“The Strand north of the Pier offers lots of waves and sand, plenty of room to accommodate both the locals & visitors that annually flock to this popular stretch of beach. Gets crowded during the season, so go early. I’m not into migration, so I flock here year round.” Sandbag C. Gull
Oceanside Municipal Pier sits in the middle of The Strand, flanked by two extremely popular stretches of beach. Divided by Pier View Way, this northern section stretches from the Pier northward to Breakwater Way and the San Luis Rey River.
The Strand north offers room to spread out compared to its southern counterpart. There are fire pits, picnic tables & grills here, as well lots of soft sand. During peak season, surfing areas are restricted, so look for the posted flags and regulations.
Pier View North Beach Slideshow
Logistics
- Lifeguard services → if any ← varies by season, day, hours, even weather!
- Restrooms located at the foot of Surfrider Way on the Strand & at/on Pier
- Beach wheelchairs available – Call (760) 435-4018 for info
- Established volleyball courts available but bring your own net
- Fire rings are available on a first-come basis, as are picnic tables & BBQ’s
- Roller skates/blades/skateboards not permitted on boardwalk
- A 100 foot margin of open water is maintained around the pier for the safety of water users and the facility. From the water, look for yellow and black signs that read OK from outside of the margin, or KO (for Keep Out) if you’re too close to the pier
- Pedestrian access from Pacific Street to the south Strand is via stairways located at Mission Ave, Pier View Way, Civic Center Dr, Windward Way & Neptune Way
- Pier access is via pedestrian bridge from Pacific St. or steep ramps from the beach
- Vehicle access to The Strand (south) from Seagaze Drive at Pacific St. is one-way heading south, and subject to closure during peak season or events (June-August)
- Pay lot parking with handicapped parking spaces is available north and south of the pier on the Strand, as well as at Mission Avenue & Myers Street. Metered (max 4 hour) street parking is available along Mission Ave.
- The train station is within walking distance to the sand. Consider taking transit to the beach and save gas!
Directions
Take Interstate 5 to Oceanside: Take Mission Avenue exit & head west. Turn right on Pacific. You’ll find access to the Strand at Surfrider Way, in addition to a number of stairways from Pacific Street.
