Hi Susan, Yes there really is a place called "The Strand." Find Wisconsin Street as it crosses PCH. Head to the water. Wisconsin dead-ends into The Strand. Wisconsin (if my memory serves me well and that is marginal, sometimes) does allow a right-turn into a parking lot (free). We recall The Strand being 2 directions in some places and one-direction down closer to the pier. No visit to Oceanside is complete without a drive-through (or even better yet, a walk-through) to this special place. Any more info I can give, please let me know.

The weather varies considerably. Year around surfers wear bodysuits because the currents off shore are cold. However, close to shore the warm is warmed by the sun. Typically noon to 2-3 pm are best for swimming. The weather can be unpredictable: very warm all day, or overcast and cold.