It's no secret, most of us would like to stay in our own home as we age. Yet, sometimes our loved ones just need a little extra help to remain comfortable at home. That's where Always Best Care can help....we are dedicated to exceeding expectations....always.
They say that your golden years are the best years of your life. For most older Americans, that's how it should be - a time to relax, reflect, and live life in a familiar place. After all, senior citizens in the U.S. have worked tirelessly to build a better economy, serve their communities, and raise families.
However, as seniors grow older, completing daily tasks like showering and enjoying activities such as visiting the historic Oceanside Municipal Pier gets harder without someone by their side. Unfortunately, many older Americans aren't able to rely on their adult children for help. The reality in today's world is that family members do not have the skills or time to dedicate to caring for their parents. That's where Always Best Care Senior Services comes in.
Our in-home care services are for people who prefer to stay at home as they grow older but need ongoing care that family or friends cannot provide. More and more older adults prefer to live far away from long-term, institutionalized facilities and closer to the place where they feel most comfortable - their home. Home care in Oceanside, CA is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.
Home Care Services
Service AreasSince 1996, Always Best Care has provided non-medical in-home care for seniors to help them maintain a healthy lifestyle as they get older. We are proud to have helped more than 25,000 seniors maintain higher levels of dignity and respect. We focus on providing seniors with the highest level of in-home care available so that they may live happily and independently.
Unlike some senior care companies, we genuinely want to be included in our clients' lives. We believe that personalized care is always the better option over a "one size fits all" approach. To make sure our senior clients receive the best care possible, we pair them with compassionate caregivers who understand their unique needs. That way, they may provide care accordingly without compromising their wellbeing.
The Always Best Care difference lies in life's little moments - where compassionate care and trustworthy experience come together to help seniors live a fruitful, healthy life. Whether you are an aging adult that can't quite keep up with life's daily tasks or the child of a senior who needs regular in-home services, Always Best Care is here to help.
“Martesha has always been in a good mood and pleasant while providing her services to”
“I have been with Always Best Care for about 2 years, caring for my 86”
“I am very proud to Belong to Always Best Care Senior Services ❤️ Because”
“Great company. The staff is amazing and helpful. I was a caregiver for my husband”
“My name is Gabriela, I have been with Always Best Care for seven years and”
“I been working with always best care for a year now, let me just say”
“My experience with the clients with them have been great.Plus they have a very flexible”
“Hi, my name is Janett .. Working at Always Best Care has been the best experience”
“I'm a caregiver with Always Best Care. I've work for the agency since early April”
“My name is Haley Maddox and I’ve been with Always Best Care for a few”
“So grateful to be apart of this wonderful community of people, it is such a”
“Have really enjoyed working for Always Best Care !”
“Chelsea from the day she manager has been sweet and wonderful, making sure my schedule”
“This is Gloria Brown and Ive been with always best care for some years. Its”
“Aida Gomez is truly an Angel in disguise She is patient with me & attend to”
“For me it is a honor to be part of this company called ALWAYS BEST”
“Always Best Care has been and continues to be a great working environment. The flexibility”
“I have a great experience, flexible hours, great place to work.”
“This is a great place to work, great environment there is very nice staff a”
“Always best care provides an excellent service as a caregiver. They care about the staff”
“Ophelia Carter is the best thing that ever happened to Bobby Wigley. She has a”
“Honestly this is a great company to work for. The owners really care about what”
“Just wanted you to know that we moved Beth into Pacific Pointe last weekend. All”
“Ethan Kim was extremely helpful in assisting us set up in home care support. His”
“Ethan Kim of Always Best Senior Services helped me find a place for my husband”
“Martesha has always been in a good mood and pleasant while providing her services to me. She goes beyond what has been asked to do both physically and mentally. Her attitude is always positive and encouraging me in my recovery. She is an excellent companion and helpful to me. She is morally fit and encouraging I can’t thank you enough. ABC thank you for providing services”
“I have been with Always Best Care for about 2 years, caring for my 86 year old father. Although I am his main caregiver, I still need help. My dad has 2 caregivers assigned to him which allows me to still keep my job. Dawn, his daily caregiver, goes that extra mile. Treating my dad as if it was her father. And Martesha, a newer caregiver for my dad, knew just what to do. And with a little background about my father, she didn't need much prompting ABC is so thoughtful and really shows their employees and client's how much they are appreciated.”
“I am very proud to Belong to Always Best Care Senior Services ❤️ Because is a Company which really care about of their clients and their team workers”
“Great company. The staff is amazing and helpful. I was a caregiver for my husband and they help with training and were always pampering me with gift cards, birthday cards, Raffles. It felt just like a hug in this road”
“My name is Gabriela, I have been with Always Best Care for seven years and I have to say, it's really a great company to work for. The owners and manager are very professional, attentive, kind and flexible. As a caregiver is important that my client's needs are met and that we are a good match, and ABC does this perfectly. It's been a rewarding experience, taking care of my clients and Always Best Care has a huge heart towards people in need of care. Thank you ABC”
“I been working with always best care for a year now, let me just say how wonderful it has been to work for such an amazing company that not only cares for their clients but also their employees. If you are looking for a job as a caregiver I would highly recommend always best care!”
