Oceanside, California

Oceanside: The second most populous city in San Diego County, California.

About

Oceanside is a city located in the county of San Diego in the U.S. state of California. Its population at the 2010 census was 167,086. After 10 years in 2020 city had an estimated population of 174,648 inhabitants.

The city was created 138 years ago in 1887.

Oceanside is a coastal city located along the Southern California coast in northern San Diego County. With a population of about 175,000, it is the third-largest city in San Diego County. Oceanside lies just south of the city of Camp Pendleton and about 35 miles north of downtown San Diego.

History of Oceanside

The area was originally inhabited by Native Americans, predominantly the Luiseño tribe, for thousands of years. The first Europeans arrived in the late 18th century when Spanish colonists established missions in the region.

In the 1880s, the current town site was selected and surveyed. The city itself was incorporated in 1888 with a population of just under 1,000 residents at the time. Oceanside was named for its beautiful coastal location.

Oceanside Pier

One of Oceanside’s most iconic landmarks is the Oceanside Pier. First built in 1888, the wooden pier has been damaged and rebuilt multiple times throughout its history. Today, the pier extends 1,942 feet over the Pacific Ocean and is a popular spot for fishing, strolling, and dining with views.

Oceanside Beaches

Oceanside is known for its beautiful sandy beaches that attract tourists year-round. Popular beaches include Oceanside Beach, Tyson Street Beach, and Harbor Beach which provide options for swimming, surfing, beach walking, and bonfires. The waves make Oceanside an excellent spot for surfing.

Camp Pendleton Impact

Oceanside’s economy and population growth have been strongly linked to the neighboring Camp Pendleton Marine Corps Base, one of the largest bases in the country. The base provides employment for many Oceanside residents.

In summary, Oceanside is a coastal community with a rich history, iconic pier, renowned beaches, and strong military ties. It provides a great spot for beach-going tourists visiting northern San Diego County.

Oceanside locator map
Location of Oceanside on California map.

Quick Facts about Oceanside

Population 174,648 (2020)
Country United States of America
State California (United States)
County San Diego County
Twitter username CityofOceanside
Postal code 92051, 92054, 92052, 92056–92058, 92049
Phone Area Codes 760
Water as percent of area 2.23%
Land as percent of area 97.77%
Latitude & Longitude 33.1959,-117.3795
Altitude 66 feet / 20 meters
Establishment January 01, 1888 (138 years ago)
Time Zone Pacific Time Zone
Local time 13:28:00 (22nd April 2026)
Population growth 4.33% (2010-2020)
Oceanside CA image
Oceanside CA image

Geography

Oceanside is located at 33°11'45"N 117°22'46"W (33.1958700, -117.3794800).

Oceanside map

Click "full screen" full screen map icon to open full mode. View satellite images

Official website of Oceanside

Official Website Twitter
  • A'ana
  • Ensenada
  • Fuji
  • Kisarazu

Demographics

The population of Oceanside increased by 4.33% in 10 years.

Year Population % Change Method
2010 167,086 - census
2011 170,008 1.72% estimation process
2012 171,590 0.92% estimation process
2013 173,175 0.92% estimation process
2014 174,318 0.66% estimation process
2015 175,189 0.5% estimation process
2016 175,451 0.15% estimation process
2017 175,884 0.25% estimation process
2018 175,758 -0.07% estimation process
2019 175,742 -0.01% estimation process
2020 174,648 -0.63% estimation process
Oceanside zip code is 92054. County name: San Diego, County fips: 06073
OCN, Ocean Side, Oushansajd, Oushensajd, Oushunsajd, awshn sayd kalyfrnya, awsyansydy, osanasa'ida, oshansaido, osyeonsaideu, ou shen sai de, Оушансајд, Оушенсайд, Оушънсайд, אושנסייד, أوسيانسيدي, اوشن ساید، کالیفرنیا, اوشینسائڈ, ओसनसाइड, オーシャンサイド, 歐申賽德, 오션사이드

Where to Eat in Oceanside

1Windmill canyon restaurant

Rating: 5 (4)

18415 Golf Course Rd, Oceanside, CA 92058, United States View details

Website available

Where to Stay in Oceanside

1Club Wyndham Oceanside Pier Resort

Rating: 4.5 (2622)

333 N Myers St, Oceanside, CA 92054, United States View details

Phone: +17609011200 | Website available

2Motel 6 Oceanside, CA

Rating: 3.5 (1547)

3708 Plaza Dr, Oceanside, CA 92056, United States View details

Phone: +17609411011 | Website available

3SpringHill Suites by Marriott San Diego Oceanside/Downtown

Rating: 4.3 (973)

