7 Things To Do In Oceanside For Athletes
Oceanside, California has changed. Back in 2019, TRILIFE Fitness teamed up with Visit Oceanside - the brains behind Oceanside’s cool & current marketing campaigns, events and collaborations - to create a curated travel guide for athletes, fitness-lovers and new visitors who are looking to make the most out of their trip to this not-so-sleepy city by the shore. But as life evolved over the years, so too did Oceanside. We are BACK four years later to give you an updated, refreshed travel guide stuffed full of all the best places to eat, play, bike and stay in Oceanside.
We want to help you fall in love with Oceanside.
1. ride A Bike
It wouldn’t be a TRILIFE Fitness article without mentioning a bike at least once. We took a trip down to Oceanside in 2018 to experience Bike The Coast - a cycling event put on by Spectrum Sports. Bike the Coast offers a distance for everyone so-to-speak. Distances range from 7 miles all the way up to a century. You can feel the energy at this event. It is well loved by locals who come out in droves, sporting their Bike the Coast jerseys from over the years. For anyone who enjoys the art of cycling and the love of the ride, this is one event you should do. Because who doesn’t love race swag, upon completing this race you will receive a medal, Bike the Coast cup, and a variety of offerings from their event sponsors.
A full race event follows the ride, with food and live entertainment. With its location just adjacent to the Oceanside Pier, you are still moments away from any of the other activities I have listed already.
And as a Trilife Fitness exclusive, use code TRILIFE for 15% off any distance**
**online registration only - expires 11/4/2023
If you aren’t able to make it down for this particular cycling event, Visit Oceanside has done the hard work for you by highlighting the primo bike routes in the area. Each suggestion includes distance, mileage, and a map. An online version can be found here. Won’t have a bike with you during your visit? No problem (I am a problem solver, I gotchu). Take a bike tour from Wheel Fun Rentals , SoCal Bike , or rent a bike from them and “ride with a local.” Oceanside Multisport Group offers community training events most of the year.
2. Grab coffee at communal
Something truly special about Communal Coffee is their unshakable relationship with flowers. It is apparent from the moment you pass through the front glass double doors - entering an oasis of designer indoor plants, artfully arranged bouquets of fresh flowers for sale, and jaw dropping table displays adorning nearly every available counters space.
The owners have a rich history with the floral industry - dating back to _________.
Communal Coffee has a space for everyone. Whether you are a remote worker, popping in to grab a quick pick-me-up, or looking to lounge around while catching up with friends - Communal’s multipurpose vision can accommodate it all. They are SO accommodating in fact, that they regularly host large parties and events in their large outdoor space located just down the hall from the main room and out a private back entrance.
3. Stay at the Holiday Inn
Oceanside is conveniently located just off of I-5, sandwiched in-between the areas of Carlsbad and Camp Pendleton. I opted to stay at the Holiday Inn close to the harbor, freeways, and minutes from the Oceanside Pier. If you are coming here for a race that involves a bike, this is a nice affordable option that can’t be beat for location, price, and ease of bike transport. This space is frequented by pro and age group athletes alike for these very reasons. And as the weather is exceptional year-round, you can almost always find a race or a fun time to be had here.
4. SUP In Oceanside Harbor
Oceanside Harbor is a focal point of the city; a place where function meets community. Each year, the city’s Chamber of Commerce hosts a 2-day event called Oceanside Harbor Days in the harbor. This weekend is a great opportunity for athletes to come down and do a race (same time as Tiki Swim) while also getting to experience all that the local culture has to offer. I have personally swam through the harbor (something that is only possible each year if you compete in either IRONMAN Oceanside or Tiki Swim). It is worth spending a couple hours meandering through on foot or by sea. If you can’t swim through, I highly suggest checking out Oceanside Boat Rentals of America for a quick and easy rental experience.
5. find some vert
Want to take a break from the beach? Check out VITAL Climbing Gym on S Coast Highway in the bustle of downtown Oceanside. Snag a single-day pass for $22 and wile away the hours bouldering, rock climbing, or doing a ClimbFit class. ClimbFit is a 60-minute full-body workout utilizing dynamic warm-ups, cardio conditioning, and a series of resistance training exercises designed to build climbing-specific strength and flexibility. Hours 11AM-9PM daily, or 24/7 for members.
6. dine at mission ave bar & grill
This is Southern California we are talking about. There are great food & drink experiences to be had. I was particularly fond of Mission Ave Bar & Grill. I ate there the night before Bike the Coast (just a quick drive from my hotel). Owner Cameron Braselton actually came over and sat down with me to tell me about the history, the local foodie community, and all the things to love about Mission Ave Bar & Grill. Aside from offering over 200 whiskeys, 37 local California drafts, live music, and a completely redone dining menu (with a signature Short Rib Panang Curry dish that I ADORED), Mission Ave Bar & Grill is the right kind of laid back. Nothing about Oceanside is really pretentious, and this spot does a great job of upholding that “humble but high-quality” vibe.