Why I Love the Oceanside Museum of Art | Alison Hatch Photo

Written By Alison Hatch

If you’re a mom in North County San Diego looking for something beyond the usual playground circuit, let me introduce you to one of my favorite hidden gems: the Oceanside Museum of Art (OMA). It’s not just a place to fill time with your kids—it’s a space to expand their creativity, spark conversations, and introduce them to the magic of art. And honestly? It’s just as enriching for us as it is for them.

Oceanside Museum of Art back entrance with a pink light leak across the bottom 2/3 of the page. Oceanside Museums Alison Hatch Photo.

The Architecture: A Blend of History and Modern Elegance

Walking into the Oceanside Museum of Art feels like stepping into a conversation between the past and the present. Originally designed in 1934 by Irving J. Gill, a pioneer of modernist architecture, the building was once Oceanside’s City Hall and fire station. In 2005, architect Frederick Fisher expanded the space, seamlessly blending historic charm with contemporary design. The result? A museum that feels intimate, vibrant, and thoughtfully curated—just like the artwork inside. Read more about the architecture here

One of My Favorite Exhibits: Robert Xavier Burden

One of the exhibits that truly stole my heart was Robert Xavier Burden’s collection of large-scale paintings featuring toys and pop culture icons. His incredible talent blends with the lightness of childhood nerd culture, past and present, creating work that is both whimsical and deeply impressive. He transforms tiny plastic figurines and nostalgic relics into grand, intricate masterpieces, giving weight to the things we once held dear as children. His work is a visual love letter to imagination, a mix of playfulness and reverence that makes you see childhood artifacts in a new, almost sacred light. It was definitely one of my favorite exhibits. See more about Burden’s art

Two boys standing in the Oceanside museum framed by works of art on the white gallery walls. Best Oceanside Museum Alison Hatch Photo.

Special Events for Adults: A Creative Escape

OMA isn’t just for kids—it’s also an incredible space for adults to connect with art and creativity. The museum offers art workshops, artist talks, live music events, and even after-hours parties where guests can sip wine while exploring the latest exhibits. Their Art After Dark series brings a mix of performance, interactive installations, and social events that turn the museum into an immersive experience. Whether you’re looking for a unique date night or a solo artistic retreat, OMA’s special events create an inspiring escape right here in North County. (Check out upcoming events here)

And Don’t Forget About the Kids!

OMA does an incredible job of welcoming young visitors, offering a variety of kid-friendly programs and activities:

- Community Art Days – Free drop-in sessions where kids (and adults!) can create and explore.

- ArtQuest – A partnership with Oceanside schools to combine science and art.

- Literacy Through Art – An initiative that teaches third-graders literacy through visual storytelling.

- Summer Art Camp – Hands-on creative experiences for kids ages 6-12.

- School Visits & Birthday Parties – Yes, you can even throw an art-themed birthday party here! Check out all the kid-friendly activities

Five palms trees reaching into a cloudless blue sky with a pink light leak streaked across the top of the image. Oceanside Museum Alison Hatch Photo.

A Perfect North County Day Trip

Located in the heart of Oceanside, OMA is just blocks from the beach, making it a perfect stop on a laid-back adventure day. Grab a coffee at one of Oceanside’s hip cafes, visit the museum for a couple of hours, then head to the sand and let the kids run free. It’s an easy, enriching outing that offers a break from the usual routine and a chance to expose your kids to something truly special.

Let’s Celebrate Art—Together

As a photographer, I believe in the power of visual storytelling—whether it’s through a painting or a beautifully captured moment with your family. If you love art and want to celebrate the beauty of your own family’s story, I’d love to create something meaningful for you. See my work here or reach out to learn more about my artful family sessions.

Next time you’re looking for something to do with the kids, consider heading to the Oceanside Museum of Art. Who knows? It might just become a favorite spot for your family, too.

Hi, I’m Alison…

an analog film photographer, educator, podcast host, and artist. I offer my Southern California clients a stress-free and memorable experience of getting photos taken on film. I have been featured in Shoot It With Film, 35 mm, Heartful Magazine, and published in the Front Steps Project Book. Right now I love spending my free time with my husband, three boys, and two Goldendoodles.

The painting behind me is of my grandmothers. My moms painted it shortly after one of them passed. Lately, I’ve felt my matriarchal lineage pulling at my soul—loud and deep. I’ve been stepping into the understanding that the lives
Let’s make something that feels like exhaling. Not performing. Not posing. Just being. Let’s leave behind the pressure to do it all or look a certain way—and step into a space where you can breathe a little deeper. Where your kids
Pregnancy is this mystical goddess moment of time for me. Maybe it’s because I’ve never been pregnant. Adoption is how I became a mother. I don’t know what it feels like to expand making space for another human to enter this world.


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