“My experience with the clients with them have been great.Plus they have a very flexible hours.”
“Hi, my name is Janett .. Working at Always Best Care has been the best experience of my life, from the day I went to apply for the job as a caregiver I felt very humbled. Im happy working at ABC and I hope to continue working for many years.. "❤️"”
“I'm a caregiver with Always Best Care. I've work for the agency since early April 2023. My experience has been fun, challenging at times but very rewarding. My clients are very nice. It is a great place to work. Management and administration are very communicative and attentive. They always address any concerns I have whether it is schedule issue, a client issue, or a special request. I love working for ABC. I highly recommend our company for any prospective or experienced caregivers. ????”
“My name is Haley Maddox and I’ve been with Always Best Care for a few months now and I would just like to say I absolutely LOVE and appreciate the company because they are always willing to work with you and your schedule to fit your personal life as well. Not only that but they make sure you know it’s ok to report any and every kind of complications at work and they always encourage you to ask questions and I like that a lot because not many jobs give you that comfortable feeling that YOU matter too. Thank you to ALWAYS BEST CARE for taking great care of not just their clients but their employees as well!❤️”
“So grateful to be apart of this wonderful community of people, it is such a great company! My clients treat me as I am their family and I truly take great pride in being able to care for them.”
“Have really enjoyed working for Always Best Care !”
“Chelsea from the day she manager has been sweet and wonderful, making sure my schedule which is very complicated was met. She is a blessing to me”
“This is Gloria Brown and Ive been with always best care for some years. Its always been a great company to work for, but it even got better when Chelsea became the manager. With my super busy schedule she's alway been able to accommodate me, witch is not easy. It has been a blessing having her in my life. I've never worked for a company that shows appreciation and rewards us often. It feels wonderful to be appreciated. Thank you.”
“Aida Gomez is truly an Angel in disguise She is patient with me & attend to all my needs as a caregiver.. Her appearance & personality is awesome!!????. Am very pleased with Aida. I love her flexibility.”
“For me it is a honor to be part of this company called ALWAYS BEST CARE . From the first moment they always treated me with great respect , always worried about what I need . For me , my clients are part of my family, they are people who needs heard,respected and loved♥️I feel very blessed to be their caregiver ????.. Thank you very much for allowing me to be part of your beautiful company ????”
“Always Best Care has been and continues to be a great working environment. The flexibility in my schedule has made it one of the most beneficial advantages working here. I have had the pleasure to have such great clients that have been very compatible both ways. Overall working at Always Best Care is and continues to be a great, flexible, compatible, understanding environment. Thank you Always Best Care”
“I have a great experience, flexible hours, great place to work.”
“This is a great place to work, great environment there is very nice staff a job you can call home and care about are clients.”
“Always best care provides an excellent service as a caregiver. They care about the staff and the patient needs. The Leadership team are very compassion because they have a good level of communication and it also wants to do the right things.”
“Ophelia Carter is the best thing that ever happened to Bobby Wigley. She has a lot of patience and she is so good for him. She manages to do everything in a timely manner for him. She's amazing. I don't know how much money she makes but she deserves more. Thank you”
“Honestly this is a great company to work for. The owners really care about what they do and it's really refreshing for a change. It's been a blessing to be apart of the family. I look forward to continue my journey with them and helping seniors in our community!”
“Just wanted you to know that we moved Beth into Pacific Pointe last weekend. All is going well and I can’t thank you enough for taking the time to show me this place.”
“Ethan Kim was extremely helpful in assisting us set up in home care support. His staff was very friendly and made my mother comfortable. Ethan was always available to answer questions and was quick to provide substitute support when needed. Would highly recommend this company for senior care.”
“Ethan Kim of Always Best Senior Services helped me find a place for my husband to recuperate after surgery for a broken femur and extensive surgery. He took me to see three places. I was able to choose one and I am very happy with my choice. I know I wouldn’t be able to accomplish this on my own. Very grateful for his service.”
Home is where the heart is. While that saying can sound a tad cliche, it is especially true for many seniors living in America. When given a choice, older adults most often prefer to grow older at home. An AARP study found that three out of four adults over the age of 50 want to stay in their homes and communities as they age.
When you begin to think about why, it makes sense. Home offers a sense of security, comfort, and familiarity.
The truth is, as we age, we begin to rely on others for help. When a family is too busy or lives too far away to fulfill this role, in-home senior care is often the best solution. Home care services allow seniors to enjoy personal independence while also receiving trustworthy assistance from a trained caregiver.
At Always Best Care, we offer a comprehensive range of home care services to help seniors stay healthy while they get the help they need to remain independent. As your senior loved one gets older, giving them the gift of senior care is one of the best ways to show your love, even if you live far away.
To give our senior clients the best care possible, we offer a full spectrum of in-home care services:
If your senior loved one has specific care needs, our personal care services are a great choice to consider. Personal care includes the standard caregiving duties associated with companion care and includes help with tasks such as dressing and grooming. Personal care can also help individuals with chronic conditions like diabetes.
