Weekend Getaways from LA: Why Oceanside is the Perfect Escape

Los Angeles is a city that rewards hustle, but even the most dedicated Angelenos need a change of pace. When the grind starts to outweigh the glam, the best cure is a quick escape that swaps gridlock for ocean breezes, endless sunshine, and a pace that’s actually livable. Just 90 minutes south, Oceanside delivers exactly that. Whether you’re looking for a romantic couple’s trip, a weekend with friends, or a solo retreat, Oceanside is the kind of destination that feels far enough away to recharge you but close enough to make it a stress-free, last-minute plan. Here’s why this coastal gem is our top pick for your next weekend getaway from LA.

Easy Arrival, Instant Vacation Mode

The biggest hurdle to any weekend trip from LA is getting there. You can hop in the car after work on Friday and be sipping a craft beer by sunset. Traffic willing, it’s a straight shot down the I-5, and if you’d rather skip driving entirely, Amtrak’s Pacific Surfliner drops you right in the heart of downtown Oceanside. Step off the train, and you’re a short walk or rideshare from the beach, restaurants, and our Oceanside hotel.

The real magic? Once you’re here, you don’t need your car. Oceanside is one of the most walkable beach towns in Southern California, with surf breaks, shopping, coffee spots, and dining all within easy reach.

Oceanside’s Unique Vibe

A lot of Southern California’s beach towns lean heavily into polished, resort-style energy. Oceanside, on the other hand, still has grit in the best way. It’s a blend of surf culture, creative energy, and small-business pride that makes the city feel approachable and honest. You’ll see it in the old-school diners that still serve locals breakfast at 6 a.m., the surf shops that have been family-owned for decades, and the murals and public art that pop up on every other corner.

Beaches for Every Mood

Beach in Oceanside

Whether you’re a dawn patrol surfer, a sunbather, or a tidepool explorer, Oceanside has a stretch of coastline for you. The Pier is the city’s most iconic landmark — a great spot for a morning walk, fishing, or taking in the sunset.

Head a little south to South Oceanside for more local breaks and quieter stretches of sand. Buccaneer Beach is a favorite for mellow surf sessions, while the Strand is perfect for a beach cruiser ride with ocean views the entire way. And if you want to throw down a towel and do nothing? The wide, sandy beaches near Wisconsin Street are ideal for that, too.

A Food Scene Worth the Trip

Oceanside Food Scene

Oceanside’s food scene has been blowing up over the past decade, and you could easily spend your entire weekend eating your way through town. Start your morning at a local favorite like Bound Coffee Company for top-tier caffeine and fresh-baked pastries.

For lunch, head to Tanner’s Prime Burgers, a Michelin-Guide recommended shine: chef-driven smash burger joint. Dinner options range from Michelin Bib Gourmand–recognized Dija Mara, where Balinese flavors meet SoCal creativity, to local institutions like Flying Pig Pub & Kitchen for elevated comfort food. And if your weekend getaway from LA calls for cocktails, places like Frankie’s and Cococabana have you covered.

Things to Do Between Meals

One of the best parts about Oceanside is how much there is to do without overloading your weekend with a packed itinerary. If you’re into art and culture, check out the Oceanside Museum of Art, which showcases local and regional artists, or catch live music at Pour House.

If you’re here to move, grab one of our complimentary beach cruisers and cruise the Strand, go for a morning jog along the harbor, or book a surf lesson with one of the local surf schools. Prefer to slow it down? Browse vintage finds at Captain’s Helm, pick up handmade goods at Rising Co, or just spend the afternoon in a hammock at The Green Room Hotel with a good book.

Why The Green Room Hotel is Your Weekend Basecamp

For a quick escape, where you stay matters as much as what you do. The Green Room Hotel is built for the kind of guest who wants local charm without sacrificing comfort. Our South Oceanside location means you can easily explore both Oceanside and neighboring Carlsbad. At the same time, our curated rooms, outdoor common spaces, and complimentary beach gear make it easy to slip into vacation mode the second you arrive.

Whether you’re kicking back with a cold drink under the string lights or heading out for a morning surf before breakfast, The Green Room is designed to be part of the experience, not just a place to crash.

So, pack light, grab your board (or your book), and head south. Oceanside — and The Green Room Hotel — are ready to be your new go-to weekend escape.

 

Morgan Bernard