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Goat Hill Golf Course

April 6, 2023

Beach in the Front, Golf in the Back: The Best Golf Courses In and Around Oceanside

By Jenna Gabrial Gallagher

Oceanside, San Diego County is well known for its beaches, but for many locals and visitors, our lush green fairways are as enticing as our big blue sea.

 

At The Seabird Resort, our guests have access to the best of all worlds. Not only does our prime beachfront location make the most of stunning views, the charming Strand and Oceanside Pier, surfing opportunities and ways to get out on the water, but we’re within an easy drive (no pun intended) of some of the country’s best golfing. Here are six of the local courses where guests of The Seabird love to play.

 

Goat Hill Park

In a past life, Goat Hill opened in 1952 as the 9-hole Center City Golf Course, the first course in San Diego County. Today, after a celebrity- and local-driven effort to save the land from developers, it is an 18-hole, par-65 public short course, known for its challenging, unique holes, 75-acres of rolling landscape and sweeping ocean views, relaxed vibe (no dress code) and championship disc golf course. A dog-friendly course, Goat Hill is proud of its “World Class / Working Class” ethos and inclusive atmosphere, welcoming all golfers, regardless of ability level. Goat Hill even has a free 3-hole course for (human) kids and their parents.

Golf Course in Oceanside - San Diego

Arrowood Golf Course

Perched atop a hill, about 10 miles inland, Arrowood is a par-71 golf course designed by famed local architect Ted Robinson, Jr. and known for its wide open spaces and varying difficulty of play depending on elevation changes, strategic bunkering and the vagaries of Pacific sea breezes. The final four holes, lovingly known as The Quandary, are designed to put any player through their paces — but the 19th hole, a 6,700 square-foot California Craftsman clubhouse, offers rich rewards with its food and drink menu and top-tier pro shop. Arrowood’s dress code requires collared shirts and no denim.

 

Emerald Isle Golf Course

 

Aiming to be Oceanside’s “fast, fun and affordable” golf option, the 18-hole executive course Emerald Isle charms with its laidback, dog-friendly vibe. But make no mistake, this well-maintained par-56 course still offers challenges to golfers at all skill levels.

Oceanside Golf Course

Open to the public with special consideration for Oceanside residents, Oceanside Golf Course features 18 holes as well as an all grass driving range and is surrounded by beautiful views of rolling hills. This busy, par-72 municipal course has a traditional feel with a collared shirt dress code and discounts for local residents and players over 65.

 

Marine Memorial Golf Course

On the grounds of Camp Pendleton, William P. Bell’s Marine Memorial Golf Course is open to the public, but you have to apply for a permit to access the base (allow one week lead time for processing). Players say it’s worth it for this well-manicured, par-72 championship course. Each tee box marker highlights a unique piece of USMC history, from the birthplace of the Corps to the Battle of Ramadi, lending an air of patriotic gravitas to your day on the links. The wide-open spaces mean that you don’t have to worry about houses but you may see the occasional fox or coyote.

 

El Camino Country Club

Home to several PGA and LPGA qualifying events, including the Southern California Senior PGA Championship, the private El Camino Country Club features a William H. Johnson-designed layout, and natural terrain studded with tall eucalyptus and Monterey pines, 60 bunkers and several lakes. The golf course is part of the Palmer Advantage network, which has reciprocity with other exclusive clubs around the world.

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March 1, 2023

Best Activities In Oceanside for Little Kids, Tweens and Teens

By Jenna Gabrial Gallagher



Whoever said you can’t please all the people all the time clearly never planned a family vacation in Oceanside. 

When you stay at The Seabird Resort, every day is a choose-your-own-adventure of memory-making, screen-free activities for every member of the family: from spa treatments at Sunny’s Spa and Beauty Lounge (selected by USA Today readers as one of the #2 Best Hotel Spa in the U.S.) and world-class dining at Valle, as recognized in California’s MICHELIN Guide, located at our sister hotel Mission Pacific for parents; to Yappy Hour with the family pet every Friday night from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at The Shore Room (The Seabird was selected by readers of USA Today as one of the top 10 best pet-friendly hotels in the U.S.)

As far as fun things to do in Oceanside for little kids, tweens and teens? At The Seabird, there’s a world full of options, right outside your door.

