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City in California, United States
Photo: Nandaro, CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons
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Dating back to 1798, Mission San Luis Rey de Francia is the eighteenth and largest of the 21 California missions. It was the ninth and last mission founded by Fermin Lasuen. Owing to the size of its physical plant and its land grant, as well as its success in converting neophytes, it received the moniker "The King of the Missions". The oldest pepper tree in California was planted in San Luis Rey's courtyard. During the Mexican-American War, its alcalde (governor) was Sacagewea's son John Baptiste Charbonneau. It was rebuilt between 1895 and 1905 under the direction of Father Joseph O'Keefe. A museum on site has exhibits on the history of the area and there are beautiful gardens to walk through.
This historic district, home to the Rosicrucian Fellowship, is noted for its singular architecture and the preservation of nature grounds and gardens, offering a unique meditative walking experience. Accommodation and vegetarian meals are also provided during the winter and summer school activities.
Setting of Charlie's house in the 1986 film hit Top Gun.
OMA
Oceanside Museum of Art is a fine arts museum. The museum began holding exhibits in 1995, with a dedicated facility opening on October 6, 1997. It is housed in two buildings designed by Irving Gill and Frederick Fisher, modernist architects from southern California.
On the east side of Oceanside is a popular county park that includes a duck pond, horseback riding trails and bird-watching.
Popular place to visit for boating, dining, shopping and sightseeing in a pleasant environment.
A 7.21-mile trail which runs along the south bank of the San Luis Rey River, passing under several bridges and is excellent for bikers.
Right on the beach, little fish called grunion come to lay their eggs at night. They do it for 3 sequential nights every 2 or 3 weeks from March to early fall. The three nights are determined by the moon and tides, and the dates and times of the runs are printed in most tide guides. The first night they start around 11:30, the next night an hour later and the third night another hour later. To see them you will need to bring a flashlight, and should go north of the jetty, because the street lights and the North Coast Village lights make them shy. There is also a program at Birch Aquarium in La Jolla.
On Coast Highway near the Oceanside-Carlsbad border is a free nature center and self-guided nature trail at the Buena Vista Lagoon Audobon Society.
This home-style Mexican restaurant has a variety of menu items. You'll love the Margaritas and the carnitas.
Located at the intersection of Coast Highway and Wisconsin Street. Classic diner food with great burgers and shakes. Make sure to have some of John's chocolate cake.
A chain of unique restaurants spanning California and several other western states, has its roots in the San Diego area. And is headquartered in Carlsbad.
Menu options include fish tacos, fish and chips, and salads.
Wings N Things
Local chain in San Diego county with quality chicken and sides. Many options to choose from and the bread sticks are fantastic. Better than the nearby Buffalo Wild Wings.
Have a brew in a real operational brewery.
Modest and longstanding dive bar. Cold drinks, pool, and a cool setting. Cash only.
Known for its low prices, constantly changing inventory of antiques and furnishings and high volume.
By car
Oceanside is located at the intersections of Interstate 5 and California State Highways 76 and 78.
By train
Oceanside is well-connected by train.
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Carlsbad · Regional · CLD
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