Get a taste of Valle de Guadalupe without leaving the United States.  Venture to North San Diego County to eat at Valle. The eatery is now a Michelin-starred restaurant, making it one of the few in the Northern San Diego area. 

Valle Oceanside offers a formal Mexican dining experience with options to dine at the restaurant, hang out at the bar, participate in the chef's table, or do the El Sillón Bar Experience. Sit outside on the patio for an ocean-front dining view.

Valle Oceanside interior

Chef Roberto Alcocer

Roberto Alcocer is Valle's executive chef. He has over 25 years of cooking experience with a particular flair for creating Baja Mexican fare. His restaurants include Malva (located at Carretera Ensenada Tecate Km 96 San Antonio de las Minas, Mexico) as well as Valle in Oceanside.

Tomato consommé, Baja clams, blood clams, chocolata clams, Ensenada uni, smoked grapes.

Menu

The menu will vary. There isn't a menu listed on the website, so you may want to browse their Instagram to get examples of what to expect. As this is a fine dining restaurant, you won't get giant portions. They're on the smaller side, so you have room to eat the various courses. 

Valle sign in Oceanside, CA

Hours

Valle Dining Experience 

Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday 5:00 - 9:00 PM 

Valle Bar 

Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday 4:00 - 10:00 PM

Chef's Table 

Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday 6:30 PM 

El Sillón Bar Experience

 Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday 4:00 PM & 7:30 PM

Valle bar

Valle Information

Address: 222 N Pacific St Oceanside, CA 92054

Website: https://www.valleoceanside.com/

Bathrooms

Bathrooms are located outside, connected to the courtyard of Mission Pacific Hotel.

Parking

You can find street parking in the general area. There is a free parking garage further away and paid parking as well. You can also Uber or Lyft and get dropped off right at the entrance.

Inside the Valle kitchen

Events and Other Information

If you appreciate Mexican cuisine and desire an elevated version, this San Diego Michelin star restaurant in Oceanside, CA is for you. As with most things, it's up to you whether you like it or if you find value in it. Take a look at the reviews and previous menus to see if it's something that suits your fancy. If you like experimenting with foods and enjoy experiential dining, then this could be a great match. The prices do reflect high-end dining. 

They have events, so this is a wonderful choice when you want to visit for a particular occasion, such as the Día de los Muertos Celebration. You may find these directly on the website.

Donuts are delicious delights of fried dough. Whether you like them creme-filled or glazed, there are a few places to find donuts in Oceanside. While looking up reviews and photos, you can choose the best donut shop. Do you prefer cakey donuts like an old-fashioned donut, or want something doughy and light? Are you looking for vegan options? There are good donuts, but only you can determine the best donuts since each person has different qualities they look for (whether that's price, atmosphere, flavors, etc).

Selection of donuts at Parlor Doughnuts in Downtown Oceanside, California.

Best Donut Shop in Oceanside - Where to Find Donuts in Oceanside

Parlor Doughnuts - 331 N Cleveland St Oceanside, CA 92054

Doughside Donuts - 417 S. Coast Hwy. Oceanside (coming soon, according to their Instagram)

Tans Donuts - 3375 Mission Ave, Oceanside, CA 92058

Hill Street Donut House in Oceanside, CA.

Hill Street Donut House - 1926 S Coast Hwy Oceanside, CA 92054

K-Donuts - 4750 Oceanside Blvd Oceanside, CA 92056

Sk's Donuts on South Coast Highway.

Oceanside Donut - 3772 Mission Ave Ste 119 Oceanside, CA 92054

Mr. Donuts - 1950 Oceanside Blvd # C, Oceanside, CA 92054

Sam's Donuts - 3504 College Blvd # A, Oceanside, CA 92056

Coffee and Desserts in Oceanside

There are many doughnut shops in Oceanside. Oceanside is part of the North County San Diego area, about 40 miles away from Downtown San Diego. Most of these doughnut shops serve coffee, and some offer espresso drinks. The price will vary by business. 