Get Out On The Water

Whether your children are experienced surfers or it’s baby’s first beach vacation, they’ll discover a special place in their heart for our neighbor, the Pacific Ocean. Surfers of all ages can learn to shred or fine tune their skills when they book a 90-minute lesson (board and wetsuit included) with second-generation pro-surfer Duran Barr at our partner, North County Surf Academy. Besides surfing, kids will also love popular Oceanside water sports like kayaking, stand-up paddle-boarding (SUP), and boogie boarding.

Wheel Around

In Oceanside, if surfing is how we rip, skateboarding is how we roll. Older kids, tweens and teens can channel their inner Tony Hawk at any one of the town’s municipal skate parks, including two designed by famed Seattle-based firm, Grindline. Newbies can register for lessons through O’Side Parks and Rec. Families can also opt to rent e-bikes from the Pedego at Mission Pacific, cruise The Strand in a scooter or surrey, or take a tour in a sidecar.

Go Whale Watching

Oceanside straddles whale migration routes in the Pacific Ocean, making it an ideal spot for whale watching — kids may even spy some whales from the edge of Oceanside Pier. But to get really up close and personal with 60,000-pound gray whales, minke whales, fin whales, humpback whales and the occasional dolphin, there’s nothing better than booking a family whale watch cruise with our partners, Oceanside Adventures. All ages are welcome, but we recommend limiting your whale watching excursion to children over age two.

Go Maverick With a High Pie

Kids may be too young to remember the original Top Gun, but they’ll never forget the delectable pies on sticks made from local fruit fillings — and served à la mode with house made mascarpone ice cream — at Top Gun House, home of the famous HIGH-pie, the newly restored cottage where Kelly McGillis’s character lived in the original movie, on the property of Mission Pacific hotel. While you’re there, don’t forget to take a #topgun selfie!

Photo by Dan Meyers on Unsplash

Try Tide Pooling or Fishing

Rent a pole and pick up some bait right at Oceanside Pier and Bait and fish off Oceanside Pier, or head over to the Small Craft Harbor Fishing Pier at Oceanside Harbor where you can catch perch and bass without a license. For bigger catches, Helgren’s Sportfishing Charters offers half-day or longer excursions. Even the littlest kids will delight in trying to spot snails, shore crabs, acorn barnacles, limpets, California mussels, anemones, and other low tide treasures while tide pooling at Oceanside Beach.

Enjoy Some Parent-Free Time

No matter how cool your parents are, sometimes you just need a break, ya know? Older kids can hit The Seabird’s beautiful pool (selected by USA Today readers as one of the top 10 Best Hotel Pools in the U.S.) or the beach, head off to Oceanside Pier, or explore the charming streets around The Seabird. For our younger guests, there’s Little Seabirds, where kids can participate in creative arts and crafts, games and our weekend night Kids’ Club, all supervised by our experienced and fun-loving Little Seabirds staff.

Photo courtesy of California Surf Museum

Visit the California Surf Museum

Celebrate the history, culture, and icons of California surfing with special exhibits devoted to surfing and skateboarding, as well as a permanent collection that includes Bethany Hamilton’s shark-bitten skateboard (as seen in the film Soul Surfer) at the California Surf Museum. Not only is the museum one of the most extensive archival collections devoted to surfing on Earth, but the gift shop is a fantastic place to pick up souvenirs.

Explore the Sunset Market

Every Thursday night, weather permitting, the Oceanside community gathers for the Sunset Market, an outdoor farmers’ market that features up to 200 merchants and spans four blocks of gourmet foods, live music, interactive art and performances, activities for kids of all ages, adorable dogs and artisanal shopping. If you can’t be part of the action on Thursday night, the Oceanside Morning Farmers’ Market on Thursday mornings is a more traditional farmers’ market, focusing on fresh produce, prepared pantry items and baked goods.

Take In Some Art

You don’t have to spend too much time in Oceanside to see why our town’s support of the arts has earned it a designation as one of 14 state-recognized cultural districts from the California Arts Council. Art is all around us: from the vibrant murals by local artists that decorate our streets to the Oceanside Museum of Art (OMA), just a ten-minute walk from The Seabird Resort through historic downtown Oceanside. OMA showcases the work of Southern California artists and also offers free family-friendly community art days. We are proud to partner with them on a satellite gallery that hosts exhibitions of “the best, the unexpected and the yet-to-be-discovered artists of the region” at OMA West, right here at The Seabird!

