Oceana - Oceanside, CA

The land encompassing present day Oceana was once part of the grounds of San Luis Rey, one of the 21 Spanish missions established in California by Catholic missionaries. The community began to take its current shape in 1964 with construction of original Oceana. Subsequently four additional distinct communities were built, which collectively comprise Oceana today. With the last developments constructed in 1986, the neighborhood has become well established within Oceanside.

Visitors can explore the history of the area with a trip to Mission San Luis Rey, which has been well-preserved through the centuries. A museum within the mission chronicles its history with artifiacts and exhibits. People also enjoy leisurely walks through Heritage Park Village, the original town center of Oceanside, where many of the oldest buildings in the city are preserved. You can also view artwork and galleries at the Oceanside Museum of Art.

Rancho del Oro Drive, which runs on the outskirts of Oceana, features many restaurants, as does the adjacent neighborhood of San Luis Rey. For the best slice of pizza in the area, stop by Big Bob's Best Pizza. Try one of the specialty pizzas, such as the Tuscany, which comes with chicken, avocado, and pesto. Portions are generous with large slices, and the toppings cover every inch of the pizza. While takeout forms a large part of the business, many people stop by for the lunch specials.

Get a taste of the South by dining at Felix's BBQ with Soul, which specializes in soulful comfort food. The Alabama fried chicken, served hot and crispy with a side of macaroni and cheese, satisfies any appetite, and homemade apple pie finishes off the meal on a sweet note. The restaurant has a clean and comfortable dining space and lunch specials that attract a faithful midday crowd.

Locals grab a fish taco or shrimp burrito at Mariscos Ensenada to satisfy their Mexican food cravings. On hot days, cool off with ceviche and wash it down with a michelada. Visit Junkyard Sports Bar and Grill to grab a drink while watching a Chargers or Padres game on one of the many television screens that line the walls. Nightly entertainment such as live music and karaoke make this a happening spot no matter what night of the week you go.

Bike lanes and sidewalks make walking and biking through the neighborhood easy, but most people have cars for running errands. North County Transit runs multiple bus lines through the neighborhood, making it easy to catch the bus. You need to call ahead to arrange a ride via taxi, and Uber also services San Diego and surrounding areas. Most businesses have free parking in nearby lots.

To visit surrounding cities, you can easily access Interstate 5, located less than three miles from Oceana. Many public transportation options also exist for getting out of town. A train called the Coaster runs along the coast from Oceanside to San Diego with many stops along the way, while light rail known as the Sprinter runs east to west with service to Escondido. Disabled residents can call the Lift, a van specially designed for handicapped passengers, to get around.

El Corazon Park shares a border with Oceana, providing opportunities to enjoy the outdoors. The park has many multi-use athletic fields as well as several trails for hiking and exploring nature. The park also attracts many visitors on July 4th because it serves as the site of firework launches for Oceanside's Independence Day celebrations.

Residents of Oceana enjoy a cost of living eight percent lower than that of San Diego. A one-bedroom residence runs about $1,425 per month and you can expect to pay about 11 percent higher than the national average for gasoline. A pint of beer at a local bar costs about $6.

To get from Oceana to San Diego, you can walk to a Sprinter station on Rancho del Oro and take the Sprinter for $2 to Oceanside, then pay $4 to hop on the Coaster.

Residents of Oceana have access to a sprawling complex of malls and retailers including many high-value stores such as Walmart, Target, and Sears just two miles south of the neighborhood. Within this retail area, you'll also find several popular grocery stores such as Trader Joe's and Vons. To visit a farmers market, head over to Oceanside where the weekly MainStreet Oceanside features fresh produce, food vendors, and live entertainment.

You'll find the perfect plants to adorn your yard at Evergreen Nursery. The plants you buy are sure to thrive because the nursery sells a variety of native and drought-resistant plants adapted to the southern California climate. Don't forget to browse the house plants as well, which can brighten up the inside of your home or make a great gift. The nursery also has an intensive recycling program, so drop off any recyclables you've accumulated. If you bring back the plastic pots in which you purchased plants, you'll receive store credit to buy even more.

El Camino Florist sells custom flower arrangements that make the perfect gift for a special occasion. You can complete the bouquet by selecting balloons or a greeting card to go with it. Don't forget to check out the selection of gifts items made by local artists, including jewelry, aprons, and purses.