As a native of Northern California, I have always had a love for coastal towns. There is something about the ocean breeze, the sound of waves crashing against the shore, and the relaxed culture that always draws me in. And while I have traveled to many beach destinations, I have found a special connection with Oceanside, California.
Oceanside, or “O’side” as the locals call it, is a charming coastal city located in San Diego County. It is known for its picturesque beaches, historic pier, and vibrant downtown area. But what I love most about this city is its food and beverage scene, particularly the local sips.
WHAT IS O’SIDE SIPS?
‘O’Side Sips’ is the name given to the city’s unique craft beverage scene, which includes everything from craft beer and wine to coffee and cocktails. The city’s diverse community of brewers, roasters, and mixologists has come together to create a unique and dynamic beverage culture that reflects the city’s laid-back vibe and coastal charm.
Many cities and towns have an abundance of craft beverage options. But what we love about O’Side Sips is not just the variety, but you can sign up for free to win prizes for check-ins! Win a prize for 3, 5, and 10 check-ins! (Not to brag, but we won all three prizes). It also has an interactive a map showing participating locations for easy-visiting. Sign up and start sipping!
Also if you sign up for O’Side Sips, you’ll be eligible for special discounts at participating locations! 2-for-1 wine tastings, 10% off coupons, and more! Be sure to check out what each location offers and you could save some serious dough! Keep reading to find some of our favs.
COFFEE CULTURE IN OCEANSIDE
Coffee lovers will find plenty to enjoy in Oceanside’s coffee scene. The city has several independent coffee shops, each with their own unique vibe and offerings. Our personal favorite is Camp Coffee Company, which offers a s’mores inspired latte, and they boast house-made vanilla syrup (yum!) . You’ll want to keep coming back to try all the different delicious lattes!
Another must-visit coffee spot in Oceanside is Pier View Coffee Company, which is conveniently located just a block from the famous pier. Their Breakfast Pesto Panini paired with an Iced Creme Brulee Latte were a surprisingly amazing combo!
CRAFT BEER IN OCEANSIDE
Oceanside is home to a thriving craft beer scene, with several local breweries producing some of the most delicious and unique beers in the region. One of my favorite breweries in the city is Craft Coast Beer & Tacos, which offers a wide variety of beers. Their flagship beer, the Agua Baja, is light and refreshing! But our favorite was the Beast of the Northeast Hazy IPA. Not to mention the veggie tacos and nachos are out of this world!
Another great brewery is Stone Brewing Taproom, which has a relaxing patio atmosphere and tons of beers to try! With one of their main brewing locations not far away in Escondido, this definitely feels like a Southern California spot! We opted for a tasting flight to pick our favorite IPA which was a tie between the Tangerine Express Hazy IPA and the Stone Hazy IPA.
WINE TASTING IN OCEANSIDE
If wine is more your style, Oceanside has several options for wine tasting. We really enjoyed Orfila Vineyards Tasting Room, right downtown and a great patio for people-watching! Don’t miss the Estate Syrah!
Another great spot for wine tasting in Oceanside is Coomber Craft Wines. They specialize not just in wine, but in fun and community. You’ll find an inviting tasting room, knowledgeable staff, and 2-for-1 tastings for first time visitors. The tasting room also offers live music almost every day of the week! Making it the perfect spot to relax and enjoy a glass of wine with friends.
One that we did not get to visit was Beach House Winery. Beach House Winery is one of the city’s most popular wineries, offering a beautiful ocean view. And also a variety of wines made from grapes grown in California’s wine country. Adding this one to our list for next time!
COCKTAILS AND SPIRITS IN OCEANSIDE
For those who enjoy a good cocktail or spirit, Oceanside has plenty of options as well. The city’s craft cocktail scene is thriving, with several bars and restaurants offering creative and delicious cocktails made with local ingredients. Frankie’s is one such spot, with creativity immersed in every detail. The cocktail names, the ingredients, – even the menu blew us away! Peruse the cocktail selection printed on a CD insert, or ask the incredibly knowledgeable bartender for something just for you! We tried the World Star, a take on an Old Fashioned with Shiitake Mushroom Infused Bourbon, and the Peach Scone which had Butter Washed Bourbon. Highly recommend visiting Frankie’s lounge when in Oceanside!