February 21, 2023

5 Unique Ways to Ride Around Oceanside

By: Jenna Gabrial Gallagher



With the sand and surf on one side of you, and the happy, active lifestyle and quaint views of one of Southern California’s most charming and laidback beach towns on the other, in Oceanside, getting around is always part of the fun.

Whether you’re planning a family beach vacation, a couple’s getaway or a spring break trip, when you stay at The Seabird Resort, you have your pick of unique, easy-breezy ways to explore the town of Oceanside, people (and puppy)-watch along the Strand, take in the changing seaside views from sunup to sunset, and enjoy the eclectic architecture and rich landscaping in local beachfront neighborhoods.

Buzz About on an E-Bike

An e-bike is a relaxing and easy way for visitors of all ages and fitness levels to get some exercise outdoors while taking in up close and personal views of the Pacific Ocean, surfers, and Oceanside Pier. You can rent a Pedego electric bike at our sister property, Mission Pacific, and use it to spend the day tooling around the Strand, visiting the Oceanside Farmer’s Market, and taking in local attractions like the California Surf Museum. Make a day of it with the family, or take the kids to meet up at our homage to vintage woody wagons, the Beach Rambler to tie dye and do crafts with Little Seabirds Kids Club, while you get away for an afternoon ride along the beach.

Photo courtesy of Ride O’Side

Zip, Zoom, Zing on a Scooter

When in Rome, ride a Vespa. When in Oceanside, make it a Ride O’Side Fat Tire electric scooter. These babies go up to 20 MPH, making them a fun way to really get to know the area, and they come with Bluetooth speakers so road warriors can listen to their own music while they motor along. Choose from single or double-seaters (a great get-around option for families). Whether you’re a seasoned scooter rider or this is your maiden voyage, the staff at Ride O’Side will make sure you have everything you need to be safe and comfortable on your two-wheeler.

Skateboard Like a Local

Skateboarding was born in Southern California and Oceanside has embraced a “skateboarding is not a crime,” mentality around the sport by creating a city-wide network of dedicated, safe skateparks around town, including at Martin Luther King, Jr. Park, Melba Bishop Park and Recreation Center, John Landes Park, Libby Lake Park, and Alex Road Skate Park, a 22,000 square foot skater’s paradise, designed by famed firm Grindline, and established with the help of a $25,000 grant from the Tony Hawk Foundation. Visitors to Oceanside can register for lessons from the Parks and Recreation department, and buy boards at Asylum Skate Shop, just a three-minute walk from The Seabird Resort, or any number of skate shops around town.

Photo courtesy of Wheel Fun Rentals

Cruise in a Canopied Surrey

Don’t just see the picturesque charm of Oceanside, be a part of it in a beach-combing surrey (with a non-fringed, but still sweetly retro, canopy on top) from Wheel Fun Rentals. If your traveling companion is of the four-legged variety (after all, The Seabird Resort was rated one of the top 10 dog-friendly hotels in the country, according to USA Today readers), this is one of the best ways to bring them along for a ride along the Strand, and it’s also a memorable excursion for family vacations, romantic getaways and bachelorette weekends.

Photo courtesy of Pegasus Sidecar Tours

Take a Sidecar Tour

Here’s how you can book a private guide to show you the North Coast in an open-air, exhilarating way. Pegasus Sidecar Tours offers expertly guided one-hour (or more) tours for up to three people in their safe and comfortable chauffeured motorcycles. Ride along the famous Highway 101, learn about the architecture and history at Mission San Luis Rey, and enjoy sweeping panoramic views of the Strand and Oceanside Pier. For a small extra fee, you can bring your dog along, or, if you’re traveling with a larger group, you can book a fleet for up to six passengers.

Start Planning Your Trip to Oceanside
A girl relaxing in a sauna during a spa day in Oceanside

November 3, 2022

Seasonal Self-Care Tips From a Spa Director

 

By Suzanne Davis

Southern California may not get the blizzards and snow days that come with the winter season in other parts of the globe, but we still have plenty of “chilly” days here. After all, when you live in SoCal year-round, even a 65-degree day can feel like sweater weather to the locals.

