Oceanside, California, Welcomes Two Beachfront Hotels: Mission Pacific and Seabird Resort
by Linda Stewart
I recently joined a group of writers to tour the latest accommodation additions to the growing community of Oceanside, California, hosted by Visit Oceanside. The Mission Pacific and the Seabird Resort (sister hotels associated with Hyatt) opened in the summer of 2021. The Mission Pacific, with 161 rooms and suites, has a boho chic ambience catering to the adult set. Our group gathered at the Rooftop Bar, which has an outstanding selection of craft cocktails along with a spectacular view of the Pacific Ocean. Since it was early in the day, I chose to order a strawberry mimosa, which was a refreshing combination of fruit and bubbles. Next to the bar is a rooftop pool, which shares that stunning ocean view. Guests from both hotels have access to either of the hotels' pools. Day passes are available for non-guests.
The Mission Pacific’s beachside High Low Café has gorgeous panoramic views, and offers casual dining from sunrise to sunset. Helmed by the F-10 Creative Property (with Palm Springs visionary restaurants Cheeky’s, Birba, Mr. Lyons), the inventive menu is inspired by seasonal local produce. Acclaimed Chef Roberto Alcocer brings his mastery of culinary delights, along with fine wine, from Baja’s Guadalupe Valley to the Valle restaurant. The restaurant is open for a four-course dinner from 4:00 pm to 9:00 pm, Wednesday through Sunday. The restaurant is closed Monday and Tuesday.
The Seabird Resort, consisting of 226 rooms and suites, has a classic New England seaboard look and a family friendly ambience. In the Hyatt tradition (which my children have enjoyed through the years at other Hyatt properties), there is an arts, crafts, and activities program for children called Little Seabirds. Guests are greeted first in the lobby and later throughout both hotels, with artistic displays of art from local artists curated by the Oceanside Museum of Art (OMA). I especially appreciated the organic wall art made from natural elements (photo to left) and the hanging sculptures made from recycled t-shirts.
The Seabird has three restaurants, embracing the farm-to-table menu concept. The Shore Room Bar and Grill offers casual beachside, ocean-view dining and tailored cocktails. Hours are 3:00 pm to 11:00 pm, Thursday through Monday, with a 7:00 pm closing on Sundays. The Piper Restaurant, currently only open for breakfast, has an open kitchen concept. In the near future it will be open for dinner, where diners can create their own custom pasta dishes from pasta bar stations. Specialty cocktails will be available from the full bar.
Our group had lunch at the poolside restaurant Shelter Club, designed in a Victorian style with vintage bathing suits framed on the walls. With that magnificent view of the ocean, seating is both inside and outside. The menu of fresh California cuisine includes salads, sandwiches, craft beer, wine, and cocktails. I thoroughly enjoyed my Wagyu burger with grilled onions, bacon jam, and Gruyere cheese on a toasty brioche bun. The Shelter Club, open daily from 11:00 am to 9:00 pm, is only available to hotel guests.
I congratulate the bright minds that thought not only should a dessert restaurant be included on the Mission Pacific property, but that it should also be housed in the adorable 1887 Victorian cottage used in the 1986 movie, Top Gun (photo to left). Although refurbished and moved about a block from its original location, fans will recognize Charlie’s oceanfront home (Kelly McGillis) and be able to visualize the many scenes in this home with Maverick (Tom Cruise).
Both the Mission Pacific Hotel and the Seabird Resort have outstanding amenities. Ninety percent of their rooms offer full or partial views of the Pacific Ocean (photo below). Guests can rent fire pits, beach chairs, beach umbrellas, and cabanas. Surfing lessons are available at the Lifeguard Tower. Add innovative cuisine, craft cocktails, and a breezy stroll along the Oceanside Pier to the mix and you have a fabulous getaway beach vacation.