Top 10% of guest reviews in this areaTop 10% of guest reviews in this area
2 bedrooms2+ bathroomsSleeps 6
Popular amenities
Ocean view
Spa pool
Kitchen
Washing machine
Dryer
Air-conditioning
Explore the area
Oceanside, CA
Oceanside Strand Beach
Place, Oceanside Strand Beach
2 min walk
Oceanside Pier
Place, Oceanside Pier
10 min walk
Oceanside Harbor
Place, Oceanside Harbor
4 min drive
Carlsbad, CA (CLD-McClellan-Palomar)
Airport, Carlsbad, CA (CLD-McClellan-Palomar)
19 min drive
Rooms & beds
2 bedrooms (sleeps 6)
Bedroom 1
1 King Bed
Bedroom 2
1 Queen Bed
2 bathrooms, 1 half bathroom
Bathroom 1
Bathtub or shower · Bathtub · Toilet · Shower only
Bathroom 2
Toilet · Shower only
Bathroom 3
Toilet
Spaces
Deck or patio
Kitchen
Balcony
Dining area
About this property
Instant Beach Access -- Just Steps Away!
Our condo unit is approx. 1500 square feet on 2 levels, with an expansive living room, fully equipped kitchen downstairs, and bedrooms upstairs. We have a balcony on each level that provides sunrise and sunset vistas overlooking the beach and the ocean. We have 2 BRs, one with a King bed and a sleeper sofa, the other with a Queen, and a sofa bed downstairs can accommodate 2 more. We have a half bath downstairs and two bathrooms upstairs, both with showers, one of which is ensuite to the master bedroom. Surf, swim, suntan, stroll ... easy!
We are a 10 minute walk down the beach to both the Oceanside pier where you can fish without a license, rent bicycles, enjoy food and ice cream. We are also a 10 minute walk also down the beach the other direction to the harbor where you can book whale watching tours, sunset cruises or simply rent your own boat. Great restaurants here as well. And finally in this great location a 15 minute walk east brings you to the happening restaurant and brewery scene in Oceanside. Great food, and great drinks! And if that wasn't enough we are a 15 minute walk to the train with an hour train ride to San Diego and an hour and a half to LA.
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Direct Ocean view with elevator access on Oceanside's THE STRAND
Townsite
Direct Ocean view with elevator access on Oceanside's THE STRAND
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has indicated that there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher
About the area
Oceanside
Located in Townsite, a neighbourhood in Oceanside, this condo is near theme parks and on the beach. LEGOLAND® California is a popular attraction and the area's natural beauty can be seen at Oceanside Beach and Carlsbad State Beach. California Surf Museum and Buena Vista Audubon Society & Nature Center are also worth visiting. Discover the area's water adventures with windsurfing, power boating and sailing nearby, or enjoy the great outdoors with cycling.
Oceanside, CA
What's nearby
Oceanside Strand Beach - 2 min walk - 0.2 km
Oceanside Pier - 10 min walk - 0.9 km
Oceanside Harbor Beach - 12 min walk - 1.0 km
Oceanside Harbor - 4 min drive - 3.0 km
Oceanside Beach - 6 min drive - 2.6 km
Getting around
Oceanside Transit Center - 13 min drive
Carlsbad, CA (CLD-McClellan-Palomar) - 24 min drive
Restaurants
In-N-Out Burger - 17 min walk
Starbucks - 11 min walk
Pannikin Oceanside - 9 min walk
The Rooftop Bar - 10 min walk
Finney's Crafthouse - 12 min walk
Frequently asked questions
Is Instant Beach Access -- Just Steps Away! pet-friendly?
No, pets are not allowed at this property.
How much does it cost to stay at Instant Beach Access -- Just Steps Away!?
As of 9 May 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Instant Beach Access -- Just Steps Away! on 30 Sept 2026 start from AU$208, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.
How much is parking at Instant Beach Access -- Just Steps Away!?
On-site parking is available at the property.
What time is check-in at Instant Beach Access -- Just Steps Away!?
Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.