No matter where you call home, you may find your skin, hair, and body having a tough time adjusting to the cranked-up indoor thermostat and amped-up outdoor winds. Never fear — there are ways to cope, especially if you know who to ask. We spoke with Marissa Edwards, Spa Director of Sunny’s Spa & Beauty Lounge, to get her expert tips and advice on looking (and more importantly, feeling) gorgeous this time of year.

Spa Director Sunny's Spa Oceanside

 

What’s most important to keep in mind to feel good in fall and winter?

The number one thing to keep in mind is that beauty starts from within. “A really good sleep ritual will make all the difference in your mood, mental clarity and even digestion,” Edwards says. “Try a little ‘body mind’ bedtime nourishment by sipping golden milk turmeric tea as you guide yourself through a 10-minute meditation.” 

Indeed, studies have shown that mindfulness meditation — or breathing deeply while trying hard to stay in the current moment, rather than fretting about your bottomless to-do list — can have immeasurable health benefits, including lowering depression, insomnia, and fatigue. Not sure where to begin? Try the Headspace app, which is used by 40 million people for good reason — it helps folks lower their stress levels by 14% in a mere 10 days. Of course, sinking into a plush bed upstairs at The Seabird Resort also helps pave the way for a deep night’s sleep.

 

How should people change their beauty and wellness routines in cool weather?

“One simple routine change that most people forget about is switching up your cleanser, body wash and even shampoo,” Edwards says. “Our skin and hair changes along with the weather, and using products that have a little added moisture even in the cleansing stage is a key to a fall and winter routine.” 

Look for toiletries that are specifically designed to help tresses retain moisture. Some beauty pros also swear by washing your hair more infrequently in winter, but that doesn’t work for all hair types. To kick-start your coiffure’s well-hydrated regime, consider adding a hair mask self-guided enhancement to your treatments at Sunny’s Spa & Beauty Lounge (more on that below).

 

Any favorite products for fall that are sold at Sunny’s? Why do you love them?

“While we tend to lean more high-touch with our in-spa recommendations, for at-home care during the busy back to school and holiday seasons, we recommend more of a high-tech option with the TheraFace PRO,” Edwards says. “This handheld device combines percussive therapy, skin-toning microcurrent, and rejuvenating light therapy that reduces tension, relaxes facial and jaw muscles, and helps improve skin’s overall texture and glow.” The TheraFace PRO has microcurrent and LED Red and Infrared Light Therapy that reduces wrinkles; cold therapy to treat under-eye bags; and even a percussive massager that helps your jaw muscles relax.  Is it any wonder this gadget has gone viral on TikTok, plus has countless five star reviews?

 

A couple overlooking the deep blue sea at Sunny Spa

 

What are a couple of your go-to spa treatments in autumn and winter at Sunny’s?

“Hands down, my go to body/massage treatment would be our Winter SOULstice experience,” Edwards says. “This sensory experience encompasses your whole being from your head to your toes, and from your heart to your soul. It includes an exfoliating body scrub, healing wrap and full body massage with aromatherapy sound bath, breath work and special attention to your scalp, hands and feet.” And it’s just as transcendent as it sounds.

 

Seasonal Experiences at Sunny’s Spa

The Winter SOULstice treatment isn’t the only seasonal offering on Sunny’s Spa’s extensive service menu. Here are a few more of our favorite holiday and wintertime spa treatments to know, love, and book. ‘Tis the season!

Let It Glow Massage — Winter, schminter. This 60-minute massage will leave you looking like you’ve spent the day surfing the nearby beaches, thanks to its infusion of Soleil Toujours Gradual Self-Tanning drops for an endless summer glow.

All Is Bright Facial — This delightful facial is just what it sounds like: a 60-minute revamp designed to give you a luminous quality with firmer, brighter skin, thanks in part to its high-tech, collagen-building light therapy.

Tinsel Your Tresses — Not having a good hair season, much less a hair day? Consider this shine-enhancing treat when you get your hair done. Your stylist will use Oi’s Liquid Luster to give your mane a luxe look and then add hair tinsel for an extra dose of holiday charm. Who said trees should have all the fun?

