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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Best of Oceanside

Interesting spots

You have no patience for the predictable or the mundane.

Based on 592 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
Sound by the Sea image 1
Sound by the Sea image 2
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Repurposed retro furniture sets a classy vibe while vintage vinyl records spin unique tunes. Enjoy interesting cocktail variations and deep conversations in a relaxed, intimate space. The awesome sound system and comfy outdoor patio make socializing a pleasure.

DJs play rare and interesting music through an awesome sound system. The place offers interesting cocktail variations and attracts people who enjoy good conversations and music.

People are saying

"The live DJs spin exclusively from vinyl records."

"The outdoor seating has a dreamy, retro vibe that's perfect for intimate conversations."

"The DJs here play really interesting music."

Good to know

1

Sound by the Sea features a variety of artists and DJs weekly.

2

They have open deck days for locals to spin their own sets.

3

Happy hour offers great drink combos.

02
Buena Vista Audubon Society image 1
Non-profit organization

Small nature center offers taxidermy exhibits and a wetland trail with scenic views. Volunteers provide detailed insights about local wildlife. Interactive kids section makes learning fun and engaging.

Lots of animal specimens fill the space with interesting facts about bones and nature. Presentations share clear passion and explain details about the collection.

People are saying

"It's a fun and educational place for kids to learn about the lagoon."

"I learned so many interesting things about the specimens."

"The short hike offers nice views of the natural settings."

Good to know

1

The nature center offers free educational programs for local students about the lagoon.

2

There is a short, quarter-mile nature trail that circles around a pond.

3

Visitors can explore a microscope exhibit that shows various animal specimens.

03
Daiso - Japanese Household Goods image 1
Asian household goods store

Shelves burst with colorful packaging and unique snacks that brighten the lively space. Affordable prices mix with some higher tags, mostly shown in yen. Craft supplies and plushies add charm, making it a fun spot for Asian household goods and interesting imports.

Variety of imported goods like stickers, craft items, and plushies catch the eye. The cooking section offers many interesting products, alongside unique snacks and drinks.

People are saying

"I found so many interesting imported products here."

"I found so many inexpensive items I couldn't find anywhere else."

Good to know

1

Prices at Daiso start at $1.75, but some items may not be marked.

2

The store offers a wide range of Japanese and Asian products.

3

Parking is easy and convenient near the store.

04
Matsu image 1
Fine dining restaurant

Japanese minimalism creates an intimate space with handcrafted wood chairs and soft lighting. Guests enjoy a multi-course omakase menu featuring unique flavors and textures. The bar offers expertly crafted cocktails and a curated wine list from France and Baja.

The omakase menu offers well curated dishes with interesting flavors and textures. Wine selections include unique options from France and Baja.

People are saying

"The desserts here were outstanding, truly a perfect 10/10."

"The vegan food here is so magical, even meat-eaters are impressed."

"The food here is super interesting and delicious."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended for the multi-course dining experience.

2

The tasting menu starts at $450 for two people.

3

Matsu offers a vegan course alongside its main menu.

05
Sea Hive Marketplace image 1

Large indoor market offers vintage wares and handmade items in a relaxing, Bohemian atmosphere. Booths showcase mid-century treasures and artisan crafts, making exploration both interesting and unique.

A wide range of old antiques, new curios, and cultural pieces fill the space. Booths offer a mix of clothing, jewelry, and unique items that make walking around interesting.

People are saying

"This vintage shop is huge with tons of cool items and vendors."

"I found so many cool vintage items, clothes, and records here."

"I found all kinds of interesting things, both old and new."

Good to know

1

There is a no refund or exchange policy on all items.

2

The marketplace features a wide variety of unique items from multiple vendors.

3

Expect to spend a good amount of time browsing due to its size.

06
Oceanside Sunset Market image 1

Outdoor night market buzzes with live music on two stages and a wide variety of food like African and Korean BBQ. Families enjoy the KidZone while exploring eccentric local vendors and unique eats like lobster rolls and sushi burritos.

Dozens of interesting food vendors offer diverse options like lobster rolls and sushi burritos. Local vendors sell eccentric items, making the market a very interesting and diverse spot to explore.

People are saying

"This market has live music and amazing food."

"I loved the variety of local food and crafts here."

"I found so many interesting food vendors and eccentric items here."

Good to know

1

The Oceanside Sunset Market takes place every Thursday from 5 to 9 p.m.

2

Expect a lively atmosphere with live music and around 70 to 100 vendors.

3

Parking is available close to the market, making access easy.

07
Merenda image 1
Wine bar

Wine bar shines with curated natural wines and eclectic European decor. Tapas-style dishes bring unusual flavors that excite the palate. Cozy, lively vibe makes it perfect for sharing and socializing.

Wine selection stands out with a variety that appeals to wine lovers. Small plates offer interesting and unusual flavors.

People are saying

"The food here is fresh, flavorful, and beautifully plated."

"I loved their thoughtfully curated and amazing wine selection."

"The small plates here are interesting and unusual."

Good to know

1

Bottles can be enjoyed at the table with a $15 corkage fee.

2

Merenda has a thoughtfully curated wine list with excellent by-the-glass options.

3

They only serve beer and wine, no cocktails available.

08
Frontwave Arena image 1

Mid-size arena with about 6,000 seats offers intimate seating and great views from all sections. Atmosphere feels calm and safe with a beautiful interior and multiple bars and outdoor patios that allow watching events while grabbing a drink. Sound quality for concerts is poor, often loud and poorly mixed, which affects the overall experience.

People are saying

"The arena's large screens make watching live sports so crisp and clear."

"There was plenty of parking available."

"The screens here are crisp and clear, and the venue feels modern."

Good to know

1

Parking costs $30 in the deluxe lot, but expect long exit times after events.

2

The venue is very organized and clean, providing a pleasant experience.

3

The seating is comfortable, with good views from all areas of the arena.

09
Wrench and Rodent Seabasstropub image 1

Sushi spot offers quirky ambiance with punk rock and sea vibes. Menu shines with unique dishes like fishbone karage and seabass bone marrow. Outdoor seating under a fig tree complements the designer sake selection for a distinct dining experience.

Dishes feature fishbone karage, potato leek soup with tobiko, and seabass bone marrow with fish sperm sauce. The menu offers a lot of flavor and variety with cool, interesting creations.

People are saying

"This Japanese food is amazing, innovative, and high quality."

"The fish here is so fresh and high quality."

"The food here is really interesting, with creative dishes and unique flavors."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended as the restaurant gets busy quickly.

2

Expect significant wait times during peak hours, especially on weekends.

3

Parking is limited nearby, so plan to arrive early.

10
24 Suns image 1
Restaurant

Small, modern spot with dim lighting and incense aroma sets a relaxing mood. Menus change biweekly, offering lesser-known flavors like Brown Butter Fried Chicken. Guests enjoy innovative cuisine and unique cocktails despite tight seating.

Small menus change every two weeks, featuring lesser-known flavors and ingredients. Dishes like Brown Butter Fried Chicken offer a tasty, interesting twist.

People are saying

"The food here was excellent and everything I ordered was great."

"Every dish had its own unique flavor profile, like a journey through China."

"The food here is really interesting, exploring lesser-known flavors."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended, especially during peak dining hours.

2

Expect longer wait times on weekends; arrive early to secure a table.

3

The kitchen closes at 9 pm, so plan your arrival accordingly.

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