What to do in Oceanside California with kids

June 6, 2019 By

We all know San Diego and Carlsbad are great for kids, but if you’re overlooking Oceanside, you’re missing the opportunity for a prime vacation that includes beachfront, a funky town, and easy access to the best of San Diego county. They say Oceanfront is ‘rising’ for a reason. Here’s what not to miss with kids or without:

Around town:

Surf lessons: Oceanside has a long surfing history (be sure to stop in at the small surf museum downtown). Whitlock Surf Experience has surf lessons for all abilities, or if you already know how to surf, you can hire a surf guide to show you local favorite spots! Tip: be sure to check out the small but thorough surf museum a few blocks inland, too.

Scooters: Ride Oside offers fat tire electric scooter bikes, the way to see Oceanside for parents and older kids and teens. You can rent them on your own or opt for a guided tour. They’re located just up from the beach at 306 N. Cleveland Street.

Helicopter rides: Waverider Helicopter Tours is a two-person operation out at the Oceanside airport, just three miles from the pier. Their prices are per ride, not per person, making them a really good value for up to three passengers at a time. We tried out their 10-minute scenic tour of the Pacific, but there are a range of options that work well for both families and date night. If you have more than three people, no worries: for the shorter flights, everyone just takes turns. For date night, they offer tours that stop in wine country or at sunset or night.

Pier and harbor fun:

Beach time: California has public beaches galore, and in Oceanside, the Strand stretches multiple blocks, with beach access. Children’s playgrounds dot this pedestrian and car promenade, and there are public lifeguard stands all throughout. Head out on the pier for a meal at Ruby’s, and rent beach gear, bikes, and surreys right below the pier area (where you’ll also find shave ice and other snacks).

Kayaking and Stand-Up Paddleboarding: boards and kayaks can be rented at the harbor (about one mile from the pier). You can either use them in the calm water right at the harbor or go outside the wall to enjoy some swells, too.

Where to stay: Springhill Suites Marriott

Located one block from the beach, this Marriott hotel is far from cookie-cutter. It features a fun, modern design with a 2nd floor outdoor deck space for lounging, a rooftop pool and hot tub, a nicely appointed fitness room, WiFi, and complimentary breakfast. The rooms are spacious with balconies and bathtubs, and while only valet parking is available, several city lots are within a block or two.

Note: there is construction currently in the works in front of the hotel (which will eventually result in another hotel going up on the beach), so right now, there is some construction noise. The Marriott is very nicely sound-proofed, however; once I closed my balcony door, I could hardly hear the construction, and of course, it’s absent at night. There are ear plugs and white noise machine in the rooms for you, however. 

Read our guide to dining in Oceanside.

24 hours in Carpinteria CA with kids

September 13, 2017 By

If you’re not familiar, Carpinteria, California is a beach town just south of Santa Barbara that, in the three decades I’ve visited, has managed to retain its beach-town charm and distinct lack of city or suburbia influence. Located just off Highway 101, Carpinteria is characterized by sandy beach bungalows (each valued around a million dollars, of course), a quintessentially laid-back downtown of shops and diners, and a long, wide state beach dubbed ‘the safest’ in California, largely due to its lack of waves.

carpinteria ca

Families will find Carpinteria to be quieter than adjacent Santa Barbara, a bit more affordable, and easier to navigate. A weekend or overnight in Carpinteria is an ideal add-on to a trip to Orange County to visit Disneyland, or as a stop on iconic Highway 101. Here’s what not to miss in 24 in Carpinteria with kids:

Stay at the Best Western Plus Carpinteria Inn on Carpinteria Avenue, just blocks from the beach and the downtown sector. It’s easy for families to walk to the action (certainly with older kids, but also with kids in strollers), and is quieter and cheaper than the beach motels right on the water. The Best Western Plus has a wonderful garden courtyard that, I believe, is what elevates it to a ‘plus’. There’s also a small outdoor pool, and the rooms are oversized for a Best Western.

carpinteria

Where to eat and play:

Linden Avenue is Carpinteria’s main drag, with public parking at a lot adjacent, and many fun shops and dining opportunities. At the end of Linden is the public beach. Where to eat:

Nutbelly: This sandwich and pizza shop on Linden Ave has excellent sub sandwiches made to order, plus pro-biotic ciders and beers for the adults.

Island Brewing: On 6th Street, Island Brewing is one of the largest local breweries in the area, and worth the stop for a brew. Go adjacent to The Spot for burgers with the kids, then add a bottle from Island Brewing to the mix. Both locations are really close to the beach, which is a big plus.