What time is check-out at Instant Beach Access -- Just Steps Away!?
Checkout is at 10:00 AM.
Where is Instant Beach Access -- Just Steps Away! located?
Nestled on the beach, this Townsite condo building is within a 10-minute walk of Oceanside Strand Beach and Oceanside Pier. Oceanside Harbor Beach and California Surf Museum are also within 15 minutes. Oceanside Transit Center is 22 minutes by foot.
Reviews
10
Exceptional
Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
This is the best rental on the CA coast. The condo has a perfect view of the surf from a secluded patio and you are literally steps from the beach. The kitchen has been remodeled and the bedrooms are roomy and comfy. Truly a condo for the total beach experience.
Absolutely beautiful getaway! Unfortunately, did not get to enjoy the perfect experience. Our moving of home of 45 yrs kept us from enjoying the special calm/quiet. No Manager/only dealt with owner, perfect. Wish we could come back in future and enjoy fully, with only peace and calm and relaxation! Very gracious owners....
Excellent property. Very well appointed and stocked.
Fantastic direct ocean views.Easy access to everything in Oceanside
Property owners are very accommodating and very pleasant.
We stayed 4 months and were very pleased
Barry and Pete
Barry M.
Stayed 121 nights in Dec 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 19 Apr 2023
Barry and Pete were excellent guests and great communicators. Thanks so much for choosing our place! Best to you both
Spacious condo with fabulous beach and sunset views
Everyting you might need and more in an updated and well laid out 2 floor condo. Walking the Strand is a pleasure and coffee shops and restaurants are within walking distance.
Excellent!
Peter K.
Stayed 31 nights in Mar 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 20 Apr 2024
Peter, it was nice to meet you in person. Thanks for the nice review. We love our place and are so happy you and your wife enjoyed it as well. Best to you both, Barbara and Jim
This was our 4th year staying at this magical place! Each year I rave about how perfect this condo is. I’ve said this before, but outside of stocking the fridge with food, everything you need is there! It’s like staying at your favorite aunt and uncle’s beach house! The location is perfect… Literally on the beach! The other condo owners are also friendly and welcoming! Oceanside is amazing! Restaurants, coffee, shops, sweet treats, activities, the amazing farmers market, and the even more amazing sunset market! It’s been such a blessing watching my kids grow up spending their summer at Barb and Jim’s condo! If I could give it more than five stars I would! You won’t regret staying here!
It’s a wonderfull condo. Only thing was all the stairs. They responded. Quickly when I left keys in rental keys in car and they could’nt find them. Dollar rental was ver rude. But owners came to my rescue fast.. . A very loved condo and you can tell.
shirley p.
Stayed 30 nights in Jan 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 17 May 2022
Shirley, thanks for your review and glad everything eventually worked out with the keys. We hope to see you again! Best, Barbara and Jim
Our family of four spent one fantastic month (in January) at this condo. We had space and Internet access to work remotely and do homeschool. Nearly every afternoon we went down the stairs and played on the beach or went for family bike rides...often both! The condo is close enough to the beach that you can go down for just a few minutes, or all day. It's also just far enough away that you have some privacy. From the condo, we watched the waves, surfers, sailboats, dolphins, etc. We had a truly delightful experience! The condo was well stocked with bedding, blankets (to wrap up in on those cool mornings), dishes, beach chairs and toys, etc. The owners have done some work updating the condo. It's easy to walk in and feel right at home.
Benjamin S.
Stayed 31 nights in Jan 2021
Response from VrboOwner on 18 Feb 2021
Ben, thanks for the nice review. You guys were fabulous guests. We love our place for all those same reasons, and we are so happy you enjoyed it. Best to you and your family, Barbara and Jim
Wonderfully kept up and modern and clean. Super well-stocked with cookware, pantry, bathroom supplies, beach gear, well-stocked everything! The owners apparently use this home too, so you know it is nice. Owner and property maintenance person were *very* easy to reach and very responsive.