As with most donut shops, there are fewer options if you arrive in the afternoon. Early morning hours are best for visiting for the freshest doughnuts and desserts. Plus, you'll have the most flavors to choose from. Find the best doughnuts the earlier you go.

Related reading: Oceanside Beaches: Best Beaches in Oceanside, CA. Read here.

Exterior view of Parlor Doughnuts in Oceanside.

You're walking to the Top Gun house in Oceanside, Southern California as you take in the view of the Pacific Ocean. The iconic house has a Victorian cottage exterior in a soothing hue of powder blue. There's a motorcycle by the entrance and someone hops on to take advantage of a pretty cool photo op. 

When you walk inside HIGH-pie, you notice the decorated interior. The Oceanside pie shop has nautical-themed wallpaper with whales, ships, and shells. Photos of the original Top Gun movie hang on the wall: Tom Cruise as Maverick giving a thumbs up, a signed Top Gun poster, photos from the film. There's one cupboard filled with teacups, plates, and knick-knacks and one cupboard filled with ceramics like spice containers, a chicken teapot, and a rolling pin. You take everything in as you make your way in line to order.

Read my other articles about Oceanside

Oceanside Harbor Restaurants 

Oceanside Pier: Restaurants, Fishing, Parking

Located in North County San Diego at 250 North Pacific Street, Oceanside, CA 92054 at the Mission Pacific Hotel, HIGH-pie serves tasty hand pies at the historic Top Gun house. The pie shop is open seven days a week from 12 pm to 8 pm. 

Oceanside, California is in North County San Diego County, about 45 minutes from downtown San Diego. Grab a bite to eat and then check out the other local businesses nearby.

HIGH-pie Menu 

You stand in line and look at the menu. There's the apple hand pie or the cherry hand pie. Each hand pie is filled with a fruit compote made from locally picked fruits. The pies are gluten-free, made with Thomas Keller’s Cup4Cup flour.

They also have the mini pie a-la-mode. The mini pies are filled with the house-made mascarpone ice cream, then fried, and baked to order. Choose from dipping sauces such as Charlie’s Chocolate, Government Cheese, Lemon Curd, and Sea Salt Caramel.

As for bevvys, HIGH-pie serves hot coffee as well as their take on New Orleans-style iced coffee made with sweet milk. They also have seasonal kombucha.

Visitors who love history will enjoy the long story behind this house! While you're in North County San Diego the area, walk over to the Oceanside Pier and enjoy the magnificence of the Pacific Ocean. Click here to read my article about the Oceanside Pier, nearby restaurants, parking, and more.

The Graves House and the Top Gun Movie

The historic Graves House was built in 1888, owned by Dr. Henry Graves. In 1905, the house was sold to Charles Burlock. After that, Angeline Morgan owned the home for more than 40 years. Paramount Pictures used the home in the 1986 Top Gun movie. 

For several scenes in Top Gun, you can see Tom Cruise and Kelly McGillis in the home. Cruise plays Maverick while McGillis plays Charlotte ‘Charlie’ Blackwood, who owns the home. The characters chat and hang out in the house.

You can learn more about the Top Gun house on the Oceanside Historical Society website. The opening of HIGH-pie aligned nicely with the release of Top Gun: Maverick in 2022. 

HIGH-pie Information

HIGH-pie / Top Gun House Address: The house was moved from its original location about a block away to the Mission Pacific Hotel: 250 North Pacific Street, Oceanside, CA 92054

Website: The Famous HIGH-pie 

HIGH-pie was developed by Tara Lazar, chef, restaurateur, and hotelier behind the F10 Creative-hospitality group of restaurants:  Cheeky’s, Birba, Mr. Lyons, Seymour’s, and High/Low.

You'll want to stop by the long awaited HIGH-pie if you loved the original Top Gun movie, Tom Cruise, Kelly McGillis, if you're a foodie, or if you're a fan of sweets. The pies are small enough that you won't leave with a sugar-induced stomachache. Guests can sit and eat their delicious hand pies with a view of the beach.

