Oceanside South Jetty

If you want to avoid the tourists then this is the place to come. Parking is tight and yes it can be crowded, but in the 20 years that I’ve lived in Oceanside this beach is always less crowded than other local spots.
In the winter if you have the heart for it and have really really good footing, you can walk out the length of the jetty and watch the surf crash onto the rocks. It’s a great photo opportunity at sunset with the back spray against silhouettes, but please make sure to wear really good non-​slip shoes as those rocks are very dangerous with even a little bit of water on them — and a water proof camera or water proof housing wouldn’t hurt either because you will get soaked.
Beyond the jetty are the shops along the dock. They have everything for a quick snack break or a nice dinner — don’t forget the ice cream shop inside (super yummy) or the gift shops and kiosks.
Have fun!

We love coming to this location South Jetty (tower 12) through north Jetty (tower 16) There are designated surf, swimming then surf zones again. Tower 14 is swim area. This is definitely a happening place and very busy on the weekends. Free and paid parking lots avail. But come early enough because it can get jammed packed at times. Especially if there is an event going on. There are many of those. Very family friendly & lots of space for easy ups & bbq’s. I’ve seen a few dogs and that doesn’t bother me. Not sure if they are officially allowed. If you leave your spot the seagulls will take over so put your food away they are not exempt from digging through your things to get it. The water is not seaweed infested like other beaches more south of here. There is the harbor, so you’ll see paddle boarders and sail boats looking out past the break. I personally love seeing that. Many resaurants and surf shops on your way in or on your way out. We have explored many local spots but this has been our creature of habit hot spot.

My favorite part of the Oceanside Harbor! Don’t be afraid to walk (or run!) out to the end of the jetty! This is a great place to surf too. The waves are pretty much always good here!

It is really crowded here. I prefer a little more privacy to my beach going experiences. The cool thing about LA beaches, there are so many of them you can always drive up north a little and find a cozy cove away from the hordes. This place is for the masses.

I like to take my dog walking here. It’s on-​leash, and dogs aren’t allowed on the beach, but there are fine sidewallks all the way around the harbor and plenty of things to see and smell. It’s about 3.5 miles to do the entire loop from South to North jetty. I’m not sure if you’re allowed to take dogs out on the breakwater, but I’ve done it, it’s a lot of fun hopping around on the rocks.
Please — pick up your dog’s poop. And if you’ve got a bag — pick up other people’s dog’s poop, too.

Low tide is a great time for little kids who are not quite ready for waves. They often have events here and when we were there we got to see like 30 parasailers landing. It was really a neat site. The rocks go out far and are relatively easy to navigate (even for me and I use a cane to walk).
It’s a great area for pictures and ocean appreciation… not so great, I wouldn’t think, for boogie boarding or surfing though.