Common personal care services include assistance with:
Sometimes, seniors need helpful reminders to maintain a high quality of life at home. If you or your senior has trouble with everyday tasks like cooking, our home helper services will be very beneficial.
Common home helper care services include assistance with:
Using this kind of care is a fantastic way to make life easier for you or your senior loved one. At Always Best Care, our talented caregivers often fill the role of a companion for seniors. That way, older adults can enjoy their favorite local activities, such as visiting Buddy Todd Park with friends while also receiving the care they need daily or weekly.
Common companionship services include:
According to AARP, more than 53 million adults living in the U.S. provide care to someone over 50 years old. Unfortunately, these caregivers experience stress, exhaustion, and even depression. Our respite care services help family caregivers address urgent obligations, spend time with their children, and enjoy nearby activities. Perhaps more importantly, respite care gives family members time to recharge and regroup. Taking personal time to de-stress reduces the risk of caregiver burnout. So, if you've always wanted to eat at the local 333 Pacific or visit Mission San Luis Rey, don't feel bad. Doing so is great for both you and your loved one.
At the end of the day, our goal is to become a valuable part of your senior's daily routine. That way, we may help give them the highest quality of life possible. We know that staying at home is important for your loved one, and we are here to help make sure that is possible.
If you have been on the fence about non-medical home care, there has never been a better time than now to give your senior the care, assistance, and companionship they deserve.
Always Best Care in-home services are for older adults who prefer to stay at home but need ongoing care that friends and family cannot provide. In-home care is a safe, effective way for seniors to age gracefully in a familiar place and live independent, non-institutionalized lives. The benefits of non-medical home care are numerous. Here are just a few reasons to consider senior care services from Always Best Care:
According to AARP, 9 out of 10 seniors prefer to age in place within the comfort of their own home. With in-home care, seniors have a way to stay at home, receive the care they need, and maintain a sense of independence, improving overall wellness.
If you or a member of your family have assumed the role of caregiver for your senior loved one, you know how stressful the job can be. Between caregiver burnout and constant worry, being a family caregiver is hard. In-home care relieves your burden and gives you peace of mind knowing that your older family member is in expert hands.
Unlike nursing homes, where the staff and residents rotate frequently, seniors can foster new friendships and build bonds with their caregiver. Seniors who socialize on a regular basis are often happier, which fosters positivity and leads to increased wellbeing.
No two seniors need the same kind of in-home care assistance. That is why each of our Care Plans is tailored to meet our client's individual needs. We offer plans that cover everything from light housekeeping to more involved duties like transportation to doctor's appointments. Our Care Coordinators will work closely with you to develop a personalized plan to ensure your senior's needs are exceeded.
Always Best Care offers a full array of care options for patients at all levels of health. With our trusted elderly care services, your loved one will receive the level of care necessary for them to enjoy the highest possible quality of life.
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While it's true that some seniors have complicated medical needs that prevent them from staying at home, aging in place is often the best arrangement for seniors and their families. With a trusted caregiver, seniors have the opportunity to live with a sense of dignity and do so as they see fit - something that is unavailable to many older people today.
In-home care makes it possible for millions of seniors to age in place every year. Rather than moving to a strange nursing home, seniors have the chance to stay at home where they feel the happiest and most comfortable.
How much does a senior's home truly mean to them?
A study published by the American Society on Aging found that more than half of seniors say their home's emotional value means more than how much their home is worth in monetary value. It stands to reason, then, that a senior's home is where they want to grow old.
With the help of elderly care in Oceanside, CA, seniors don't have to age in a sterilized care facility. Instead, they can age gracefully in the place they want to be most: their home. In contrast, seniors who move to a long-term care facility must adapt to new environments, new people, and new systems that the facility implements. At this stage in life, this kind of drastic change can be more harmful than helpful.
Institutional care facilities like nursing homes often put large groups of people together to live in one location. On any given day, dozens of staff members and caregivers run in and out of these facilities. Being around so many new people in a relatively small living environment can be dangerous for a seniors' health and wellbeing. When you consider that thousands of seniors passed away in nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic, opting for in-home care is often a safer, healthier choice for seniors.
Aging in place has been shown to improve seniors' quality of life, which helps boost physical health and also helps insulate them from viral and bacterial risks found in elderly living facilities.
For many seniors, the ability to live independently with assistance from a caregiver is a priceless option. With in-home care, seniors experience a higher level of independence and freedom - much more so than in other settings like a nursing home. When a senior has the chance to age in place, they get to live life on their own terms, inside the house that they helped make into a home. More independence means more control over their personal lives, too, which leads to increased levels of fulfillment, happiness, and personal gratification. Over time, these positive feelings can manifest into a healthier, longer life.
More independence, a healthier life, and increased comfort are only a few benefits of aging in place. You have to take into consideration the role of cost and convenience. Simply put, it's usually easier and more affordable to help seniors age in place than it is to move them into an institutional care facility. According to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, seniors who age in the comfort of their homes can save thousands of dollars per month.
