North Jetty, Harbor Beach & Breakwater Way Beach

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The northern most beaches in Oceanside, just south of the main jetty into Oceanside Harbor.
Learn about the North Jetty, Harbor Beach and Breakwater Way Beach in Oceanside, CA. These are great places to visit for a full seaside experience.
Todd Sarouhan
Some of the links in this article are affiliate links. This means if you make purchases through them, I may be compensated at no extra cost to you. All opinions remain my own.
Why you'll love this beach
Why you'll love this beach
Surf a Day Away at Oceanside's North Jetty, Harbor Beach & Breakwater Way Beach
North Jetty, Harbor & Breakwater Way Beaches
Overview
Things to Do
Save on Gear
Popular Activities
Get There & Parking
Featured Activity
Know Before You Go
Stay Nearby
Similar Beaches

Highlights

Things to Do
Tips
How to get there
Parking
Things to Do
Tips
How to get there
Parking

Overview

Couple Walking Along the Beach at Harbor BeachCouple of Surfers on a Wave at Harbor Beach

In North County San Diego lies Oceanside, a small beach community. This city is home to several beautiful beaches including Harbor Beach and Breakwater Way Beach. There are also several jetties in the Oceanside harbor that are great for watersports.

Anyone who wants to enjoy some time by the beach in the San Diego area should consider visiting the Oceanside beaches. They are particularly loved by surfers who take advantage of the fast and fun waves.

The area is a hub of coastal activity including everything from sunning on the beach to whale watching. There is a complete seaside experience awaiting you in Oceanside.

From catching waves at dawn to roasting s’mores at dusk, you can enjoy a full day of fun and relaxation at Oceanside. If you are heading to San Diego County, put the North Jetty, Harbor Beach and Breakwater Way Beach on your to-do list.

Things to Do

Beach Volleyball
Beach Volleyball
Kayaking
Kayaking
Paddle Boarding
Paddle Boarding
Running
Running
Sunbathing
Sunbathing
Surfing
Surfing
Swimming
Swimming

What You’ll Love About Each Beach

North Jetty

The North Jetty at Oceanside Harbor is a popular spot for fishing and surfing. This is one of the most consistent spots for finding good breaks in the Oceanside area. Expect to see a crew of surfers around the jetties and pier pretty much every day of the year.

Surfing at the North Jetty and other parts of Oceanside benefit from southwest wells coming in from further out in the Pacific. This spot is angled to catch more of these waves than other parts of San Diego County.

For fishing, people love to head out on the jetty and cast out into the ocean. There are plenty of bait shops and fishing businesses in the area. Many people also like to cast from the nearby pier.

Harbor Beach

As the largest beach in Oceanside, Harbor Beach has the most varied activities and attractions. People head there for everything from surfing to volleyball.

The waves around the beach are a little less consistent than at the jetties. Nonetheless, there are some excellent days for catching the surf.

Local Tips
Fire Pits
"There are 24 fire pits available at Harbor Beach that are a first come first serve basis."

The beach features pavilions with picnic tables and fire pits. These features make it a great place to sit and relax.

Out on the water, people enjoy sailing and kayaking. It is also a good place for swimming thanks in part to the three lifeguard towers.

Breakwater Way Beach

This is another large beach, making it ideal for relaxing on the sand in the sun. It is a little less built up than Harbor Beach but still has bathrooms and other facilities.

There are barbecues and picnic tables if you want to eat while at the beach. Additionally, the water is monitored from a lifeguard tower.

As the name implies, there are plenty of breaks along the beach. The waves are relatively short, but they can be fast and powerful. For the same reason, exercise caution when swimming and watch for rip currents.

Stay Nearby at the Best Western Plus Oceanside Palms

The Best Western Plus Oceanside Palms is a great place to stay when traveling on a budget. Just a ten-minute walk from the beach, Best Western offers all the amenities you are looking at a beach hotel.

Save on Paddle Boarding!

2-Hour Stand Up Paddleboard Rental
Stand Up Paddle Board Rental
Using your Go Pass, head out for a 2-Hour Stand Up Paddle board Rental. Paddle around Harbor Island and keep an eye out for dolphins and other local wildlife. No matter your skill level, you will enjoy a beautiful day out on the water.
Buy Now
Local Tips
What activities does the Go City San Diego pass include?