Great location to walk to the pier and pier stands, downtown restaurants and shops, and to the harbor. Great for biking along the beach strand. You will hardly ever use your car. (But the unit comes with two good indoor parking spots.)
We would highly recommend.
Only on caveat: there are LOTS of stairs. Two flights from the beach up to the unit, and then one more flight inside the unit up to the bedrooms. It was super challenging hauling a stroller and/or playpen and/or beach gear. There are no bike racks on the property, so we locked the bikes up next to the cars, which wasn't super convenient.
We stayed at this perfect townhouse 2 years ago for the month of July and I said to myself, “ how am I ever gonna beat this?” in regard to vacationing with my family.
Last year we decided to spend the time in Europe and immediately knew we had made a mistake. We squeezed in a quick two week trip to Oceanside last year after returning from Europe and just knew we needed to be there again.
Thankfully Barb and Jim’s condo was available this July! It did not disappoint!
The location literally steps to the sand is enough to set the tone but what makes this place more special is the company of all of the other owners who have become friends now. Whether it’s coffee and conversation as the sun rises, wine and amazing views as the sun sets, all of the kids playing “night games“, trips for ice cream or to the movies, We’re just reaching out for that odd item you need on a moments notice… Everyone who resides in the complex bends over backwards to make you feel like you are home.
I’ve lost count of the number of times my daughters have asked me “Daddy, can we buy this?” But that right there tells you that the whole family feels the same way about Barb and Jim’s condo. It feels like a home away from home.
Definitely five stars and we will DEFINITELY be back again and again!!
Marty T.
Stayed 31 nights in Jun 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 3 Aug 2024
Marty, thanks so much for your kind words. Our neighbors say the same thing about you and your family. Our complex is a small tight community and they love having you as part of it. I wish you luck in your possible permanent home in Oceanside, and if that is not in the immediate future we would love to have you back. Best, Barbara and Jim
Let me start by saying that as my kids (10 and 8) get older we try to take them on better and better vacations. I’m not exactly sure how I’m going to top a month’s stay in this amazing property!
First of all, this feels like “HOME” and not your typical cramped vacation rental. It is so spacious and so well appointed.
Forgot soy sauce? It’s there! Forgot garlic salt? It’s there too! Forgot beach towels, sand toys, beach chairs, olive oil, popcorn, beach chairs or umbrella, coffee, Sriracha, aloe? It’s all there! It feels like you’re visiting your parents or favorite aunt and uncle’s house……just so welcoming and “familiar”.
Speaking of your favorite relatives….all of the other condo owners and long term renters welcomed us with open arms. Dick and Carol, Jim Doreen and Andi, Brian and Lisa Gabriela and Garrett, Stephanie and Tyler…. just to name a few. EVERYONE treated us like family. We shared dinners (and breakfasts) together, had drinks as the sun set and into the night, we hung out at the beach and went for ice cream together, we even hosted a kids movie night and sleep over. It was SO AMAZING! We made friends for life and were told we are now REQUIRED to rent every July!
Now the location. Just WOW! Have you ever gotten to the beach only to find out that you left your towel or sunscreen or hat or drinks or snacks or your child’s favorite toy or goggles at your hotel/rental only to have to resign yourself to go without the rest of the day because you aren’t going all the way back to get it? NOT HERE! Literally walk back across the beach, of the steps and into the condo. Retrieve the forgotten item and head back to the beach… Total travel time: one minute twelve seconds. LOL! You are LITERALLY on the beach. not only are you on the beach but you are within a short and enjoyable walk or bike ride of all of the amazing restaurants, bars, convenience stores, ice cream, coffee shops, yoga studios and shopping that Oceanside offers! In the entire month we literally drove the car to target twice and to Disney….we walked, biked, scootered EVERYWHERE else.
Add to all this the fact that you have the most incredible beach views from either of the two decks….. coffee watching the waves roll onto the beach in the morning and a cold drink or glass of wine watching the AMAZING sunsets at night ……It just couldn’t be more perfect.
Thank you Barbara and Jim for letting our family share in the absolute magic of your home!
