A Design Lover's Guide to Oceanside: Architecture, Interiors, and Boutique Finds

If you're the type of traveler who notices the details—the curve of a hand-built chair, the grain of reclaimed wood, the play of light through a vintage window—Oceanside's Green Room Hotel is the place for you. Tucked along Southern California's coast, this beach town has quietly built a reputation as a hub for thoughtful design. It's not showy or overbuilt. Instead, Oceanside celebrates craft, character, and creativity. And the Green Room Hotel sits right at the heart of it all. Whether you're here for a weekend surf trip or a relaxing getaway, this guide will walk you through the best of Oceanside's architecture, interiors, and boutique finds—with plenty of inspiration (and coffee) along the way.

Start at the Green Room Hotel

Design-forward but unpretentious, our oceanside hotel sets the tone for your stay. This boutique property blends 1970s California surf nostalgia with modern lines and vintage textures. Every room has been individually curated with layered details—woven textiles, raw materials, warm woods, and pops of color that feel both laid-back and intentional.

The design here is more than skin deep. Each piece, from the bespoke headboards to the locally sourced art, tells a story. Outside, the courtyard invites you to linger, with its fire pit, string lights, and desert-modern landscaping that feels straight out of a design magazine. It's no surprise that the Green Room attracts surfers, creatives, and design-minded travelers. It's not just a place to sleep—it's part of the experience.

Explore Oceanside's Architectural Layers

Oceanside wears its history well. Downtown is a mix of eras and influences—from restored storefronts with hand-painted signage to minimalist new builds that blend into the coastal surroundings. You'll find original Mission Revival facades, mid-century gems, and post-war buildings lovingly reimagined as local businesses, cafes, and creative workspaces.

Just blocks from the Green Room in South O, you'll spot surf shacks alongside sleek modern builds with steel accents and oversized glass sliders. This neighborhood is a living testament to beachside California architecture, offering a relaxed yet design-forward vibe that perfectly captures the spirit of Oceanside.

Shop Oceanside's Best Design Boutiques

Design lovers will want to carve out an afternoon to explore Oceanside's boutique scene. At the top of the list: Rising Co., a concept store housed in a restored 1930s auto shop just a short bike ride from the Green Room. Inside, you'll find a curated mix of handmade ceramics, indie publications, natural fiber textiles, and local artisan goods. It's a community hub as much as a store, with a cozy café and regular maker events.

Just up the street, Captain's Helm blends vintage Americana with coastal California cool. Their vintage section is packed with one-of-a-kind home goods—think vintage barware, mid-century lighting, and reclaimed wood accents—alongside surf-inspired fashion and furniture pieces.

Ransack is another must for vintage hunters. The shop is part treasure hunt, part design inspiration, with an eclectic mix of furniture, records, books, and wall art. Every visit feels like a new discovery.

Soak Up the Local Creative Scene

Oceanside's art and design community is thriving. Oceanside Museum of Art is your first stop for visual inspiration. Housed in a sleek modernist building with exhibitions spotlighting Southern California artists, the museum regularly features works that blur the lines between fine art, design, and architecture.

If you're in town on the first Friday of the month, don't miss the First Friday Art Walk, which winds through Oceanside's design district. Local galleries, studios, and shops open their doors late, showcasing everything from sculpture and painting to furniture and textile art. For something slower-paced, walk the strand at golden hour and take in Oceanside's iconic lifeguard towers—a simple, utilitarian design elevated by the sun.

End Your Day Back at the Green Room

After a full day of design discovery, head back to the Green Room for a sunset drink in the courtyard or a soak in the hot tub under the palms. The details here—every tile, plant, and chair—remind you that good design doesn't have to shout. It just has to make you feel something.

In Oceanside, it's not about flash or trend chasing. It's about texture, intention, and soul. For the design-minded traveler, that's the best kind of luxury.

Book your stay at the Green Room Hotel and immerse yourself in Oceanside's creative culture—where good design meets good surf.