These Are the Best Beaches in Oceanside, California—According to a Local

I didn’t move all the way from the Midwest to Oceanside, California just for the overpriced avocado toast. I came for year-round sunshine and the ocean, and after years of exploring every stretch of sand this coastal gem has to offer, I’ve got some serious opinions about which beaches deserve to be on this list.

Oceanside is a beach town with plenty of character, grit and diverse coastal experiences. Whether you’re a family looking for amenities and easy access, a surfer chasing the perfect wave, or someone who just wants to find a quiet spot to contemplate life while the Pacific does its thing, Oceanside has your beach.

Here’s my guide to the best oceanside beaches that make this place home.

Let’s start with the obvious choice—Oceanside Pier and The Strand. This beach is practically the town’s living room. At 1,942 feet, the pier is one of the longest wooden piers on the West Coast and it never gets old walking to the end and watching the waves crash below while pelicans perch and give you some judgmental side-eye.

The Strand itself is beach paradise with training wheels. You’ve got ample parking (for a fee, because this is California afterall), clean restrooms, outdoor showers, fire pits for those perfect sunset barbecues and enough space to spread out even on busy weekends. The wide, sandy beach is perfect for volleyball, sandcastle architecture, or just posting up with a good book.

Why Locals Love It: The pier isn’t just for show—you can fish off the end (no license required) or simply enjoy one of the best sunset views in North County. Unfortunately, a fire in April 2024 destroyed the former Ruby’s Diner that was at the end of the pier, but there are plenty of other places nearby to grab a bite. The Strand also connects to a paved path perfect for biking, rollerblading, or early morning jogs.

More to Explore: Hit up the Thursday night farmers market (the Sunset Market) right across the street, explore the vintage shops and surf museum in downtown Oceanside, or rent a bike from one of several local shops and cruise the coast. You won’t regret grabbing some seafood from Tin Fish right under the pier.

Don’t let the name fool you, Oceanside Harbor isn’t just for yacht owners and deep-sea fishing enthusiasts (though it’s excellent for both). The harbor beach area offers a completely different vibe from the main beach scene, with calmer waters thanks to the breakwater and a more intimate, tucked-away feeling. 

The harbor boasts excellent facilities including clean restrooms, picnic areas and plenty of parking. The breakwater creates a protected swimming area that’s ideal for families with small children or anyone who prefers their ocean experience with fewer surprise waves to the face.

Oceanside doesn’t always have the best beaches (as far as sand goes) so when the tide is too high elsewhere, I always come to the harbor for more sand to stretch out.

Why Locals Love It: The harbor is your gateway to adventure. You can rent kayaks, paddleboards, or jet skis, book fishing charters, or catch the seasonal whale watching tours. The calm waters make it perfect for stand-up paddleboarding beginners.

More to Explore: The harbor village has several restaurants ranging from casual fish tacos to upscale waterfront dining. If you feel like splurging, get some oysters from Lighthouse Oyster Bar and Grill. Don’t miss the weekend harbor market and if you’re feeling adventurous, book a sunset sailing trip or deep-sea fishing expedition.

If you’ve got kids in tow or just appreciate when a beach thinks ahead about basic human needs, Buccaneer Beach is your friend. This gem combines a fantastic stretch of sand with amenities that make a day at the beach feel less like survival camping.

The beach features restrooms, outdoor showers and a playground at the park that keeps the little ones entertained when they’re temporarily tired of sand and waves. The real MVP here is the small café stand that serves coffee and breakfast like acai bowls and burritos—it just helps you appreciate paradise that much more.

Why Locals Love It: The combination of beach and park makes this spot incredibly versatile. You can surf, sunbathe, let the kids tire themselves out on the playground and grab a snack without leaving the property. It’s also less crowded than the pier area but still offers easy access and parking.

More to Explore: The beach connects to walking trails that wind through the adjacent neighborhoods, perfect for an evening stroll. The nearby Buccaneer Park also has basketball courts and more playground equipment if you’re dealing with particularly high-energy companions.

