With summer almost here, and temperatures rising, getting out of Los Angeles for a beach day is starting to become a necessity.
The best escape most Angelenos don’t know about costs less than a decent dinner, requires zero driving, and drops you in one of SoCal’s most surprisingly vibrant beach cities. We’re talking about Oceanside — and you get there on Amtrak’s Pacific Surfliner, watching the ocean glide past your window the whole way down.
Here’s your complete guide to a day well spent.
Why Oceanside?
Oceanside is seriously underrated. It is the house of Michelin-starred restaurants, nice hiking trails, an excellent surf museum, and one of the longest wooden piers on the entire West Coast — all within walking distance of the train station. The best part? It still feels like a discovery.
Hop into Pacific Surfliner, Amtrak’s 351-mile coastal corridor. The Oceanside leg, at roughly 77 miles south of LA, is one of the best rides on the route. One-way tickets from LA Union Station to Oceanside start from approximately $28, and the fastest Pacific Surfliner trains make the trip in about 1 hour and 54 minutes.
Top things to do in Oceanside
- Oceanside Pier is one of the longest wooden piers on the West Coast. It is the heart of the city’s recreational life and a must-visit for any traveler.
- Located just steps from the beach, the California Surf Museum chronicles the history of wave-riding. Even if you don’t surf, it’s a nice cultural stop and a genuine piece of California heritage.
- For a “New England” vibe in SoCal, head to Oceanside Harbor Village. This area is packed with waterfront restaurants, boutique shops, and a charming lighthouse.
- Enjoy the historic side of Oceanside by taking a chill bike ride from the Oceanside Pier to Mission San Luis Rey
🎉 All of this is accessible for the price of a train ticket! Check Amtrak’s website for different routes and schedules.