There's a lot to do in the city of Oceanside! You can head to Oceanside Harbor Village and check the restaurants and eateries over there as well.

Oceanside Harbor Village has delicious waterfront dining, fresh seafood, and incredible views. It's the perfect spot for you and your family to have a fun experience in the sun. Oceanside is a beach town in North County San Diego, California with a range of shops, waterfront restaurants, and breweries. Whether you're in the mood for spicy salsa and delicious Mexican cuisine or fish and chips, the Oceanside Harbor restaurants have great food options for your tastebuds.

Oceanside Harbor Village - 280 Harbor Dr S, Oceanside, CA 92054

It's located near cities such as Carlsbad, Encinitas, Vista, and San Marcos. Oceanside Harbor Village is a cool local spot. You'll find rows and rows of sailboats docked. You'll see people strolling leisurely or grabbing a bite of fish tacos or fresh seafood at one of the Oceanside Harbor restaurants. Oceanside Harbor Village is a buzzing location to spend the afternoon. Forget bringing a snack, eat at one of the local restaurants for breakfast, lunch, or dinner instead.

Parking

There is free parking as well as paid parking in the area. It depends on how close you want to be and if you are good to walk a bit. While you're in town you can visit Oceanside Pier. Click here to read all about Oceanside Pier -  nearby restaurants, fishing, parking, everything you need to know! 

Dominic's Italian Restaurant

You can find pizza, pasta, subs, soups, salads, spaghetti at Dominic's Italian Restaurant, sometimes also called Dominic's Pizza. Order a dipping sauce: Marinara, Alfredo, Meat Sauce, Arrabbiata, or Pesto. They also have seafood dishes such as lobster bisque and New England clam chowder.

Address: 268 Harbor Drive S, Oceanside, CA 92054

Phone Number: 760-754-1881 

Website: Dominic's Pizza / Dominic's Italian Restaurant

D’Vino Cafe & Wine Bar 

D’Vino Cafe & Wine Bar offers classic, Italian dining with an awesome view overlooking the Oceanside Harbor marina. It is part of Dominic's Italian Restaurant with the same menu but a different seating area. Grab a bite to eat here or next door.

Address: 262 Harbor Dr, Oceanside, CA

Phone Number: 760-754-1881

Harbor Fish and Chips

This Oceanside favorite is family owned and operated business since 1969. Harbor Fish and Chips is open daily from 11 am but call for their current hours. They serve dishes like fish baskets, chicken tenders, corndog, jumbo shrimp, combos, New England clam chowder in a sourdough bread bowl, grilled or fried chicken, burgers, fish tacos, and more. They have drinks too: beer, wine, soda, water, coffee, tea. Their patio is dog-friendly.

Address: 276 Harbor Dr, Oceanside, CA 92054

Phone Number: 760-722-4977

Website: Harbor Fish and Chips

Harbor Pelican Deli and Mart 

Come to Harbor Pelican Deli and Mart for breakfast or lunch. Breakfast is a choice of omelet, Pelican Burrito, and ham and cheese croissant. Lunch dishes such as the fish sandwich, hotdogs, fresh fish plate, and pizza. You can also buy fresh fish here such as yellowfin tuna, white sea bass, swordfish, and more. They sell drinks such as Red Bull, Perrier, and juice.

Address: 1380 N Pacific St, Oceanside, CA

Phone Number: 760-722-5853 

Website: Harbor Pelican Deli and Mart

Joe's Crab Shack 

Peel 'n eat shrimp, crispy calamari, garlic bread, spinach and artichoke dip, oh my. Joe's Crab Shack has a pretty extensive menu with appetizers, soups, salads, burgers, sandwiches, crab buckets, cocktails, and believe it or not, a lot more. They have great views of the harbor and happy hour specials Monday through Friday.

