We know we’re biased, but Oceanside is excellent year-round, thanks to SoCal’s sunny, mild weather and the breeze off the Pacific. But throughout the summer, when inland destinations are sweltering, Oceanside is extra-perfect — and a dream summer getaway spot. Oceanside’s average daily temperature in July is a perfect 72 degrees, dropping down to a lovely 63 after nightfall. See? Literal perfection.
Plus, activities galore abound in Oceanside and its surrounding must-see destinations. Making them even better: knowing you’ll return to The Seabird, where summery thrills abound — ranging from sun-relief facials and UV damaged hair treatments in the on-site spa, to poolside cocktails at The Shelter Club. We polled in-the-know Oceanside insiders to come up with this summery to-do list. BYO sun hat.
4th of July
Sure, America’s big birthday is celebrated all over the States, but something about Oceanside — a destination full of Americana, including its legendary 1,942-foot-long pier and soft sand for family beach vacays — is tops. To see a major fireworks show with little ones, we love nothing more than Legoland’s Red, White, & Boom! event. Just 20 minutes from The Seabird, it’s the place to spot jaw-dropping pyrotechnics displays all over the theme park. Don’t miss stopping by Castle Hill — where medieval castles are reborn with, yes, Legos, and Splish Splash, with its pirate reefs and toddler splash pads.
Spending the holiday weekend in Oceanside? At night, head back to The Seabird Pool for a Dive-In Movie (complimentary for guests) on Saturday, July 2 and Sunday, July 3 at 8 p.m. for a family-friendly film and popcorn by the pool.
The Padres
San Diego’s resident baseball team is a summertime staple for Oceanside locals, and not just because the Padres’ stadium, Petco Park, overlooks the surrounding cityscape. The stadium is also home to nearly 30 of San Diego’s 200+ breweries that all have tipples on offer, ranging from California Kölsch from Ballast Point to Swami’s IPA made by Pizza Port. (Love sampling craft brews? You’ll find plenty of local breweries in Oceanside as well.) Did we mention that you can take the train to Oceanside from L.A.? (Scroll down to find a special room offer, complete with roundtrip rail passes and hotel perks!) The hour and 20-minute ride wends along the coastline, so you’ll take in postcard-worthy views from your seat the whole time and not have to deal with SoCal traffic. No wonder Los Angelinos often hop on the train from Lalaland for a Padres game, then book a stay at The Seabird for après-game revelry!
Beach (and Pool) Time
Splaying out on the sand just feels right in July. Oceanside has plenty of beaches to choose from, including tot-friendly beaches conveniently located under the iconic pier. The best part of a beach day as a guest here? Knowing that when you stay at The Seabird, you can match every beach day with a pool day — where dips in the cabana-lined oceanfront pool are followed by frothy cocktails…and that’s just the way we like it!
Flower Power
Ascendant influencers, take note: One of the most Instagrammable destinations in the region is a 19-minute drive from The Seabird in Encinitas. At San Diego Botanic Garden you’ll find 37 acres of eye-popping sights, including some 5,000 plant species, a lush tropical rainforest, native plants and pristine desert gardens.
Farmer’s Market turned Sunset Market
When they call California the breadbasket of America, they could well be talking about Oceanside. After all, one of the dreamiest farmer’s markets in the state takes place every week — with just-picked produce many folks inland can’t even imagine. Go at 9 a.m. on Thursdays to get the freshest offerings (plus locally made salsas and artisanal breads). But be sure to come back after night falls from 5-9 p.m., when some 200 vendors throng the road with covetable wares — while live bands grace the stage and the International Food Court churns out Santa Maria-style tri-tip steaks, New Orleans-style beignets, and deep-fried Thai lobster at the beloved Sunset Market.
Hike Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve
Twenty-six miles south of The Seabird, an untouched wonderland of cliffside oceanfront hiking trails awaits, thanks to Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve. The Guy Fleming Trail, where the easy loop (which is less than a mile) wends past show-stopping panoramic overlooks. Keep an eye out for the resident scrub jays, California quails and even the occasional mule deer. While you’re here, stop in at the adobe Visitor’s Center — it was built in 1922 and is perfectly preserved…although now you’ll find a charming gift shop in the place of the lodge’s original jukebox and pine needle lampshades.
Surf’s Up
Thanks to hot, sunlit days, late-summer heading into early autumn is one of the best times of year to surf in Oceanside. Locals grab their boards and head to Oceanside Harbor and both sides of the Oceanside Pier to catch their big breaks. (You can watch a live camera view of the action here on The Seabird Resort’s website.) Even if you’ve never surfed before, consider giving it a go. We offer lessons through local pro surfer Duran Barr, who’s more than happy to head to the safest spot of sand to match your skill level.