Spectacular view from both balconies.......what a treat!!! Loved that it was right next to the beach. Great location for walking into town. The condo has a well appointed kitchen, very roomy condo with spacious eating areas. Can't wait for another stay.
Everything about this property is perfect. The location is dazzling. Long walks on the beach everyday, sounds and sight of the ocean from inside and out. The kitchen better equipped than mine at home. The neighbors are friendly, the furniture comfortable. . . all great! And as a huge bonus, we never needed the car. Tons of good restaurants within walking distance and the coaster close for Padre games and a quick trip to Carlsbad for Handels ice cream!
My experience at this beachside condo with some of my family was very fun and relaxing. We made great memories, ate good food, watched some beautiful sunsets and the owners provided everything we might need to enjoy home away from home. You walk down the steps, across the strand and on the beach. So nice! I would definitely book again! Thank you Barbara and Neal!!
The condo is located right on the beach. It’s beautiful and fully stocked with anything you could need. I actually stayed a little over two months. It was amazing! The owner and property manager are great people and took care of everything. I definitely recommend this vacation rental!
Cheryl K.
Response from VrboOwner on 5 Mar 2020
Cheryl, thanks for the kind words. You were such a good renter! My best to you and your family.
Barbara and Jim
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Peter L.
17 Apr 2019
Lovely place - right on the beach
My husband and I spent February and March at this lovely condo! We are snowbirds fleeing Canada’s worst weather at a beautiful location – Oceanside.
This condo is perfectly located directly on the beach – every day and every night you can hear the waves and enjoy the tides coming and going and the surfers trying their luck. That time of the year is not the busiest with somewhat unpredictable weather, so The Strand and the sidewalks are busy but not too busy. We did not have a car and found we could walk everywhere we needed – the Harbour, downtown, Walmart for groceries, the train station, The Pier and of course just enjoy the local neighbourhoods as well as the beach.
When the weather was bad (worst February in 12 years!), we enjoyed the fantastic television and wi-fi. We had access to Amazon Video, Netflix, etc, etc as well as regular cable. Also, there is a cinema on the main street which is about a 10-15 minute walk (for me).
There are many wonderful restaurants – both downtown and at the Harbour. Our favourites included the Thai restaurant Rim Talay, That Good Boy – a barbecue restaurant, Exhale, Hello Betty all downtown and Rocking Baha and The Stratford both at the harbour. We also loved Petite Madeline Bakery – great pastries and great lunches.
The condo itself is spacious and on two floors. Great for giving one their own space when cooped up inside too long. The kitchen had recently been redone and was very nice. And extremely well stocked- both with staples and with all the gadgets, utensils, dishes, pots and pans, etc. that one would need. The furniture was comfortable.
We had a problem with the wi-fi one day but Barbara had it looked after immediately and had the problematic hardware replaced. She was extremely helpful, always answering quickly and to the point. All our interactions with Barbara were easy and timely. She was perfect!
We very much enjoyed our stay here and would recommend it highly to anyone who wants a comfortable spot with a great view!
Peter L.
Stayed 58 nights in Feb 2019
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Charles H.
3 July 2018
Best Condo Rental Ever - Outstanding Property and Owners
My wife and I stayed at this property for the month of June, 2018. Prior to arriving, we had some questions and the owner's, Jim and Barbara, were quick to respond. Any time we needed assistance while staying at the Condo, they also were very helpful and attentive. They are the best we have ever had and we have stayed at many properties on VRBO/Homeaway.
The Condo is even nicer than the photos, with upgraded granite counters in the kitchen and wood flooring added to the kitchen and upstairs. Very nice outdoor table and chairs have been added also which were great for enjoying the fabulous Oceanside weather and watching the sunsets. The Condo is very well stocked in the kitchen and bathrooms with everything you will need for a month. So nice to have beach chairs, boogie boards, and umbrellas to set up for a day at the beach.