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Fall Events - People around the fire in the sand

September 22, 2022

What to Look Forward to in Oceanside This Fall

 

By Suzanne Davis

SoCal beach towns like Oceanside have been major lures in summer for generations, thanks to their coastal breezes and the soft, seemingly endless sands that provide cooling respite for the inland heat. But we’ve found that Oceanside is just as — if not even more — appealing as summer transforms into autumn. 

 

For one thing, the crowds have all but dissipated. For another? Most of the summertime’s thrills are still offered, and are equally fantastic as pumpkin spice season descends. To help you plan an indulgent autumn getaway, we’ve rounded up a few of our must-dos during fall in Oceanside, from exploring the San Diego Zoo to hitting Surftoberfest (BYO lederhosen).

 


Image full of beautiful orange pumpkins

 

It’s Pumpkin Patch O’Clock

Starting mid-September, it’s time for one of autumn’s trademark excursions: a day at the pumpkin patch. Each year, Pumpkin & Polar Palooza draws Oceanside residents of all ages to Carlsbad with glee. What they find is an autumnal fantasy sprung to life, complete with inflatable slides, archery, movie nights, food trucks, and thousands upon thousands of gourdgeous pumpkins to choose from. Orange you excited? 

 

Kids Free October

Littles already rule the month of October, thanks to their uncanny ability to acquire copious amounts of gratis candy from strangers and get their parents to don all manner of unflattering costumes. But in Oceanside, the red carpet gets rolled out for kids even more. During the Kids Free October celebration, kiddos can have all manner of fun without spending a nickel, including taking a free whale and dolphin watching trip (with the purchase of two adult tickets) and even exploring the San Diego Zoo Safari Park (with the purchase of one adult ticket). 

 

Surftoberfest

Imagine if the dreamy Octoberfests of Bavaria took a much-needed vacation in Oceanside, and you get Surftoberfest. Postponed for the past two years, the event is planning on coming back on October 1 2022. The (typically) annual occasion includes live music overlooking the Pacific Ocean and unlimited brew tastings (served in your take-home tasting glass, natch). Previous year’s vendors included Oceanside’s own Breakwater Brewing Co. and The Lost Abbey, famed for their Belgian sours, with each brew all the more delish given the menu options of bratwurst with sauerkraut and beer pretzels. Even cooler: knowing that the event benefits the health of veterans, single parents, and folks in need.

 

If you want to get out on the waves yourself, August through November sees the best swells and plenty of ways to try surfing for the first time or level up your skills. Check out some of the best surfing for all ages here. 

 

Taste of Oceanside

Make sure to get a ticket to Taste of Oceanside on October 1 from 2-5 p.m. now. It’s the ultimate feast for anyone who loves a nibble — and a tipple! — and has sold out for two years running for good reason. You’ll be able to whirl around town on the Taste Trolley, stopping for samples of food and drink everywhere from Piper to Petite Madeline Bakery & Bistro. Did we mention live music will serenade you along your quest?

 

 

Typical skulls for Dia de los Muertos

 

21st Annual Oceanside Dìa de los Muertos Festival

Día de los Muertos — or the “Day of the Dead” — may have largely originated in Mexico, but Oceanside goes all out in celebration, too. At the 21st annual Dia de los Muertos Festival on October 23 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.), you’ll be able to wander altars of loved ones strewn with marigold flowers, candles, and their treasured mementos, create your own memorial at the chalk cemetery, and enjoy live entertainment ranging from a parade to traditional Mixtec dancers. 

 

The San Diego Zoo Safari Park

Leaf peepers who plan long drives in Maine may want to re-route. At this iconic 1,800-acre zoo in nearby Escondido, the annual Autumn Festival (2022 dates TBD) often includes cheeky scarecrows to interact with, Southwestern-themed mazes, and even a floating lantern ceremony that wows after dusk. Plus, many of the park’s trees turn into mesmerizing gold and red shades.

 

O’Side Turkey Trot

Rise early on Thanksgiving morning to get out and move at the annual O’Side Turkey Trot. Recognized as one of the country’s “top trots” by both Runner’s World Magazine and The Los Angeles Times, the popular local event includes a five-mile run, plus a 5K run or walk and children’s race options. Starting on the Coast Highway and ending at The Strand, the scenic beachside course passes right in front of The Seabird. Registrations are now open on the O’Side Turkey Trot website.

