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A Day at the Oceanside Harbor   by Noah Gilbert


One of Oceanside's biggest draws, the beautiful Oceanside Harbor is a popular spot to spend the day for boaters, watersport lovers, and tourists who come to enjoy the quaint shops, terrific dining, and colorful beach atmosphere. Located at the northern most point of Oceanside's 3.5 miles of sandy beaches, the Oceanside Harbor and Harbor Village is an ideal place to spend a day. With numerous private boat slips visitors will be greeted with a beautiful view into the Pacific Ocean over the colorful bobbing sails and cabins of yachts, houseboats, and sportsfishing ships. The adjoining Oceanside Harbor Beach offers fire rings, sandy volleyball courts, covered grills and picnic tables, and great waves.

6 Great Activities at the Harbor 1) Rent a jetski For those who live life an inch above the water Boat Rentals of America offers jetskis and kayaks for rent. Paddle or motor out into the sparkling harbor and enjoy the best the Pacific has to offer. 2) Go Fish Helgren's Sportsfishing Inc. offers daily fishing expeditions as well as whale-watching tours, so whether you want to catch a big fish or watch the even bigger ones, Helgren's is sure to satisfy. 3) Get Burnt Oceanside Harbor Beach has some of the widest range of amenities of any of Oceanside's great beaches and offers a less-crowded alternative to beaches by the Oceanside Pier. Play a game of volleyball, grill some burgers, or just lay back and let the sun do its job. Make sure to bring sunscreen! 4) Grab a Bite The Oceanside Harbor has a wide selection of dining options to choose from. For fresh seafood try Harbor Fish & Chips, Joe's Crab Shack, Rockin' Baja, or the Jolly Rogers. For those with sweet tooths or a caffeine addiction the Robin's Nest, Nautical Bean, and Harbor Deli are best bets. 5) Shop it Up Whether you're looking for themed t-Shirts, Oceanside souvenirs, or beach toys, the Harbor Gift Shop, Hawaiian Hut, and Beach Brat are great little shops to browse. 6) Dock The Oceanside Small Craft Harbor has a multitude of amenities for the visiting or local boat owner. With a fuel dock, launch ramps, electrical and water hookups, laundry, and much more, the Harbor is a great place to tie up in its rental slips.

Harbor Events One of the most popular of Oceanside's city events, Oceanside Harbor Days is an annual festival thrown by the Oceanside Chamber of Commerce and various businesses within the Harbor District. Thousands of people gather every year in early September for boating competitions like the Mayor's Cup Regatta and Nail N' Sail as well as various food vendors (philly cheesesteak sandwiche stands and satay kiosks are always in force) and great shopping. For entertainment there is usually a variety of acts including magicians, live bands, and various performers.

So whether you're looking to sail or just stroll around, the Oceanside Harbor is a great place to spend some time year round!

About the Author

Come check out sunny Oceanside, CA. OsideAlive is the total guide to Oceanside, CA with dining, news, classifieds, and more.