The view from both the lower patio and upper balcony is amazing. It is just like a picture postcard. The furniture in the living room is very comfortable as is the master and second bedroom furniture. Amazing closet and dresser space, very large tiled walk-in showers, and large windows for enjoying the fantastic view of the beach and ocean. Very nice large screen HDTV in the living room and master bedroom. Sonos sound speaker in the living area is great for music fans also. It is one of the few properties in the area that has Central A/C which is nice to have on the rare warm days.
It is just a short walk to Oceanside Pier and the Harbor. Many great restaurants within walking distance at the Harbor and in town close to the Pier. The every Thursday morning Farmer's Market and evening Sunset Market a a must-do each week. The Condo is so close to all that a car is not needed for most. With the beach right in front of the Condo, listening to the sound of the Ocean is so nice and peaceful.
Compared to most of the similar properties on the beach in Oceanside, the price to rent for a month is very reasonable. This Condo is everything the description says and more.
Could not have had a better stay any where else, and will be looking forward to coming back another time. We highly recommend this property!
Chuck and Noreen
Texas
Charles H.
Stayed 30 nights in Jun 2018
Response from VrboOwner on 6 June 2020
Chuck and Noreen, thank you so much for all the very nice words. You were wonderful renters and we feel fortunate that you chose our place. We know you were celebrating a special birthday and we are happy that you enjoyed it at our place. Our property manager just sent me a note after getting it ready for the next renter, and she said she was really impressed by the condition of the unit after you left. Thanks for that as well!
We hope to see you again. Many thanks, Barbara and Jim
Archival
8/10 Good
Robin M.
13 Apr 2017
Sound of the Ocean Waves
We loved listening to the sound of the waves on the beach. We usually spend a couple weeks each March visiting our children in San Diego and being from Wisconsin, the weather in Southern California in March is much nicer than back home. We love being right on the beach and this condo allowed us this pleasure. The architect designed this building to give every unit an amazing ocean view, even those in the back.
We have stayed in Pacific Beach for years and decided to move north in search of a quieter community. Oceanside was the perfect place! It offered many opportunities to explore water and land activities plus great places to eat. Jim and Barbara have provided area brochures and magazines full of ideas if you are not familiar with the area. On Thursdays be sure to check out both the morning Farmers Market (fresh produce and vendors) AND evening Street Market (lots of prepared foods, vendors and entertainment).
We cooked many meals at the condo and I found Jim and Barbara's condo kitchen to be very well equipped. My husband liked cooking on the grill right outside our kitchen/living room door while I baked and prepared food in the kitchen. Many rental units have community outdoor grilling spaces but not right on your own balcony!
The furniture in the condo was very nice and comfortable with our favorite room being the balcony. We loved sitting outside at the high top table in the morning drinking our coffee/tea, eating our meals and later watching the beautiful sunsets. We enjoyed watching the ocean activities, plus we saw dolphins and whales right in front of the condo! We don't get to see this in Wisconsin ;-)
Jim and Barbara were very prompt to answer our questions and provide arrival/departure instructions. Our visit was amazing! The only thing we regret is that we waited until we had been there 20 days before we indicated we were interested in renting the unit for the month of March 2018 only to learn someone else had rented the condo already.
We hope you enjoy your stay as much as we did!
Thank you Jim and Barbara
Robin M.
Response from VrboOwner on 5 Mar 2020
Thanks for such a nice review! We love our place and it sounds like you both did as well. You were a pleasure to host and we hope that you might come back again. I am so sorry we weren't able to rent to you next March 2018. I have been pretty amazed how far in the future people have been booking our place. Thanks again!
Barbara and Jim
Archival
10/10 Excellent
Eric P.
13 Mar 2017
Comfortable well equipped condo on the beach with a great view
We enjoyed the month of February in this quiet complex. Oceanside is not real lively this time of year, perfect for us. The parking garage was convenient and secure. The kitchen was well equipped and we appreciated the clothes washer and dryer in the unit. Beds were comfy too. On our morning walks along The Strand and out on the pier we saw joggers, surfers, fishermen and pelicans. The owners were very helpful. We'd love to return sometime.
Eric P.
