yndham has gorgeous views of the ocean and all of the beach activity, from bicylists to strollers, from power-walkers to picknickers. From our sixth-floor unit, the views of the beach and nearby Oceanside neighborhoods were spectacular.Our two-bedroom unit at the Wyndham was decorated in cheerful vacation colors like aqua and lime green and beige and included three flat-screen televisions as well as a complete kitchen. Furniture was fun, easy-going and fit in with the holiday motif that was so apparent as soon as we walked in the door. But best of all were those views, and we enjoyed spending time at the table on our lanai reading the paper, sipping coffee and savoring a commanding view of all the activities surrounding California's longest recreational pier.On the weekend we visited, Oceanside made good on its reputation as a legendary surf town. A competition was under way where surfers were doing some amazing maneuvers right next to the pier. From the beach, atop a platform, several judges were studying every move and awarding points. Beach-goers and sun-worshippers watched the surfers attentively. Surfing's in the DNA around here - for example, while most cities have summer baseball or soccer camps, Oceanside also has a Surf Camp offered by Oceanside Parks and Recreation.Just a short jog up the beach is another popular recreation area - Oceanside Harbor. This is where local boaters keep their private craft and where the public can get out on the water in any of several different ways. Fishing charters are available - we noticed a sign for a shark fishing trip priced at $70 per person. Or you can paddle a kayak around the harbor on tours offered by OEX Kayak. The colorful lighthouse at the harbor now houses Old Skull Rentals, where you can rent a surf board, body board, wet suit or anything else you need to take advantage of the Pacific Ocean. When, you've worked up an appetite, there are several harbor-front restaurants that are ideal for fish and chips with an ocean view.For history buffs, it's just a short drive to the Mission San Luis Rey, which has been undergoing millions of dollars in improvements. The "King of the Missions" is a National Historic Landmark and was founded in 1798. It's the largest of 21 California missions. Located on 56 acres, the mission is adding walking trails and interpretive gardens to display plant life that was common during the early life at the mission. The mission offers an extensive collection of artifacts.If you're curious about Camp Pendleton, it's possible to tour the base at times when the threat level is not heightened. For more information, call 760-725-5569.New to Oceanside is the Oceanside Museum of Art, with a two-story 16,000-square-foot central pavilion that hosts art exhibitions and special events. The museum was designed by modern architect Frederick Fisher, known for his fresh and spectacular designs.For some local color, be sure to visit the Highway 101 Café, which is the oldest continuously-operating restaurant on Historic Highway 101. If you enjoy 50's-style diners, the food and vintage photos on the walls are sure to take you back to yesteryear. Or, check out the Sunset Market which sets aside four city blocks every Thursday night for live music, fresh produce vendors and local artisans. This is held downtown year-round.If you like wildlife, stop by the Rancho Buena Vista Lagoon where you'll find the Buena Vista Audubon Nature Center and Museum. This is San Diego's only Audubon nature center and the only fresh-water lagoon in the state of California. Visitors can stroll scenic paths along the lagoon where they will see dozens of varieties of waterfowl.If you have kids, Legoland is just south of the Oceanside city limits. This major theme park—all designed around the lego theme—includes dozens of rides and is a proven hit with its target audience of 2-to-12 year-olds. On any given summer weekend day, you're likely to see as many as 10,000 p