By Mark Goodkin
San Diego Coast Life
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Entering Oceanside Harbor
Oceanside Harbor is San Diego County’s northern most harbor, located in Oceanside, CA. Everytime I drive down the hill on Harbor Drive and enter the harbor, I’m struck by its secluded and peaceful quality, with commercial fishing boats in the foreground and the Harbor Village and lighthouse behind – a fairytale setting.
I usually go to the harbor to take photos or just walk around. Oceanside Harbor has a north and south section. The north harbor is a marina for small to medium-size private boats, while the south harbor has a commercial fishing fleet, with charters, and boat rentals, as well as private boats.
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Tags: "North San Diego County", "Oceanside Harbor", Harbors, Oceanside, San Diego
By Mark Goodkin
San Diego Coast Life
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Oceanside Harbor Village
Oceanside Harbor Village is a cluster of a dozen or so shops, restaurants, and a sportsfishing center, reminiscent of an old California harbor fishing village with muted blue, yellow, and red wooden buildings, steep shingle roofs, and a lighthouse.
Harbor Village gives Oceanside Harbor a magical quality. The lighthouse is not only a familiar landmark for the quaint shopping village, but for Oceanside Harbor and Oceanside, itself.
Harbor Village is Oceanside’s version of Seaport Village on San Diego Bay. The village sits on the south side of Oceanside Harbor, where the commercial fishing fleet is. The small shopping village comes right up to the water, separated only by a boardwalk. You can eat outdoors and watch charter fishing boats come and go, along with pelicans and seagulls. Once you’re done eating, you can shop through the stores and walk along the boardwalk. The beach is also within steps.
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Tags: "California Harbors", "Oceanside Harbor Village", "Oceanside Harbor", Harbors, Oceanside, Restaurants, San Diego, Waterfront
By Mark Goodkin
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Torrey Pines State Reserve View
Torrey Pines State Reserve is a very special place in North San Diego County, between La Jolla and Del Mar. The park is part of the California State Park System. I love going up to the reserve to get away from the bustle of the city.
The park has about half a dozen hiking trails that emanate from the Torrey Pines Visitor’s Lodge (download trail map). Round trip distance ranges from half a mile to over two miles. One trail leads to Torrey Pines State Beach.
When I go to Torrey Pines State Reserve, I like to park in the parking lots at the top of the hill, near the visitor center. The two parking lots are small and can fill up fast during the summer. Below, at the base of the reserve is a larger parking lot and an entry outpost where you pay to enter. Many people like to park here and walk up the windy road to the visitor center and trails. Read the rest of this entry »
Tags: "Hiking Trails", "Nature Reserve", "Torrey Pines State Reserve", Hiking, San Diego, Torrey Pines