Gearhound

Meh. Pretty sad selection depending on what you actually need and the prices are really high…read more Mostly this place has a massive selection of tumbler cups, shoes for various sports and licensed padres gear at full ballpark pricing high enough to knock your socks off. $200 jersey? Yup. 136 colors of Stanley cups? Also yes. A sun shirt with a hood? No. Not a chance. Running shorts with a pocket? Absolutely NOT. They do have 50 flowy shorts with built in underwear though! I say stick with online retailers or if you absolutely do not care how much padres gear costs.

Deceptive practices called and asked if they had an item still in stock that was available for…read morepickup they said yes and the website was saying yes. Not even two seconds go by I process my order. I receive and email 20 minutes later saying item is unavailable.

The basketball Christian recommended

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Play It Again Sports - Oceanside

3.3(86 reviews)

2.7 mi

•$

I absolutely love this store. Everyone who works here is so friendly and helpful. JULIE, BREE, and…read moreJESSE are absolutely amazing and so energetic always with a smile on there face. Jesse helped me out for hours while selling some stuff and was so patient and helpful and made it happen. Thank you guys, definitely recommend this store for all your selling buying needs.

Zack was incredibly helpful in selecting some exercise equipment.... highly professional, good…read morehumored, and kind! Bree was extremely cordial and welcoming as I entered the store. They seem to work well together and I like that!

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West Marine

2.8(19 reviews)

2.1 mi

I love West Marine in Oceanside. The older guy( my age) was so helpful. I find t get his name but…read morehe took me back and showed me the exact paint i needed. Told me how to do it because i know nothing about fiberglass boats as I own three Chris Crafts and have been working with wood forever. His good attitude was rivaled only by his sense of humor. And his sidekick, Austin was as much of a gem and was probably 40 years younger. Austin ran out to my car with the rollers i left in the store. Great guys, GREAT experience!

If I needed something for my boat, they probably know what they are talking about. If you want…read moreadvice on fishing lures and the like, you'd be better off many other places. The guys who even worked there told me they knew nothing about fishing.

Paddle boards

Kayaks,paddle boards, inflatables, ask your boating needs!

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John and Dave are shopping for their best value, me too.

5.11 Tactical

4.3(44 reviews)

2.7 mi

Had an awesome experience at 5.11 Tactical. The store was well stocked and easy to browse, and the…read moreoverall vibe was great. Angelo Astorga and Theo Lord were both fantastic to work with. Super knowledgeable, friendly, and genuinely helpful throughout the visit. My son and I really enjoyed our time there and felt taken care of from the moment we walked in. We left with exactly what we needed and will absolutely be coming back.

Ted's the man. Came in very close to closing (my bad I know) but instead of being perturbed, Ted…read morewas super helpful and cheerful. 10/10 ontop of a 'no bs' brand.

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Real Surf Surf Shop

4.2(108 reviews)

2.6 mi

We had a horrible experience. Our money was deposited in August for an order we needed by…read moreSeptember 23rd. We received mulitiple excuses as to why we didn't have our order. It took me and two others to track Shawn, the owner down. After constantly asking, we got our order at 9:30pm on the 25th, by meeting the guy in a local park in his white van. Turns out, the count was off and the shirts were done incorrectly. In addition to this, the shirts were different brands and qualities. It was such a nightmare. In fact, it was not until Thursday, October 9th that I had to drive to his house to pick up the remainder of the order. DO NOT USE THIS COMPANY.

