For many years, the town of Oceanside in San Diego’s North County was looked at as a rough-around-the-edges area that was certainly worth stopping for if you were a surfer, but for travelers, it remained a relative unknown. Now, a stronghold of creative locals with hometown pride have turned this surf-centric gem into a noteworthy destination, complete with a killer food scene, top-notch coffee roasters, cute hotels, and more. Here’s where to stop on your visit to O’side.
The Rooftop Bar at Mission Pacific Hotel
Where to Stay
Oceanside’s onslaught of new accommodations perfectly capture its quirky surf town vibe. Mission Pacific Beach Resort anchors the oceanfront experience with sweeping Pacific views from private balconies featuring custom furnishings and original art. The recently revamped property is also home to the historic Top Gun House, where fans can grab freshly baked hand pies to nosh on while overlooking the pier. The heated rooftop pool with three private cabanas offers an elevated perch for watching Oceanside’s legendary sunsets. Just across the way, The Seabird Ocean Resort & Spa provides a more family-friendly experience. But that’s not say there isn’t fun for adults too. Stop into the bright and airy Piper restaurant for brunch, then book in at Sunny’s Spa for a sea-inspired wellness ritual. In the ultra-hip South Oceanside nabe, you’ll find The Green Room, a boho boutique stay with minimalist rooms, free Almond surfboard rentals, and a cedar barrel jacuzzi. Plus it’s walkable to area favorites like Heritage BBQ & Beer Company, HomeState, and local favorite Don’s Country Kitchen.
Visit Oceanside
What to Eat
Oceanside’s dining scene brilliantly balances world-class sophistication with laid-back coastal charm. At the pinnacle sits Valle, the city’s first and only MICHELIN-starred restaurant where Chef Roberto Alcocer channels over 25 years of experience in global kitchens into elevated Baja Mexican cuisine. Also worth a res is 24 Suns, which earned a MICHELIN Guide recommendation for its contemporary Chinese approach, where alumni of starred kitchens craft inventive dishes following the 24 solar terms of the traditional Chinese calendar. Their beverage program is top-notch, too. Don’t miss the jiaozi with shrimp in doubanjiang butter sauce. The Plot pushes boundaries with plant-based cuisine and a zero-waste business model, focusing on total utilization of fresh, clean ingredients grown in their on-site garden that aren’t just good for the planet, but downright delicious too. And Odie’s Pizza Co. brings delicious sourdough fermented pizzas of varying style to the downtown area to be enjoyed with their wide variety of craft beers. Don’t skip the housemade ranch.
Visit Oceanside
Where to Drink
The Rooftop Bar at Mission Pacific Beach Resort has a retro salty look that’s hard not to love, and offers the area’s absolute best sunset views. Order up a dozen oysters and one of their craft cocktails, each named after the San Diego coastline’s famous surf breaks, and enjoy golden hour—which on the weekends can come with a side of live music. Chef Davin Waite (also of the aforementioned Plot fame) also operates a flexitarian sushi bar called Wrench and Rodent Seabasstropub, where the sake and cocktail menu is just as impressive as the Japanese cuisine. Hop in for a tasting at Pacific Coast Spirits, a grain-to-glass distillery featuring his award-winning whiskeys, gins, and a slew of other craft cocktails. And because San Diego County is undoubtedly beer country, a stop into South O Brewing Company is an absolute must.
Photo by Giovanni Astorino
What to Do
Oceanside’s identity centers around its exceptional surf culture and water-based adventures, and there’s no better spot to get some serious instruction. For those with a solid base, Learn To Rip with John Daniels offers personalized coaching and photography from a former professional surfer who currently works with local WSL World Champion Caity Simmers. And North County Surf Academy with Duran Barr brings over a decade of professional experience to their expert instruction. Paired with Barr’s family legacy of generational knowledge (his dad was also a pro and a shaper), their guided sessions are unparalleled in vibes and insider tips. Pro tip: stop by Barr’s restaurant Shoots OG Fish & Beer for apres surf, where you’ll find classics like ahi tuna poke, musubi rolls, and fresh fish tacos, as well as daily specials like sustainably-caught local fish collars fried and then doused in gojuchang. Or if you’re after a coffee, Communal next door is a great stop for curated goods and craft coffee from local creators.
Anyone curious about surf culture should stop into the California Surf Museum, which chronicles the exciting history of surf-related sports with fascinating displays including pro-surfer Bethany Hamilton’s actual shark-bitten surfboard, while upcoming exhibitions like the Surf Art exhibit debuting in August showcase SoCal surfer artists in the first major exhibit of its kind in nearly a decade. And if you happen to arrive on a Thursday, be sure to check out the weekly Sunset Market, a cornerstone of Oceanside community offering hot food from around the world, gourmet goodies, eclectic shopping, and live entertainment along the picturesque waterfront.