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!

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.

Related reading: Encinitas Coffee Shops: Searching for the Best Coffee in Town

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.

Related reading: 

Coffee Shops in Carlsbad, California

Things to Do in North County San Diego, California

North County San Diego offers plenty of friendly coffee shops to explore. Whether you're searching for the perfect breakfast menu for a family gathering or local restaurants to grab a fresh cup of coffee, there are so many amazing options near Encinitas. 

Best Coffee Shops Near Me in Encinitas!

This town is really the perfect location to find a cool cafe especially if you love beach vibes, cool breezes, and the smell of salt in the air. Want to eat in or get takeout? You can always enjoy a cup of coffee in this fun beach town. 

This list covers some of the best coffee shops in Encinitas, with locations in Downtown Encinitas, Leucadia, and Cardiff-by-the-Sea. 

I’ll be adding more great locations to this list in the future.

*Updated as of September 2022

Better Buzz

Better Buzz Coffee Encinitas 

Better Buzz offers quick single-origin drinks like macchiato, latte, cortado, to name a couple. Their handcrafted beverages, served hot or cold, include options such as Best Drink Ever® (classic americano with their signature creamy vanilla), Honey Latte (espresso, creamy vanilla, honey, steamed milk), and more things to sip on. This cute shop also has teas, smoothies, sandwiches, fancy toasts, and cold brew on tap. Free Wi-Fi, open for takeout, dogs are allowed, vegan options too.

Address: 578 S Coast Hwy 101

Phone: (760) 487-5562

Website: Better Buzz Encinitas

Coffee Coffee 

In this space, you'll find organic coffee roasted on-site by Revolution Roasters. Gotta love a quality coffee roast! The aroma smells delicious. Get a quick bite to eat from Coffee Coffee's breakfast menu with food such as the Jose Especial made with scrambled egg, spinach, tomato, red onion topped with avocado and feta. Pick between the housemade salsa fresca or choice of bread. lox bagel, acai bowl, avocado toast, breakfast wrap, and a lot more. They serve lunch too if you want to come for an afternoon meal.

Address: 970 N Coast Hwy 101

Phone: (760) 436-2233

Website: Coffee Coffee

Related reading: Things to Do in Encinitas: North County San Diego Gem

Encinitas Cafe 

This cafe has a long history in town, originating in the 1930s as Fred's Cafe, then known as Zim's cafe into the 1950s. By 1960, the name was The Coffee Mill. The Encinitas Cafe name has stuck since 1989. If you're on the hunt for food, as in a full-on breakfast brunch, lunch menu scenario, this is the perfect spot to check out. Encinitas Cafe has an extensive four-page menu filled with breakfast classics such as delicious eggs benedict, mimosa, scrambles and lunch items like burgers, soup, salads, and hot open-faced sandwiches.

Address: 531 S Coast Hwy 101

Phone: (760) 632-0919

Website: Encinitas Cafe

GOODONYA® Organic Eatery 

Find organic coffee and tea, such as a classic coffee to the Repair latte with collagen, lucuma, raw honey. From breakfast scrambles to organic sandwiches and salads, GOODONYA® offers a variety of organic, non-GMO goodies. This is one of those restaurants that has a little bit of everything. Open for delivery, takeout, curbside pickup, sit-down dining, indoor and outdoor seating, you name it. Great place to eat outside or grab a quick coffee by the coast.

Address: 1051 S Coast Hwy 101, Encinitas, CA 92024

Phone: (858) 264-8550

Website: GOODONYA® Organic Eatery 

Lil Jungle Java 

On a mission to support small businesses? Then this Encinitas coffee shop is worth your time. Available in the drive-through/takeout only, you can pick up a quickie drink before heading to work or on your next errand. Located in Encinitas Village Square II, Lil Jungle Java is a local favorite and hidden gem because it's a coffee stand versus a larger shop. 

Address: 1500 Encinitas Blvd 

Phone: (760) 917-5589

Related reading: Carlsbad Coffee Shops: Best Coffee in Carlsbad, California

Lofty Coffee

Lofty Coffee Company 

Lofty is a popular spot with multiple locations in San Diego County. I also included Lofty Coffee in my Carlsbad Coffee Shops guide: Searching for the Best Coffee in Carlsbad, California. This coffee shop has indoor and outdoor seating too. They serve fresh coffee, tea, pastries, hand-rolled croissants, muffins, and cookies. Who doesn't love a quality cookie?! They have yummy things such as their house coffee, Kyoto-style cold brew, Iced Hibiscus Lemon Grass and Blood Orange Tea, baked from scratch pastry and dessert such as almond croissant. Eat outside and enjoy the great scenery.

Address: 90 N Coast Hwy 101 #214

Phone: (760) 230-6747

Lofty Coffee Encinitas Roasting Works

Address: 97 N Coast Hwy 101

Phone: (760) 230-6747

Website: Lofty Coffee Encinitas

Related reading: Things to do in Oceanside, California - visit here to read!

Ironsmith Coffee Roasters

Ironsmith Coffee Roasters 

Order ahead to takeout and pick up at the counter or stay around to enjoy your beverage at this locally-owned Encinitas coffee shop. Ironsmith Coffee Roasters is a fresh, independent coffee shop and roastery that sells espresso beverages, specialty drinks, tea, chai tea, hot chocolate, and retail bag coffee to purchase to make at home. Roasts on pour might range so be sure to ask what they have or check their current menu.