Sometimes you don’t want all the amenities, crowds, or distractions. Sometimes you just want a beach: pure, simple and slightly rugged. Oceanside Boulevard Beach delivers exactly that experience.

This stretch is rockier than some of the other beaches, which means fewer crowds and more peace. You’ll find a few strategically placed trash cans and benches, plus occasional lifeguard coverage during busy periods, but that’s about it for facilities. What you get instead is authenticity and space to breathe.

Why Locals Love It: The lack of amenities means you’re more likely to have stretches of beach to yourself, especially on weekdays. It’s also a favorite among local surfers who appreciate the consistent breaks and lighter crowds. Bring your own supplies and make it a proper beach day. The rocky areas are perfect for picnicking, you can just plop a towel down and set up for the day. The sunsets are also top notch here. 

More to Explore: You can walk to Wisconsin street which has plenty of cool places to grab a bite or a drink. The Cup is one of my favorite coffee shops/ cafes in Oceanside and the Tremont Collective is close too, with shopping, a wine bar and more delicious places to eat.

Cassidy Street Beach is Oceanside’s best-kept secret that isn’t really secret but somehow still feels like your own personal discovery (this is personally one of my favorite Oceanside beaches). Like Oceanside Boulevard Beach, it’s light on amenities but heavy on character, with rocky sections and occasional lifeguard coverage.

The beach offers a more intimate experience than the main tourist areas while still being easily accessible. You’ll find the same basic setup—trash cans, benches and not much else—but the trade-off is space, relative quiet and a more local feel. Keep in mind that sometimes the tide is too high to walk, so in that case I recommend the strand and the harbor.

Why Locals Love It: The rocky coastline creates natural windbreaks and semi-private nooks perfect for reading, sketching, or just zoning out to the rhythm of the waves. It’s also an excellent spot for sunrise watching if you’re the type of person who appreciates having the beach mostly to yourself.

More to Explore: Head to the tide pools during low tide, or use this as your starting point for a longer coastal walk. The residential neighborhood behind the beach is perfect for post-beach strolling if you want to see how the locals live in South Oceanside, aka grab a coffee and find some vintage goods at Captain’s Helm and grab breakfast at the iconic Beach Break Cafe.

St. Malo Beach strips away everything except what matters most—sand, waves and space. No facilities, no amenities, just a beautiful stretch of coastline that lets the ocean be the star of the show.

This beach attracts people who know what they want from a beach experience and don’t need help getting it. It’s popular with locals who appreciate the lack of crowds and tourists who stumble upon it and feel like they’ve discovered something special.

Why Locals Love It: The uninterrupted stretch of sand is perfect for long walks, sunrise yoga, or just spreading out without worrying about encroaching on someone else’s territory. The absence of facilities means the beach maintains a wild, natural feel.

More to Explore: St. Malo flows seamlessly into our next beach, making it perfect for extended coastal exploration. Pack everything you need and make it a proper adventure.

Technically, “The Point” is where St. Malo Beach flows into North Carlsbad, but locals know it as one of Oceanside’s best-kept secrets. Located behind the Army Navy Academy, this stretch offers expansive sandy space and just enough amenities to make it functional without feeling commercial.

You’ll find a rinse station for washing off sand and salt (a godsend after a long beach day), a water fountain and plenty of space to spread out. The location creates a natural buffer from crowds while still offering easy access for those in the know. 

You’ll see families here, people walking their dogs, surfers and just plain ol’ beach bums. It can get pretty busy on the weekend (and with a younger, drinking crowd), so keep that in mind!

Why Locals Love It: The Point offers the best of both worlds—the wild, spacious feel of a remote beach with just enough facilities to make it practical. It’s particularly popular with surfers and locals who want to escape the tourist areas.

More to Explore: Visit the tide pools, take advantage of the ample space for beach games and use the rinse station to clean up before heading to one of Carlsbad’s nearby restaurants like the beloved Swami’s Cafe or grab a cocktail at PRK101.