Stayed 28 nights in Feb 2017
Response from VrboOwner on 16 Mar 2020
You were delightful guests and we are so happy that you enjoyed yourselves. As the complex only rents a month at a time, and there are only 20 units in the complex, it is usually a nice quiet respite. We hope that you do return and look forward to potentially meeting you in person! Thanks for all the nice words!
Best to you both, Barbara and Jim
Archival
10/10 Excellent
Tom M.
5 Aug 2016
Wonderful Condo and Memories
We spent the most wonderful month of June at Barbara and Jim's condo located by the beach on The Strand North. Every morning and evening, we walked along the shore and the sound of the ocean and the sight of waves breaking along the shoreline were always with us. The beach is only a very few steps from the gate of the condominium complex and the views from the condo are directly of the ocean. We especially loved being able to walk into Oceanside to go to lunch, tour the Art Museum, check out books at the library, and meet friends for coffee. Almost every evening, we walked down to the pier and had dinner at a variety of restaurants. We had the beauty and solitude of the ocean in the morning and the joy of such a colorful carnival of people in the evening when we walked out on the pier.
The condo is decorated with a beach and fun-loving décor and with new furniture. Barbara has fully stocked the condo for convenience; all you will need is your own fresh food. The air conditioning was welcomed for the few warm day we were there. Barbara is available and accommodating for any questions and help.
The condo is located in a small (22 units), modern, and gated complex, with plentiful covered parking. Her neighbors, who are owners, were so friendly, and we were invited to a small wine party to watch the sunset. Barbara made sure that we felt as if we were at home and in a loving community. She is extremely kind, responsive, and helpful. What more can or need be said?
If you love life and the majesty of the ocean and waves, you will love this vacation home. We will definitely be returning to this one.
Stina and Tom
Tom M.
Archival
10/10 Excellent
Bonnie S.
7 Feb 2016
Absolutely Beautiful
It is beautiful here beyond words. The ocean is right out the door. From days of sunshine to the sound of the waves, the location is perfect for a relaxing vacation or romance. We were able to walk the beach every night and saw some of the most amazing sunsets. This condo is decorated beautify, and is very relaxing. The kitchen is well organized and it is easy to make dinner. During the cooler nights, we built a fire in the fireplace, talk about the perfect ending to a day. You are also walking distance to the pier and downtown, not to mention the harbor. We loved our vacation here,. Thank-you Barbara for being so helpful and available if we needed anything. You have done an amazing job. Bonnie and Joe
Bonnie S.
Response from VrboOwner on 5 Mar 2020
Joe and Bonnie, you are the perfect guests! So glad you enjoyed yourselves and look forward to seeing you next year! We appreciate you a lot! Barbara and Jim
About the host
Hosted by Jim and Barbara
We recently purchased this condo on the beach. We have a home in the Bay Area in northern California, and a vacation home at Lake Tahoe. We wanted to add 'beach' to our destination possibilities.
We are in our early 60's with 5 kids and 3 (so far) grandkids with whom we love to spend time. We're not fully retired yet -- mostly because we like what we do. I'm a Biotech Exec and Barbara is fully retired after spending way too many Thanksgivings and Christmases as a Regional VP at Macy's.
Why they chose this property
We wanted to be close to the beach. I love to body surf, and we both love walking along the beach. We couldn't have found anything closer -- and that's what we were looking for. We can also walk to the downtown area in about 10 minutes where there's everything from brew pubs, to high-end restaurants, or great value cafes, shopping, theaters, etc.
And if you'd like to head to San Diego for the day, we're a 15 minute walk to the train station and a 45 minute train ride, no matter what the traffic on I-5 looks like!
What makes this property unique
We are a flat walk to the sand -- literally you can be on the beach or in the water in less than 2 minutes. Just walk out and you're there. No packing up the car, no hassling with parking, no crazy crowds. About a 5-minute walk S to the Oceanside Pier -- where you can fish without a license or just stroll out to the diner at the end of the pier. It's a bit of a throwback and we love it.
Languages:
English
Premier Host
They consistently provide great experiences for their guests