Oceanside is Ready for Its ‘Animal Kingdom’ Close-Up for the new season!

The long-awaited Season 5 of TNT’s “Animal Kingdom” drama is back and so are the charms of SoCal’s Oceanside. Oceanside may be straddling more than three miles of northern San Diego’s summer-perfect coastline, but you have to admit that it is the less glitzy counterpart to nearby beach-going communities—a casual, grittier throwback to California’s authentic beach spirit. For this reason, Oceanside has been “starring” in films as early as John Wayne’s 1949 “Sands of Iwo Jima.” However, it was the 1985 blockbuster “Top Gun” starring Tom Cruise that really put the city on the filmmaker map. In fact, the “Top Gun” bungalow backed by ocean vistas has become a cinematic landmark.  Although Oceanside has portrayed other locations around the world, from war-torn islands to Zorro’s swashbuckling hideout, the city has a lot to offer simply “playing itself” as a true coastal town.

This summer, discover the many charms that continue to lure Hollywood to Oceanside’s glistening shoreline. Here are a few of my top “filming” locations. 

One of California’s longest wooden piers

The nearly 2,000-foot-long wooden pier holds a Ruby’s Diner at its terminus for great hamburger lunches and a popular event amphitheater at its entrance with great summer happenings, such as the World Bodysurfing Championships this August 21-22.  Take a leisurely stroll above the glistening Pacific to watch fisherman at work and surfers below—or perhaps, spot a dolphin bobbing in between the waves.

Surfing is a way of life

The surf is always “up” in Oceanside, which is why it is home to countless professional and recreational surfers who can always find a swell. Surf shops and custom surf board shapers prevail with dozens of surf board manufacturers in a business district just a few miles from the coast called “Shaper’s Alley.” (Photo courtesy TNT, Animal Kingdom)

A New England-style harbor

Oceanside’s harbor flanked by yachts, weekend vessels and sunbathing sea lions is a casual throwback to early coastal California. Kayakers and paddle boarders share the waters with boat rental patrons. To get the “yachting” experience, consider chartering your own 6-person vessel, complete with captain. The “Obsession” takes visitors on a custom tour; its galley can be outfitted for your own champagne or picnic repast for a romantic sail into the sunset.

A train runs through it  

It wouldn’t be a stretch for the “Animal Kingdom” brood to escape on a train after their latest crime spree. Trains and the coast seem to harmonize in this area, as well as share a rich history.  A natural division between town and broad, white sandy beaches is the Coaster train that scrambles the coast several times a day. Carrying ocean-loving passengers today, it was the 1880’s transcontinental train that was responsible for establishing the town, known as San Luis Rey in the early days.

Surf’s up daily at the museum

Think Gidget and Moondoggie or Jan and Dean—it is the beach beat of an unforgettable era in Southern California that is ever-growing in popularity: surfing and its unique culture.  Oceanside has its own internationally revered museum devoted to the phenomenon: the California Surf Museum where museum-goers see the surfboards, read the stories and meet the people who have made surfing an international sport.

Plenty of adventure

Plunge, dip and dive in Oceanside where extreme adventure happens daily.  Go Jump Oceanside gives the brave adventurer a thrilling plunge from thousands of feet above the sparkling coast. One the only coastal tandem skydiving experiences in Southern California with a total view of the Pacific.

See whales all year

Oceanside Adventures offers year-round whale watching trips on its 50-foot, 49-passenger Catamaran with 360-degree views from the deck. Not only whales, you may glimpse sea lions and dolphins as well in your two-hour excursion that leaves from Oceanside Harbor.

Find more “cinematic” wonders to enjoy at Visit Oceanside

Other photos courtesy of Visit Oceanside