As San Diego's South Bay is all but guaranteed to become Southern California's new vacation hotspot with the grand opening of the highly anticipated Gaylord Pacific Resort & Convention Center, what about North County?
While most San Diego visitors stick to the script with endless hours spent trying to snap the perfect panda selfie at the San Diego Zoo, or spending way too long finding a parking space at Mission Beach, the vibrant towns dotting the northern coast away from the bustle are teeming with quintessential SoCal vibes like you see in the movies.
One coastal gem in particular has risen from its sketchy reputation of trailer park-laden streets and run-down “rusty spoon” eateries in place of flashy resorts, a scenic downtown drag anchored by trendy new restaurants, and according to experts at GOBankingRates, who know a thing or two about finances, Oceanside was crowned California's most affordable beach vacation.
With a newly opened alternative airport close by and fewer crowds than usual San Diego go-tos, Oceanside has never been more appealing for a summer escape!
Oceanside: An Unexpected Renaissance
California and cheap go together, about as well as high socks with denim shorts. Not to judge any retro rebels out there.
Oceanside lives up to the hype as a budget-friendly vacation destination, especially if you're willing to hop around North County, which is all-encompassing and complete with delightful attractions.
As far as coastal options, Oceanside is undoubtedly San Diego County's cheapest city. Let's be real – you're not traveling to SoCal to visit Lakeside's rodeo or National City's …absolute nothingness, to be frank.
Oceanside is a city even some San Diegans still snark at, but honestly, that's just because they haven't seen its glow-up, or maybe their La Jolla botox appointments have them permanently snark-faced.
The point is that even locals are missing out.
Last fall, San Diego Reader claimed Oceanside is ‘finally hip', and they're right. Citing a drop in crime and change in demographics, they also accurately describe the unexpected renaissance stating, ‘after years and years of false starts, that anyone who’s been away for even four or five years would hardly recognize it'.
Oceanside's Affordability Factor
As a shameless Happy Hour frequenter, I can tell you firsthand that prices aren't what they used to be in San Diego proper—and that's why you can catch me at Chili's (speaking of Renaissances).
While you shouldn't expect Florida prices in O'side, for California standards, you're not going to eye-roll the bill.
The good thing is that, like most of San Diego County, it's a great place to be outside. Whether taking a sunset stroll, surfing the vivid blue waters, fishing (permit-free) off the Oceanside Pier, or renting a bike for a breezy ride along the 9-mile San Luis Rey River Trail, there are plenty of free and low-cost activities.
While most visitors stick to Central San Diego and the nearest beaches, savings in San Diego County's northernmost coastal town are well worth the drive (or train ride) up.
Even Oceanside's gas prices are cheaper (my go-to pit stop for L.A. road trips). Of course, “cheaper” should be used loosely when the unleaded price still starts with “4”.
Though what's most surprising about Oceanside is its hidden-gem level attractions, which I wouldn't even know about if it weren't for my new favorite guidebook, 111 Places In San Diego That You Must Not Miss, currently on pre-order — but guess who got an advanced copy? 💁🏻♂️
Make sure to check out these 3 affordable hidden gems most San Diego tourists don't know about:
- California Surf Museum ($7 admission; kids enter free)
- Goblin Shark Emporium (funky gift shop with curated art, vinyl, and vintage attire)
- Fisherman's Market Of North County (Oceanside's freshest of fresh seafood)
The latter might just be the cream of the crop. San Diego Magazine gave it props with founder Travis Tielens claiming it's ‘just fresh fish at good prices'.
Further saying, “You would go to some of these high-end fish markets and they’ve got tuna priced at $36 to $44 a pound. Over here at the market, it’s anywhere from $20 to $25 a pound.”
Beachside Bungalows & Flashy Resorts: Where To Stay In O'side
Pre-COVID, you might have been stuck with yellow-stained ceilings from all the smoking gamblers at O'side's janky roadside casino, but nowadays, there are far more desirable options, ranging from beachside bungalows for rent to flashy resorts still passable as new.
The most notable resort is The Seabird Ocean Resort & Spa (a Destination by Hyatt Hotel), but doesn't quite live up to Oceanside's affordability draw at $333 per night.
If that's slightly out of budget, go with Club Wyndham Oceanside Pier Resort instead. It's much more reasonable at $199 per night this summer.
For sample size, if you were to book even a 3-star hotel in San Diego such as Courtyard San Diego Downtown, it tops $260 per night making O'side a steal with stunning beachfront views.
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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com
Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.