A little outside of the main strip, Pacific Coast Spirits is a must-visit. They offer a variety of handcrafted spirits, including whiskey, bourbon, vodka, and gin. Relax on one of their comfy couches and try a tasting flight or one of the many flavorful concoctions! So let the spirit move you – you can’t go wrong!
OCEANSIDE IS MORE THAN JUST DRINKS
While the O’Side Sips scene is definitely a highlight of visiting Oceanside, there are also plenty of other attractions in the city that make it a great destination for a weekend getaway or a longer vacation. Here are just a few:
HISTORIC OCEANSIDE
OCEANSIDE PIER: The city’s historic pier is a must-visit, with beautiful views of the ocean and plenty of opportunities for fishing, surfing, and people-watching. Stop at Pier View Coffee and walk to the pier to watch the surfers catch waves – a true Southern California experience.
TOP GUN HOUSE: Yes, THE Top Gun house. It has been moved from its original location, but is still standing and now serves as The Famous High Pie, a local pie shop. There is even an exact replica of Maverick’s motorcycle posted up out front. It was amazing to see this iconic movie set in-person!
CALIFORNIA SURF MUSEUM: This museum celebrates the history and culture of surfing in California, with exhibits that showcase the evolution of the sport and its impact on the state’s culture.
SUN, SURF, & SHOP
SUNSET MARKET: This weekly market takes place on Thursday evenings and features local vendors selling everything from fresh produce to handmade crafts. It’s a great place to sample local food and drinks and experience the city’s vibrant community.
OCEANSIDE HARBOR: This beautiful harbor is home to a variety of shops, restaurants, and water activities. Take a stroll along the boardwalk, rent a kayak or paddleboard, or enjoy a sunset dinner at one of the waterfront restaurants. PRO-TIP: Rent a Surrey Bike and ride your way from one O’Side Sip spot to the next!
HIT THE BEACH: Oceanside, California boasts some of the best beaches and sunset viewing spots in the state. The city’s main beach, Oceanside Beach, is a wide, sandy beach perfect for sunbathing and surfing. For a quieter experience, head to Harbor Beach, located next to the Oceanside Harbor. And for a unique experience, visit the tidepools at Buccaneer Beach, where you can explore a variety of marine life.
CATCH AN OCEANSIDE SUNSET: When it comes to sunset viewing, the Oceanside Pier is a popular spot for locals and visitors alike. The pier stretches out into the ocean, offering unobstructed views of the sun setting over the water. For a more secluded experience, head to South Oceanside Beach, where you can watch the sunset from the top of the cliffs overlooking the ocean. And if you’re looking for a romantic spot, head to the Oceanside Harbor and enjoy a sunset dinner at one of the waterfront restaurants.
WHO IS READY FOR SOME O’SIDE SIPS?
As someone who has fallen in love with Oceanside and its unique beverage scene, I can confidently say that this city is a must-visit for anyone who loves craft beer, wine, coffee, or cocktails. The community of brewers, roasters, and mixologists in Oceanside are passionate about their craft and are always coming up with new and exciting offerings.
But Oceanside is more than just a great destination for food and drink. The city’s beautiful beaches, vibrant downtown area, and variety of attractions make it a great place to relax and explore. And with San Diego just a short drive away, visitors can easily combine a trip to Oceanside with a visit to one of California’s most popular cities.
In conclusion, if you’re looking for a laid-back coastal destination with a vibrant beverage scene and plenty of other attractions, Oceanside is definitely worth a visit. Whether you’re a craft beer enthusiast, a wine lover, a coffee aficionado, or a cocktail connoisseur, you’ll find plenty to enjoy in this charming California city. So pack your bags, head to Oceanside, and experience the unique flavors of O’Side Sips for yourself.
Let us know what you thought of this, if we missed anything, and if you plan on sipping with O’Side Sips in Oceanside, down below in our comments!
And if you’re looking for some other California inspiration, check out some of our other articles:
- 12 TOWNS TO VISIT ON THE CALIFORNIA COAST
- A MIDWEEKEND GETAWAY IN SAN LUIS OBISPO: THE BEST TIME TO VISIT!
- A WEEKEND IN MORGAN HILL CALIFORNIA
- 10 THINGS TO DO NEAR SAN JOSE CALIFORNIA
- 9 WAYS TO VIEW GOLDEN GATE BRIDGE