In-home care services from Always Best Care, for instance, are often less expensive than long-term solutions, which can cost upwards of six figures per year. To make matters worse, many residential care facilities are reluctant to accept long-term care insurance and other types of payment assistance.
With Always Best Care's home care services, seniors and their families have a greater level of control over their care plans. In-home care gives seniors the chance to form a bond with a trusted caregiver and also receive unmatched care that is catered to their needs. In long-term care facilities, seniors and their loved ones have much less control over their care plan and have less of a say in who provides their care.
In-home care is a valuable resource that empowers seniors to age in place on their own terms. However, a big concern for many families and their loved ones is how much in-home care costs. If you're worried that in-home care is too expensive, you may be pleasantly surprised to learn that it is one of the most affordable senior care arrangements available.
Typically, hiring an Always Best Care in-home caregiver for a few hours a week is more affordable than sending your loved one to a long-term care facility. This is true even for seniors with more complex care needs.
At Always Best Care, we will work closely with you and your family to develop a Care Plan that not only meets your care needs, but your budget requirements, too. Once we discover the level of care that you or your senior need, we develop an in-home care plan that you can afford.
In addition to our flexible care options, families should also consider the following resources to help offset potential home care costs:
When you or your senior loved one needs assistance managing daily tasks at home, finding a qualified caregiver can be challenging. It takes a special kind of person to provide reliable care for your senior loved one. However, a caregiver's role involves more than meal preparation and medication reminders. Many seniors rely on their caregivers for companionship, too.
Our companion care services give seniors the chance to socialize in a safe environment and engage in activities at home. These important efforts boost morale and provide much-needed relief from repetitive daily routines. A one-on-one, engaging conversation can sharpen seniors' minds and give them something in which to be excited.
At Always Best Care, we only hire care providers that we would trust to care for our own loved ones. Our senior caregivers in Oceanside, CA understand how important it is to listen and communicate with their seniors. A seemingly small interaction, like a short hug goodbye, can make a major difference in a senior's day. Instead of battling against feelings of isolation, seniors begin to look forward to seeing their caregiver each week.
Understanding the nuances of senior care is just one of the reasons why our care providers are so great at their job.
Unlike some senior care companies, our caregivers must undergo extensive training before they work for Always Best Care. In addition, our caregivers receive ongoing training throughout the year. This training ensures that their standard of care matches up to the high standards we've come to expect. During this training, they will brush up on their communication skills, safety awareness, and symptom spotting. That way, your loved one receives the highest level of non-medical home care from day one.
While it's true that many seniors prefer to age at home, sometimes in-home care isn't the best fit. For those seniors and their families, choosing an assisted living facility makes more sense. Unfortunately, finding the optimal care facility is easier said than done in today's day and age. That's when Always Best Care's assisted living referral services begin to make a lot of sense.
Assisted living is a form of housing intended for seniors who require varying degrees of medical and personal attention. Accommodations may include single rooms, apartments, or shared living arrangements. Assisted living communities are typically designed to resemble a home-like environment and are physically constructed to encourage the independence of residents.
At assisted living communities, seniors receive help with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and eating. They may also benefit from coordination of services with outside healthcare providers, and monitoring of resident activities to ensure their health, safety, and well-being. Caregivers who work at assisted living communities can also provide medication administration and personal care services for older adults.
Other services offered within assisted living communities can include some or all of the following:
At Always Best Care, our representatives can match your senior's emotional, physical, and financial needs with viable assisted living communities nearby. Results are based on comparative data, so you can select the best choice for you or your loved one.
Always Best Care works closely with local senior living communities to gain valuable knowledge that we then use to help seniors and their loved ones make informed decisions. This information can include basic care and rent, resident availability, and services provided. Because Always Best Care is compensated by these communities, we provide senior living referral services at no extra cost to you.
Some of the most popular assisted living communities to consider in our area include the following:
For many seniors, moving into a senior living community revolves around how and when they want to make a transition to more involved care. Some seniors are more proactive about transitioning to independent living. Others choose to remain home until their care needs or other requirements are satisfied. Remember - our staff is here to help. Contact our office today to learn more about assisted living communities and how we can find a facility that exceeds your expectations.
The first step in getting quality in-home care starts with a personal consultation with an experienced Always Best Care Care Coordinator. This initial consultation is crucial for our team to learn more about you or your elderly loved one to discover the level of care required. Topics of this consultation typically include:
A discussion of your needs and how our trained caregivers can offer assistance in the most effective way
A draft of your care plan, which includes highly detailed notes and a framework for the care that you or your senior will receive
Discuss payment options and help coordinate billing with your insurance provider
Our caregivers are trained to spot changes that clients exhibit, like mental and physical decline. As your trusted senior care company, we will constantly assess and update your Care Plan to meet any new emotional, intellectual, physical, and emotional needs.
If you have never considered in-home care before, we understand that you and your family may have concerns about your Care Plan and its Care Coordinator. To help give you peace of mind, know that every team member and caregiver must undergo comprehensive training before being assigned to a Care Plan.
