Oceanside History

Oceanside became a town because the extension of the Transcontinental Railroad was planned to come from the Colton, Riverside area to San Diego.

Before that time Indians once roamed through the coastal plain along the streams and rivers in search of food for thousands of years. It wasn't until Spanish explorers led the expedition up 'Alta' California from Mexico to found the Missions that created a stronghold on this new land in 1769. It marked the beginning when Europeans came to settle our area.

In the 1880's the train was planned and built to accommodate the anticipated travelers from across the country. When these travelers stopped in our community some became owners. Some speculated and others stayed, many built beach cottages. The train remained the dominant transportation link until the time of Henry Ford's Model T. Cars would change the landscape of our community and drive demand for more services and create the need for more housing.

Once drivers discovered the coast route between Los Angeles and San Diego Oceanside became an important stopping place for autoist. The car culture in California drove the need for highways and the coastal route soon became US Highway 101. The popularity of the car has changed our state from a small agricultural based economy to the sixth largest economy in the world and has created endless miles of driving adventures.

Oceanside is now a community of 180,000 and with a harbor, miles of sandy beaches and a storied past is poised to make to make history for many decades to come.

Woodies on the 101

You soon discover the surf culture in San Diego County when you spot your first Woodie. You are more likely to see a completely restored car than the ones that cruised along the old 101 Highway with surfboards hanging out the back window in the sixties. There is something about their look that takes you back to your youth and makes you long for the beach.

Maybe it is the simpler times or that you could spend more time enjoying your friends that make you reminisce of days gone by.

If you cruise the 101 and see a special bus with an image of a classic Woodie you would be checking out the 101 bus that travels between Oceanside and La Jolla.

The North County Transit District partnered with the Highway 101 Association to put two of these unique rides on the 101. Woodies might not be unique to the coast, but they just fit the picture of the California Surf Culture to a T.

Cities along the US Highway 101

Where can you find the largest number of photos or post cards of cities along the Historic US Highway 101, at the 101 Cafe's website and you will also find out about the Highway's history. The site is meant to give out as much information as possible and is updated occasionally with new photos and other historic information.
The links it has will take you to sites that speak to, preserve and promote the 101 and will lead you to a site that features El Camino Real Bells
The Cafe's website also features links to major attractions throughout Southern California.

Special Events are part of Oceanside

The 2008 Ford Ironman Oceanside California begins the season of Special Events in Oceanside March 29, 2008. There is little question the weather and the Pacific Ocean play an important part in the events that are attracted to Oceanside.

I believe there may be more surf contest; youth, Junior High School, High School, religious, fire, police, amateurs, pro, longboard and short board just to mention a few. The surf contest also use many of our beaches; South Pier, North Pier, South Jetty Harbor Beach and North Jetty Harbor Beach to name a few. These events are great eye candy for those wanting excitement.

Spring is the thing this morning

Spring days in Oceanside bring clear Blue sky's more often than not. As I walked this morning I could not help seeing the change from dark nest to the Spring Blue that I have come to know in Oceanside. It comes with a price, it is pretty cool. Sunrise at the beach is worth dressing warm for and getting up early. At 4:00 AM walking along the Strand next to the sand there are no other joggers or walkers. Not until a little before 5:00 AM do those seeking to exercise or comuning with nature arrive, but from then on you will see lots of folks enjoying the beach including surfers . It is quite a show if you consider all the surf spots in Oceanside 3 1/2 miles of beach, a spot for everyone. Now that Spring Break has begun you will see crowds all during the daylight hours.

Of course our sunsets now coming later with daylight savings time in place are just as spectactular as ever. I know that this is just one more small piece that make me the Californian I am.

Beach'n 101 Cruise Returns for 2008

Beach'n 101 Cruise III will mark the third year antique, classic, hot rods, muscle cars and customs will cruise along the beautiful coast line of San Diego. This event was started to bring these incredible vehicles to the coast and show off Historic US Highway 101, the "Mother Road of California." The drive between Oceanside and La Jolla affords looks at the very different communities of Oceanside , Carlsbad , Encinitas , Solana Beach , Del Mar and La Jolla .

The Highway 101 Association the sponsor group is dedicated to preserve and promote the Historic Highway in California and has worked hard to make San Diego North a showpiece of accomplishments of their work. The Association depends upon support by the County of San Diego and the communities where they work as well as individuals.

For those interested in the Cruise go to www.drivethe101 website for information and applications. This years event is September 7, 2008. Hope to see you there to be seen or to be seen.

Visiting San Diego North

It might be overwhelming to visit a new area unless you have the right contacts. I have been to all the places people search out so I can tell you about them. Today we can search for information on the net and do research at our leisure. So I will give you some help finding the right place to go to plan your trip.

If you plan to stay in Oceanside you will find it to be the center of the most popular attractions and going North South and East will be a short drive to these favorite spots.

Every good plan needs to start with a good foundation and the California Welcome Center in Oceanside is that start. You might decide to cruise the Historic 101 from Downtown Oceanside and stop first at the California Surf Museum then you could choose the Quail Botanical Gardens . If you really want a water theme then continue South to the Birch Aquarium . No trip to San Diego would be complete without a stop at SeaWorld , The San Diego Zoo and the Wild Animal Park.

Continuing from Oceanside if you have young children you have to stop at Legoland and depending if your in our area in the summer check out the San Diego County Fair . Maybe you have a need to see our famous Mission San Luis Rey, King of the Missions.

There is no trip to Southern California without a stop at Disneyland about an hour North of Oceanside.

If you need help getting your trip planned then go to San Diego North Convention and Visitor Bureau for help.

Enjoy...............