Harbor Beach

Harbor Beach
Harbor Drive South
Oceanside, California

Harbor Beach is one of the widest beaches in San Diego County. The beach is certainly the largest of all Oceanside beaches. At low tide, it's a hike to get to the water. Coronado City Beach and South Mission Beach beach are also very wide sandy beaches in San Diego County.

Harbor Beach is a great place to bring the family. There's plenty of space to spread out. The beach is wide, so if you have children, you can keep a safe distance from the water. There's also a playground on the sand near the parking lot and walkway, as well as a picnic area with a cabaña also on the sand.

A snack bar, open all year, is located nearby, next to the parking lot. Fire pits are located at the north end of the beach. Daytime and overnight RV camping is permitted in a parking lot, also at the north end, next to the harbor channel. However, hookups are not available.

Harbor Beach is a popular surfing spot, especially near the jetties. Also, if you're into volleyball, there are volleyball courts on the sand.

At both ends of Harbor Beach are jetties, which are popular fishing spots.

South of Harbor Beach and within view is Oceanside Municipal Pier. The pier is not far away, but the inlet to the San Luis Rey River separates Harbor Beach from the beach to the south. You'll have too take the road to cross over the river.

Next to Harbor Beach is Oceanside Harbor, which has many restaurants and specialty shops, as well as the Oceanside Marina Suites. As far as water activities go, you can rent a sail boat, motor boat or kayak, go on a fishing charter to local fishing spots or to the islands, or enjoy a whale watching excursion.

RULES
No alcohol allowed. All dogs are prohibited on the beach throughout the year.

AMENITIES
The area behind each lifeguard tower has picnic tables, barbecue grills, gazebos and showers. There are restrooms and telephones, a snack bar and some volleyball courts (you supply the net and ball). There are 24 fire rings along Harbor Beach.

PARKING
Parking lots at the north and south ends of the beach. Parking at the south end is free, but more limited. Parking at the north end is larger with several spaces available for RVs. However, you have to pay to park there.

LIFEGUARDS
Harbor Beach has three lifeguard towers. Tower 12 is at the south end near a jetty, tower 14 is in the middle, and Tower 16 is at the north end, near a jetty.

Contact Oceanside Lifeguard Service
301 North Strand Oceanside, CA 92054
Urgent Business (760) 722-8000
Lifeguard Headquarters 760-435-4018
Lifeguard Information Line 760-435-4020
Jr. Lifeguards (760) 435-4021
Harbor and Beaches Dept 760-435-4000
See website

Headquarters is located just below the North side of the Oceanside Pier.