season of swellness Archives - Visit Oceanside

Oceanside International Film Festival 15th Anniversary Q&A

Veronica Voorhees — Mon, 01 Dec 2025 21:05:21 +0000

oceanside international film festival

Celebrating 15 Years of Independent Film by the Sea

Every February, the Oceanside International Film Festival (OIFF) transforms this laid-back surf town into a cinematic hub where Hollywood creatives, indie filmmakers, and local dreamers come together to celebrate storytelling. We caught up with the festival team—Lou Niles (Executive Director), Sterling Anno (Co-Director of Programming), and Carly Starr Brullo Niles (Artistic Director & Co-Director of Programming)—to talk film, community, and what makes OIFF a true reflection of Oceanside’s creative soul.

Q: Tell us a bit about yourselves. How did each of you get involved with OIFF?

Lou: I’ve been Executive Director since 2018, curating the festival through my background in music, film, and surf culture. Outside OIFF, I co-host 91X Loudspeaker, a legendary local music show that’s been championing the San Diego scene for over 37 years.
Sterling: I’ve worked in the film festival world for 16 years, from San Diego Underground to Horrible Imaginings. I joined OIFF back in 2011 and have watched it evolve into something truly special for the community.
Carly: I’ve spent three decades in Hollywood as a producer, director, and writer. As OIFF’s Artistic Director and Executive Director of KOCT Television, I love bringing my industry connections and passion for storytelling home to Oceanside.

Q: How has the festival evolved over the years?

The festival began 15 years ago under the Oceanside Cultural Arts Foundation. Our team took the reins in 2017 and later formed a dedicated nonprofit to grow OIFF into an internationally recognized destination for filmmakers and film lovers. What started as a grassroots event has evolved into a world-class festival, attracting award-winning films, rising directors, and even Hollywood icons—many of whose works have gone on to earn critical and industry acclaim.

Q: The surf and skate block is a fan favorite. Any standout moments?

There have been so many! Our on-stage talk with surf filmmaker Taylor Steele was unforgettable, The Tony Alva Story celebrated a hometown legend, and Big Wave Guardians—written by Oceanside Surf Museum president Jim Kempton—was a true community favorite bringing together surfers and lifeguards. In a city built on surf culture, the surf film block always brings fun energy.

Q: You have deep roots in the music world. How does that show up in the festival?

Music and film are inseparable for us. We’ve hosted composer Jason Hill (Mindhunter) who gave us an inside look at his process for creating iconic film and TV scores, screened the Jason Mraz–produced The Opener, and featured documentaries like I Am Alright that explores mental wellbeing in the music businesses.

Q: How does OIFF reflect Oceanside’s unique arts culture?

Oceanside’s creativity runs deep—from the beaches to the backstreets. OIFF brings those voices together, blending global stories with homegrown talent. With local art installations, afterparties downtown, and surf culture front and center, the festival feels like an authentic extension of the city itself.

Q: Any partnerships that have been especially meaningful?

When Animal Kingdom was filming in Oceanside, Warner Bros. and TNT gave us exclusive access to debut the latest episodes at the festival. Over the years, the cast and crew became an annual highlight, sharing behind-the-scenes insights and participating in special panels for the show’s passionate fanbase.

Q: What sets OIFF apart from other regional film festivals?

We bring a touch of Hollywood sparkle to the coast! Our 20-year reunions for Blue Crush—with Kate Bosworth, Sanoe Lake, and a virtual cameo from Michelle Rodriguez—and Stephen King’s Thinner at the Star Theatre were unforgettable. We love creating those moments where fans can connect with film legends in a relaxed, beachside setting.

Q: What can audiences look forward to this year?

Four action-packed days of independent film from around the world, live Q&As, special opening and closing nights, an awards ceremony, and afterparties that extend the fun. It’s equal parts culture, creativity, and coastal cool.

Q: Why plan a visit around OIFF?

