Travel & Experiences

Photos: Oceanside, Calif.

Distance: 85 miles one-way. In Hollywood terms, the script for the rebirth of downtown Oceanside has been in turnaround for years. The city's redevelopment efforts have been hit or miss (it's still slightly seedy); the recession has taken its toll as well. For travelers, the sporadic redevelopment is good news: There are still mom-and-pop eateries and funky dive bars to enjoy and, at the same time, recent gentrification has brought new fine dining, drinking and entertainment options to savor. It makes for a good mix. -- Irene Lechowitzky

Distance: 85 miles one-way.

In Hollywood terms, the script for the rebirth of downtown Oceanside has been in turnaround for years. The city’s redevelopment efforts have been hit or miss (it’s still slightly seedy); the recession has taken its toll as well.

For travelers, the sporadic redevelopment is good news: There are still mom-and-pop eateries and funky dive bars to enjoy and, at the same time, recent gentrification has brought new fine dining, drinking and entertainment options to savor. It makes for a good mix.

-- Irene Lechowitzky

  (Don Bartletti / Los Angeles Times)

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Oceanside Harbor

A view of Oceanside Harbor, where you can dine at a cafe, stroll along the boardwalk, go sport fishing, rent a boat and take sailing lessons.  (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)

Ruby's Diner

Beach goers stroll along the Oceanside Pier, near Ruby’s Diner.  (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)

Oceanside Harbor

An egret perches on a yacht anchored in Oceanside Harbor.  (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)

Oceanside pier

A youngster rides a wave during a surfing summer camp at the Oceanside pier.  (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)

Oceanside Harbor

John Beebe of Oceanside soaks up the scenery while kayaking through Oceanside Harbor.  (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)

Coast Highway

A couple strolls down the sidewalk along Coast Highway in Oceanside.  (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)

Ensemble Boutique

Sharon Olloqui, owner of Ensemble Boutique, arranges some of her popular clothing at her downtown Oceanside store located in a new high rise that has changed the look of the skyline as well as offering residents and tourists more shopping and dining options.  (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)

Longboarder Cafe

People stroll past the Longboarder Cafe on Coast Highway downtown.  (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)

Longboarder Cafe

People dine at the Longboarder on Coast Highway.  (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)

Longboarder Cafe

Longboarder Cafe waitress Rochelle Hoyt holds the restaurant’s scramble dish.  (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)

Wyndham Oceanside Pier Resort

A jogger passes the Wyndham Oceanside Pier Resort, one of two high rises that have changed the look of Oceanside and offer residents and visitors additional amenities.  (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)

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