TEN OF THE HARBOR’S BEST BETS

There are many things to see and do when visiting Oceanside Harbor. The following are just a few ideas. For more information on events in Oceanside, contact the Oceanside Chamber of Commerce, 722-1534.

1) Beer Can Races every Wednesday night, June 13-Aug. 29. Sponsored by the Oceanside Yacht Club. Boats race on short courses inside and outside the harbor. Sometimes 30 boats compete. Open to anyone with a sailboat. The Yacht Club opens to the public after the races for race clinics and barbecues. Usually sailed in light, northwesterly winds. For information, call 722-5751.

2) Nightly bonfires at fire rings lining the beaches of Oceanside Harbor. There are plenty of rings, and more are being installed for summer. Roast hot dogs and marshmallows to the sound of the roaring ocean. No alcohol, pets or glass items allowed on the beach. Bring lots of wood.

3) Whale watching or fishing on one of Helgren’s Sportfishing boats. The yellowtail will be biting for the next two months. A half-day’s fishing trip costs $19 for adults, including trip and bait; a one-day fishing license is $5.75; fishing gear rents for $6. For information, call 722-2133.

4) Pecan turtles at the Harbor Sweet Shop in Cape Cod Village. Priced at $3 a quarter pound. For information, call 722-7837.

5) Tuesday at Harbor Fish & Chips in Cape Cod Village. There is a new special every day at this quaint little restaurant. Tuesdays its a medium basket of fish and chips for $2.95. For information, call 722-4977.

6) Happy hour at Monterey Bay Canners restaurant. Try the San Francisco-like sourdough French bread. Other good bets are the oyster shooters and tiger prawns. A nice place to watch the sunset. For information, call 722-3474.

7) RV camping along the beach. The price is right: $3 for day use, $13 for 24 hours. Maximum is five days.

8) T-shirt ties at Sunn Shirts in Cape Cod Village sell for $4.95 and are made in the shape of fish and other ocean creatures. For information, call 722-6639.

9) Dinner at Mykonos Greek and Seafood Restaurant, Wednesday through Sunday. In addition to the requisite belly dancers, owner Vasilis Papadopoulos, a giant of a Greek, dances and entertains his guests. For information, call 757-8757.

10) An evening walk out on the south jetty and sandy beaches of the outer harbor. The surf laps along at your feet as the moon and stars shine above the sea.