Esau’s Coffee Shop: Esau’s was recommended to us as the best breakfast in Carpinteria, and it didn’t disappoint. Almost any time of day, Esau’s is hopping, so be patient and perhaps opt for the side patio dining outside. It’s located on Linden Ave, and has plenty of local character.

State beach: Plan to spend the majority of your day at the beach, which is wide and flat with gentle surf and swimming platforms, plus lifeguards on duty during the tourist season. The beach (and parking) is free, and there’s a state campground adjacent, with plenty of picnic tables and the like. You’ll find public restrooms a few blocks up Linden Ave.

Ready for a field trip to Santa Barbara? Check out Cold Spring Tavern:

cold spring tavern

This historic site and eatery is located in the hills overlooking Santa Barbara, about 25 minutes from Carpinteria. If you have a car, it’s well worth the drive. From Highway 101, take Highway 154 up the mountain top, then one mile down the valley side, turn left onto Stagecoach Road. Follow the signs to Cold Spring Tavern, which was once a stagecoach stop in the mid-18oos. Now a hodge-podge of historic buildings on the winding country highway, Cold Spring Tavern is popular with motorcycle groups as well as families. Get there in the morning for their breakfast menu, or come for lunch, when you can sample their tri-tip BBQ on weekends. Either way, check their hours (which do change by season) and plan to linger, exploring the grounds to see the jail (transported from Ojai), as well as other historic buildings tucked into the mountainside.

Tip: Don’t forget that Carpinteria (and adjacent Santa Barbara) are on the Amtrak line. Take the train from San Diego or Los Angeles, then enjoy the beach town sans car!

carpinteria

Have you been to Carpinteria CA with kids? Share your tips in the comments!

 

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Best Beach Towns: What to do with kids in Nantucket, MA

September 7, 2010 By

Beachside vacation living on Nantucket, MA

It’s no secret that Nantucket, Massachusetts is a destination beach town for families. It’s been listed in the same breath as Martha’s Vineyard and Cape Cod as a premiere summer playground for decades. We were lucky enough to see this idyllic island getaway from a local’s perspective, and suggest the following activities, beaches, and shops for families visiting with kids (some may surprise you!):

Where to Play: If you’re visiting with young kids, everyone on-island will point you in the direction of Children’s Beach, located at the end of Harbor View Way, and for good reason. Protected by the harbor, the water is calm and lends itself to easy wading, splashing, and sand castle building. Plus, it boasts a great playground right on the sand and is close to shops and restaurants. Also within walking distance from town, however, is Jetties Beach. With rolling sand dunes, a snack shack, another playground (they’re onto something here!), and both protected and unprotected surf, our kids felt there was more to explore (and loved walking the sandy boardwalk over to the shack for ice cream cones).

When you’re ready for a break from the beach, be sure to check out the Whaling Museum (13 Broad Street). There’s a staffed room just for young kids to try activities and games, and lots of interesting exhibits for the older set (some might be disturbing if you have a whale lover in your group).

Then if you really want to get off the beaten tourist path, head down Madaket Road just past the dump (yes, you read that right) to Turtle Pond. (With older kids, you can easily bicycle here from town.) Are there really turtles here? You bet. And they’re huge. Bring pieces of raw chicken (yes, you read that right, too) to dangle on string as bait, and they’ll rise to the surface to nibble. Needless to say, kids can’t get enough (but keep little fingers out of reach of turtle mouths!).

There are also many walking and home tours offered by the Nantucket Historical Association. Most won’t hold the interest of very young kids, with the exception of the church tower at the First Congregational Church (62 Centre Street). Kids can climb 94 stairs to the top of the tower, which affords beautiful views of the entire town (and most of the island).

Calvin and Nate ready to feed turtles at Turtle Pond.

 

Where to Shop: There’s lots of fun shopping in town, but if you want to keep kids interested, head to The Toy Boat (41 Straight Wharf) and buy a traditional wooden boat (they have everything else you can imagine, too) to sail on nearby Children’s Beach.  Then head to Bookworks (25 Broad Street) to pick out some titles about the island’s maritime history.

Where to Eat: We loved Cap’n Tobey’s Chowder House (20 Straight Wharf) for fast service and a kid-friendly atmosphere. Be sure to stop by The Juice Bar (12 Broad Street) during afternoon or after-dinner strolls through town; they have the best ice cream (and a great selection of Nantucket Nectar juices).

Where to Stay: As hotel prices can get crazy on Nantucket, we opted to stay in a home rental. Most are rented by the week, and there’s an abundance to choose from (reserve early and consider a fall getaway for reduced rates). Our favorite vacation home rental company with a nice selection on Nantucket: Home Away.

Looking for a West Coast beach town? Check out our Great Beach Towns article on Laguna Beach, CA and Bandon, OR!