OCEANSIDE

The third-largest city in the county, most of Oceanside is inland. Spanish missionaries settled the area in 1790s and the town was incorporated in 1888. From 1970 to 1983, the population doubled as agricultural land was developed. Most new homes developed over the last decade are in the inland suburbs.

Oceanside Harbor is a quiet yacht basin with good offshore access. The 35,000 inhabitants of Camp Pendleton Marine Corps Base, to the north, contribute to the local atmosphere and economy.