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
(Don Bartletti / Los Angeles Times)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)
Beach goers stroll along the Oceanside Pier, near Ruby’s Diner. (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)
An egret perches on a yacht anchored in Oceanside Harbor. (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)
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A youngster rides a wave during a surfing summer camp at the Oceanside pier. (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)
John Beebe of Oceanside soaks up the scenery while kayaking through Oceanside Harbor. (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)
A couple strolls down the sidewalk along Coast Highway in Oceanside. (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)
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)
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People stroll past the Longboarder Cafe on Coast Highway downtown. (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)
People dine at the Longboarder on Coast Highway. (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)
Longboarder Cafe waitress Rochelle Hoyt holds the restaurant’s scramble dish. (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)
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)