At the end of the day, we only hire the best of the best at Always Best Care. Whether you need home care in Oceanside, CA 24-hours a day or only need a respite for a couple of hours, we are here to serve you.
When you're ready, we encourage you to contact your local Always Best Care representative to set up a Care Consultation. Our Care Coordinators would be happy to meet with you in person to get to know you better, discuss your needs, and help put together a personalized Care Plan specific to your needs.
A retirement research journal has ranked Oceanside as the second-best place to retire in California. KPBS North County reporter Tania Thorne explains why the city scored so high and what it’s doing to help seniors and retirees thrive.A study from Retirement Living took a look at California’s senior populations, home prices and tax rates to help determine the best places to retire.The city o...
A retirement research journal has ranked Oceanside as the second-best place to retire in California. KPBS North County reporter Tania Thorne explains why the city scored so high and what it’s doing to help seniors and retirees thrive.
A study from Retirement Living took a look at California’s senior populations, home prices and tax rates to help determine the best places to retire.
The city of Oceanside ranked No. 2 because of its senior population and local economy.
"Where Oceanside stood out the most was 1 in 5 residents living in the city are over the age of 65, and that's one of the highest senior populations in the state," said Jailyn Montero, a spokesperson with the research group.
But a high senior population doesn't necessarily mean Oceanside is affordable.
The journal found the median home price in Oceanside was around $850,000, and the median monthly rent was around $2,200.
Montero said the high cost of living comes with a trade-off. "You're paying for coastal living. You're paying for a higher quality of life, a lower poverty rate overall," she said. "Which means ... typically well maintained neighborhoods and public services."
Mary Kelly agreed. She moved to Oceanside in 1994, the year she retired. She participates in programs at the Country Club Senior Center.
"I do tai chi, and when we have little programs sometimes, like drumming ... I love that," Kelly said, noting Oceanside has become more senior-friendly over time.
The city wants to become even friendlier to the aging population.
Oceanside partnered with San Diego State University’s Center for Excellence in Aging & Longevity (CEAL) to develop an age-friendly action plan.
"Every single step of the process is looking at what is already in place in that municipality to help support an age-friendly community, and then getting feedback on where there are gaps," said Jocelyn Protopappas, the special projects manager.
The survey found seniors in Oceanside wanted more communication on resources and information on disaster preparedness.
"Around 50% of residents who completed our survey and attended the listening sessions noted that they didn't know what to prepare in case there was an emergency. They weren't clear on evacuation routes, what they should do with their pets, where should they go," Protopappas said.
As a result, the city already rolled out disaster preparedness courses, even before its action plan has been drafted.
That information came in handy for Mary Kelly during the recent tsunami warning. "The things they told us to do, I actually did," she said. "I went to the bank and got money. I filled my car up with gas, and I threw a blanket in my car, just in case."
Mobility and accessibility are also issues that often keep seniors from attending events like concerts at city parks.
"I think this process of going through and becoming an age-friendly city has really helped us to start to look at things from a different perspective so that we're a more inclusive city," said Manuel Gonzalez, director of Oceanside’s parks and recreation.
He said having a plan in place will help address some of those barriers.
SDSU's CEAL said that by 2030, the San Diego region's population aged 65 and older will double.
"This is having profound impacts on every aspect of our lives, from the education system to our housing environments, to our health care, to our businesses, to our government," Protopappus said. "These age-friendly plans are really critical because this shift in demographics is going to have an impact on everybody."
Oceanside is expected to have an approved age-friendly action plan by the end of this year.
OCEANSIDE, CA — One city in San Diego County is among the best cities to retire in California, according to a new report.A report from Retirement Living looked at the best places to retire in the Golden State. Oceanside ranked second on the list.The city has a strong senior community as residents aged 65 and older make up 20% of Oceanside's population, one of the highest rates in the state, according to the stud...
OCEANSIDE, CA — One city in San Diego County is among the best cities to retire in California, according to a new report.
A report from Retirement Living looked at the best places to retire in the Golden State. Oceanside ranked second on the list.
The city has a strong senior community as residents aged 65 and older make up 20% of Oceanside's population, one of the highest rates in the state, according to the study.
"More seniors mean better access to age-friendly services, social programs, and health care tailored to older adults," Retirement Living spokesperson Jailyn Montero told Patch.
The city's 8.25% sales tax is among the state's lowest, and only 8% of seniors live in poverty compared to 11.3% statewide.
"That said, coastal California isn't budget retirement territory," Montero added. "Oceanside's median home price sits around $851,000 — close to the state median of $860,000 — and median rent is about $2,300 monthly. But for those who can afford it, you're getting beach access and year-round mild weather."
To identify the top cities for retirement in California, the study's authors reviewed places with populations over 100,000 and focused on factors that matter most to retirees: percentage of population 65 and older, median home sale price, median monthly rent, poverty rate, and sales tax. Each metric was weighted according to its influence on retirement decision-making.
Roseville, a city sitting just outside Sacramento, topped the rankings.