Address: 314 Harbor Dr, Oceanside, California 92054

Phone Number: 760-721-1345

Website: Joe's Crab Shack

Jolly Roger - Permanently Closed

Address: 1900 N Harbor Dr, Oceanside, CA

Phone Number: 760-967-6539

Lighthouse Oyster Bar & Grill 

If you're seeking award-winning chefs to create your seafood dishes, Lighthouse Oyster Bar & Grill is a match made in tastebud heaven. Their specialties are fresh fish from local fishermen, oysters, steak, and dessert. They have a pretty extensive happy hour menu. Due to Covid, they're currently offering dine-in on their two patios, take-out, curbside and online ordering.  

Address: 262 Harbor Drive South, Suite 201 Oceanside, CA 92054

Phone Number: 760-433-1900

Nana & Pop’s Sweet Shop

Soothe your sweet tooth with a stop at Nana & Pop's Sweet Shop. Get your ice cream, fresh hand-made waffle cones, old-fashioned candy, taffy town saltwater taffy. You'll find hand-dipped chocolate bananas, shaved ice,  and dozens of candy bars.

Address: 280 South Harbor Drive

Phone Number: 760-722-1723

Nautical Bean Coffee Company 

Established in 1994, Nautical Bean Coffee Company offers coffee, espresso, cappuccino, Americano, mochas, lattes, hot chocolate, iced coffee drinks, smoothies, and an assortment of teas. They serve breakfast all day with options such as bagel sandwich, oatmeal, muffins, bacon wrap, and more. 

Address: 240 Harbor Dr, Oceanside, California 92054

Phone Number: 760-722-4851

Website: Nautical Bean Coffee Company 

Oceanside Broiler Seafood, Steaks, and Sushi 

Waterfront dining in Oceanside is a must-do, especially when Oceanside Broiler offers happy hour food every day 12 - 6 PM. They have lunch, dinner, kids, and delectable desserts menus. The menu is seemingly endless with fresh seafood, filet mignon, lamb, ribs, soup, salad, tacos, and literally so much more.

Address: 1325 Harbor Drive North

Phone Number: 760-722-3474

Rockin' Baja Lobster 

Get a taste of Puerto Nuevo at Rockin' Baja Lobster in Oceanside. They currently offer both outdoor dining and indoor dining as well as to-go orders. They've got weekly specials as well as tacos, enchiladas, burritos, adult beverages, sides, desserts, and more.

Address: 258 Harbor Drive South

Phone Number: 760-967-6199 

Stratford at the Harbor 

Stratford at the Harbor fosters a family-friendly restaurant atmosphere in hopes that every visitor feels like an Oceanside local. They offer a full menu of breakfast, lunch, and dinner, where you'll find omelets, eggs and scrambles, pancakes, bagels, sandwiches, fish and chips, fish tacos, salads, and soup.

Address: 280 S Harbor Drive Oceanside, CA 92054

Phone Number: 760-453-2073

Website: Stratford at the Harbor

Tony’s Bar & Grill

Pop into Tony's Sports Bar And Grill. The menu includes lunch, dinner, beer, and wine. Locals say it's a good joint to sip beer and watch football. Reviewers often mention the 22 ingredient bloody Mary! 

Address: 274 Harbor Dr, Oceanside, CA 92054

Phone Number: 760-433-8466

North County San Diego

Come to Oceanside Harbor Village for waterfront dining and to eat fresh seafood! Oceanside is located in North County San Diego near Carlsbad. Click here to discover Things to Do in Oceanside, California: Restaurants, Coffee Shops, What to See. You might also want to check out Things to Do in North County San Diego, California as well as 8 Things to Do in Encinitas, Ca. Encinitas is right next to the Oceanside area.

Each step of the Oceanside Pier of California has entertaining things to see. From fishing to enjoying the scenery, the O'Side Pier is a great place to spend a fun day with family or friends. You're likely to make real memories to last for years to come. You just can't visit without walking the longest wooden pier on the West Coast at least once!

