Meet Oceanside, California's Newest Beachside Resorts

The coastal city of Oceanside, Calif., has some new kids on the block — specifically, two brand-new beachfront resorts located just off The Strand and steps away from Oceanside’s 1,942-foot wooden pier.

Although these newcomers represent San Diego County’s largest beachfront hotel development in 50 years, the two properties — the serene Mission Pacific Hotel (a JdV by Hyatt hotel) and the family-focused The Seabird Resort (a Destination by Hyatt hotel) — fit right into their surroundings, thanks in part to local partnerships and a beachy casual, yet upscale guest experience that draws in visitors and locals alike.

During my recent weekend visit to Oceanside (affectionately called “O’Side” by locals), I stayed at the 161-room Mission Pacific, which opened in late May and is the home to the city’s only rooftop pool and bar.

Guests of both Mission Pacific and The Seabird Resort (the latter of which opened in June and is located across the street from Mission Pacific) have access to the public spaces at both properties, which is a true selling point. Despite having two distinct personalities, the hotels complement each other well.

Mission Pacific Hotel Vs. The Seabird Resort

Although Mission Pacific is not adults-only, it skews that way; guestrooms are warm, with wooden accents, clean lines and a minimal-yet-sophisticated style that attract couples, single travelers and adult groups.

Meanwhile, over at the 226-room Seabird, guests may feel as if they’re in a casual beachside residence, complete with a color scheme of blues, whites and grays paired with a more whimsical style well-suited for families and multigenerational travelers.

Both Mission Pacific and The Seabird have partnered with the Oceanside Museum of Art to fully curate the artwork in all public spaces and guestrooms, for a combined 289 artwork and site installations from 123 Southern California artists, all collected along the Pacific Coast from Los Angeles (to the north) to Tijuana, Mexico (to the south). 

During our tour of both properties, my partner and I compared our favorite installations — mine was at The Seabird, where vintage T-shirts in shades of blue and white have been transformed into handmade macrame art sculptures that hang from the ceiling. My partner’s, on the other hand, was a tie between a wooden fish sculpture in the lobby of Mission Pacific, and the cartoon illustrations of Labrador retrievers in the hallways of The Seabird (both hotels are pet-friendly).

But our all-around favorite space was undoubtedly Sunny’s Spa at The Seabird, where I received a rejuvenating treatment that incorporated Swedish, deep-tissue and Thai massage, followed by a session in the dry sauna, a rinse in the cool mist shower and a glass of Champagne enjoyed in an airy lounge complete with Pacific views.

 If clients are planning a trip to the spa, the aromatherapy is also worth mentioning; suggest guests take some time to become acquainted with the hotels’ signature scents. I received a personalized smelling tour with spa manager Marissa Edwards, who explained each of the hotels’ scent profiles (“Bronzed,” for Mission Pacific and “Wave” for The Seabird, while “If” and “Soul” are used in the spa), all created by Apothia in Los Angeles.

Even putting dreamy spa treatments aside, both Mission Pacific and The Seabird would likely be considered the most luxurious options in Oceanside, according to marketing manager Pricila Damasceno. (Other options in Oceanside include a SpringHill Suites by Marriott, a Best Western and a Comfort Suites, among others in similar accommodation categories).

And because the two properties are still relatively unknown, they are currently attracting clients from drive markets such as Los Angeles; Las Vegas; San Diego, Orange County and Palm Springs, Calif.; along with anyone who can arrive via Amtrak’s Pacific Surfliner route. (The nearest station is just a five-minute walk from the hotels.) 

Although the hotels seemed relatively uncrowded during my visit, I expect that word of these two newcomers will inevitably get out. One Mission Pacific guest we met, a San Diego resident celebrating his 40th birthday with friends, said he was drawn to the hotel for its proximity to surf breaks (guests can also book lessons with a local Oceanside surf instructor) and the property’s attractive price point. And, during breakfast at Piper restaurant at The Seabird, a Carlsbad, Calif. couple said they found the properties through Instagram and made the 10-minute drive to check out the food and beverage offerings.

Where to Eat at The Seabird Resort and Mission Pacific

Speaking of food, there are plenty of options for foodies to be satisfied at either hotel. Piper serves fresh, farm-to-table fare at breakfast, although its true claim to fame may be its homemade pasta at lunch. I enjoyed an organic omelet with corn, shishito pepper, summer squash, fromage blanc and caramelized corn crema, while my  partner opted for two vegan dishes: the bananas foster oatmeal with peanut butter crumble and the protein-heavy oat and grain bowl, complete with harissa-spiced chickpeas, vegetables, watercress and cilantro pesto.

Other standouts included fresh oysters on the shell at Mission Pacific’s rooftop bar, and salt-and –vinegar French fries paired with a Sunset Cruise cocktail (gin, aperol, coconut, cinnamon, grapefruit and lemon) at The Shore Room oceanfront cocktail bar at The Seabird.

Although we didn’t have time to try all of Mission Pacific’s options, I’m looking forward to sampling both High/Low (for breakfast and lunch) and Valle, an on-site restaurant that opened on Oct. 15 and features menu items inspired by the cuisine of Mexico’s Guadalupe Valley, home to head chef Roberto Alcocer. The Historic Graves House, also called “Charlie’s,” is located on the grounds of Mission Pacific and is famous for its appearance in the 1986 film “Top Gun.” According to Damasceno, it may be converted into an ice cream shop or dessert bar in the future. 

Surely, all of the above will be enough to get me back to O’side for a repeat visit — that is, if the warm breeze, the seaside cocktails or the hotels’ inviting environs don’t draw me back first.