Oceanside Harbor — Local services in Oceanside

We got a brief respite from the rain, as sun, blue skies and fluffy white clouds appeared, propelling us out of the house, for a drive down to the harbor.

When we arrived, a huge gray cloud obscured the sun, making a chilly breeze even colder. Then, like magic, the sun freed itself, bringing with it welcoming bright light and a warm embrace. There are lots of nice yachts & smaller boats slipped in colorful rows within the harbor, plus 2 sportfishing companies operate here: Helgren's Landing and Chubasco 2 Sportfishing.

There are many restaurants in the harbor area too, accompanied by ample parking in the vicinity. A large cluster of these dining places are grouped together at Oceanside Harbor Village. They include: Joe's Crab Shack, Rockin' Baja Lobster, Harbor Fish & Chips, Lighthouse Oyster Bar & Grill, & Tony's Sports Bar & Grill, plus Nana & Pop Pop's Ice Cream & Sweet Shop. These are accessed by veering left at the Y, upon driving downhill into the Oceanside Harbor area. This touristy spot is called Oceanside Harbor Village. You can also get to Oceanside Harbor Beach, a kid friendly, wide sandy beach, by heading this direction.

If you veer right at the Y, you'll have access to Helgren's Sportfishing, Oceanside Broiler Restaurant, plus a small reel repair & tackle shop. This area is Oceanside Harbor. The road in this direction dead-ends at the opening to the harbor, where ships enter and exit a narrow jetty-protected channel, into...

I lived right around the corner from the entrance of the harbor on the Camp Pendleton Marine Corps Base. My uncle who lived in Pasadena would come down with his motor home we would go and visit him every time he was in town. We also went to the harbor a lot during my 3 years I lived here. I lived on Sailfish Lane which was right through the gate directly across the street from the harbor entrance. I really enjoyed getting fish and chips at the fish and chips place in the harbor that was very delicious. I can't remember the name of the fish and chip place since it has been over 25 years since I had been there. Also my 6th grade class at North Terrace Elementary School took a beach trip to the harbor beach where we walked there from the school to the beach and back. That was a really long walk but it was worth it at the end since we had a really fun day...

Local parking is ok, there is a free parking lot we’re local fisher men, surfers and adrenaline enthusiast skateboard or just hang out and listen to music. I did notice a few RVs which made me wonder if you can camp here in this free lot. Other than that it is your basic lot. It has a occasional train passing by and someone asking for change. We have been paring here for years and have never had any problems. Get there early to get a good spot, especially in the summer months. If you arrive after 8am during that time all lots will be full. It’s the price you pay for living in So Cal. Watch out for sting rays! We got stung, it’s not fun! Have respect...