Oceanside Pier Surf Spot
Being
one of the last beaches in San Diego, the Pier at Oceanside
is awesome for a fun day at the beach, surfing or just
cruising around on a skateboard or bike. Make sure to check
out the Strand, which is a road that heads from North to
South right on the beach. Not only is it a great place to
check the surf from but it’s always fun just to cruise and
have fun.
Location:
Located
in the North County of San Diego, the Pier at Oceanside is
one of the last beaches you can access before heading North
to San Clemente Accessing the beach is very easy with
parking lots and stairs everywhere so get out there an
enjoy!
Click Here for Directions
The Parking Scenario:
There are many options
when it comes to parking around the Oceanside Pier. There is
the occasional free parking spots, metered and pay parking
lots. It takes some searching to find free parking in
Oceanside and consider it impossible if it's hot and sunny
outside. The metered spots are nice but walking across that
hot pavement can be hell during summer. For some people, the
pay parking lots are the way to go because they are very
close to the beach and easy to move stuff to and from.
The pay
lot at the bottom of Seagaze
Here are
the prices and instructions for most of the lots in the
surrounding area. Make sure to confirm prices and rules in
whichever lot you park in. This sign says that it's $1.00
Per hour and $5.00 to park all day.
If you
continue South on Pacific Ave, there are toll meters and
side streets where free parking can be found. make sure to
double check because Oceanside Police routinely write
parking tickets and don't miss a beat. If you end up parking
in a metered spot, make sure to keep track of time because
like I said, they'll get you.
Here are
some metered spots along Pacific Ave.
There
are a lot of other parking possibilities located at the
North of the pier with another pay lot as well as more side
streets for free parking. On hot and sunny days, you will
have to drive around to find parking so give yourself time
and just relax, it's just a lot of people, like yourself,
that love the beach!
Beach Accessibility and Conveniences:
There
are many ways to access the beach in the Oceanside Pier
area. From the stairs located on Tyson, the walkway on
Seagaze or the stairs directly by the pier, there are many
ways to get down and enjoy the sun.
The beach
access at Tyson Street
The
stairs leading down to the beach
Accessing the beach isn't any hassle so before you park,
make note of where the stairs or walkways are and try to
park close!
Oceanside is full of conveniences for beach goers such as
restaurants, restrooms and even an amphitheatre for live
music and entertainment. Underneath the pier there is a
McDonalds and Snack Shack for snacks and meals throughout
the day.
There
are public restrooms located all over the beach to the North
and South and even right under the pier. The restrooms are
maintained by the city but are not the cleanest around.
There are so many people attending the beach on a daily
basis that it takes its toll on the restrooms and it results
in a not so clean feel. I highly recommend wearing sandals
into the restroom for cleanliness and safety.
The
restrooms located to the North of the Pier
Lifeguard:
There
are lifeguard stations all up and down the beach surrounding
the pier. In fact, they are usually only about one mile
apart from one another. During the Summer season, these
towers are running at full force trying to keep an eye out
on fellow beach goers, their job can be somewhat difficult
because of the huge number of people that attend this beach
on a hot and sunny day.
During
the Winter months, there is usually no one attending the
lifeguard towers themselves but there is often lifeguards
driving up and down the sandy beaches looking for someone in
need. Please take caution when paddling out during the
winter because it could take a while for someone to either
find you or assist you.
One of
the many lifeguard tower's with the Pier in the background
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