 

Local Perks for O’Siders

If you’re a card-carrying Oceanside local, we’ve got great news. You get to “hang ten” with us…as in, take 10% off (cha-ching!) at some of our top restaurants and spa. Stop by Piper one morning for delicious, healthy dishes (get the acai, bee pollen, and chia seed granola superfood bowl), or join us at The Shore Room’s seafood bar for west coast oysters topped with salsa verde and citrus mignonette. Alternatively, head to The Rooftop Bar at our sister hotel, Mission Pacific, is the spot for sweeping views of the sea, live DJ performances, and Buccaneer cocktails (with bourbon, amaretto, amaro, sage, and lime).

 

You can also upgrade your Sunny’s Spa booking to get VIP treatment. 

 

FIND THE PERFECT ROOM FOR YOUR OCEANSIDE STAY THIS FALL.

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Paddle surf in Oceanside

September 1, 2022

7 Refreshing Ways to Get Out on the Water

 

By Andrew Bender

With three miles of sparkling California coastline, Oceanside has all you need for getting out on the water. Here are ideas for just some signature activities to get you started, from right in front of The Seabird, to Oceanside Harbor, and all along the shore. 

 

Surfing

What is a visit to Southern California without surfing? Oceanside is one of the state’s surf capitals (the California Surf Museum is here), and surf culture can be seen along any beach and around town in the clothing, “no worries” attitude, and even the food.

 

Whether you’ve never been on a board or you’re an experienced surfer looking to tune up your technique, you can find surfing for all ages in Oceanside. North County Surf Academy has you covered with 90-minute private and group surf lessons. It’s headed by third-generation surfer (and lifelong north San Diego County resident) Duran Barr, for an added local touch.

 

In Oceanside on a Saturday? Check out the 2-hour Surf Club from Whitlock Surf Experience available through our sister resort, The Seabird, to learn more about the ocean and hone your skills. All lessons include both the board and the all-important wetsuit.

 

Kayaking

Kayaking is such an Oceanside thing that the harbor has its own public kayak launch. Outfitters like Boats4Rent provide single or double kayaks, paddles, and life vests. You provide the enthusiasm and energy as you paddle around the secluded harbor lined with colorful shops and eateries, or past the jetties to the open Pacific.

 

Paddleboarding

What’s SUP? Standup paddleboarding, of course! Whether your destination is a lake, harbor, or the open water, Oceanside’s a natural for this popular sport. Even for novices it’s pretty easy – stand on the sweet spot and keep your legs apart, and you’re off and paddling. Shops around town, like UP Sports and the boat rental spots on the harbor, offer rentals.

 


Girl walking on the sand

Swimming

You may not want to leave The Seabird’s ocean-view pool deck…but you’re in Oceanside, which is blessed with seven named beaches each with their own character. Grab a beach towel, picnic, and sunscreen, and the fun is baked in.

 

Right across from The Seabird, Pier View South Beach has the easiest access and most activity including an outdoor amphitheater. (As guests of The Seabird, you can snag complimentary beach towels, loungers, and umbrellas to set up on your own perfect spot of sand. Just stop by our Beach Rambler located on The Strand to get help with beach services and pick up other beachy necessities to help you stay cool.) Pier View North Beach, just the other side of the pier, tends to be less busy. Further north, Harbor Beach is the longest in town, while adjacent is quiet, family-friendly Breakwater Beach. 

 

Whale Watching

Mere minutes from Oceanside, the Pacific Ocean teems with wildlife. You never quite know what you’re going to see on any given day (it’s wildlife!), but minke, humpback and fin whales, and dolphins are good possibilities — plus gray whales in the cooler months (November to April) and blue whales the rest of the year. Other local seaborne residents might include turtles, sharks, sea lions, numerous bird and fish species, and maybe even an orca!

 

Oceanside Coastal Expeditions leads whale watching and dolphin racing excursions. Its Zodiac boat, refitted for leisure guests, seats up to six people on trips of up 90 minutes. Oceanside Adventures offers a more luxury experience, two hours on a 50-foot catamaran seating up to 49 people.

 

Pro tip: Try to go in the morning, when generally calmer seas mean a better chance to view marine life.