I've always seen many of their comical posts on Instagram, so I decided to head down to Real Surf…read moreShop in Oceanside to what it's all about. Located off the main road 101, Real Surf is an Oceanside shop that caters to all of your surfing needs. It's where you can rent your board, wetsuit, wax; the works and hit the water (which is just a couple of blocks down the road). I don't surf, but I could see that their board inventory was extensive and their customer service was knowledgeable and superfriendly. But the apple of my eye was definitely their clothing line!! Real Surf Shop has the BEST locally-themed clothing inventory in the city. I'm not talking about generic, tourist-styled designs with "Oceanside" on them. I'm talking about some very witty, comical logos and designs that are indicative & representative of life in Oceanside. If you're an Osider or city local, you NEED to get one of their shirts, tanks, hoodies or hats. Some Logos Include: "Keep Oside Real" "Localization Not Gentrification" and "Oside Takes Care of its Own" All of these should resonate with an Osider. Even more importantly, the staff is down-to-earth and truly care about their community. They give back to and are representative to the spirit of the Oceanside Community Unity. So, whether it's for your surfing needs or just to get a unique shirt that shows you love Oceanside, The Real Surf Shop is where it's at!

We are always a great place to take local photos !

Real Surf Shop Storefront Streetview

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You can alway spot our shop by the 59 chevy panel out front!

Oceanside Pier Bait Store

3.7(23 reviews)

2.9 mi

If you are near Oceanside with the family and looking for something to do that is relatively…read moreinexpensive, renting some poles and buying some bait is the way to go. We spent $60 for two poles with hooks and weights already set up, bait, a knife, and I paid $2 extra for a rag - all in all we fished for about three hours and had a great time. Some suggestions: go earlier in the day to find a good spot nearish the end of the pier by the sinks or bathrooms so you can wash your hands when needed. Ask for hot water to help defrost the squid. Bring your own chairs, and a a rag, and if you are really prepared some sanitizing wipes or soap. If you don't bring it, it won't be a big deal- it just makes things easier. I'd also recommend sun screen and a hat with a visor. Other than that- just have fun. It was a blast. On a side note- I read amazing things about the owner and was hoping to meet him but the guy who was working that day was less than friendly or helpful. I would not avoid this place because of him, but he was clearly annoyed by my questions or anyone that stopped him from listening to his podcast.

Fishing used to be good but since the fire it isn't good here anymore and consistently sucksread more

Charlie is a real Pelican with his own perch right outside the store!

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Oceanside Pier Bait Store

Big 5 Sporting Goods

3.3(75 reviews)

2.4 mi

I always shopped at Big 5 for running shoes, shorts, tank tops, sports equipment and fishing gear…read moreand probably spent thousands of dollars over the last decade but today I decided take my business online because of bad customer experience. The staff and managers are unhelpful, and they don't care if you don't come back! They do nothing to improve that. I was looking for a sabiki fishing lure and went to the front to ask for assistance and they said that someone would be there to assist. I waited but no one came over to help. I have bought dozens of sabiki lures in the in the past from this store so I went back to the front staff said they don't have them anymore. I'm so tired of Apathy doesn't sell but only motivates customers to walk out! Your in-store staff doesn't like customers but the feeling is mutual! I bought a sabiki lure elsewhere and will buy sporting goods on Amazon free from having to endure inept, non-service, no can do BS from in-store staff.

went in and wanted to find some blue and white shoes. a wonderful worker named carly helped me…read morefind them. very kind and respectful. dedicated and great worker.

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Pacific Coast Bait & Tackle

4.1(74 reviews)

3.3 mi

Probably the best tackle store in north county overall. Generally a pretty good selection of…read moreeverything. Priced better than most places around. Staff is generally pretty good and friendly. Would give it a 5 star but they do run out of things on occasion and their staff can sometimes get caught up in conversations instead of helping customers on the floor.

Great service and good selection of tackle. The open early (0600 - 1900) !!…read more Easy place to pick up bait in the morning.

It's a fish that was just caught from a fishing pole

15 Earth Worms!!

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Misleading on time of store hours

Gi Joe's Army & Navy Surplus

3.2(38 reviews)

2.5 mi

Great service - had my Marine son's four uniforms get updated insignia when he ranked up…read more Professional and prompt, - turnaround time was a couple of days. The price quoted over the phone was NOT what we were charged, however. 4 pieces of arm insigna was $48 dollars. $12 dollars a piece was higher than we expected and were quoted. Otherwise, we were happy with the work.