Address: 458 S Coast Hwy 101

Phone: (626) 429-6397

Website: Ironsmith Coffee Roasters

Bump Coffee

This little coffee shop is located in Cardiff by the Sea park; it has a hole-in-the-wall vibe that you might just walk by on accident. Bump Coffee selects ingredients from geographically diverse regions in South America. Come for the coffee but stay for the empanadas. 

Address: 126 Aberdeen Dr, Cardiff, CA 92007 

Website: Bump Coffee

Pannikin Coffee & Tea 

Pannikin has been serving the local community with coffee, tea, and other baked treats since 1968. This family-owned and operated business based in the heart of Leucadia, California roasts coffee and bakes daily for all four Pannikin locations in San Diego County. The Encinitas CA Pannikin is located in a historic Santa Fe Railroad Station built in 1888.

Address: 510 N Coast Hwy 101

Phone: (760) 436-5824

Website: Pannikin Coffee & Tea

Peet's Coffee 

You might have heard of this coffee shop chain that sells handcrafted espresso beverages, freshly made coffee, Mighty Leaf teas, as well as warm breakfast. Peet's Coffee in Encinitas Village Shopping Center has the Peet's standard range of menu including hot coffee, seasonal drings, hot tea, iced drinks, and more.

Address: 1486 Encinitas Blvd

Phone: (760) 274-1280

Website: Peet's Coffee

Philz Coffee 

Philz Coffee has quite a few locations throughout California as well as Chicago and the D.C Metro area. They serve some pretty interesting drinks in their featured creations, from Iced Coffee Rosé smooth and sweet iced coffee, topped with subtle rose cream to the Tesora, original coffee blend, which they recommend with cream and honey. 

Address: 1060 S Coast Hwy 101

Phone: (760) 230-6880

Website: Philz Coffee 

Queenstage Coffee House 

Coffee, pastries, breakfast, lunch

Address: 190 N Coast Hwy 101, Encinitas, CA 92024

Website: Queenstage Coffee

Surfdog's Java Hut - Temporarily Closed

Address: 1126 S Coast Hwy 101

Woodsy Coffee

This cute spot features menu items such as the beet hummus toast or the buttermilk biscuit served with maple butter and local jam. They have specialty lattes like honey lavender and salted maple, coffee drinks, tea, and smoothies too!

Address: 875 Santa Fe Dr

Phone: (760) 452-6380

Website: Woodsy Coffee

Zumbar Coffee & Tea 

Established in 2003, this San Diego boutique coffee roaster has locations in Sorrento Valley and Cardiff. Zumbar Coffee & Tea sells, you guessed it, coffee and tea: espressos to 16 oz. cold brew coffee to pastries such as locally baked almond croissants. People tend to love the friendly service and good prices.

Address: 111 Chesterfield Dr #115, Cardiff, CA 92007

Website: Zumbar Coffee & Tea

Coffee, Tea, and More in North County San Diego

Experience coffee with a view! Grab a cup of coffee then head near Moonlight Beach to watch the waves ebb and flow. Encinitas CA is close to Carlsbad/Carlsbad Village. You can also find a range of cafes in the area as well. These are more than what you'd consider an average coffee shop. L’Atelier de Paris is popular for its drool-worthy desserts. Visit a couple of the best coffee shops in Encinitas and savor the gift of caffeine. Click here to visit Encinitas Visitors Center website.

What are your favorite Encinitas coffee shops? Do you have a go-to order?

Flour & Branch

Sukrin

For Joy

The Scottish Grocer

I love to travel and go to grocery stores; it's not only one of my favorite parts of travel, but of life itself. I thrive off of trying new-to-me foods. The Scottish Grocer imports fine, authentic foods, fabrics and clothing from Scotland. The ship to the US & Canada. The Stockans Thick Oatcakes (Red Pack) are super tasty, almost Triscuit-esque. I like to eat them with a touch of Mrs. Bridge's cherry preserves. Drool. Can't wait to travel to Scotland but until then a taste of Scotland will suffice. Check out what they sell on Amazon.

Agua Bucha by Mother Kombucha

There's nothing like the sound of that fresh crisp crack of a can. From the makers of Mother Kombucha, Agua Bucha is a refreshing line of sparkling water infused with kombucha. It comes in flavors such as meyer lemon, grapefruit, and key lime while incorporating naturally occurring organic acids and B vitamins from the booch. These are so refreshing! I love popping one open as a daily ritual as the sun sets on my patio!

Need any ideas on fun things to do for your birthday? Look no further than this list of over 100 Things to Do on Your Birthday. 

* Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links.

Most of these are things to do on your birthday with family or with friends, but you can celebrate your birthday alone too! Whatever your budget, you can find something in this list to do.

Related reading: 100+ Fun Things to Do at Home with Friends. Invite your friend group and have a fun time.

Things are a bit more hopeful now that restaurants, small businesses, movie theatres, hair salons, thrift stores, are open & accommodating social distancing. This list of 100+ Fun Things to Do on Your Birthday is a general list of things to do in the years to come! There are probably some great virtual options to nearly everything on this list, including going to a concert or even a cooking class. You can pick an activity that you are sure to truly enjoy!

What should I do on my birthday? What can I do for my birthday at home? What should I do on my birthday in lockdown? What is a unique way to celebrate your birthday?

Whether you want to celebrate with friends and family or maybe you want to keep it lowkey, this is a big huge list of things to do on your birthday. 

In this list of 100 Things to Do on Your Birthday, You'll find something or a couple of birthday ideas that you might want to do. There are even virtual options for fun games & activities. This is your year to live your best life! These are some of the best things to do on your birthday, from virtual activities to board games to ordering take out. There are a bunch of things to do on your birthday during COVID too!

More than 100 Things to Do on Your Birthday