Spend the night near the coast. Dig your feet in the sand. Listen to the waves crash and savor the nature that surrounds Oceanside. Oceanside is a beautiful area to get away for a bit. Stare at the water, enjoy the sun, search for a sport to play, catch fish, and savor the sandy beach.

Scroll down to learn about the history of the pier, the restaurant at the end of the pier, what you can do, places to eat, and where to shop nearby!

History of the Oceanside Pier

The historic Oceanside Pier was originally proposed in 1887. At the time the pier was called a wharf. It went through a lot of trials and tribulations, suffering irreparable damage from a storm in 1890. Over the past 100+ years, there have been 6 iterations of the pier. The current pier is 1,942 feet long and was dedicated in 1987. It remains one of the most popular things to do in Oceanside, CA.

The pier is located in the city of Oceanside, California which is just north of San Diego. You can walk on this long, beautiful pier to get a great view of Oceanside. If you're coming to town, be sure to give it a stroll. 

Address location: Pier, Oceanside, CA 92054 at the cross-section of Pacific St. and Pier View Way

Hours: Closes at 10 p.m.

Total length: 1,954 feet (596 m) 

Opening date: 1888

Oceanside CA North County San Diego

You can't visit the city of Oceanside, California without walking the Oceanside Fishing Pier. This is one of the most classic things to do in Oceanside. The Oceanside Pier is popular amongst both locals and tourists. You can watch folks fishing or watch surfers pretty much anytime you're there.

Related reading: Encinitas Coffee Shops: Searching for the Best Coffee in Town

Ruby's Diner

You used to be able to eat at Ruby's Diner at the end of the pier; Ruby's was a 40s-style diner with American classics like fries, burgers, and milkshakes, but it has since closed. Unfortunately. It was such a perfect spot! 

As of April 2022, a sign went up to say something new will be opening soon! There's a new restaurant coming to the Oceanside Pier. Stay tuned.

Restaurants Near Oceanside Pier

Hungry for a meal? There are dining options close to the pier.

- 333 Pacific

- Hello Betty

- Camp Coffee Company

- Harni Sushi - Oceanside 

- Miss Kim’s by That Boy Good 

- Banana Dang Coffee

Fishing

Leisurely stroll your way through to the end of the pier to look out on the Pacific Ocean. While you're strolling the pier, enjoy the wildlife. I've seen a sea lion, a seal, pelicans (on separate occasions not all at once although that would be cool), and of course tons of seagulls and pigeons. I saw some dolphins from afar. The pelicans are known for frequenting the pier especially since they can get some free fish. You might be lucky enough to see the pelican(s) and get a photo or two; they're not always there but they're there pretty often. 

Shopping

Oceanside Pier has a small bait shop on it where you can get some convenience items and snacks. There are also restrooms if you need to use them. There're benches placed occasionally along the way if you want to rest or take in the scenery. There are also some shops, vendors, food stands, and picnic tables at the bottom of the pier before you walk on. Since the pier is located in Oceanside 92054 at the cross-section of Pacific St. and Pier View Way, there are plenty of local restaurants nearby to dine at or pick up some food to eat at the beach! 

Beachcombing and Walking

The best way to get to know a city is by walking it. Oceanside literally hugs the coast. It's an idyllic spot. I like going for walks and checking out the shoreline. Downtown Oceanside is nearby. Southern California has a lot of beautiful places to visit. No matter what month you visit, from December to summer months like June or August, you'll love the nice weather at Oceanside Pier. There's even a beach amphitheater so you just may catch a band or someone performing. There are concerts there often.

Sunset Views

The historic Oceanside Pier is one of the longest piers in California at 1,942 feet in length and is the longest wooden pier in California. If you enjoy the outdoors and just want to walk around with a beach view, this is a great spot! Plus, it's free, so you can't go wrong there. No matter your favorite place to visit in the city of Oceanside, make sure you add this one for a lovely pier view. Come for a Pacific Ocean sunset as you enjoy a fun day on the coast. The Oceanside Pier is a perfect place to end the day. It's actually open until 10 p.m.