They had items marked for a certain price but when I was paying at the register they were making up…read morethe prices higher than the price tag on the clothing items they placed on them. They didn't honor the prices they physically put and just decided to marked them up as soon I was purchasing, very disappointed how they can simply just mark up the price on something as I'm purchasing.

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Surf Ride

4.4(114 reviews)

3.1 mi

Family-owned & operated

49 years in business

Justice at the front is a g. SR is always the local go to. I love surf rideeeeeeeeeeeeeeread more

Surf Ride has definitely been a staple for my family for years. We love coming in to check out new…read moreboards, wetsuits, clothes, etc. While prices may be high on clothing items, they tend to have decent deals on boards, wetsuits, and surfing gear in general. They have a lot of variety which makes it such a great surf shop to check out. It's really easy to find parking on the side of the building in their lot and/or street parking. Their customer service is great as well as they always greet us, ask us if we need any help, and also help when we do have questions. Everyone is really kind and helpful honestly. Makes shopping here such a good experience.

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Huge selection of boards

Best Summer Camp IN SAN DIEGO!! Located at the North Jetty in the Oceanside Harbor.

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Best Summer Camp IN SAN DIEGO!! Located at the North Jetty in the Oceanside Harbor.

Why does Yelp recommend reviews?

Hundreds of millions of reviews are posted on Yelp, and our automated recommendation software works in the background to showcase the reviews that it …

152 reviews that are not currently recommended

The reviews below are not factored into the business's overall star rating.

Riki A.

2 years ago

I swung in today to browse. I've been coming to Gearhound for a little over a year now. The cashier, Megan (super cool gal, fellow veteran) had just gotten off of the phone with a customer who was not nice. This guy got irate over a "thank you" from a secondary conversation with another customer. Megan and I had a conversation about boots, masks, and other gear. I ended up purchasing a set of new Medium Outdoor Research gaiters in Coyote. Normally they run $80 from OR, I got mine for $40! So here's the skinny...the folks that work at Gearhound know their stuff, the spread of super neat things (fast ropes, snow shoes, radio telephone headsets, holsters, etc) are items that are not normally had. There is medical, clothing, uniform, pouches. Megan will help you find what you're looking for. Be kind to people...strangers are friends you haven't made yet. Well done guys!! read more

Dorothy G.

548

9 years ago

This is an awesome place. They usually have everything we need and if they don't have it in the store they usually can order it for you. The staff is very helpful and very knowledgeable with everything you have a question about from guns to the gun parts.It is a great atmosphere when you walk in and easy going staff. They greet you and ask if you have any questions when you walk in the store and always say bye when you leave.They have good quality merchandise and if you need help they are right there. I would definitely recommend coming here to check it out and ask them any questions you have about anything you need help with. Come by and say hi to the staff. I like the shirts they sell as well cause I have me a few tanks for the summer time. Keep up the awesome job! read more

Daisy S.

3 years ago

Don't buy here. This guy is a Powergrab & pure Trash. He deletes Active Military & Silence Military Spouses from a Page he didn't create "Camp Pendleton Buy Sell Trade for NO REASON. He talks poorly about Spouses & Military trying to make money off selling on the page especially when PCSing. An Active Military Member had to Cteate a New Pade with Similar name bc this idiot also deleted him. New administration & such a power grab. Do not support his business. He DOES NOT look out for Marines Nor their Families. Just an idiot who likes to boost his ego being prior Military as if other Marines or Housewives who do time at home raising their Children while Husband is on Deployment, is beneath him. This guy is a loser. Just ask his former fiance. read more

Mark F.

11 years ago

Oh where do I start.. I've been out of the Marines for almost two years but this store puts me right back in the environment and brotherhood! Active duty or Vet or you're just a civilian that wants some badass Marine gear this is the store for you! Low competing prices with them other "surplus" stores. I don't know about y'all but I would prefer to buy my stuff from someone who served our Country and received a Purple Heart rather than someone who just wants to make a quick buck in a military town..And on top of that the shirts and hats are all top quality!!. Semper Fi Gearhound Surplus! You'll have my business for a long time! read more

Abel G.