Because Oceanside’s creative energy is contagious. Beyond the festival, visitors can explore vibrant galleries, sip craft cocktails, dine farm-to-table, and stroll the beach at sunset—all within one of California’s 14 designated cultural districts. Once you experience OIFF, you’ll understand why so many people come for the films and stay for the vibe.

The post Oceanside International Film Festival 15th Anniversary Q&A appeared first on Visit Oceanside.

Oceanside Restaurants Open on Thanksgiving

Jenny Roberts — Mon, 24 Nov 2025 21:07:54 +0000

thanksgiving dining in oceanside

Thanksgiving is just around the corner, and O’side is ready to serve up the holiday magic! Whether you’re craving a cozy dine-in experience or a delicious takeout feast, we’ve got you covered with a taste of Oceanside restaurants open this Thanksgiving. Don’t see your favorite spot listed? Give them a quick call to get the latest scoop on their holiday hours and menus. Let’s make this Thanksgiving one to savor in true O’side style!

Thanksgiving Menus

No event found!

Dining Guide 2025

Courtesy of MainStreet Oceanside.

post-grub activities

Free things to do in Oceanside

November 24, 2025 No Comments

Free Things to do in Oceanside Having a blast in Oceanside does not require spending lots of money! There are so many captivating natural wonders,

O’side Murals Walking Tour

March 14, 2023 No Comments

O’side Murals Walking Tour *Tickets are limited. Book early.* The creative spirit unique to the community of Oceanside is on prominent display through its stunning

Quick Hikes In & Around Oceanside

January 31, 2022 No Comments

Are you looking for some quick hikes in and around Oceanside? If so, check out our handy-dandy overview of some easily accessible local trails and hikes that offer a chance to enjoy the great weather and natural beauty of Southern California without requiring a grueling and difficult trek! From the beautiful and smooth trails around Guajome Lake, to the 7.2 mile bike friendly San Luis Rey River Trail, to the nature reserve at Batiquitos Lagoon, there’s plenty of beautiful options to choose from!

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Swell Plates Series Itinerary

Veronica Voorhees — Wed, 15 Jan 2025 17:38:18 +0000

SAVOR THE SEASON

A Journey Through Oceanside’s Swell Plates Series

Oceanside’s culinary scene is swell seasoned, perfectly complementing the Season of Swellness this winter. The Swell Plates Series happening January 15 – February 13 highlights the best of Oceanside with farm-to-table dining, fresh seafood, and immersive art experiences. Celebrate creativity, connection, and coastal charm in every bite and moment.

Art Meets Appetite – A Feast for the Senses

Morning:
Begin your Oceanside adventure at the Oceanside Museum of Art. Explore Transformative Currents: Art and Action in the Pacific Ocean (through February 5, 2025), celebrating the fusion of art and environmental awareness.
Afternoon:
Immerse yourself in the creative vibe of Oceanside’s downtown arts district. Discover galleries, boutique shops, and striking street art that showcase the city’s cultural heartbeat. Make sure you stop by The Beauty of the Sea Will Always Be With Me by Skye Walker.
Dinner:
Indulge at 24 Suns, where the Transformative Currents dish—featuring bycatch choux farci, cheung fun, and abalone mole—transforms a meal into a work of art.

Fields, Flavors, and Coastal Charm

Morning:
Kick off the day with a scenic walk along the Oceanside Pier, enjoying panoramic ocean views and spotting surfers catching waves.
Lunch:
Experience eco-friendly innovation at The Plot, Oceanside’s plant-based gem. Delight in their zero-waste creations, like Kale Stem Marrow or Carrotfish & Chips.
Afternoon:
Venture into South Morro Hills, Oceanside’s lush agricultural heartland. Explore local farms, pick up fresh produce, or simply enjoy the picturesque scenery.
Dinner Options:
- Dija Mara: Explore bold Southeast Asian flavors with dishes like the Local Seafood Laksa, a comforting coconut curry showcasing fresh seafood.
- allmine: Celebrate Oceanside’s farm-to-table heritage with seasonal delights like the Burrata Farm Salad, featuring winter vegetables and botanical herbs.