About one in five residents in Roseville is 65 or older. The median home price is $635,000, according to the report, which is relatively reasonable for California. The city also has a poverty rate of 5.6% that's low compared to the state average of 11.3%.
These are the top 20 cities to retire in California, according to the report:
Located 30 minutes north of San Diego, Oceanside is a coastal resort city with a laid-back Southern California vibe and plenty of sunny attractions. As its name suggests, it’s indeed right on the ocean (the Pacific to be exact) – and much of the appeal revolves around its sun-dappled best assets. Although mor...
Located 30 minutes north of San Diego, Oceanside is a coastal resort city with a laid-back Southern California vibe and plenty of sunny attractions. As its name suggests, it’s indeed right on the ocean (the Pacific to be exact) – and much of the appeal revolves around its sun-dappled best assets. Although morning walks along Oceanside Pier, afternoon spent catching rays on Oceanside City Beach and evenings watching the sun set over the waves can make for a magical day, there’s plenty to do in Oceanside that has nothing to do with beaches.
The walkable downtown area has a cluster of great restaurants, a solid coffee scene and some interesting spots to learn more about SoCal culture – including the California Surf Museum and the Oceanside Museum of Art. Because of the city's easy-going attitude, lack of crowds and mild climate marked by warm days that stretch into evening, nothing ever feels too rushed or busy. This gives travelers coming for the weekend ample time to explore, go for leisurely walks and simply relax in the sunshine.
When to arrive: Friday – just in time for an afternoon beach hang.
How to get from the airport: San Diego International Airport is a 40-minute Uber or Lyft ride to Oceanside. It’s easy (and arguably more cost-efficient, depending on your itinerary) to pick up a rental car and drive.
Getting around town: Downtown Oceanside is super pedestrian-friendly. The most popular hotels are a short walk from the beach. Travelers planning to explore more of North San Diego County – whether that’s the flowers and food in neighboring Carlsbad or taking a trip to the San Diego Botanic Garden and hitting the beaches of Encinitas – will appreciate having a car.
Where to stay: Check into the Mission Pacific Beach Resort for sleek coastal style, a rooftop pool, and unobstructed ocean views. Across the street sits its sister property, The Seabird Ocean Resort & Spa, a modern stay with plenty of seaside nostalgia, airy rooms and a spa.
What to pack: Sunny skies necessitate a flat brim cap or wide brim hat and sunscreen. Pack comfy shoes that do double duty for beach hangs and boardwalk strolls. Allocate the rest of your suitcase space for jeans, tees and a light sweater or hoodie for cooler evenings.
Don’t waste any time before hitting Oceanside City Beach – you’ll probably hear locals call it The Strand. Guests staying at the Mission Pacific Beach Resort can make use of the service that sets up chairs and umbrellas. For everyone else, there’s plenty of empty sand to roll out a towel and pop open a shade-giving cabana. Kids will enjoy the playground and small waves for boogie boarding. When you’ve had enough soaking in the sunshine and frolicking in the Pacific, amble over to the 1954ft-long Oceanside Pier, one of the longest wooden piers on the West Coast. During the spring and summer, the Oceanside Pier Plaza Amphitheatre hosts free concerts.
Among the most renowned restaurants in Oceanside, Michelin-starred Valle, led by Chef Roberto Alcocer, is one of the hottest tables in town. Patrons clamor for reservations (on that note, be sure to make a booking in advance) to savor the contemporary Mexican tasting menu. There’s also a Mexican wine pairing supplement. It’s certainly a splurge, but worth it for an unforgettable meal. For something a bit more casual and wallet-friendly, head to Allmine for creative thin-crust pizza. You can dine in or take away and eat at the beach.
First up, it’s time to caffeinate. Order a coconut cream cold brew at Communal, a hip café with a few locations around greater San Diego. Then meander over to Northside Shack for the best smoothie bowl in town. You can customize the size, base (acai, pitaya, coconut or hot oatmeal) and toppings. There's also a huge list of smoothies. The friendly team will happily point you in the right direction if choice paralysis kicks in. Once fueled for the day, start moseying north. Consider stopping at The Strand for a vitamin D-drenched break.
Oceanside Harbor, also known as The Jetties, is a top pick for surfers and fishers. Even if you don’t plan to paddle out or cast a line, it’s fun to watch. Visitors can rent kayaks, do whale-watching cruises and chow down on fresh seafood at one of the dockside joints. It’s also a pleasant 30-minute walk back to the California Surf Museum, which displays an impressive permanent collection of surf artifacts and memorabilia – including competition photography and a timeline of boards. Just down the street, the Oceanside Museum of Art stocks contemporary art exhibitions inside two side-by-side buildings designed by the famous SoCal architects Irving Gill and Frick Fisher. Take a break from the touristy fun to refuel with farm-to-table fare at Piper. Wrap up a day of sightseeing by snapping some souvenir photos at the Top Gun house.
Although the food scene in Oceanside is more closely associated with tacos and pizza than beef rendang, Dija Mara provides an opportunity to try something new and (spoiler alert) delicious. Located along S Coast Hwy, the restaurant celebrates Indonesian flavors with dishes like grilled roti, pork chicken skewers with peanut sauce, nasi goreng and whole fish with urap salad in an inviting setting.
