Watch the sunset over the sea while from the end of the Oceanside Pier. Bury your toes in the warm sand of nearby Carlsbad State Beach, while a crisp ocean breeze blows through your hair. Pack the kids in the car and enjoy a beautiful scenic drive down the San Diego coast or enjoy one of "San Diego's finest local beers" at Karl Strauss Brewery & Grill. In Oceanside, attractions the whole family will love are all within easy reach.

For avid surfers, Oceanside is a great place to satisfy your craze for waves. The California Surf Museum is an international repository on the lifestyle sport of surfing. Surfers from beginning to advanced who visit Oceanside will want to head up the coast a few miles to San Onofre State Beach in San Clemente, Southern California's hottest surf spot.

A visit to nearby Carlsbad's majestic and colorful Flower Fields is a must for any visitor to Oceanside. Kids and couples alike will enjoy wandering through the nearly 50 acres of Giant Tecolote Ranunculus flowers that blanket the rolling hills of Carlsbad Ranch, overlooking the ocean. The best time to visit is from early March through early May, when the flowers are in full bloom.

Take in some California history at the Mission of San Luis Rey. Oceanside's majestic jewel is one of 21 missions found throughout the state and features daily tours and a museum.

For the romantic Oceanside visitor, California Dreamin' Hot Air Balloon Rides provides a fantastic bird's eye view of Oceanside and neighboring towns, as well as beautiful sunset views of the Pacific Ocean. Balloons launch from nearby Del Mar, just a few miles south of Oceanside. California Dreamin' also specializes in rides over the beautiful wine country of Temecula Valley, about an hour's drive east of Oceanside. Couples may want to purchase a package that includes wine tasting and winery tours.

For those seeking more adventure from their Oceanside vacation, catch a biplane at Barnstorming Adventures, located at Carlsbad's McClellan-Palomar Airport. The pilot customizes the tour based on your whims, including how thrilling (or tame) you want the ride.

For a relaxing Oceanside experience, try Carlsbad Mineral Water Spa or Skinsational Day Spa. And don't worry golfers, Oceanside has you covered too. Try the Oceanside Municipal Golf Course. Or drive a few miles south to the La Costa PGA Championship Golf Courses or the award-winning Four Seasons Resort Aviara Golf Club, both located in nearby Carlsbad.

The king of all area family attractions is Legoland California. This 128-acre theme park is geared toward families with tots ages two through 12. With over 50 rides, shows and attractions, it is a must-do for those visiting Oceanside with children. Oceanside is also in very close proximity to other renowned family attractions, including the world-famous San Diego Zoo, San Diego Wild Animal Park and the beautiful and spacious Balboa Park, with its kid-friendly museums and playgrounds. Disneyland, Universal Studios and other popular Southern California family attractions are within a couple hours drive.

After a day spent taking in all the exciting Oceanside attractions, you'll want to sample one of Oceanside's restaurants. The 101 Café is a staple Oceanside family breakfast diner. An authentic Oceanside dining experience means Mexican food and Mexican food means Fidel's. This Carlsbad favorite is located in the quaint Village by-the-Sea and serves great food in a fun atmosphere. Enjoy a margarita or two on the patio.

And of course, excellent seafood restaurants abound in Oceanside. The upscale Chart House, is a favorite Oceanside restaurant, as is steak-and-seafood eatery The Hunter.