The coolest way to work up a sweat in SoCal
LEARN TO SURF, DO YOGA UNDER A FULL MOON, OR PUT IN SOME SERIOUS MILES ON THE BIKE.
By Liz Sheldon
A longtime haven for surfers and street skaters, Oceanside has a rich history as an action sports destination. No wonder: It’s got wide sandy beaches, sunny days, and protected preserves and parks that draw boundary-pushing pros and weekend warriors alike. We’ve rounded up a few of our favorite ways to get your heartrate up and your adrenaline flowing while staying at Mission Pacific.
HIT THE DECKS
Fibreflex, the first laminated wood skateboard deck, was crafted in 1964 in San Diego, and revolutionized the way skaters performed tricks. Since then, the San Diego region — and especially Oceanside — has produced legendary skaters and hosted seminal events like the Oceanside Pro Freestyle competition. If you missed learning how to skate as a kid (and want to join the current new wave of older and female skaters), it’s not too late. Mission Pacific offers daily 90-minute lessons for adults at one of Oceanside’s local skate parks, where pros like Neal Mims will teach you the basics — how to stand on your board, safety tips, maybe even your first ollie.
STRETCH IT OUT
Looking for a more peaceful way to warm up your muscles and center yourself? Plan a day around one of our yoga classes taught by our locally-based experts Rebel and Muse or Sculpt FIT classes (find a full schedule and booking here). Offered daily in several of our favorite outdoor spaces, yoga offers an all-levels way to truly relax and get into a flow while you’re traveling. For something a little more strenuous, join a Sculpt FIT class — high-intensity moves set to a motivating soundtrack. For something only-in-Oceanside, check the schedule for our monthly full moon yoga classes at The Seabird. There’s nothing like basking in the glow of the moon as it reflects off the Pacific to quiet your muscles and your mind.
HAVE A SWELL TIME
Surfing is at the core of Oceanside’s beach culture. Many epic professional and amateur surfers call it home, and it hosting competitions like the Super Girl Surf Pro. If you’re also obsessed with carving up waves — or if you’re curious about the sport — schedule at least one lesson with our partner North Country Surf Academy, featuring professional surfer Duran Barr. Our surf valet makes it easy by bringing a wet suit, surf board, and bag of surfing swag right down to your lesson, which takes place directly in front of Mission Pacific. Beginner? Pros will teach you the basics (paddling out, board positioning, safety tips) before guiding you into the waves to put your new skills into action. If you’re already a seasoned surfer, join the local regulars near Oceanside Pier or hone your craft at the more spacious Oceanside Harbor.
EXPLORE THE BAY
For a more chill way to explore Oceanside’s local bay, rent a stand-up paddleboard at Oceanside Boat Rentals, about a five-minute drive from Mission Pacific. For an even more stable way to get up close and personal with the water, try a kayak. Either way, you’ll get in an easy workout while having fun — and basking in the views of Oceanside’s charming marina, bay, and beaches.
TAKE A TWO-WHEEL TOUR
Road biking is big in Southern California, and Oceanside offers miles and miles of well-groomed trails to explore, with a range of intensity levels. We have both standard and electric bikes for rent by our partner Pedego, so you can plan a route that begins and ends right at our doorstep. For an easy cruise, take the car-free San Luis Rey trail to the 1789 Mission San Luis Rey, where you can tour the alabaster-white church or just have a picnic on the lawn. For a more serious haul, set off on the 45-mile route to the rugged Torrey Pines State Park in La Jolla and go for a dip in the ocean before heading back for a well-earned cocktail. Want more options? Oceanside is home to three sections of the Coastal Rail Trail, a 44-mile route that will eventually connect O’side to Downtown San Diego.
SEE SOCAL ON FOOT
Walking is another rewarding way to discover downtown Oceanside and the surrounding parks and preserves. The pedestrian-friendly San Luis Rey River Trail follows the river from the beach inland to Mission San Luis Rey. For a chill, pet-welcome stroll, head to Guajome Regional Park, which includes 4.5 miles of flat trails that wind around two ponds and a cross-section of wildlife habitats, from grasslands to wooded areas. Nearby you’ll also find the 4.8-mile Lake Calavera loop, a moderate trail that’s known for its wildflowers. A short drive south will land you at the extensive Mission Trails Regional Park, 8,000 acres of protected recreation area that includes trails for hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding, guided nature walks, even a lake for boating and fishing. Plan your visit using the park’s trail map.
