California - Oceanside Stay-Tips

Hi All,

Heading down to Southern Cal for a 12 day trip. We spend a lot of time vacationing downthere so we know our way around a bit.

Of course being a Ftalker, always using hotel points ot book free nights.

We're thinking of staying in Oceanside for a couple of nights.

For a family of four (incl 1x 1 year old and 1x 5 year old), is Oceanside fairly safe and a great visit for families? I know there is a nice beach there but I've heard it can get very busy?

We love Coronado Beach as well, so it's possible we hit up that beach for a day as well from our 2 day base in Oceanside.

Where are you staying in Oceanside on points?

The beach in Oceanside is one of the most beautiful in San Diego but few know about it or venture that far north from San Diego. Safe? I guess that is a relative term. I have never felt "unsafe" in Oceanside but there certainly is more gang activity there than in La Jolla :). I am not sure I would spend a lot of time walking around at night (but there is no real reason to).

Speaking of beautiful beaches, south Carlsbad is another hidden gem and one of our favorites to walk at low tide.

There certainly is not the charm of Carlsbad nor of La Jolla and other than the beach I can't find much to recommend to do there (downtown Oceanside). We do enjoy walking on the pier and Ruby's is a fun place to eat for lunch.

Have you thought about Legoland? I think it is well done and perfect for your kids. There are great places to stay on points, more to do and Carlsbad is a much better area.

What is your attraction to Oceanside (asked as a 30 year resident of North County - Leucadian)?

+1 on Legoland.

Root around the Internet for deals on Legoland.

We found a deal where the kids were free last year and that saved us well over $100 in fees.

Personally, I prefer Del Mar, CA over Carlsbad. Centrally located between Oceanside and DT San Diego. Beautiful beach. Several really nice hotels that are walking distance to dining shopping, etc. A small, beautiful village but with easy freeway access.

Then again, that's just me...:D

Del Mar is nice, but with kids, I'd vote for Carlsbad as well. Plus I don't know when you are thinking of coming but when the Del Mar (San Diego County) Fair is on, we stay far far away from Del Mar.

IMHO, my favorite restaurant by far in Oceanside is 333 Pacific - although it might be a bit fancy and spendy to do with young kids. It's in the Wyndham Hotel, which, as far as I can discern is probably one of the few major chain hotels with a points program that one might find in Oceanside.

There are all manner of places to stay in Carlsbad, running the gamut from Four Seasons Aviara down to Motel 6, as well as several places midway between that extreme, such as a Marriott Courtyard or Residence Inn. Carlsbad is only 5 miles or so south of Oceanside, and is, in general, nicer, cleaner, and safer.

If you can, I'd check out Tip Top Meats for breakfast one day
http://tiptopmeats.com/
If you like meat for breakfast, they're right down in Carlsbad and you can get all you can eat meats I believe

Hi All,

Heading down to Southern Cal for a 12 day trip. We spend a lot of time vacationing downthere so we know our way around a bit.

Of course being a Ftalker, always using hotel points ot book free nights.

We're thinking of staying in Oceanside for a couple of nights.

For a family of four (incl 1x 1 year old and 1x 5 year old), is Oceanside fairly safe and a great visit for families? I know there is a nice beach there but I've heard it can get very busy?

We love Coronado Beach as well, so it's possible we hit up that beach for a day as well from our 2 day base in Oceanside.

Oceanside is fairly safe, although it is not the safest of the SD coastal towns. I would second the other posters who have suggested Del Mar or Carlsbad as being more kid-friendly. Oceanside has a stronger local population that enjoys partying than Carlsbad or Del Mar.

My personal favourite beach is La Jolla Shores.