Harbor Harvest and Waterfront Wonders

Morning:
Dive into Oceanside’s maritime roots at the North County Fishermen’s Market (Sundays only). Meet local fishermen, learn about sustainable practices, and take home the freshest seafood.
Lunch:
Savor the flavors of the sea at Lighthouse Oyster Bar & Grill, a harbor-side gem. Enjoy fresh oysters, clam chowder, or shrimp tacos with unbeatable marina views.
Afternoon:
Explore the vibrant Oceanside Harbor. Stroll along the waterfront, browse quaint shops, or embark on a harbor tour for a relaxing coastal experience.
Dinner:
End your culinary journey at Wrench & Rodent Seabasstropub. Relish their Fisherman’s Special, a creative masterpiece featuring the day’s freshest local catch from the market.

Stay at a Swell Place

Save 15% At Club Wyndham Oceanside Pier Resort

Save up to 15% off your stay of two or more nights at Wyndham Oceanside Pier Resort. Promo code: AFFIL.

Save 15% At Best Western Oceanside Inn

Save 15% off regular rates at Best Western Oceanside Inn when booking online using this special link.

Save 10% at Blue Skies a Private Mini-Resort

Enjoy a 10% discount with code: visitoceanside Escape from your everyday life to this dreamy Southern California oasis designed for family getaways, group vacations or creative retreats.

Save 10% At Super 8 by Wyndham

Enjoy 10% off bookings at Super 8 by Wyndham Oceanside Downtown.

Save 20% At Springhill Suites by Marriott Oceanside Beach

Guests are invited to take advantage of a 20% savings off of regular rates at SpringHill Suites Oceanside Beach when they book online at the special link.

$100 Dining Credit At The Brick Hotel

Book a 2-night stay via The Brick Hotel website and use code BRICK100 to receive a $100 gift card, valid at both on-site restaurants Cococabana and The Lobby Tiki Bar. PLUS COMPLIMENTARY: welcome drinks, morning coffee at Succulent Coffee, fitness offerings – including yoga on the rooftop and a F45 class at F45’s Oceanside Pier location. Valid for NEW reservations only. Cannot be applied retroactively to existing bookings. Can not be combined with other promotions.

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Inside Oceanside’s Michelin Roots

Veronica Voorhees — Sun, 12 Jan 2025 02:38:06 +0000

INSIDE OCEANSIDE'S

MICHELIN ROOTS: A CULINARY FAMILY TREE

Oceanside’s dining scene boasts several Michelin honorees and their close culinary “relatives.” Many chefs in the area have honed their skills in Michelin-starred kitchens, learning under renowned culinary masters. Here’s a peek at Oceanside’s Michelin family tree.

Valle

The Michelin Star

Photo By: Jordan Younis

Valle is the first and only restaurant in Oceanside to be honored with a prestigious Michelin Star. Chef Roberto Alcocer’s much-buzzed about restaurant near the Oceanside Pier pays tribute to Baja California’s vineyard-studded Guadalupe Valley, “which furnishes the restaurant’s wine list and serves as inspiration for Chef Alcocer’s refined, modern expression of Mexican cuisine,” Michelin inspectors said. They praised the four-course prix fixe meal, which “might start with a fluffy tamal made with creamy requeson cheese, paired with earthy mole and bright herbs.” The recognition is a major coup for Alcocer, who moved to Oceanside from Baja in 2021 with the express purpose of earning a Michelin star.

