Del Mar Race Season

Where the surf meets the turf…

It’s that time again… horse racing season at the Del Mar Racetrack is back! Have you ever been to the Del Mar Horse Races? Food, fun, wagers, excitement, and entertainment: an amazing time!

What are the Del Mar Races?

   

The Del Mar Races are famous horse races that happen each year for horse racing enthusiasts to watch the high octane action fun! Not only are there amazing horses, impressive jockeys, and high-end fashion, but there is also a fantastic musical lineup as well. This year, 40,000+ fans attended what has grown to be one of the most popular and fabulous festivities in the West Coast, Opening Day at Del Mar on July 16, 2015. [Information source]

See also: Tango by the Beach in Oceanside

Jockeying for Position

Jockey is “by origin a diminutive of ‘jock’, the Northern English or Scots colloquial equivalent of the first name ‘John, which is also used generically for “boy, or fellow”, at least since 1529.

Along with the amazing horses, Del Mar Race Season jockeys are quite impressive and go through intensive training to get their horses the win. Here are a few jockeys to look out for when you’re at the racetrack:

• Flavien Prat
• Santiago Gonzalez
• Mike E. Smith
• Rafael Bejaramo
• Joseph Talamo

How to Get to the Races?

To get to Del Mar Races, you can use a variety of transportation from Oceanside. One of the most popular ways of gettingtoo and from Del Mar from O’side is taking the COASTER. To get COASTER information, click here.

If you are driving yourself to the races, the racetrack is located off the Via de la Valle exit west of the I-5 freeway.

See also: Tips for Taking the Coaster from Oceanside to San Diego

What Else Can You See at the Races?

What is spending an exciting day in the sun without enjoying some amazing food? Fans attending the Del Mar Horse Races can stay and dine at Truluck’s, the official restaurant of the Del Mar Thoroughbred Club, or head out of the track and get some delicious fare at Red Tracton’s or Pamplemousse Grille.

To keep you on your feet and excited this season, don’t miss out on the great musical acts! The Wallflowers kicked off the 2015 Summer Concert Series and we are excited for the acts that are to come. Take a look…

Upcoming Del Mar Summer Concerts

• 07/31 | The Crystal Method
• 08/01 | Ziggy Marley
• 08/07 | Thievery Corporation
• 08/14 | Steel Pulse
• 08/20 | Pepper
• 08/28 | “Weird Al” Yankovic
• 09/04 | Paul Oakenfold
• 09/06 | Weezer

Concerts are 18 and up, except on August 28th, “Weird Al” Yancovic is open to all ages. Tickets are free with racetrack admission. Purchase the $6 Stretch Run admission and that gets you a day at the races and a free concert. For additional information, click here!

And don’t forget — if you visit the Del Mar Races this season, we would love to see your photos! Share them with Visit Oceanside on social media!

Featured Image

Images [1] [2] [3] [4] [5]

The post Del Mar Race Season appeared first on Visit Oceanside.

Fun & Free for the Family | Free Summer Activities in Oceanside

Oceanside CA is a great place to live, visit, vacation, or stop by any time of year but we love the summer months because there are always fun things to do with the whole family. If you’re looking to stretch your dollars a little further this summer, here are some fun and free activities and events to participate in throughout O’side!

Oceanside Museum of Art

The Oceanside Museum of Art is an iconic building strategically located to offer a great view of the Pacific Ocean and the historical monument that is the Oceanside Pier. Oceanside Museum of Art — or OMA — is a fantastic place to visit because they always have something happening. Whether you want to attend their new exhibition opening, Free Family Art Days, their unique Art After Dark events, or you would just like to see the handmade pieces being sold in their Gift Shop, OMA is a must in the summer! Learn more about the Oceanside Museum of Art here.

See also: Heritage Park’s Free Summer Concert Series

First Friday: Oceanside Art Walk

Oceanside is proud to have a vibrant and exciting art district that is only growing and thriving! On the First Friday of each month, you can attend the amazing free Oceanside Art Walk event, where you will walk through Downtown Oceanside to view local artists’ pieces on display in venues throughout our great city. The next Oceanside Art Walk will be held on August 7th. Learn more about Oceanside Art Walk here. 

Free Summer Concert Series

Heritage Park in Oceanside hosts a series of concerts throughout July and August. All concerts are held on Sundays and are free to the public. If you want to get outdoors and get grooving, these Summer Concerts are for you! Learn more about the Free Summer Concert Series here.