There’s a variety of activities included with the Go City San Diego pass such as: The San Diego Zoo, Safari Park, LEGOLAND, SeaWorld, Hiking Tours, Whale Watching, Museum Tours, Speed Boat Adventures & more!

For the most popular attractions and water-sport rentals as well as the biggest discounts, consider the All-Inclusive Pass.

Use our exclusive discount code GVSD5OFF to save an extra 5%!

How to Get There & Parking

Lot Parking
Lot Parking
RV Parking
RV Parking

Getting to the Beaches

All three beaches are on the northwest end of Oceanside. If you exit Interstate 5 at the North Coast Highway, you will be very close to Breakwater Way Beach. Turn on right Surfrider Way and head towards the ocean. Then turn right on N Pacific St, then a left on Breakwater Way.

For the North Jetty and Harbor Beach, get off the highway on Harbor Drive and follow it west then south. Turn on North Pacific Street to get to the beach. Keep going along the strand to reach the North Jetty.

Parking Near the Beaches

There are numerous parking lots throughout Oceanside. Harbor Beach and the North Jetty have several parking areas immediately next to them. The public parking near Breakwater Way Beach is a little further away along North Pacific Street but still within walking distance.

Featured Activity

Drive your own speed boat in San Diego Bay
Drive Your Own Speed Boat Tour
Looking for adventure? 2 hours of thrills await as you captain your own 2-person speed boat. Enjoy the San Diego skyline, spot a sea lion and cruise the harbor complete with guided narration from your 2-way communication system.
Buy Now

Know Before You Go & Tips

Lifeguards
Lifeguards
No Alcohol
No Alcohol
No Camping
No Camping
No Glass Containers
No Glass Containers
No Motorized Vehicles
No Motorized Vehicles
No Smoking
No Smoking
Outdoor Showers
Outdoor Showers
Picnic Tables
Picnic Tables
Playground
Playground
Public Transportation
Public Transportation
Restrooms
Restrooms
Shade
Shade
Trash Cans Available
Trash Cans Available

Tips for Enjoying Oceanside Beaches

Water Safety

The surf around Oceanside benefits from the swells coming in off the ocean. However, this can also make the area potentially dangerous for swimmers. Listen to lifeguard instructions and exercise caution.

Sunshades

There is not much natural shade along these beaches. Although Harbor Beach has some pavilions, it is a good idea to bring some sun protection with you.

Dolphins

If you are on the beach, you may be able to see dolphins playing in the distance. They come in relatively close to the shore and can be a real treat to spot.

Charlie the Pelican

Charlie the Pelican is something of a mascot for Oceanside. He spends his time around the Pier Bait Shop interacting with people there. Locals and visitors love Charlie and enjoy taking his photo. Expect to see him and some of his friends around Oceanside.

North Jetty, Harbor Beach & Breakwater Way Beach
is Known For:
Surfing
Surfing
Know This:
Lifeguards
Lifeguards
Outdoor Showers
Outdoor Showers
Restrooms Available
Restrooms Available
Trash Cans Available
Trash Cans Available
This Month's Forecast
63°F / 78°F
Sunny in October
Nov
56°F / 73°F
Sunny in November
Dec
51°F / 68°F
Sunny in December
Jan
51°F / 67°F
Sunny in January

Stay Nearby

Courtyard by Marriott San Diego Oceanside
Near Camp Pendelton
3 Star Rating3 Star Rating3 Star Rating
Courtyard by Marriott San Diego Oceanside
from $144 / night
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The Fin Hotel, Tapestry Collection by Hilton
Boutique Hotel
3 Star Rating3 Star Rating3 Star Rating
The Fin Hotel, Tapestry Collection by Hilton
from $93 / night
View Hotel
Holiday Inn Oceanside Marina - Camp Pendleton
Near Camp Pendelton
3 Star Rating3 Star Rating3 Star Rating
Holiday Inn Oceanside Marina - Camp Pendleton
from $155 / night
View Hotel
Best Western Plus Oceanside Palms
Near Camp Pendelton
2 Star Rating2 Star Rating
Best Western Plus Oceanside Palms
from $120 / night
View Hotel
Show more San Diego Hotels >>