Follow Along: @ValleOceanside

dija mara

Michelin Bib Gourmand

Oceanside’s Michelin accolades include a Bib Gourmand honoree, recognizing exceptional restaurants that offer outstanding quality and value. Dija Mara is a Balinese-inspired restaurant that prides itself on mixing Southeast Asian flavors with a Western flair. Michelin’s inspectors enthuse, “you’ll find some serious Indonesian cooking here.” And they praise such dishes as the charred eggplant with smoked tomato sambal and crispy fried shallots, “a textural and flavor-forward delight.”

Follow Along: @Dija.Mara

allmine

Michelin connection: Michelin-starred Blue Duck Tavern

Roxana Pavel opened allmine, a scratch-kitchen neighborhood restaurant in May 2022. Originally from Romania, she learned to cook from her grandmother at an early age. Holding a master’s in hospitality, Pavel has worked for multiple restaurants, including Hyatt’s Michelin-starred Blue Duck Tavern, and is a certified sommelier. Everything is made in-house from dough to pasta, burrata, sauces and dressing with an emphasis on sourcing ingredients from local farmers and crafters. Her pizza (try the top-selling Better than Pepperoni pie) was picked among AAA’s top 10 in SoCal and her uniquely plated round lasagna with Mornay sauce is an Instagram influencer’s dream. Allmine’s wine program focuses on all naturally made wine, without intervention or additives, made in small production by winemakers who focus on sustainable farming practices.

Follow Along: @allmine.Oceanside

24 suns

Michelin connection: Michelin three-star Addison

Chefs Nic Webber and Jacob Jordan of 24 Suns

Former Addison Chefs Nicholas Weber and Jacob Jordan have created a dining journey where the rich traditions of Chinese cuisine blend harmoniously with Southern California’s farm-fresh bounty. 24 Suns honors the subtleties of nature, capturing the essence of each micro-season in thoughtfully curated, ever-evolving menus. Tucked away in a casual strip mall, the restaurants is worth seeking for its fine Chinese cuisine, artfully crafted cocktails, natural wines, and warm hospitality. Recognized for this excellence, 24 Suns was added to the MICHELIN Guide California in 2025.

Follow Along: @24.Suns

tanner's prime burgers

Michelin connection: Michelin three-star Benu and French Laundry

After earning three Michelin stars as chef de cuisine of Benu in San Francisco, Chef Brandon Rogers set his sights on a new venture. Through Tanner’s Prime Burgers, he and partner Eric Brandt, promise a burger experience like no other, with every menu item crafted around 100% USDA prime-grade beef sourced directly from Brandt Beef, a family-owned ranch in California’s Imperial Valley with roots going back to 1945. With a focus on quality and simplicity, Tanner’s offers just one burger, available as a single or double, but elevates it with standout ingredients. The cheese, a special aged cheddar that melts like American, was developed by cheese expert Eric Greenspan of New School specifically for Tanner’s. Artifex Brewing Co., based nearby, has created signature Tanner’s Lager and Tanner’s IPA to pair with the menu, while Avery Girl Honey, another family-owned business, supplies the honey for their sweet tea. The restaurant’s signature hot sauce is house-made, featuring a 14-day fermented chile mash. With seating both indoors and outdoors, Tanner’s is a prime destination for burger lovers, serving up a simple yet indulgent menu that includes kid-friendly items, loaded fries, and even ultra-creamy beef-fat-enhanced ice cream for dessert. This commitment to quality earned Tanner’s a place in the MICHELIN Guide California 2025.

Follow Along: @TannersPrimeBurgers

matsu

Michelin connection: Chef William Eick’s sous chef Declan van Dorp has worked in Michelin one and two-starred kitchens including Under in Norway, KOKS during their tenure in Faroe Islands, and Marche Moderne in Newport Beach.