Oceanside isn’t a late-night destination, but that doesn’t mean packing it in right after dinner on Saturday night. The rooftop at the Mission Pacific Beach Resort's hotel is the best spot in town for cocktails and ocean views. If you can time it right to catch the end of the sunset (more likely in the summer months), it’s quite a special vantage point for soaking in the orange and blue vistas.
Wake up, wave goodbye to the beach, and hop in the car bound for Carlsbad. Birders and nature enthusiasts will want to make a stop at the Buena Vista Audubon Society. The trail around their lagoon is open from dawn to dusk. With any luck, you might even see an egret or one of the other winged inhabitants. Next up, breakfast at Wildland, a stylish all-day spot in Carlsbad for avocado toast, breakfast sandwiches, and steak and eggs. Pro tip: pick up some pastries for the road. The croissants and creamy ricotta danish are so good, you’ll want a couple for later.
If you’re visiting between March and May, don’t pass up the chance to visit The Flower Fields. Every year, the hillsides erupt into a vibrant display of colorful ranunculus blooms. It’s beautiful to go for a walk or hop on the trolley to cover more ground and snap some souvenir photos.
Drive 15 minutes down the coast to check out the San Diego Botanic Garden, a 37-acre sanctuary that’s home to 29 themed gardens, a glass conservatory, and four miles of walking trails. It’s also home to the largest public bamboo collection in North America.
Make a beeline to Four Moons Spa for holistic pampering, from Buccal sculpt lifting facials to cupping massages. When hunger hits, head to Atelier Manna for Turkish eggs and housemade vitality tonics. You’re never far from sand and surf in SoCal. In this case, sandy Moonlight State Beach is the main attraction. Avid golfers might want to skip another beach session and book a tee time at Aviara golf course.
If you’re traveling with kids or adults with a fondness for Danish construction toys, be sure to hit LEGOLAND California for a day of rides, junior driving school, build-a-boat races, playgrounds and MINILAND USA. There’s also a waterpark with slides, a not-so-lazy river, Duplo imagination stations and cabana rentals.
Campfire, an indoor/outdoor restaurant in Carlsbad, is the perfect pit stop for wood-fired fare on the relatively short drive back to Oceanside. Don’t leave without ordering the famous s’mores for a nostalgic sweet treat before hitting the road.
Rather have a little hotel downtime and change before dinner? Cruise back to Oceanside. After a quick refresh, make your way to The Plot, a plant-based flagship with a regenerative garden (much of the produce is grown on site), communal tables that encourage conversation and hearty fare that even meat eaters will happily devour.
Several ice cream shops and companies are offering freebies and deals on Sunday, and some have month-long offers.OCEANSIDE, CA — As far back as the Persian Empire and Tang Dynasty, frozen treats have offered cool relief on hot days. So it’s little wonder that the Quaker colonists brought recipes for frozen ice treats and ice cream with them, and opened the first ice cream shops in New York and other cities.Fast-forward two and one-half centuries, and ice cream is widely regarded as America’s favorite summert...
OCEANSIDE, CA — As far back as the Persian Empire and Tang Dynasty, frozen treats have offered cool relief on hot days. So it’s little wonder that the Quaker colonists brought recipes for frozen ice treats and ice cream with them, and opened the first ice cream shops in New York and other cities.
Fast-forward two and one-half centuries, and ice cream is widely regarded as America’s favorite summertime treat. In 1984, President Ronald Reagan proclaimed July as National Ice Cream Month and established National Ice Cream Day as the third Sunday of July. This year, that’s on July 20.
Several ice cream shops and companies are offering freebies and deals on Sunday, and some have month-long offers. Here’s a look at some of them in Oceanside and across San Diego County. As always, call ahead to make sure your local store is participating.
Baskin-Robbins: The chain’s weeklong celebration of National Ice Cream Day starts Sunday and continues through July 26. Rewards members get $5 off orders of $20 or more placed through third-party delivery.
Bruster’s Real Ice Cream: The chain has several promotions tied to National Ice Cream Month, including a chance to win free ice cream for a year.
Burger King: Rewards members can get a free Soft Serve ice cream with the purchase of $1 or more on Sunday.
Chuck E. Cheese: Customers can enjoy a free small cup of the new limited-edition “Chuck E.’s Cookie Crunch” Dippin’ Dots by presenting a coupon at the register at participating Chuck E. Cheese locations.
Cold Stone Creamery: Now through July 31, the chain is offering a flavor twist on a fan-favorite treat: Birthday Cake Oreo Cookie Ice Cream Taco, now featuring the all-new Birthday Cake Oreo Cookie Ice Cream. On Sunday, the store will choose five winners of Cold Stone Creamery Ice Cream ($450) for a year (entry details @ColdStone on Instagram).
Dairy Queen: Through Sunday, rewards members get a free Dilly Bar on orders of $1 or more.
Dunkin’: Rewards members get three times the points on Frozen Beverages on Sunday, as well as $3 medium Refreshers.