 


Impressive sunset from the beach, overlooking the boardwalk

 

Fishing

Here in Oceanside, you don’t even need to board a boat to find a good catch. Just walk across the street from The Seabird to Oceanside Pier, the longest wooden pier in California (1,942 feet). Several fish species frequent the waters below, so drop a line, and you may get a bite from a halibut or sand bass in no time. Oceanside Pier & Bait can outfit you with all the gear and bait.

 

Oceanside Harbor offers the Small Craft Harbor Fishing Pier where the waters yield croakers, perch, and bass. No fishing license is required to fish on the piers.

 

For all other locations, you’ll need a license — ask local operators how to obtain one or visit the California Department of Fish and Wildlife. Helgren’s Sportfishing offers half-day to multi-day excursions on the Pacific, on a quest for bonito, sea bass, halibut and mahi mahi. The Helgren family has been in business here since the late 1970s and knows the waters inside out.

 

Boogie Boarding

In 2021, the boogie board turned 50, complete with a proclamation by the city of Oceanside for its inventor, Tom Morey. And no wonder, these small boards let just about anyone ride the waves, for a combination of simplicity, speed, thrills and just plain fun for kids (and kids at heart) of all ages. Rent a board from shops like Real Surf, and get out there. The waves are waiting.

 

READY TO HIT THE WAVES IN OCEANSIDE?



Girl, Boy and Dad going to surf
July 29, 2022

Where to Find the Best Surfing in Oceanside for All Ages

By Suzanne Davis

Surfers from around the globe have been hauling their boards to Oceanside for decades. Where else can you shred the gnar year-round before grabbing top-notch mocktails and cocktails within a quick stroll of your plush bed? No wonder Oceanside was recently ranked the best surf town in all of California by InsideHook. It’s got waves you can count on, plus a throwback beach vibe that feels FUN, in all caps. 

 

With the best surfing conditions from August to November, we’ve rounded up the best reasons and ways to try surfing in Oceanside, whether you’re looking for gentle, kid-friendly waves or want to perfect your technique with a bona fide pro. 

 

And we’d argue that the best part is returning from a day in the frothy ocean to The Seabird. Here, you can relax your sea-sore muscles in the oceanfront hot tub and splay out, starfish style, in The Cove — an aromatherapy sanarium in the spa where indulgences include post-sun saviors like collagen masks and restorative hair masks. 

 

Family surfing in Oceanside

 

Shred With a Pro

You’d jump at the chance to learn tennis with Serena Williams, right? Ascendant surfers can opt to hit the waves with a pro right here, with on-sand and in-water lessons by second generation pro surfer (and Oceanside native) Duran Barr on San Diego’s North Shore. Book a 1.5-hour surf lesson through The Seabird, meet at Lifeguard Tower 10 (just a 10-minute stroll from the hotel), and prepare to experience something better than beginner’s luck: beginner’s skill. Barr should know…not only is he a pro who has competed around the world, but his father, David Barr, is a famous surfboard shaper.

 

Shop Before You Surf

Leave your gear at home or just need to pick up some new shades? Surf Ride board shop has you covered, thanks to in-the-know staffers you probably shredded before they showed up to work. And if wetsuits, bodyboards, and even new or used boards shaped by local North County San Diegan Craig Hollingsowrth are what you seek, proceed directly to Asylum Surf. Even if you don’t hang ten, you’ll at least look like a perfect ten. 

 

Join the Club

Sometimes the best clubs are open to all. and that’s exactly what you’ll find at Surf Club With Whitlock Surf Experience (always held on Saturdays from 9 to 11 am), where surfers of practically all ages can don a wetsuit, grab a board and up their game. Once you book, just head to Oceanside’s Harbor South Jetty Park Lot 10/Tower 12 and get ready to do a deep dive — literally — on everything from paddling to surf etiquette. (Beginners, don’t fret; their instructors are CPR certified and will help you shred safely. Just remember to BYO sunscreen!)



Kid smiling on the sand



Set Your Kids Up to Surf All Day

If you’ve ever wanted to spend pretty much an entire day learning the intricacies of the waves, now’s the time. The Seabird Resort has collabed with the aforementioned Whitlock Surf Experience on a 7.5-hour surf session for kids six years old and up (book here). And surfing itself is just the beginning. Children immerse themselves in ocean intel aplenty, including eco-tours, lifeguard meet-and-greets, marine life, and even a mock jet ski water rescue. Afterward, they’ll then return to The Seabird for an on-brand poolside luncheon, where they then do a scavenger hunt, fly kites, and participate in a crafternoon? A 5:1 kid-to-instructor ratio ensures everyone remains, ahem, stoked at all times. 

