Each step of the Oceanside Pier of California has entertaining things to see. From fishing to enjoying the scenery, the O'Side Pier is a great place to spend a fun day with family or friends. You're likely to make real memories to last for years to come. You just can't visit without walking the longest wooden pier on the West Coast at least once!
Spend the night near the coast. Dig your feet in the sand. Listen to the waves crash and savor the nature that surrounds Oceanside. Oceanside is a beautiful area to get away for a bit. Stare at the water, enjoy the sun, search for a sport to play, catch fish, and savor the sandy beach.
Scroll down to learn about the history of the pier, the restaurant at the end of the pier, what you can do, places to eat, and where to shop nearby!
* This post has been updated as of September 2022
History of the Oceanside Pier
The historic Oceanside Pier was originally proposed in 1887. At the time the pier was called a wharf. It went through a lot of trials and tribulations, suffering irreparable damage from a storm in 1890. Over the past 100+ years, there have been 6 iterations of the pier. The current pier is 1,942 feet long and was dedicated in 1987. It remains one of the most popular things to do in Oceanside, CA.
The pier is located in the city of Oceanside, California which is just north of San Diego. You can walk on this long, beautiful pier to get a great view of Oceanside. If you're coming to town, be sure to give it a stroll.
Address location: Pier, Oceanside, CA 92054 at the cross-section of Pacific St. and Pier View Way
Hours: Closes at 10 p.m.
Total length: 1,954 feet (596 m)
Opening date: 1888
Oceanside CA North County San Diego
You can't visit the city of Oceanside, California without walking the Oceanside Fishing Pier. This is one of the most classic things to do in Oceanside. The Oceanside Pier is popular amongst both locals and tourists. You can watch folks fishing or watch surfers pretty much anytime you're there.
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Ruby's Diner
You used to be able to eat at Ruby's Diner at the end of the pier; Ruby's was a 40s-style diner with American classics like fries, burgers, and milkshakes, but it has since closed. Unfortunately. It was such a perfect spot!
As of April 2022, a sign went up to say something new will be opening soon! There's a new restaurant coming to the Oceanside Pier. Stay tuned.
Restaurants Near Oceanside Pier
Hungry for a meal? There are dining options close to the pier.
- 333 Pacific
- Hello Betty
- Camp Coffee Company
- Harni Sushi - Oceanside
- Miss Kim’s by That Boy Good
- Banana Dang Coffee
Fishing
Leisurely stroll your way through to the end of the pier to look out on the Pacific Ocean. While you're strolling the pier, enjoy the wildlife. I've seen a sea lion, a seal, pelicans (on separate occasions not all at once although that would be cool), and of course tons of seagulls and pigeons. I saw some dolphins from afar. The pelicans are known for frequenting the pier especially since they can get some free fish. You might be lucky enough to see the pelican(s) and get a photo or two; they're not always there but they're there pretty often.
Shopping
Oceanside Pier has a small bait shop on it where you can get some convenience items and snacks. There are also restrooms if you need to use them. There're benches placed occasionally along the way if you want to rest or take in the scenery. There are also some shops, vendors, food stands, and picnic tables at the bottom of the pier before you walk on. Since the pier is located in Oceanside 92054 at the cross-section of Pacific St. and Pier View Way, there are plenty of local restaurants nearby to dine at or pick up some food to eat at the beach!
Beachcombing and Walking
The best way to get to know a city is by walking it. Oceanside literally hugs the coast. It's an idyllic spot. I like going for walks and checking out the shoreline. Downtown Oceanside is nearby. Southern California has a lot of beautiful places to visit. No matter what month you visit, from December to summer months like June or August, you'll love the nice weather at Oceanside Pier. There's even a beach amphitheater so you just may catch a band or someone performing. There are concerts there often.
Sunset Views
The historic Oceanside Pier is one of the longest piers in California at 1,942 feet in length and is the longest wooden pier in California. If you enjoy the outdoors and just want to walk around with a beach view, this is a great spot! Plus, it's free, so you can't go wrong there. No matter your favorite place to visit in the city of Oceanside, make sure you add this one for a lovely pier view. Come for a Pacific Ocean sunset as you enjoy a fun day on the coast. The Oceanside Pier is a perfect place to end the day. It's actually open until 10 p.m.
Oceanside Harbor
Oceanside Harbor is around 1.5 miles away from Oceanside Fishing Pier, which should be a 10-minute drive depending on traffic. There are kayak rentals and other fun stuff to do over there. You can ride your bike across the area! Read about the Oceanside Harbor restaurants.
When you visit, go to the beach in Oceanside, maybe a couple beaches. There are things to do at any time of day. You walk directly to Oceanside Pier from the beach and then stroll along the coast. Tyson Street Park is nearby within walking distance. You can go surfing the waves, swimming, or hang out on the beach. Spend the day like local residents, enjoying a casual beach day. It's beautiful morning, noon, night, whenever you come.
How much is parking at Oceanside Beach?
Parking in Oceanside is fairly affordable and there is plenty of metered parking. You can find free street parking as well as one free parking garage. If street parking isn't available by the time you arrive, consider using pay lots out of convenience. No matter where you park, read all signs in the parking lots carefully as parking restrictions are subject to change at any time. There are parking lots such as Oceanside Pier & Beaches Lot 28 Parking lot (351 The Strand N), Oceanside Pier & Beaches Lot 30 (Betty's Lot) Parking lot (101 The Strand N), Oceanside Pier & Beaches Lot 21 Parking lot (214 Surfrider Way), and more.
Are there any beach restaurants in Oceanside? What are the best places to eat in Oceanside?
While there aren't any restaurants directly on the beach, there are some close to shore. Definitely within walking distance and of course more if you drive the coast. Things to Do in Oceanside, California: Restaurants, Coffee Shops, What to See! Oceanside, California is a city with a rich cultural heritage, natural beauty, and outdoor adventure located in North County San Diego. For residents and tourists alike, Oceanside boasts an array of activities. Of course, you can head south to San Diego too.
Soak in the amazing scenery of the Pacific Ocean or watch a surf competition as you stroll your way to the end of the pier. Eat at a restaurant, grab a craft beer, and enjoy the view from San Diego's iconic landmark. There are plenty of events that occur throughout the year so you can check the Oceanside Welcome Center or browse online! They even have surf competitions.
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