Oceanside
With three and half miles of beaches and the 1,000 slip Oceanside Harbor, the city lives up to its name and reputation as a lively beach community. The harbor is surrounded by shops, restaurants and a lighthouse. Whale watching, sport fishing and boating are popular activities. Buena Vista Lagoon serves as a wetlands preserve with hiking trails, special events and a Nature Interpretive Center. The 1,900 foot pier was first built in 1888 and remains one of the longest wooden piers in California. There are five golf courses.
Rancho Margarita and Las Flores, located to the North of the town, was purchased by the Navy in 1942 and is now Camp Pendleton, the largest Marine base in the country. The opening of the base and World War II brought rapid population growth to the city. It has continued to grow rapidly ever since.
*From San Diego Source, The Daily Transcript
