Conveniently set between Los Angeles and San Diego is the seaside gem of Oceanside. This low-key community boasts eclectic dining, a rising art scene, and one of the best beaches in Southern California. It’s also easily accessible by Amtrak’s Pacific Surfliner train and commuter rail service from Metrolink and Coaster, making it the perfect destination for a car-free weekend getaway.
Pool and Rooftop BarPHOTO BY JORDAN YOUNIS
Overlooking the beach and pier is the Mission Pacific Hotel (MissionPacificHotel.com), a gleaming 161-room boutique hotel featuring a rooftop pool and jacuzzi, a 24-hour fitness center, and multiple eateries like Valle, a Michelin-star restaurant with contemporary Mexican cuisine.
Sanctuary SuiteCOURTESY MISSION PACIFIC INN
On a recent two-night visit to Mission Pacific, my boyfriend and I were booked into a sanctuary suite. We fell in love with the lounging sofa set and the floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the balcony and ocean. It became our favorite spot for reading, cuddling, and contemplating. The bathroom featured a large soaking tub and a separate rainfall shower, both perfect for two. We also loved the local artwork loaned from the Oceanside Museum of Art on display in public spaces.
Luxe bathroomPHOTO BY DONALD PADGETT
Activities in Oceanside and the Mission Pacific (and its sister property next door, the Seabird Resort) included swimming in the ocean or one of two available pools; strolling the beach, pier, and neighboring streets; and sampling some from the city’s diverse and wildly delicious small restaurant scene. The hotel can even help arrange surfing lessons.
Oceanside beach and pierPHOTO BY DONALD PADGETT
We had only one full day in Oceanside, but we made the most of it. After breakfast, we took a stroll along the beach and an equally leisurely walk to the end of the pier. The vibe was casual and unpretentious, and both locales were just steps from the Mission Pacific. We appreciated that the pier retained its low-key kitschy charm without feeling fake or overwhelming. Just before noon, we walked to the Seabird Resort where we enjoyed separate massages at Sunny’s Spa. We spent the rest of the day enjoying a private cabana at the Seabird’s pool overlooking the beach and pier, with food delivered from the poolside Shelter Club restaurant.
24-hour rooftop pool and jacuzziCOURTESY MISSION PACIFIC INN
We didn’t experience Valle, but we did enjoy dinner and breakfast at the Seabird’s Piper restaurant. The menu was seasonal and featured locally sourced artisanal ingredients. We especially enjoyed a savory aglio e olio and sea bass for dinner, both chef’s specials. Be sure to treat yourself to the freshly baked breads. We also tried High/Low at Mission Pacific for breakfast. It’s perfect for people-watching, and there’s a variety of decadent bacon to devour.
Mouthwatering fare at Michelin-recognized Dija MaraPHOTO BY DONALD PADGETT
The small restaurant scene is blooming in Oceanside, so we stepped out for dinner on our final night at Dija Mara, another Michelin-recognized restaurant featuring Asian fusion cuisine in a cozy, industrial chic setting (DijaMara.com). We enjoyed the chicken thigh skewers but absolutely loved the nasi goreng. We finished up the night at the Rooftop Bar for drinks and an extended dip in the 24-hour pool and jacuzzi — a fitting end to a much-needed two-day escape to Oceanside and the Mission Pacific Hotel.
Sunset at the Rooftop BarPHOTO BY DONALD PADGETT
