There’s nothing I love more than skipping town for a beachy weekend getaway.
As much as I like living in Los Angeles, sometimes I need a break from the city’s traffic, crowds, and hustle culture. One of my favorite places to explore is Oceanside, a coastal military city in San Diego County.
I first discovered this spot in 2022, after looking up Amtrak’s Pacific Surfliner route. On my first trip there, I fell in love with Oceanside’s surfer vibes, vibrant food and culture, and surprising affordability.
Even getting there is easy — you can take a two-hour train for around $30 from LA, or an hourlong, $18 ride from San Diego.
Since my initial trip, I’ve been to O’side three times on the train, and I’m always discovering new things to love. Here’s what makes a train ride down to Oceanside the perfect weekend reset.
Taking the train helps me immediately ease into vacation mode
Liana Minassian
For me, the trip really begins the moment I board the train. Without the stress of driving, I can relax with some of my favorite hobbies like reading, watching Netflix, or writing in my journal.
Although it takes almost an hour longer to get there by train than by car, the free time makes it worth it.
When my husband comes along, we like to talk and have a glass of wine or a snack from the onboard café. It’s nice to just enjoy each other’s company and watch the sparkling ocean views rush by.
Spending time by the water is always at the top of my list
Liana Minassian
When I arrive, I usually head straight to the beach. Depending on my mood, I’ll either lie in the sand or walk the boardwalk (called The Strand) with a cold drink in hand.
Without fail, there are always surfers out on the water making good use of the prime wave real estate. On one of my last visits, I even stumbled across a surf competition right by the pier. I loved watching the surfers expertly maneuver through the ocean.
Although I’m not a surfer myself, watching them does inspire me to get out on the water, too. I usually head over to Harbor Village to rent a kayak — it’s such a thrill to paddle out and watch sea lions sunning themselves underneath the iconic Oceanside sign.
The walkable food and drink scene keeps me coming back
Liana Minassian
I’m a big foodie, so trying local restaurants is always on my agenda when traveling. For a laid-back beach town, the food and drink scene in Oceanside is impressive, with everything from casual cafés and gastropubs to Michelin-starred fine dining.
I can fill up on banana lattes and avocado toast at Banana Dang in the morning, grab some fresh ceviche overlooking the harbor at Lighthouse Oyster Bar & Grill, and relax in the evening with drinks and apps at the Cococabana rooftop bar.
Best of all, most of my favorite places are all within walking distance of each other, making it convenient to get around without a car.
Art and culture are easy to find here
Although I could easily spend all my time at the beach, O’side also has an arts scene that I’ve really come to enjoy.
Murals are everywhere, especially along Artist Alley, a strip of funky shops that regularly hosts artisan markets. I’ve also come across tai chi classes on the beach, street fairs like the weekly Sunset Market, and an art walk and drum circle in front of the public library.
For a more traditional art experience, I also love checking out the Oceanside Museum of Art to view their rotating exhibits or attend an event.
Later in the day, I love catching some live music at The Jazzy Wishbone or Sound by the Sea, a local listening bar.
It’s an easy, affordable beachside escape from LA or San Diego
Liana Minassian
There are a lot of beach towns in SoCal, but staying right by the water is usually pretty expensive. Oceanside, however, is surprisingly affordable, making it easy to plan a weekend close to the beach.
Every time I’ve gone, I’ve found overnight accommodations — even two-bedroom rentals — for under $200 a night.
Between how easy it is to arrive by train, navigate the area, and stick to a budget while seeing and eating everything Oceanside has to offer, this is the rare kind of beach escape that actually feels relaxing from start to finish.