2 years ago

This place has always come through for me during and after my military career. When I needed canteens for a unit hike because I couldn't find mine the night before, they helped me at closing time. When I was getting out and I couldn't find the remaining hard to find CIF/IIF items, they helped me get them. (Don't get rid of that hard plastic piece that comes with your gas mask, lol) When I had nearly 20 years of extra-extra-medium uniforms taking up too much space in my closet, they helped again. They paid me a very fair price for them and I'm glad to know that they went to a business that does so much for the community. read more

Gustavo M.

6 years ago

I asked the owner if they can help with a stubborn barrel nut on my AR-15 build. Joseph recommended me to see Don at gearhound. Excellent service and professionalism, I was immediately greeted and don helped me out. The barrel nut was definitely a tough one to break, but don didn't give up and he was able to remove it for me free of charge. I definitely recommend anyone who is seeking to do a build or purchase anything tactical related to first see gearhound. They are always helpful and professional. I will definitely will be coming back for all my build necessities or gear. Thanks again to Don and Joseph. read more

Ron W.

9 years ago

I came in and enjoyed the variety of merchandise, but came in looking for some CIF gear and was having trouble finding what i needed. I asked an employee for help and he said " Give me a sec" , then i waited, and waited he even helped another customer! I don't remember his name but he was mexican. Then an african american employee came up to me, nice and professional and said "Can i help you?" which was a relief because i was about to walk out. He helped me find what i needed. It was nice seeing someone cater to my needs and act like a professional, Because of the black guy i will definately be back. read more

Christopher S.

11 years ago

Where do I even start?!?! Not only does this store amazing gear for the lowest prices in town but the staff on hand is amazing as well! They care about their customers and community and give back! They had an awesome BBQ fundraiser in Oct and raised a lot of money! Not only do they sell good military gear, they also buy your gear for a good price! I brought a tub of my gear I didn't need any more I asked him for $40 bucks and BAM! I walked out with $40 cash! You couldn't ask for a better store with the best customer care! Thank you Joseph Foster for running and amazing business!! read more

Eugenia B.

10 years ago

We went to Gearhound to purchase some small camo packs to add to Hunter Nachos' Prepper pack. The store was clean, well organized and had friendly and helpful service. We found our mini packs and also, an American Flag Patch to add to Hunter Nachos' Pack. And dog friendly. It was so much fun shopping today that we will be back. They had 100% wool blankets there. I should have gotten it today but will go back another day. Hugs. They are the best. Semper fi. Mrs. B and Hunter Nacho www.Bizzarocreations.com. P.S. "On the road of life have some fun," Hunter Nacho. read more

John W.

180

11 years ago

Haven't really had a decent surplus store in oceanside in years. Good to know theres one owned by a combat Vet. Someone who served and easily able to trust to know your not going to get put through the ringer on overpriced gear. The gear here is servicable gear thats sold at a lot cheaper price than other surplus stores in oceanside. Will soon put the other surplus stores out of business due to fair prices. With addition the owner has a dog and has a great customer service so makes you feel in a more comfortable enviroment. read more

Brian T.

386

11 years ago

Marines local to Camp Pendleton will find Gearhound Surplus to be their best source of not just tactical gear and many replacement CIF items, but also heavily discounted uniform items that can normally only be acquired after a long drive to MCRD San Diego's cash sales locale -and with a friendly and extremely helpful staff, they'll be going back time and time again. With firearm sales on the horizon, Gearhound will likely become the one-source destination for military and civilian alike in Oceanside. read more

Fred O.

477

8 years ago

This is best military surplus in California. They have everything you need and if they don't, they'll get it for you in short period of time. The drive down here is absolutely worth it. If you need new gear, or need to replace it, this place is definitely for you. Best prices for the items compared all the other military surplus stores I've been. Wide variety of choices and they even have some the newest gear that I never thought they would have or even existed. Thanks Gearhound! read more

Christopher C.