MainStreet Oceanside’s Farmers Market and Sunset Market

The Oceanside Farmers Market is held every Thursday year-round from 9 am to 1 pm. Located at the corner of Pier View Way and Coast Highway, you will find a variety of local produce, flowers, delicious foods, handmade goods, jewelry, art, and so much more! Learn more about the MainStreet Oceanside Farmers Market here.

If you can’t make it during the day, head out to the Sunset Market, Oceanside’s weekly gathering from 5 pm to 9 pm. Much more than a farmers market, thousands of locals and visitors come out for the tasty hot food, eclectic merchandise, kids’ activities, and live music. This is definitely a great addition to your summer break. Learn more about the MainStreet Oceanside Sunset Market here.

California Surf Museum

Founded in 1986, the California Surf Museum is an Oceanside historical staple. As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, the museum focuses on preserving, capturing, and chronicling the art, culture, and heritage of the sport of surfing. If you have not had the opportunity to visit, you should add the California Surf Museum to your list of stops. Learn more about the California Surf Museum here.

Buena Vista Audubon Society & Nature Center

The Buena Vista Nature Center is owned and operated by the Buena Vista Audubon Society chapter, and located off of Coast Highway 101. The BVAS Nature Center is open 6 days a week and local groups and classrooms are welcome and encouraged to come and learn more about the lagoon. Learn more about the Buena Vista Audubon Society & Nature Center here.

Whether you are experiencing art, exploring nature, hanging ten, or tasting delicious dishes, summertime in Oceanside is fantastic! Let us know what you love doing in summer!

Featured Image

Images [1] [2] [3]

The post Fun & Free for the Family | Free Summer Activities in Oceanside appeared first on Visit Oceanside.

Heritage Park’s Free Summer Concert Series

Summer is here and so is the Free Summer Concert Series! Held ever Sunday through August 9th at Heritage Park in Oceanside, those attending will be treated to great music performances from a variety of genres. Come with your friends and family for a fun day out at the park!

 

See also: Dinner in Oceanside…and a Little Something Extra | An Out-of-the-Ordinary Evening

What is the Free Summer Concert Series?

Each week there will be a different act performing for the series, and the featured acts cover various genres so that everyone gets to enjoy their favorite types of music!

Some of the artists performing at the Free Concert include:

• Bluegrass Brethran, a Gospel act
• Billy Harper and Friends performing under the Patriotic/ Broadway genre
• Robert Parker, an Americana act.

This is a great selection to be enjoyed by the entire community!

 

Getting to the Free Summer Concert Series

To get to Heritage Park, 220 Peyri Drive; follow these directions: Follow highway 76, and turn north into Douglass Drive when you reach it. From Douglass Drive head east on Peyri Drive and you will find Heritage Park. Since the parking is limited, attendees are urged to carpool.

What to Bring

Entrance to the concerts is free and you are welcome to bring food and refreshments for a relaxing, fun time at Heritage Park. Some other things to think about bringing are:

• A light sweater or jacket in case it gets a bit chilly out
• A camera if you want to snap some fun photos
• A blanket or comfortable chair to sit on

See also: Summer at the Buena Vista Audubon Society

Featured Image

Images [1] [2] [3] [4] [5]

The post Heritage Park’s Free Summer Concert Series appeared first on Visit Oceanside.

Oceanside Day at Petco Park

Take me out to the ballgame…

This Sunday, Oceanside will be taking over Petco Park! All are invited to the fun-filled Oceanside Day at Petco Park. Batter up! On July 26^th at 1:10 pm, the San Diego Padres will face off against the Florida Marlins in an exhilarating game of baseball!

What is Oceanside Day at Petco Park?

Local Oceanside residents are encouraged to attend this epic day filled with exciting family events with their friends and relatives! Ticket holders will be allowed in on the warning track for a pregame ceremony to honor the City of Oceanside just before the first pitch, so neat!

How to Attend

If you are interested, you can use the promo code OPR2015 to get a discount on your tickets. Ticket proceeds from this fun event will fans will go to “Friends of Oceanside Parks”. Lower Right Field Reserve Section tickets are on sale now for just $20 (face value of $29) at The Junior Seau Beach Community Center, 300 N. The Strand, or, and at Parks and Recreation Administration at City Hall, 300 North Coast Highway. You can also purchase them online by clicking here.

