On the east side of Oceanside is a popular county park that includes a duck pond, horseback riding trails and bird-watching.
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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.
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.
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.
Popular place to visit for boating, dining, shopping and sightseeing in a pleasant environment.