110 N Myers St, Oceanside, CA 92054, United States View details

Phone: +17607221003 | Website available

4Motel 6 Oceanside, CA – Marina

Rating: 3.3 (898)

901 N Coast Hwy, Oceanside, CA 92054, United States View details

Phone: +17607221781 | Website available

5Best Western Oceanside Inn

Rating: 4 (856)

1680 Oceanside Blvd, Oceanside, CA 92054, United States View details

Phone: +17607221821 | Website available

Services and Civic Places in Oceanside

1IPAC Inbound (for PCS)

Rating: 2.6 (14)

Oceanside, CA 92058, United States View details

Phone: +17607636992 | Website available

People born in Oceanside (89)

People born in Oceanside, including football player D. J. Clark, basketball player Cappie Pondexter, actor David Mendenhall, .

More notable people

  • Andre Dubus III (American novelist and short story writer) he was born in 11/09/1959
  • Chris Thile (American musician) he was born in 20/02/1981
  • Phil Edwards (American surfer) he was born in 10/06/1938
  • Stevie Salas (Native American guitarist, author, and television host) he was born in 17/11/1963
  • Heath Bell (Major League Baseball pitcher) he was born in 29/09/1977
  • Rico Hill (American basketball player) he was born in 14/02/1977
  • Lori Glori (American composer) she was born in 10/10/1962
  • Mark Tuinei (Player of American football (1960-1999)) he was born in 31/03/1960
  • Elana Meyers Taylor (American bobsledder) she was born in 10/10/1984
  • Devin Logan (freestyle skier) she was born in 17/02/1993
  • Charde Houston (American women's basketball player) she was born in 10/04/1986
  • Erika Vuitton (American actress) she was born in 15/12/1986
  • Trevor Cahill (Baseball Player) he was born in 01/03/1988
  • Jesse English (American baseball player) he was born in 13/09/1984
  • Justin Blackmon (American football wide receiver) he was born in 09/01/1990
  • Al Carlson (American basketball player) he was born in 17/09/1951
  • Travis Goethel (American football linebacker for the Oakland Raiders) he was born in 27/07/1987
  • Vic So'oto (American football player) he was born in 01/01/1987

Nearby Schools and Colleges

Schools and campuses linked to Oceanside, CA. Select a name to open its map and contact details.

Code Name City ZIP
114734 Franciscan School of Theology Oceanside (CA) 92057
118912 MiraCosta College Oceanside (CA) 92056-3899
114947 Gemological Institute of America-Carlsbad Carlsbad (CA) 92008
488785 University of Saint Katherine San Marcos (CA) 92069
120971 Palomar College San Marcos (CA) 92069-1487

Nearby Transit Stations (34)

Rail and bus stations connected to Oceanside, CA. Select a station to open its map and address details.

Code Name Address Type
OSD Oceanside Transit Center 235 South Tremont Street RAIL
CBV Carlsbad Village station 2775 State Street RAIL
POI Carlsbad Poinsettia, CA 6511 Avenida Encinas RAIL
ENC Encinitas, CA 25 East D Street RAIL
SOL Solana Beach 105 North Cedros Avenue RAIL

Closest post offices linked to Oceanside.

Post Office Name City ZIP
First Str Post Office Oceanside (CA) 92054
Brooks Str Post Office Oceanside (CA) 92054
Pendleton Del Mar Post Office Camp Pendleton (CA) 92055
Carlsbad Post Office Carlsbad (CA) 92008
San Luis Rey Post Office Oceanside (CA) 92058

Other cities in San Diego County

Cities, towns, neighborhoods & other populated places in San Diego County , CA. (more)

City Name Population Title
San Diego 1,422,420 The eighth most populous city in the United States and the center of the San Diego metropolitan area.
Chula Vista 272,979 The second most populous city in San Diego County, California.
Escondido 149,943 The second most populous city in San Diego County, California.
Carlsbad 115,599 The most populous city in San Diego County, California.
El Cajon 102,401 The second most populous city in San Diego County, California.
Vista 100,636 The most populous city in San Diego County, California.
San Marcos 97,477 The second most populous city in San Diego County, California.
Encinitas 62,671 The most populous city in San Diego County, California.
National City 61,394 The most populous city in San Diego County, California.
La Mesa 59,724 The most populous city in San Diego County, California.
Santee 57,770 A city in San Diego County, California.
Poway 49,246 A city in San Diego County, California.
La Presa 34,169 Census designated place
Fallbrook 30,534 Unincorporated community in San Diego County, California, United States
Spring Valley 28,205 Town in San Diego County, California, United States
Imperial Beach 27,325 City in California, USA

Distance to Other Cities

Oceanside distances to largest California cities