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South Oceanside, affectionately referred to as South "O", is a beach community with a flavorful culture. Located west of I-5 and south of California Street, South Oceanside permeates an air of authenticity and a retro charm that's hard to deny. The last time I bought lemonade from children hawking at a homemade stand was on Kelly Street, adjacent to South Oceanside Elementary. What's important to the locals here?Getting to the beach and not hassling your neighbor.
Many South Oceanside homes were built in the 1950s in response to the increased housing demand after the opening of Camp Pendleton. Many of the 3 bedroom, 1 bathroom, 1 car garage, single story homes have been updated and renovated, yet still maintain a nostalgic feel. Garages are accessed through alleyways running behind the houses. Living rooms look at you through big picture windows in the front of the house. Wider streets and sample sidewalks remind you of a simpler time. Among the Potter homes and beach bungelows, other homeowners have knocked down some of the functional obsolescence and built their 3000 square foot dream house near the beach.
As you ride your beach cruiser towards the ocean, you'll see mom and pop businesses as well as the necessary tourism outlets. The biggest box store you'll find here is Adventure 16; South Oceanside is one the few places untouched by McDonald's and Starbucks.
If you happen to be on Vista way, you'll find Stephen and Cricket at the Kona Hut Coffee House. The Kona Hut has a relaxed and comfortable atmosphere which perfectly matches the neighborhood. After Kona Man Stephen pours you a cup of Sumatra, you can sit down and overhear the locals gab about the foibles of government or the origin of Veterans Day. (The story goes Veterans Day was created by the Secretary of Defense to give Marines a day to recover from any celebrations in honor of the USMC birthday, November 10.) South Oceanside is also home to the Beach Break Cafe, a popular breakfast spot, whose patrons include surfers and pancake aficionados. Fans of the Beach Break were happy to see their favorite restaurant recently move into a larger facility. The move also made both the city and locals happy has the owners bought and built their new cafe on an abandoned gas station, significantly improving the feel of Pacific Street. Buccaneer Beach is located just north of Morse Street. According to the City's website, Buccaneer Beach is the smallest beach in Oceanside with a lifeguard tower. With a parking lot, playground (across the street at Buccaneer Park), snack bar, and restrooms, Buccaneer Beach is a family friendly and popular with the juice box crowd.