See also: Supergirl Pro 2015

Getting to Petco Park from Oceanside

To get to Petco Park, it is recommended that attending Oside residents take the Coaster. The cost is just $12 for a round trip ticket and you do not have to worry about searching for parking or paying for gas. The Coaster ticket also includes a free Trolley connection to Petco Park upon alighting from the Coaster. *When riding on the Coaster, it is important to note that alcohol consumption and carriage of open containers is prohibited at all times.

See also: Tips for Taking the Coaster from Oceanside to San Diego

We hope to see you out there rooting for the Padres and supporting our wonderful city! Play ball!

Featured Image

Images [1] [2]

The post Oceanside Day at Petco Park appeared first on Visit Oceanside.

Dinner in Oceanside…and a Little Something Extra | An Out-of-the-Ordinary Evening

Are you looking for a great Oceanside restaurant that’s a little out of the box? Here are some great places to check out if you are looking for a fun night out; these out-of-the-ordinary places to dine are sure to make your evening an unforgettable one!

BLVD Chinese Kitchen | 514 S Coast Highway

Not only does BLVD put a unique twist on traditional Chinese dishes, but they are the only place we know where you can go in, dine on some delicious food, and watch Kung Fu movies! Every Friday is Kung Fu Friday, and Fridays are also fun at BLVD because they showcase artists with live music!

For more on BLVD, click here: BLVD Chinese Kitchen: Chinese Food with a Twist

Love Boat Sushi | 125 Old Grove Road

If you’ve got a birthday to celebrate, this is the place you’ll want to be. The entire service staff — including the sushi chefs — don hats and silly glasses and sing a raucous birthday song for the birthday guy or gal! Even if you’re not celebrating a birthday, it’s definitely a fun scene to watch. On weekends, Love Boat has live music: the restaurant is open daily for lunch and dinner. This is a great place to go with your family, friends, or on a date!

Pour House | 1905 S Coast Highway

Pour House has Happy Hour specials every Monday through Friday from 11 am – 6 pm, what a deal! They also have Karaoke Night on Mondays, DJs performing on Tuesdays, Open Mic Night on Wednesdays, different local artists on Fridays! With so many options throughout the week, this is an exciting place to dine, so be sure to check it out!

Dani P’s Cork & Tap | 560 Greenbrier Drive #105

Dani P’s Cork & Tap is a great local bar where you can relax, have a drink, and enjoy your night out. They have live DJs and the good, old jukebox for your musical pleasures. They have live events happening ever Friday, karaoke on Saturday nights, and plenty of other fun.

Harney Sushi | 301 Mission Avenue

Harney Sushi is known for their scrumptious sushi, but that’s not all they have. Join them Mondays for Happy Hour at 5:30 pm, Wasabi and Wax on Wednesdays, Artist Showcase on Thursdays, and live DJ performances on Fridays and Saturdays! It sounds like a good time to us!

Legacy Brewing Company | 363 Airport Road

Every Thursday Legacy Brewery has Beer and Bingo, where they put a little spin on the traditional bingo that you may be familiar with. They also have Food Truck Fridays, which are perfect opportunities to try different types of food from various food truck companies.

For a little something sweet, click here: Summer Vacation Checklist | Cool Treats for Warm Weather

Featured Image – BLVD Chinese Kitchen

BLVD Chinese Kitchen [1] [2]

Love Boat Sushi [1] [2]

Pour House [1] [2]

Dani P’s Cork & Tap [1] [2]

Harney Sushi [1] [2]

Legacy Brewing Company [1] [2]

The post Dinner in Oceanside…and a Little Something Extra | An Out-of-the-Ordinary Evening appeared first on Visit Oceanside.

Summer Vacation Checklist | Best Spots to Catch an Oceanside Sunset

As many people know, Oceanside is a seaside oasis with breathtakingly beautiful beaches and some of the best surf spots in Southern California. Oceanside attracts many tourists for its picture perfect sunset views.

Check out some of Oceanside locals favorite spots to catch a picture-perfect postcard sunset…

Perfect Spots to Catch a Sunset in Oceanside CA

On the Oceanside Pier | Pier View Way, N Pacific St

The Oceanside Pier is not only a wonderful place to catch a sunset, but it also has many other things. Enjoy a scrumptious burger or milkshake at the end of the Pier at Ruby’s Diner, listen to free music, go fishing, and stop by the souvenir shop. There is also free parking near Harney Sushi and Pier View Coffee.

Lower Level of the Oceanside Pier | Pier View Way, N Pacific St

The lower level of the Oceanside Pier is a perfect place to catch a sunset! Go for the sunset, and stay for fun on the playground, or build a bonfire with friends. The lower level also has a path for people to cruise along on their bikes, skateboards, or to walk the dogs.

