi community center with locals hanging out, socializing and taking a break from the daily grind.

Source: Oceanside Museum of Art Facebook

This museum consists of two buildings – the original building designed in a classic style by Irving Gill and the newer structure with a more modern look by Frederick Fisher. It is located in a quiet area not far from the beach and features a host of ever-changing eclectic contemporary art exhibits and programming such as concerts and films. The staff is knowledgeable and eager to discuss the exhibits. Be sure to save time for the gift shop. It differs from the standard museum store by offering a large selection of work by local artists. Sculptures, watercolors, jewelry, textiles and pottery are all available for purchase at reasonable prices.

Source: CCC Facebook

Calm Cool and Collective provides customers with delivery or meet up options across northern San Diego County. They are quick, convenient, personalized and known for their exceptional customer service. Their employees are particularly knowledgeable on CBD oils for pain relief and other purposes. Deliveries are guaranteed to arrive within 45 minutes and Venmo and cash are accepted.

Source: Rolling Jays Yelp

Rolling Jays is known for their professionalism and punctuality. Shatter, wax, pre-rolls and premium flower will rapidly arrive at your door once you place your order. Pipes and other equipment like vaporizers can also be purchased. The staff is well educated and patient enough to walk you through all your available options. This delivery service is open seven days a week.

Source: Where’s Weed

All new customers receive a free gift from this courier/delivery service that handles all of the north side of San Diego, including Oceanside. They are open six days a week and delivery and sales tax are covered with your order. Natural Kind Wellness offers top-shelf flower, edibles and an extensive CBD selection.

Source: The Osider Magazine

This is a lovely vintage and consignment clothing shop with a well-curated selection of shirts, bags, denim, boots, accessories and a coffee shop on site. There is also an impressive supply of new clothing by local California lifestyle brands such as Obey, Brixton and RAEN in the expansive men's section. Prices tend to be on the higher side here but remember that it is not your standard Goodwill thrift store. Captain’s Helm is high-quality vintage store with a unique and diverse selection.

Source: Daily Coffee News

Music, skateboarding and coffee come together with aplomb at this modern yet retro coffee joint on Mission Avenue in Oceanside. Part-owner Riley Hawk (son of Tony) stocks a slew of vinyl that includes classic rock standards alongside obscure heavy metal, hard rock and psychedelic records. The artisan-roasted coffee is sourced from San Diego’s esteemed James Coffee Co. Drop in for a perfect cup and peruse the stacks of vinyl while you’re at it.

Source: Native Beauty Bar

Shem and Lara Gott are the husband and wife team behind this charming line of aromatherapy oils and all-natural products such as soaps, deodorants, facial creams, lip balms and plant-based candles. The cute minimalistic shop also sells organic teas, homemade jewelry and hosts hands-on candle and soap making classes. If you’re lucky you might even meet the store’s namesake; Mr. B is the nickname for Shem and Lara’s son.

Source: Hill Street Country Club

Don’t be fooled by the name. You won’t need any golf clubs at this non-profit art gallery and cultural center located in the same building as local clothing shop Linksoul. The Country Club has traditional gallery space with works from members of the community and also organizes cultural events, pop-up art shops and art workshops. Its mission is to expose artists from the area and serve as a center for art-related events and information.

Source: Visit Oceanside

Get lost looking for treasures at this antique mall located in a warehouse crammed with several vendors selling everything from vintage t-shirts, quirky antiques and vinyl records to jewelry, toys and clothing. The jazz on the sound system is the perfect complement to perusing the wealth of oddities. Open only on weekends.

Source: Hello Betty Fish House

The world looks pretty good from Hello Betty’s rooftop lounge. Indulge in tacos, oysters, ceviche, beers and margaritas while overlooking the Pacific and enjoying the serene ocean breeze. The restaurant welcomes tourists and locals alike with its large and inviting interior and expansive menu. If you’re not in the mood for fish, try one of the excellent burgers or salads. Take time to enjoy all the funky photos and local memorabilia that adorn the walls of the dining area.

Source: CN Traveler

As you might gather from the name, this is not your normal sushi restaurant. Wrench & Rodent specializes in fresh and innovative sushi with a focus on minimizing waste and using the entire animal or plant in their dishes. Ingredients are locally and responsibly sourced and the vegan options are extensive. If you can swing it, go for the Omakaze. It’s a 15 to 20-dish course that will blow you away. Other than that, the rolls, nigiri and complex sashimi plates more than hold their own.

Source: Ocean Vista

It might seem counterintuitive to head a bit inland to get your fish taco fix, but the delicious food offered at this casual spot is well worth the drive. Locals ‘in the know’ swear by the quality of the fish and the authenticity of this SoCal establishment. Portions are large, the prices are low and the beer is cold. The smoked tuna and shrimp ceviche tacos are particularly noteworthy at this casual eatery tucked into an anonymous strip mall.

Source: Privateer Yelp

Getting tired of all those fish tacos? Head over to the Privateer where you’ll find “the best of South Oceanside's blue collar gourmet dining experiences.” All of the lettuce, greens, vegetables and herbs used at this atmospheric restaurant come from a farm located within a mile of the restaurant. The patio is a fantastic place to lounge when the weather is nice and has heaters if things get a bit chilly. The pizza oven is fired up each morning using dried oak before 100% Pennsylvania coal is added to crank things up to extreme temperatures that create those delicious Neapolitan-style pies in a matter of minutes. An extensive beer selection rounds things out for an immersive pizza experience.