Photo By: Leo Cabal

Matsu Oceanside is a modern Japanese-inspired restaurant celebrated for its seasonal tasting menus that artfully balance traditional Japanese techniques with a contemporary Californian twist. Each dish is meticulously crafted using locally sourced, high-quality ingredients, with an emphasis on precision and harmony in flavor and presentation. The intimate, minimalist ambiance enhances the dining experience, allowing guests to focus fully on the thoughtfully plated dishes. Matsu’s menu is complemented by an extensive selection of sake, Japanese whiskey, and expertly crafted cocktails, creating an immersive culinary experience that is both elegant and deeply rooted in the essence of Japanese cuisine and hospitality.

Follow Along: @EatMatsu

The post Inside Oceanside’s Michelin Roots appeared first on Visit Oceanside.

Fall Break with Kids in Oceanside

Veronica Voorhees — Fri, 27 Sep 2024 22:31:00 +0000

fall break with the fam

Make this fall break during Season of Swellness one to remember with a family trip to Oceanside. With a mix of culture, adventure, and relaxation, it’s the ideal destination for fun and bonding with the kids.

FAMILY SUITES

Make your stay extra special in a designated room ideally curated for your family. Marbella’s “Ocean House” offers the perfect blend of luxury and convenience, with three bedrooms, a full kitchen, living room, private back patio and dedicated garage. At The Seabird Ocean Resort & Spa, the Cityscape Family Room features city views, a separate bedroom with a luxurious king bed, and a living area that can be closed off, with a full-size sleeper sofa for the kids.

mellano farm stand

Discover sunflowers, corn mazes, tractor rides, and pumpkin patches at a real working farm in Oceanside’s hills. Keep an eye out on their Instagram for information on fall festivities such as their Pumpkin Festival Pumpkin Patch, Corn Maze, Tractor Rides, Bounce Houses, local food vendors, live music, shopping and more!

Oceanside museum of art

Embark on a fun-filled scavenger hunt at the Oceanside Museum of Art, where kids can explore and learn through an interactive activity. Plus, children under 17 always enjoy free admission, making it an educational and budget-friendly activity. Check out the Oceanside Activity Marketplace for your museum tickets and more adventures!

VINTAGE & THRIFT SHOPPING

Tweens and teens light up at the thought of thrifting for hidden gems, and Oceanside offers a trove of treasures. From unique clothing to one-of-a-kind finds, the whole family can enjoy the thrill of the hunt and find some amazing deals.

SeaHive Marketplace: Fun co-op style market in South O with vintage, modern and artisan made items.

Captain’s Helm: Popular vintage clothing store and coffee bar in South O.

Previously On: Specialty curated furniture and home decor store featuring re-purposed items bought specifically for TV shows. Not only do you get to see unique items that were on stage you can take them home! About 90% of the store inventory is screen used items.

Ransack: Vintage and hand-crafted items inspired by the spirit of the American Wild West.

DAV: Disabled American Veterans thrift store — traditional thrifting at its best.

Boho Loot: Close to forty vendors curate booths with vintage home decor, clothing, gifts, handmade, antiques, and more.

Jett Rock Vintage: Men’s and women’s vintage apparel with a rock n roll vibe.

PARASAILING

Looking for sky-high fun this fall? Parasailing with Top Gun Parasail is the perfect adventure—even with the cooler fall temps! You never get wet, so you can soar above Oceanside’s stunning coastline, take in jaw-dropping views, and create unforgettable memories with the whole family. Perfect for anyone age 6 and up.

FRONTWAVE ARENA

The brand new Frontwave Arena provides amazing opportunities for families to come together and cheer on a favorite team, whether it’s the San Diego Clippers (LA Clippers G League), the San Diego Sockers (arena soccer), or visiting athletes like Simone Biles showcasing their talents. Check out all of the upcoming events and concerts to attend.

TACOS & ICE CREAM

Whether its authentic tacos at Craft Coast, plant-based tacos at The Plot, or handmade ice cream sourced from local ingredients at Little Fox Cups and Cones, there are numerous family-friendly spots for a tasty culinary adventure that everyone will love. Take on our Ice Cream Shop Hop for the ultimate sweet treat challenge!

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