Find Oceanside beaches by driving west on most of the Oceanside city streets. Oceanside beaches all have wide sandy shores, which are great for lounging, picnicking, sunbathing and yes, even swimming. Surfing is especially good between Tyson Street Park and the Oceanside Pier, just south of Mission Avenue. There's a tot lot and restrooms at Tyson Street Park. 

Pacific Street runs all along the ocean in Oceanside and there's beach access between Wisconsin Avenue and Morse Way. There is free and metered parking, with handicapped spaces provided. Parking is at a premium, however, so be prepared for a walk to the water during the summer months and especially on the Fourth of July when beaches are busy. 

Buccaneer Beach, 1506 South Pacific Street, is popular with families because of its wide sandy shore. The YMCA brings the summer surf-day campers here for lessons (see our Kidstuff chapter for other activities at this beach). The beach is patrolled 24 hours a day by police, and there are lifeguards at Buccaneer too. The beach has picnic tables, barbecues, some shade, and a public telephone. 

Just south of Buccaneer Beach is a popular surfing place with a width that varies with the seasons and the tides. Parking is scarce and illegal parking will nearly guarantee you a ticket. There's no lifeguard on duty here. 

Eaton Street, at the south end of Pacific Street, fronts the gated community of St. Malo. Security guards at the St. Malo gated community watch the private beach; however, all beach below the high-tide line is public, so you can still walk through without fear of trespassing.