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5 Great Parks and Playgrounds in Oceanside, CA

Parks and playgrounds we love in Oceanside

By Jessica Huebner September 3, 2021

We are lucky in Oceanside to have so many great playgrounds and parks to explore. From swings to slides, to climbing walls and water features, Oceanside's parks and playgrounds keep kids active, and are a great place to meet old friends (and make new friends!), and they're FREE!

I often get asked what our favorite playgrounds are, so I thought I'd share here with you my family's picks for our top five playgrounds and parks to visit in Oceanside.





Mance Buchanon Park

Address: 425 College Blvd
City: Oceanside

What we love about Mance Buchanon Park: 

My family and I love to go to Mance Buchanon Park in Oceanside.  We have played many soccer games, played on the playground, and have taken our dog for a walk in the wide grassy spaces at the park.  There are plenty of shade trees in which you can have a small party and relax the day away.  The grounds and bathrooms are well maintained.  It also has great access to the San Luis Rey River Trail which you can bike to the ocean.  It is about a four mile bike ride to the ocean from this access point known as, "access 7".  It is also a great place for running and walking.  This gem of a park has something for everyone and the play and exercise options are plenty.

Amenities at Mance Buchanon Park: 

  • bathrooms
  • handicap access
  • drinking fountains
  • playground
  • large grassy areas
  • walk/run path




Rancho Del Oro Park

Rancho Del Oro Park
Oceanside 

What we love about Rancho Del Oro Park: 

Rancho Del Oro Park is located in the lovely neighborhood of Rancho Del Oro in Oceanside.  It is near the local YMCA and is a great place for kids and families to run and play!  The wide open grassy area is perfect for outdoor sports such as, soccer, football, and baseball.  It also is a great place for parties and picnics.  You can set up easy games such as croquet, a volleyball net, or bocce ball.  It is also home to great concerts in the park during the Summer time months.  I first discovered this park after visiting the nearby YMCA with my family and since then it has been a favorite.

Amenities at Rancho Del Oro Park: 


  • bathrooms
  • handicap accessible
  • lighted tennis courts
  • multipurpose field
  • easy parking


Oceanside Tyson Park

121 S. Pacific St.

Oceanside

What we love about Oceanside Tyson Park:

Who doesn't love a day at the park AND the beach?  This park gives you the option to enjoy both.  Tyson Park in Oceanside is steps from the ocean and a local favorite for families that want to enjoy the California sunshine while keeping the kids active to the max!  There are well maintained and safe playground structures with a large grassy area.  It is located at Lifeguard Tower 5 and is also a short walk to Oceanside Pier.  There are picnic tables, benches, and 2 handicapped parking spaces located on the "strand".  There are restrooms, showers, and a public phone.  Stairs are provided from parking areas located on Pacific Street.  The sand, beach, sun, and play options are top notch.  There is also a ramp area leading to the park that make it handicap accessible.  

Amenities at Oceanside Tyson Park: 


  • bathrooms
  • benches
  • picnic tables
  • shower
  • playground
  • grassy area


Luiseno Park

1069 Teal Way

Oceanside

What we love about Luiseno Park: 

My family and I love visiting Luiseno Park for it's rich history connected to the community.  Named after the Luiseno Band of Mission Indians who lived in the areas 1000 of years before European settlers moved to the area, it is rich with culture and history of California.  The park has several artifacts both replicated and real that are displayed at the park.  Families can read plaques that display information about the artifacts and learn some California history while they spend the day enjoying the park.  Included in some of the artifacts are, rock formations, petroglyphs, pictographs, and an ancient stone oven.  

Amenities at Luiseno Park: 

  • drinking fountains
  • 2 play structures
  • 2 multi-purpose fields
  • restrooms
  • tennis courts
  • softball fields


Alamosa Park

Mesa Drive

Oceanside

What we love about Alamosa Park: 

This park is a great place to have a party, play for the day, or have a family picnic.  There are plenty of mature trees that provide shade for gatherings at Alamosa Park in Oceanside.  There are barbecues, picnic areas, playground equipment, restrooms, and a multipurpose field.  It is a popular park for birthday parties and is rarely empty of activity.  This park is great because it is easy to find and a great meet up place in a nice neighborhood.  It is a fun place!

Amenities at Alamosa Park: 

  • barbecues
  • drinking fountain
  • picnic area
  • playground
  • multipurpose field
  • restrooms

We hope this list of top five playgrounds and parks in Oceanside, California helps you find -- or rediscover! -- some fun places for your family to explore. Now get those kids out to play!