Hello Betty Fish House | 211 Mission Ave

Hello Betty Fish House has a huge indoor/outdoor bar with a great view of the ocean and the Pier! Their rooftop is a prime place to catch a terrific sunset while sipping on a tasty cocktail!

Looking for something cool and refreshing? Summer Vacation Checklist | Cool Treats for Warm Weather

Buccaneer Beach | 1500 S Pacific St

Buccaneer Beach a little over a mile south of the Pier, right along S Pacific Street. There a small park and parking lot across the street, and here a stream flows into the ocean, making for great reflections during sunset.

Oceanside Harbor | 1540 N Harbor Dr

The Oceanside Harbor has very beautiful sunsets and don’t forget all there is to do at the Harbor! There are fantastic restaurants, you can rent a boat, hang out at great beaches with cabanas and fire rings, and who doesn’t love plenty of free parking?!

See also: Paddleboarding 101

Stratford at the Harbor | 280 Harbor Dr S

Located on the beautiful Oceanside Harbor, visitors and locals alike enjoy the homestyle cooking and comfortable atmosphere offered at Stratford at the Harbor. With delicious breakfast and lunch dishes, and tasty drinks and desserts, there’s something for everyone!

333 Pacific | 333 N Pacific St

333 Pacific is a wonderful place to go for a nice, elegant sit-down dinner or to grab a refreshing cocktail. They are right across from the Oceanside Pier, giving them absolutely breathtaking views — both indoors and outdoors — of the beach sunset.

See also: Tango by the Beach in Oceanside

That wraps up our list of amazing spots to catch a sunset! Where have you seen an Oceanside sunset? Did you snap a photo? We would love to see it…and don’t forget to let us know what your perfect spot was!

Featured Image

Images [1] [2] [3] [4] [5] [6] [7]

The post Summer Vacation Checklist | Best Spots to Catch an Oceanside Sunset appeared first on Visit Oceanside.

Phenomenal Oceanside Facebook Photos: June 2015

Summer in Oceanside, California is an absolutely amazing time of year. Lately we have had some outstanding photos shared with us, and we cannot wait to see more! Take a look at just a few of the phenomenal Oside photos that were shared with us on on our Facebook page…

Shared by Rich C

Shared by Alan C

Shared by Talia C

Shared by Rebecca S

Shared by Lindy M

Shared by Robin C

Shared by Rosie S

We love these, and we want to see more! We want to see your #OceansideFaces, #OceansideMemories, and what you do to show your Oceanside love, #IHeartOceanside!

Share on:

• Facebook – post them directly to our page
• Instagram – tag us using @VisitOceanside
• Twitter – tag us using @VisitOceanside

Featured image by Stryker Photography

The post Phenomenal Oceanside Facebook Photos: June 2015 appeared first on Visit Oceanside.

Summer at the Buena Vista Audubon Society

We recently had the chance to visit the Buena Vista Audubon Society Nature Center and learn about the fun and educational events and programs happening this summer. Natalie Shapiro from BVAS was kind enough to share some extra information with the Visit Oceanside community about educational opportunities, so take a look at what’s coming up at BVAS!

Educational Opportunities at the BVAS Nature Center

The BVAS Nature Center, located on the edge of the Buena Vista Lagoon, is a great place for families to learn about the local fauna and flora of Southern California’s only fresh-water lagoon. Trained docents help with the learning process.

Taxidermy

You may not know this but BVAS has its own taxidermist. Over the years, the taxidermist has created a collection of displays of various songbirds, birds of prey, ducks, terns, pelicans and many other birds, as well as mammals, that live in the Buena Vista Lagoon and the areas surrounding it. All of these animals are indigenous to the area. Children and adults alike learn how to identify the birds they see around the lagoon through these displays, and learn also about the amazing biodiversity of the lagoon.

Click here to see more Audubon places in California!

Zooming In

A new educational tool is BVAS’ high powered microscope, which magnifies the tiny life in lagoon water on a TV screen attached to the scope. Our docents collect water and aquatic insects from the lagoon, and then place a sample under the scope; this is one of the most popular things to do at the nature center! This hands-on learning shows participants that the lagoon is full of life, and helps them understand how important the lagoon is for the web of life. The tiny aquatic insects and shrimp are important food for fish and birds. The lagoon has amazing diversity; we have counted about 15 different species of aquatic insects, fish, and crustaceans that live in the lagoon!

