California Beaches

Carlsbad is a nicer town in general than Oceanside. Sorry, Oceanside.

I was just at the beach in Carlsbad on Sunday. We were in the area for a wedding. My in laws stayed at the Beach Terrace Inn, which seemed really nice and family friendly, right on the beach in Carlsbad.

I also like beaches south of there- Encinitas, and Del Mar is probably my fave. MissionBeach/MissionBay area has tons of rentals. And North of there in Orange County- San Clemente, Huntington, and Newport. We vacationed many summers in Newport Beach growing up. Its a nice beach vacay town. We were always crammed in some kind of rental beachhouse we would share with our cousins family. Sounds fun, I have fond memories of our extended family beach vacations!

Reverend Ruby is correct that Oceanside is more or less a military town. As such, there are a lot of bars and strip clubs in their town/shopping area. When I lived in So Cal more than 10 years ago, Oceanside was trying to clean up its image. There were a few hip and cute restaurants (not very family-friendly though) that opened up in town. But I don't know if they're still there or if anything new or family-friendly as been added to the mix.

I would be a bit skeptical about renting a house in Oceanside. Those houses might be more suitable for adult partying, and they might be a little trashed. Carlsbad is much more suitable for families, because a lot of families (fairly high income) live there.

The time you will be traveling will be low season. You might be able to get a good deal on a beach vacation rental. Balboa Island in Newport Beach (my former home) is a wonderful place for families. Laguna Beach, San Clemente, and Dana Point are nice too. Good luck!

I would go a little south, if I were you. Carlsbad is much nicer.

Ryloe:

Oceanside is nice. I love Carlsbad. Have you tried La Jolla or Point Loma?

Southern California beaches are the best!!!

We go to Carlsbad every year and stay a week. I really enjoy the beach there. It's not too busy, it's enjoyable. I also think Carlsbad is a little more family friendly than Oceanside. We pretty much only go to Oceanside to fish on the pier.

I believe Oceanside is a military town. Not that it is a bad thing but I would think youmay have to deal with a large group of partying Marines or Sailors on weekends.
I would check out Newport Beach or Luguna.

Contact the Visitors and Convention Bureau website.

Hello! We have been to Carlsbad twice. This past June while in Carlsbad we drove to Oceanside to check it out and personally feel Carlsbad is more family friendly. We had a great experience with VRBO in Carlsbad and would certainly return.

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Hello! We have been to Carlsbad twice. This past June while in Carlsbad we drove to Oceanside to check it out and personally feel Carlsbad is more family friendly. We had a great experience with VRBO in Carlsbad and would certainly return.