In June, "Best Life" magazine named Oceanside in their lists of top 100 best places to raise a family. Oceanside was honored with the 27th best place. Other cities included San Diego (4), Stamford, CT (15) and Honolulu at the top. Editors from "Best Life" based their decision on cities that offer elements that make for a good quality of life and data from U.S. Census Bureau, the National Center for Education Statistics, the FBI, the American Association of Museums, the National Center for Health Statistics and the American Bar Association. There were 257 cities evaluate for not only the best places but also the worst.
David Nydegger, CEO of the Oceanside Chamber of Commerce said, "Even if we did not have great beaches, Historic California Mission, exceptional museums, fantastic weather and award-winning schools (we have them all), Oceanside would be one of the best places to raise a family because of our wonderful community and generous people."
Picturesque sunsets, crashing waves and year-round temperatures in the 70s are just a few of the many "aaaahs" drawing locals and visitors alike to Oceanside. Centrally located in the heart of the beautiful Southern California coastline, Oceanside is the gateway to San Diego County.
Attractions/Points of Interests
▪ Three and a half miles of wide sandy beaches – Harbor Beach, Breakwater Way, Pier View North and South, Tyson Street Beach, Wisconsin Street Beach, Oceanside Boulevard, Buccaneer Beach
▪ Oceanside Harbor - Visitors enjoy watersports such as boating, kayaking and jetskiing; the charming New England-style harbor offers shops and restaurants
▪ Oceanside Pier – Fishing aficionados can simply drop a line off along City’s famous pier (the longest over-water wooden pier in California at 1,942 feet)
▪ Whale watching (January-March)
An Active Sports Mecca
▪ Unlimited outdoor recreation: boating, kayaking, biking, fishing and hiking, golf combined with international sporting events
▪ San Luis Rey River Bike Trail
Legendary Surf Town
▪ World-class surf conditions with major surfing events; US Pro Longboard Championships, NSSA Surf Competition, USSF Surf Competition, World Bodying Surfing Championships
Museums/Historical Monuments:
▪ Mission San Luis Rey de Francia, the "King of the Missions"
▪ California Surf Museum, celebrating sport and lifestyle of surfing
▪ Oceanside Museum of Art, newly expanded; two seperate exhibition halls
▪ Historic Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton
Scenic Outdoors:
▪ The Audubon Buena Vista Lagoon, rare, protected coastal bird estuary
▪ Heritage Park, historical buildings; perfect setting for picnics, reunions, weddings and receptions
