Oceanside History

Oceanside history dates back to the founding of San Luis Rey Mission in the San Luis Rey River valley in 1798.  Native Americans in the area at the time were the Luiseno Indians.  It is easy to visualize the everyday life of the Franciscan Friars and Native Americans who inhabited the Mission more than two hundred years ago. The mission, located 3.5 miles inland, quickly grew, was very prosperous, and as the largest of California’s missions became known as the King of Missions.  The Mission provides guided and self-guided tours, a museum, retreat center, a gift shop, and a cemetary.  The areas around the mission and along the river were perfect for cattle ranches and fruit orchards.  The residents would go to the beach or “ocean side” for recreation.  Soon the area came to be known as just “Oceanside.”  Today Oceanside residents still love their ocean.  There are some great Oceanside view homes and Oceanside whitewater homes.

The next part of Oceanside history, also in the 1800’s, was the arrival of the California Southern Railway.  If you are a history buff, Oceanside has a Heritage Park, appropriately named, with the original General store, a blacksmith shop, a livery stable, doctor’s office, an old city jail, Libby School and the Blade newspaper.  Heritage Park Village and Museum is located at 220 Peyri Road.  Quitely resting among the rolling hills of historic Oceanside valley, just minutes from San Luis Rey, Heritage Park features original downtown buildings along its relocated Old California-style main street.  Period furnishings complete the village, which was created in 1976 as part of the bicentennial project honoring Oceanside’s heritage.   The charm of yesteryear is beautifully captured in this historic park which serves as a dramatic backdrop for special events, education programs, and social gatherings of all kinds.  The majority of the work and historical preservation of Heritage Park is a function of the all-volunteer group, the “Friends of Heritage Park”, who pride themselves in keeping the history of the Oceanside homes area alive for generations to come. In order to keep this piece of Oceanside History alive the “Friends of Heritage Park” accept donations of time, materials, artifacts and money.

Soon after the arrival of the railroad, construction was begun on the famous Oceanside Pier.  This 1900 foot wooden pier was started in 1888 and has been rebuilt 6 times because of fire and storms.  It is a huge tourist attraction, being home to recreational fishing, site seeing,  and Ruby’s burger restaurant on the end of the pier.  It is the most recognizable and most photographed landmark in the Oceanside area and can be seen for many miles, day or night.

Oceanside Harbor is another favorite spot to photograph.  It is also the only place in North County to moor a boat.  It has over 900 slips and is the home to many small craft, fishing boats, tourist boats (such as whale watching), sail boats, and numerous restaurants.  Some restaurants in the Oceanside area are Chart House, Jolly Rogers, Monterey Bay Cannery, and Rockin Baja Lobster.  Another major factor contributing to the growth of Oceanside real estate was the establishment of Camp Pendleton Marine base towards the end of World War II.  The base has continued to grow and with it so has the need for more Oceanside homes for sale. Gary Harmon, a veteran himself, is proud to help our military personnel find Camp Pendleton Oceanside Homes.   For more information about Oceanside homes for sale and Oceanside ocean view homes, contact Gary Harmon your Oceanside Realtor.  If you are a senior, over 55, 55+, check out Ocean Hills Country ClubAll content by.