Oceanside Harbor parking can be a challenge, especially during peak season.
With so many visitors flocking to the area, finding a spot can be difficult.
That’s why we’ve put together a list of the 10 best Oceanside Harbor parking lots for you.
Whether you’re looking for a spot close to the beach or one that’s more secluded, we’ve got you covered.
Keep reading to find out which parking lots made our list.
Overview:
- Oceanside Harbor Parking Pass
- Oceanside Beach Parking (Free & Paid)
- Oceanside Village Harbor
- Oceanside Harbor Beach
- F.A.Q.s
- Conclusion
Oceanside Harbor Parking Pass
First off before I even begin listing the Oceanside Harbor parking spots I wanted to let you know that the City of Oceanside offers an Oceanside Harbor parking pass.
The parking pass is part of their Annual Beach Parking Lot Permit program that allows both residents of Oceanside and visitors to park in certain parking lots without having to worry about paying for parking that day.
This pass is valid for 1 year from the date of purchase and prices vary ($100 for residents with proof of residency and $200 for visitors).
To learn more information be sure to check out the City of Oceanside site.
Our verdict: In my opinion, this pass isn’t really required, unless, you plan on visiting this place frequently throughout the year.
Furthermore, you can park for free here along with free 2-hour parking at the Oceanside Harbor Village so it really comes down to preference.
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Oceanside Beach Parking Lots (Free & Paid)
There are several Oceanside Harbor parking spots that require you to pay.
Below we break them down for you.
8 Paid – Closest Parking Lots to Oceanside Harbor Beach
These are a few Oceanside Harbor Parking lots that are right up-front to the beach.
Location Lot 10: 1201 N Pacific St, Oceanside, CA 92054
There are about 30 or so parking spots located here in Oceanside Harbor Parking Lot 10.
The nice thing about this parking lot is that right next to this lot you have picnic tables with shade along with fire pits.
You don’t need to walk far to access the beach it’s right up front.
The cost to park here as of 2023 for All Day is $10.
Note: One thing that is important to note here for those who need wheelchair accessibility is that this parking lot has only 1 spot designated for handicapped parking.
If you keep driving down the street you will run into Lot 11.
Lot 11 has 3 lots:
- Lot 11
- Lot 11-A
- Lot 11-B
Location for Lot 11: 1302 North Pacific Street, Oceanside CA 92054
Lot 11 is a dirt lot parking spot overlooking Oceanside Harbor.
This lot has only about give or take 20 parking spots.
In addition, there are restrictions to parking here in which there is a grace period up until 10 p.m. each day.
The cost to park here is $10 All Day.
Note: One thing that is important to note here for those who need wheelchair accessibility is that this parking lot has only 1 spot designated for handicapped parking as well.
Location for Lot 11-A: 1304 North Pacific Street, Oceanside CA 92054
Lot 11-A is near the Oceanside Harbor boat launching facility.
Near here there are also restroom facilities.
Here you can spot a lot of boats coming in and out leaving the harbor.
Note: This concrete parking lot has 2 different parking prices you should be aware of.
For instance, if you park here anywhere from 4 a.m. to 8 p.m. expect to pay $10 for All Day.
On the other hand, if you park here from 8 p.m. to 4 a.m. expect to pay $30 for All Day.
Location Lot 11-B: 1400 North Pacific Street, Oceanside CA 92054
Lot 11-B is right next to Lot 11-A.
It’s the last lot located upright on Oceanside Harbor Beach.
On this lot, you will find a Fresh Fish Market.
As the name states here you can buy fresh fish and shellfish that have been captured that are ready to eat.
In addition, on the side of the Fresh Fish Market, you can find a small shop that offers beach rentals such as beach chairs, surfboards, and umbrellas to name a few.
Restroom facilities are also nearby.
Note: You can park and camp here overnight, however, be aware of the restrictions.
One thing that I have noticed about Lot 11-B on the weekends is it’s a popular spot amongst the locals.
You’ll find a lot of locals on bicycles, or their cars hanging out and blasting music amongst their boomboxes.
The parking cost at Lot 11-B is the same as Lot 11-A in which from 4 a.m. to 8 p.m. parking is $10 for the day.
4 – Lots located in Oceanside Harbor Village
Oceanside Harbor Village is located in Oceanside Harbor.
The harbor is right next to the beach.
There are several lots here that are not exactly upfront near the beach – but still within less than a 10-minute walk to the beach.
Note: For the most part, most of these lots offer free parking for a certain amount of time.
Location Lot 7: 1202 North Pacific at Harbor Drive, Oceanside CA 92054
Lot 7 offers free parking for up to 2 hours.
After that expect to pay $3 per hour or you can pay $10 parking for all day.
There are restrooms located on this lot along with picnic tables that overlook the Oceanside Harbor.
Rockin’ Baja Lobster restaurant is found right next to this lot.
