The Oceanside Museum of Art is located along Pier View Way and showcases art from local, regional and international artists. Paintings, sculptures, glass work and more are on exhibit. The museum is large and open with an organic pathway that leads throughout the exhibit halls. Credit cards and checks are accepted and parking can be found on site. Call the number provided for more information.
The focus of Oceanside seems to be focused on the military base of Camp Pendleton, but before there was that military base, there was the historic Mission San Luis Rey, the largest mission in California. It was founded by the community of Franciscan Friars in 1798. The main chapel is dedicated to Madonna, the mother of Jesus Christ. The compound houses the Mission Montessori School, the historic cemetery and a museum devoted to the structure. There is also a gift shop that sells souvenirs and books about the Mission. It also hosts overnight spiritual retreats and is available for rental for special events such as weddings and corporate events. Near the southern entrance to the compound visitors may picnic under the large oak trees and view the excavation of sections to the original structure that have recently been exposed.
Buena Vista Audubon Society Nature Center is dedicated to environmental education and conservation. It hosts guided nature walks and exhibits featuring birds, fish and other species and maintains a library with books, films and other materials. It is located adjacent to the Buena Vista lagoon.
The California Surf Museum stands tall over Pier View Way near the breaking waves of downtown Oceanside. It features the rich history of surfing in a well sized museum that features everything from vintage suits to board to trophies and more. From its Polynesian heritage, the museum follow surfing throughout the ages with exhibits that literally pop out of the walls. Displays, videos, music and more are on exhibit within the museum, which is owned and operated by surfing enthusiasts. It is open daily and provides free admission on Tuesdays (only $3 otherwise). Credit cards are accepted and parking is free out front.