158

8 years ago

They are the G.O.A.T. As soon as I walked in a employee greeted me and told me if I have any questions to ask. She helped me choose the right gear. If I the gear was busted she let me know and help understand what gear I was misssing. Facebook has a limit of stars to give but if I had to choose the amount of recognition this place deserves it should. Be on local news chase every marine who has every had issues with cod should come here! Thanks Gearhound and thanks Sam! read more

Anthony R.

11 years ago

Went in to get a few items i needed one day and didnt have a problem. Their new location was super easy yo find and upon arriving Joseph was more than helpful in helping me find what i needed and the prices were reasonable for what i needed. In general there's alot of merchandise for recreational or personal use as well which is always nice and everyone that ive talked to about Gearhound Surplus has never had a negative thing to say. Defined recommended. read more

Spencer S.

298

9 years ago

Went in to look at a new precision butt stock for my AR15, and was VERY impressed. Not only does Gearhound have a great selection at great prices, the staff there was amazing! The girl working at the gun counter was extremely knowledgeable and friendly! I'd 100% recommend shopping for gun parts and tactical gear from here. Just ask for Sam and she will point you in the right direction and get you set up with the right stuff! read more

Stephen J.

8 years ago

This place is a complete ripoff, buying cheap gear online and marking it up 800% - 900% on average. The manager of the sister company hellhound was bragging to my face about it while offering to buy my gear for even less. These soul-less individuals prey on marines that just want their gear without paperwork. Poor form gearhound, your no better than loan sharks, car salesman, or strippers. You are bad and should feel bad. read more

I Dine O.

11 years ago

Gearhound Surplus IS the place to get all your tactical and uniform gear and at the best price possible. If you buy anywhere else, you paid too much. That's a fact!! Their inventory is always expanding. Need something they don't have? Ask them, they'll try to get it for you. Don't forget that Gearhound is owned by a Combat Vet/Purple Heart recipient. He wants to help you, not rip you off, as the other shops do. read more

Corey D.

143

11 years ago

Seriously only took me 10 minutes to walk into this enchanted place and find what I needed without any trouble and pay for it, i then spent about another 20 minutes walking around making my wish list. Gear hound is very well employed, and well stocked with anything you could possibly need whether it be CIFF gear to just making a bug out bag they have it all. Joseph I tip my hat to you for this awesome shop. read more

Scott J.

9 years ago

Great selection and prices accompanied by a professional and knowledgeable staff. On my first visit I was kindly greeted by the owner, Joe , who was polite, knowledgeable and willing to take the time to make my 11 year old son and me feel welcome. The level of service I received is not often seen these days . I've sent several times to make purchases and I have been equally pleased each time. read more

Jeff A.

9 years ago

I just got stationed at Camp Pendleton and was exploring the town I didn't know Oceanside was so HUGE. I needed something for my blues so I went here an African American guy who turns out to be a Vet OORAH really nice guy helped me out welcome to me to Oceanside and I really appreciated it Gearhound will have all my business while I'm stationed at Camp Pendleton I won't go anywhere else. read more

Gearhound - outdoorgear - Updated October 2026

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Had a couple experiences with Gunther Guns and decided to leave a review because they went above…read moreand beyond. This a smaller size gun store with more personal service. They typically only do gum transfers by appointment a couple specific days a week. I was leaving town and needed to make this transfer on a weekend day. They understood my needs and accommodated the quick request which I greatly appreciate. I have always had a good experience with these guys. I have had experiences in other bigger stores where they lose my stuff or take forever to process a shipment. These guys are quick, efficient and very organized. Never had a problem with anything I have done here.

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I was thoroughly impressed by how the FFL transfer process was handled. Sean spent plenty of time…read morewith me showing me the gun, explaining every feature, and clarifying the State laws that relate to the weapon. His expertise saved me a lot of frustration. Very personable and reliable. I recommend his services without reservation. Dr. Jeff

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