Note: Prices during the months of May to September will be higher at $4 per hour and $15 for all day.
Parking Lot 8 has 2 different parking lots that offer free parking, but vary in time:
- Location of Lot 8A: 320 Harbor Drive South, Oceanside CA 92054
Located behind Joe’s Crab Shack restaurant offers 4 hours of free parking from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. and after 4 p.m. parking is free here.
2. Location of Lot 8B: 314 Harbor Drive South, Oceanside CA 92054
Located right in front of Joe’s Crab Shack restaurant and the Oceanside Sea Center.
Location Parking Lot 4: 1351 Harbor Drive North, Oceanside CA 92054
Lot 4 is located near Oceanside Broiler Fresh Seafood and Steaks restaurant.
You can park here for free for up to 4 hours from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Just be aware that no oversized vehicles (25′ or longer) can park here from 8 p.m. to 4 a.m. unless you have a Slip Renter Parking Permit.
For those of you who aren’t aware a slip rental is a fee that a boat owner pays to rent a long, narrow area of the boatyard.
2 Free – Oceanside Harbor Parking Spots
If you’re looking for free places to park in Oceanside Harbor then check out these 2 lots that guarantee free parking for more than 4 hours.
Location Lot 5: 1335 Harbor Drive North, Oceanside CA 92054
Parking Lot 5 is actually located inside the Oceanside Village Harbor, but it allows you to park for free for up to 72 hours.
Just like Lot 4, no oversized vehicles are allowed unless you have a designated Slip Renter Parking Permit.
Helgren’s SportFishing Bait Shop can be found near this lot.
Location Lot 1: 401 Riverside Drive, Oceanside CA 92054
If you’re planning on heading to this beach know that the best parking lot in our option is Lot 1.
This lot has numerous parking spots and it’s near the WorldMark by Wyndham.
To get into Lot 1 you exit on Harbor Drive then turn left on Carmelo Drive and straight in leads you straight into Lot 1.
You will pass Taco Dell, Days Inn, and Holiday Inn hotels.
Parking is free here for up to 72 hours.
Note: However, do understand that this parking lot is about a 10-minute walk to get to the beach.
Oceanside Harbor Village
Oceanside Harbor Village is a waterfront community located in Oceanside, California.
It is a popular spot for boating, fishing, and other recreational activities.
The village is home to numerous restaurants, shops, and a marina.
We put together a complete guide to The Ultimate Guide To Oceanside Harbor Village on what to expect if you ever visit this place.
Oceanside Harbor Restaurants
Oceanside Harbor has many restaurants that offer a variety of cuisines.
If you’re a seafood lover we put together a list of 10 Seafood Restaurants In or Near Oceanside Harbor worth checking out.
However, for those looking for other types of cuisines, Dominic’s Italian Restaurant offers pizzas and pasta.
Furthermore, Broiler offers a variety of different steak dishes along with tropical cocktails, local beers on tap, and California wines.
Oceanside Harbor Beach
Those first-time visitors wondering what to expect when visiting this beach know that this is a popular destination.
This beach is known for its quintessential SoCal beach vibe and is a great place to enjoy sunbathing, fishing off the jetty, playing volleyball on the beach, and more.
The marina is located behind the beach, with open ocean access at the beach’s northernmost end.
Visitors recommend getting there early as parking can be tough to get.
The beach has a lot of amenities including restrooms, showers, picnic tables, fire pits, and volleyball courts.
There are also many restaurants located nearby on South Pacific Drive which is about 1.1 miles away from the beach.
You can also take a tour to see whales and dolphins in their natural habitat.
F.A.Q.s
How much is parking at the oceanside harbor?
Parking prices at the Oceanside Harbor will vary.
Also, beware that summer, weekend, as well as holiday prices, will be more expensive.
Expect $10 up to $30 for all day.
Does Oceanside Beach have free parking?
Yes, Oceanside Beach does have free parking, however, in certain parking lots.
Can you park overnight at Oceanside Harbor?
You can pay at Oceanside Harbor overnight, but only in certain parking lots.
For instance, Lot 11-A, Lot 11-B, Lot 1, and Lot 5 allow for overnight parking.
Lot 11-A allows overnight camping in certain spots.
Conclusion
Overall, parking at Oceanside Harbor doesn’t have to be a hassle.
With a little bit of preparation and insider knowledge, you can make sure you find the perfect spot for your day by the water.
These were 10 of our top parking spots recommended.
Note: However, do know that there are many other parking lots not mentioned here that you can come across.
We included for this post the top 10 parking spots near the beach and harbor that offer free and paid parking.
Nevertheless, you also can find parking meters and different lots amongst the beach and harbor – just know that!
From arriving early to exploring alternative parking spots, there are plenty of ways to make your trip to the harbor a stress-free experience.
So next time you’re planning a day at Oceanside Harbor, be sure to keep these tips in mind.
Happy parking!
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