Handel’s Homemade Ice Cream: Handel’s is celebrating the 80th anniversary of its founding by offering a free small ice cream to people 80 and older on National Ice Cream Day.
Jeni’s Splendid Ice Cream: On Sunday, Jeni’s offers customers the add Sundae Fudge Sauce to any order at no charge.
My/Mochi Ice Cream: Every Sunday in July, My/Mochi is giving away “summer chill packs” with ice cream coupons and other merchandise. On National Ice Cream Day this Sunday, fans can sign up for a free year’s supply of premium ice cream when they follow My/Mochi on Instagram, like a post, comment with summer friends, or tag a friend.
Salt & Straw: The chain culminates a full week of offers Sunday with a prize for every online offer placed. Guests will each get one NICD card with a QR code revealing prizes ranging from a free scoop to a personal ice cream-making session with Salt & Straw chef, founder and cookbook author Tyler Malek.
Van Leeuwen: In celebration of the 10th anniversary of its popular Honeycomb flavor and National Ice Cream Day, Van Leeuwen Scoop Shops nationwide are offering $3 scoops of Honeycomb at from noon to 2 p.m. local time. Customers also get a chance at a 3-gallon tub of Honeycomb ice cream and merchandise. For those in New York, the first 100 customers at the Tribeca location will get a scratch-off ticket with a chance to win prizes.
A California ice cream shop with a storied history, a range of unique flavors and an unusual name made this year's Fodor's list.OCEANSIDE, CA — Only a dozen ice cream shops across the country made a new list from Fodor's Travel — and three California classics are among them.When it comes to ice cream, the experts at Fodor's Travel know their stuff. This list, curated for the summer of 2025, includes...
OCEANSIDE, CA — Only a dozen ice cream shops across the country made a new list from Fodor's Travel — and three California classics are among them.
When it comes to ice cream, the experts at Fodor's Travel know their stuff. This list, curated for the summer of 2025, includes classics, innovative flavors, and incredible frozen treats sprinkled with creativity.
In California, Fodor's Travel suggestions for must-try frozen treats include:
An's Dry Cleaning:
In Southern California, a San Diego-area ice cream shop with an odd name received recognition from the famed travel guide. An’s Dry Cleaning is located at 3017 Adams Avenue in North Park. This location was formerly a 1930s dry cleaning store and is a "made-from-scratch gelato shop that has been slowly garnering nationwide acclaim thanks to its inventive flavors and perfect execution of them," according to Fodor's.
But why is it called An's Dry Cleaning? During their search for the perfect location, the owners discovered a historic building built in 1934 on Adams Avenue, but felt it would be wrong to change the name of a long-standing establishment.
"We immediately fell in love with the location, the community, and the people. But changing the name of an old establishment, in an even older building, didn’t feel right," the owners wrote on their website.
The shop has named flavors after different fabrics, like Full Grain Leather, a brown butter mix with brownie and cookie crumbles, and Phin, a Vietnamese coffee concoction. The shop changes flavors every two weeks, and returning guests are invited on tasting tours before committing to new creations.
The shop's "biggest success story" is its burnt caramel flavor, which is "earning acclaim and following for its smoky aftertaste on a heavy cream base," according to Fodor's.
The shop offers a weekly rotating menu and a roster of quirky items, including leather and lingerie. Find their current menu here. The shop is open daily from noon to 11 p.m.
Bi-Rite Creamery:
In the Bay Area, Bi-Rite Creamery also received a sweet acknowledgement from the Fodor's guide.
"If there’s only one salted caramel ice cream you have for the rest of your life, you’ll want it to be Bi-Rite Creamery’s. It was here that the trend for the French-invented flavor exploded in the early 2000s…a time when—hard to believe—Americans hadn’t yet developed a taste for it. Bi-Rite’s Salted Caramel is made with premium organic milk, gray sea salt, and sugar that is cooked longer for a smoky finish. Other equally delectable flavors on offer include Mint Chip and Tiramisu."
Find it open every day from noon to 9 p.m. in San Francisco, located at 3692 18th Street.
Salt & Straw:
You can find this next delicious ice cream shop at one of the many franchise locations across the Golden State. Although the chain began in Oregon, Salt & Straw is available nationwide, with many locations in California, including San Diego, Downtown Disney, and the San Francisco Bay Area, among others.
Though it has grown, not much has changed by way of technique and taste since the company first opened in 2011 in Portland, Oregon, by cousins Kim and Tyler Malek," says Fodor's. Take a trip down the bestseller route by ordering Chocolate Gooey Brownie or Double Fold Vanilla, or on more out-there monthly specials like Gruyère and Tomato Custard Tart," according to Fodor's Guide.
The chain has a strong celeb-strong following, which includes Jeff Goldblum, Chrissy Teigen, and Dwayne Johnson. The Rock loves it so much that he is both an investor and a creative collaborator.
Other shops that made Fodor's list include the Annapolis Ice Cream Company, Sugarwitch in St. Louis, Chinatown Ice Cream Factory, and Loblolly Creamery in Little Rock, Arkansas.
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