Oceanside History

Oceanside history began in 1769. The first inhabitants were the Luiseno Indians who were part of the large Shoshonean tribe. Juan Crespi, a Spanish Franciscan friar, passed through the area while travelling with the Portola expedition. His reports on the area led to the establishment of the Mission San Luis Rey de Francia 1798 when the Mission San Luis Rey de Francia was established. Among these settlers was Father Antonio Peyri who planned and oversaw the construction of the Mission's many buildings which included three churches, the last of which still stands and was finished in 0ctober of 1815. By 1883 the completion of the railroad connecting San Diego and San Bernardino provided increased access to the Pacific coast. Andrew Jackson Meyers, a businessman from the area surrounding the mission, requested and received a grant of 160 acres south of the area that would later become Camp Pendleton, at the time known as Rancho Santa Margarita. J Chauncey Hayes acted as Meyers's real estate hand, selling town lots and eventually petitioning for a post office for the growing community. The name Oceanside came from a popular diversion of the time as families inland would often go "ocean side" to escape the heat and enjoy the beautiful Pacific Coast.

Incorporated in 1888, Oceanside grew rapidly over the following years as the railway brought people and businesses to the sunny beach town. In 1893 the first of the Oceanside Municipal Piers was built, and in the subsequent century Oceanside became the popular tourist destination it is today with the addition of the Oceanside Harbor and the El Camino Golf Course. In 1942 a particularly intense period of growth came with the purchase of the Rancho Santa Margarita land north of Oceanside by the US Marine Corps for the establishment of Camp Pendleton.

Today Oceanside CA is a thriving community of long-time residents, 22nd largest city in California, local armed forces, and Pacific coast tourists who flock to our beautiful coast and golf courses throughout the year. With a climate ranked the fifth most desirable in the world and the second most desirable in the entire United States, the city of Oceanside is the perfect destination throughout the year for visitors looking for a mellow yet exciting environment offering stretches of perfect sand, a multitude of spas and resorts, a colorful harbor offering fishing expeditions and various watersports, and much more.

Oceanside Today

Oceanside is known for it's sunny beaches and Camp Pendleton and fishing. Oceanside Pier was first built in 1888 (and now in its sixth incarnation) and is the longest wooden pier on the western United States coastline at 1,954 feet. If golfing is your thing there are a few courses for all levels.

While your in Oceanside be sure to check out Oceanside Museum of Art and the California Surf Museum.

Oceanside Harbor

Great place to begin your discovery of Oceanside. New England-Style Fishing Village and Lighthouse with several boutiques, kiosks, gift stores, cafes and restaurants. Boaters in need of mooring can rent slips for vessels from 25-51 ft. Great beaches, wonderful picnic and park areas. Easy ocean access boat launching ramp.

Oceanside Beaches

• Buccaneer Beach
• Pier View South
• Harbor Beach
• Oceanside Boulevard Beach
• Tyson Street Beach and Park
• Pier View North
• Wisconsin Street Beach
• Breakwater Way

Fishing

• Oceanside Pier (no fishing license required) for more information call (760) 435-5041, Oceanside Parks & Recreation Department
• Harbor Fishing Pier and Jetties (no fishing license required), for more information call Oceanside Harbor and Beaches at (760) 435-4000
• Half-day and full-day fishing excursions: for information, call the California Welcome Center-Oceanside (760) 721-1101

Golf

• Arrowood Golf Course, 5201 A Village Dr, Oceanside, CA 92057, (760)967-8400, Public, 18 hole, 6,721 yds, Par 71, CR-N/A, S-N/A
• Center City Golf Course, Oceanside Boulevard @ Saratoga, Oceanside, CA 92054, (760)433-8590, Public, 18 hole, 4,797 yds, Par 66, CR-61.2, S-94
•  El Camino Country Club, 3202 Vista Way, Oceanside, CA 92056, (760)757-2100, Private, 18 hole, 6,734 yds, Par 72, CR-72.5, S-130
•  Emerald Isle Golf Course, 660 S El Camino Real, Oceanside, CA 92057, (760)721-4700, Public, 18 hole, 2,500 yds, Par 56, CR-55.4, S-110
•  Ocean Hills Country Club, 4701 Leisure Village Way, Oceanside, CA 92056, (760)758-8772, Private, 18 hole, 2,138 yds, Par 55, CR-N/A, S-N/