Oceanside Harbor

Oceanside Harbor is around 1.5 miles away from Oceanside Fishing Pier, which should be a 10-minute drive depending on traffic. There are kayak rentals and other fun stuff to do over there. You can ride your bike across the area! Read about the Oceanside Harbor restaurants.

When you visit, go to the beach in Oceanside, maybe a couple beaches. There are things to do at any time of day. You walk directly to Oceanside Pier from the beach and then stroll along the coast. Tyson Street Park is nearby within walking distance. You can go surfing the waves, swimming, or hang out on the beach. Spend the day like local residents, enjoying a casual beach day. It's beautiful morning, noon, night, whenever you come.

How much is parking at Oceanside Beach?

Parking in Oceanside is fairly affordable and there is plenty of metered parking. You can find free street parking as well as one free parking garage. If street parking isn't available by the time you arrive, consider using pay lots out of convenience. No matter where you park, read all signs in the parking lots carefully as parking restrictions are subject to change at any time. There are parking lots such as Oceanside Pier & Beaches Lot 28 Parking lot (351 The Strand N), Oceanside Pier & Beaches Lot 30 (Betty's Lot) Parking lot (101 The Strand N), Oceanside Pier & Beaches Lot 21 Parking lot (214 Surfrider Way), and more.

Are there any beach restaurants in Oceanside? What are the best places to eat in Oceanside?

While there aren't any restaurants directly on the beach, there are some close to shore. Definitely within walking distance and of course more if you drive the coast. Things to Do in Oceanside, California: Restaurants, Coffee Shops, What to See! Oceanside, California is a city with a rich cultural heritage, natural beauty, and outdoor adventure located in North County San Diego. For residents and tourists alike, Oceanside boasts an array of activities. Of course, you can head south to San Diego too.

Soak in the amazing scenery of the Pacific Ocean or watch a surf competition as you stroll your way to the end of the pier. Eat at a restaurant, grab a craft beer, and enjoy the view from San Diego's iconic landmark. There are plenty of events that occur throughout the year so you can check the Oceanside Welcome Center or browse online! They even have surf competitions.

Related reading: 

Coffee Shops in Carlsbad, California

Things to Do in North County San Diego, California

Oceanside, California has museums, art, biking, and sightseeing spots. Eat breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Take in the great views and many ways to relax, whether you want to watch the sunset or swim at the beach.

Take a look at the murals at Artist's Alley in Downtown Oceanside, California.

Other things to do in California: See Central Perk Cafe from Friends on a Warner Bros Studio Tour.

Jalapeno & cauliflower mac & cheese from Local Tap House & Kitchen, Oceanside restaurants to try.

Enjoy the ocean view from the Oceanside Fishing Pier.

City of Oceanside Street Art, Murals, & Graffiti

Both downtown & the City of Oceanside have street art, murals, & graffiti to view. While you're near town, be sure to check out Artist Alley to support local San Diego businesses & artists. Learn more Artist Alley Oceanside on their Facebook page. Pictured above is a mural by BB Bastidas at the Pour House Oceanside; there's a different mural there now. Experience some Oceanside street art, click here.

Go to the Beach

It should go without saying, but you should check out the beach & ocean views whilst visiting a city literally named Oceanside. Popular Oceanside beaches include Oceanside City Beach, Tyson Street Beach, Oceanside Harbor Beach, South Oceanside Beach. I could spend the day by Oceanside Pier, soaking in the melodic sound of the waves, reading a good book, & sticking my feet in the sand. Tyson Street Beach, also known as Tyson Street Park, is within walking distance of the Oceanside Pier. Enjoy the wildlife, cruise the sandy beaches, dine at a nearby restaurant.

Buena Vista Audubon Society Nature Center