The Lagoon

Other displays explain what wetlands and lagoons are, and why they are important (for example, less than 5% of the original coastal wetlands remain, and they are important stopping areas for migrating birds). Then visitors can walk on our quarter-mile long trail around a small portion of the lagoon and experience the wetlands and lagoon. Here they see cattails and other plants adapted to being inundated in water most of the year, mysterious bubbles coming up from the bottom of the lagoon (bacteria digesting algae), and tiny creatures that love lagoon water. Families can pause at two wooden docks by the lagoon, and with some patience, can spot tadpoles, mosquito fish, crayfish, aquatic insects, birds, fish, frogs, and turtles.

To learn more about what the BVAS in Oceanside has to offer, click here.

The nature center also offers free guided tours year-round for anybody interested in learning details about this amazing place.

Thank you to guest blogger, Natalie Shapiro of Buena Vista Audubon Society, for writing this piece.

Image 1

The post Summer at the Buena Vista Audubon Society appeared first on Visit Oceanside.

Supergirl Pro 2015

The 2015 Supergirl Pro Competition in Oceanside

This month, Oceanside welcomes back Supergirl Pro for the 2015 Supergirl Pro Series, the only all-girls action sport competition in the world!

70,000 people travel from all over the country and world to watch this competition and about 1 million people will watch on television. This free event is not only a surf competition but also includes a festival village with live music, athlete autographs, speed painting, clothing, skateboarding, yoga, zumba, art, fashion, sustainability, food trucks, beer garden, a film festival, celebrities, and over 50 vendors. What a fantastic, fun-filled weekend! [Information source]

The event features 112 of the world’s top pro athletes, including superstars like Steph Gilmore, Coco Ho, Carissa Moore, Bethany Hamilton, Courtney Conlogue, Alana Blanchard, Lyn-Z Pastrana, Alexis Sablone, Leticia Bufoni, and many more. Supergirl Pro will have 10 hours of TV coverage on FOX Sports and Time Warner Sportsnet as well as a live webcast. [Information source]

General Information

Date:

Friday, July 24, 2015 – Sunday, July 26, 2015

Time:

Friday & Saturday: 8 am – 6 pm
Sunday: 10 am – 4 pm

Location:

Oceanside Pier

Lodging Information:

Traveling to Oceanside for Supergirl Pro?  Click here to view Supergirl Pro lodging specials.

Parking:

There are many free public parking lots, a parking structure, paid parking lots and meter parking all close to the Oceanside Pier.

This event will be crowded so parking may be a challenge. The coaster, sprinter and other public transportation is available for this event. There are plenty of places to park your bike at the event.

Event Schedule

Day 1: Friday, July 24, 8 am – 5 pm

8 am – 10 am – Round 1 (Round of 108) 6 Heats @ 20 Minutes

10 am – 2 pm – Round 2 (Round of 96) 12 Heats @ 20 Minutes

2 pm – 5 pm – Round 3 (Round of 72) 9 Heats @ 20 Minutes

See also: Tips to Learn to Surf in Oceanside California

Day 2: Saturday, July 25, 8 am – 6 pm

8 am – 9 am – Round 3 (Round of 72) 3 Heats @20 Minutes

9 am – 2 pm – Round 4 (Round of 48) 12 Heats @ 25 Minutes

2 pm – 5:20 pm – Round 5 (Round of 24) 8 Heats @ 25 Minutes

Day 3: Sunday, July 26, 10 am – 4 pm

8:15 am – 11:35 am – Round 6 (Round of 16) 8 Heats @ 25 Minutes

11:35 am – 1:15 pm – Quarterfinals 4 Heats @ 25 Minutes

1:15 pm – 2:05 pm – Semifinals 2 Heats @ 25 Minutes

2:05 pm – 2:35 pm – Celebrity Surf Contest 1 Heat @ 30 Minutes

2:35 pm – 3:05 pm – Finals 1 Heat @ 30 Minutes

3:15 pm – 3:35 pm – Awards Ceremony

Festival Village Hours

Friday, 10 am – 5 pm

Saturday, 9 am – 6 pm

Sunday, 9 am – 5 pm

Entertainment Hours

Saturday, 11 am – 6 pm

Sunday, 10 am – 4 pm

To learn more about Supergirl Pro, click here!

Featured Image

Images [1] [2] [3] [4] [5]

The post Supergirl Pro 2015 appeared first on Visit Oceanside.