Oceanside is a quintessential Southern California coastal city. It’s charming, eclectic, laid-back, welcoming, and wonderful. Oceanside has a thriving art and culinary scene, plenty of opportunities for outdoor fun, and a slower pace than nearby San Diego, while being close enough for residents to enjoy all that the bigger city offers to see and do too. In so many ways, Oceanside would make a wonderful place to call home.
A Look at Oceanside's History
Situated on the Pacific coastline, Oceanside was so named for that very reason. The area that is now Oceanside was initially occupied by the Spanish in the 1700s. Many missions founded by the Spanish in the area including the well-known mission San Luis Rey still stand today. When the area became part of the United States, the city continued to grow, both as a wharf and important location for fishing and also as a popular tourist destination. Today, the area remains beautiful, and vibrant, full of friendly people, and much to see and do. Truly would make a great place to call home.
A Few Fun Facts About Oceanside
Read more fun facts about Oceanside here.
Oceanside’s LGBTQ Community
Oceanside is a city that loves and supports its LGBTQ community with a variety of resources, including:
PFLAG San Diego County is Oceanside’s local chapter of the national PFLAG organization, which is the largest grassroots organization of its kind in the country. PFLAG is well-known for its mission of supporting LGBTQ people, friends, family, and allies across the country in a wide variety of ways. With 500 chapters and more than 200,000 members in the United States, PFLAG plays a critical and important role in providing advocacy, support, and resources to the LGBTQ community.
North County LGBTQ Resource Center
The mission of Oceanside’s North County LGBTQ community center is to provide a safe, welcoming space, to encourage awareness and visibility, and to provide events, advocacy, and opportunities for connection to the LGBTQ community living in the greater Oceanside area.
What's the Weather Like in Oceanside?
Those who live in Oceanside can expect the picture-perfect sunny, breezy weather that Southern California is so well-known for. Temperatures typically range from the mid-40s to the mid-70s year-round. Oceanside receives around 13 inches of rain per year, no snow, and an average of 266 sunny days.
Can’t-Miss Events in Oceanside
Pride by the Beach is Oceanside’s annual LGBTQ pride celebration, and it’s one event that you won’t want to miss. This day-long celebration includes family-friendly entertainment, more than 100 vendors, speakers, performances, food, and even a children’s garden too.
The annual pride celebration in nearby San Diego is one of the largest in the country. Whether you enjoy parades, parties, family-friendly activities, rallies, speakers, networking opportunities, or all of the above, you'll find it at this popular three-day party!
The Best Neighborhoods in Oceanside
Unlike some larger cities that tend to have one specific “gayborhood,” the LGBTQ community in Oceanside is sprinkled throughout the city, and truly, anywhere in the city would make a wonderful place to call home. As with many parts of Southern California, housing tends to be more expensive, but there are several truly beautiful locations and homes to choose from. The median list price of homes for sale in Oceanside over the past year was approximately $625,000.
Arts and Entertainment
Oceanside Museum of Art is a beautiful fine arts museum that has been hosting a variety of excellent exhibits since 1995. This beautiful facility features a wide variety of contemporary art and is a great place to spend an afternoon being educated and inspired.
Film OUT San Diego LGBTQ Film Festival
The annual San Diego Film OUT festival is a wonderful four-day event that includes international films, short and feature films, and showcases talent from across the country for guests to enjoy. It's definitely one event that you'll want to put on your calendar.
Parks and Recreation
The Oceanside Pier is a nearly 2000-foot long pier that is one of the most iconic landmarks in the city. Whether you want to fish, shop, dine nearby, or simply spend a few moments taking in the natural beauty and the views, it’s a great place to do so.
Harbor Beach is Oceanside's largest beach, and one of its most beautiful. This popular beach offers plenty of opportunities for fun in the sun, including surfing, sand volleyball, or simply relaxing by the water. There are also many shops nearby, as well as opportunities to rent sailboats and fishing boats – even whale watching excursions are available. It's a wonderful place to spend a beautiful Oceanside day!
Oceanside Nightlife
BTW Oceanside is a new and popular LGBTQ bar in Oceanside. BTW stands for “born this way” and the bar is a great gathering spot to spend the evening hanging out with old friends or to make some new ones.
Haunted Head Saloon
The Haunted Head Saloon is a very popular Oceanside nightspot. This pub is characterized by its exposed brick, wood paneling, and festive pirate decor. It has lively happy hour crowds and frequent costume parties. The drinks are strong, the crowds are friendly, and a fun time is always guaranteed.
Contact an Oceanside Gay Realtor Today
If you're ready to make a move to Oceanside, at www.gayrealestate.com, we're here to help you take the first step toward finding an agent who knows and loves the community, and who can help you find a home and a neighborhood you'll love. We're proud to have a network of excellent realtors in Oceanside, and we would love to help connect you with the right one. Contact an Oceanside gay realtor today for a free, no-obligation consultation!