 

Stop by a Must-See Surf Museum

Whether you’re newly surfing obsessed or just have the passing interest of a seagull, the California Surf Museum is well worth a stop. Open since 1986, it’s the place to ogle surfboards from the entire history of surfing and even see World Champ Kelly Slater’s own board along with other iconic surfing artifacts. Check their events page before stopping by; you may want to plan your trip around one of their frequent fêtes, which may include gala fundraisers or book signings like a recent one with Patrick Moser, author of “Pacific Passages: An Anthology of Surf Writing.”

 

The Best Family Beach

When your wee ones are first learning to surf or boogie board, or just getting used to water toddler-style, ginormous waves just won’t do. So resident families often flock to the warm waters of Breakwater Way Beach, where a wide, soft sand beach awaits. Arrive early enough and you may be able to find some stoop-worthy seashells, such as whole sand dollars and other treasure. Did we mention it’s just a four-minute drive from The Seabird?

 

READY TO GO SURFING IN OCEANSIDE? MAKE YOUR STAY EVEN MORE MEMORABLE…



Offers

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THE SUMMER SUN SETTER

Don’t let the sun set on your summer plans! Stay two nights at The Seabird Resort and receive a $125 resort credit to soak up the last bits of summer fun in Oceanside. Apply your credit to The Seabird’s world-class resort amenities, such as luxurious spa offerings at Sunny’s Spa & Beauty Lounge, activities that will take you from sand to sea, and food and beverage options that will truly make your stay in SoCal an unforgettable summer dream.

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A couple admiring the Pier in Oceanside during the sunset

June 29, 2022

Why You Should Visit Oceanside This Summer

 

By Suzanne Davis

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!

 

Pool time with the family
Linger by The Seabird pool for a relaxing summer afternoon.

 

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.

 

 

 

Offers

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EXPRESS LANE

This vacation, leave your car at home and enjoy a scenic train ride to Oceanside. Savor the savings of complimentary parking and a full tank. When you arrive, you’ll have it all just a few steps away… pool, restaurants, local shops, and beach amenities the whole family will enjoy!

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Deluxe Room with impressive city views and living room Contact Us

EXTENDED STAY OFFER

Whether you’re traveling for work or need a longer stay to explore SoCal, our spacious accommodations have all you need for a memorable and comfortable stay in Oceanside, including a larger in-room refrigerator and microwave.

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shopping in oceanside

May 6, 2022

An Insider’s Guide to Shopping in Oceanside

A new crop of indie boutiques is making the SoCal surf town a must-stop for anyone interested in creative retail therapy.

 

By Andrew Bender

Over the last few years, shopping in Oceanside has evolved from an afterthought to a magnet, as a new crop of independent boutiques draws in locals and visitors alike. Collectively, they represent the easy-breezy O’side vibe that the SoCal destination is gaining a reputation for.

 

You don’t have to go very far from The Seabird to catch some of that style, thanks to The Ozone, a lifestyle shop located at our sister resort next door, Mission Pacific. The shop’s creative director/buyer Karen Meena calls it “an eclectically designed space to discover art, vintage objects, adornments, and one-of-a-kind creations unique to SoCal.” The shop’s wares include fashion, beauty, home design, jewelry, accessories, books, and gifts. It also hosts events for local designers and artists. 

 

 

Bikini, dress and colorful clothes store in oceanside
The Ozone at Mission Pacific.

 

Meena has a bead on the rest of the Oceanside shopping scene, and she shared some recommendations with us. Most shops are located on or just off Coast Highway, the city’s (and California’s) main drag, making navigating a snap whether you’re exploring by car, rental bike, or on foot. You might start a couple miles away in the South Oceanside neighborhood (“South O” to its many friends), working back toward the resort. 

 

In South O, Captain’s Helm blends vintage and modern, both with an aesthetic of undeniable cool. It has you covered with both substance and style, whether your tastes run to a throwback leather or jean jacket, little black dress, rock tour T-shirt, or contemporary design items you didn’t know you needed — knit shopping bags, berry bowls, wooden whisk brooms, or eye-catching wall art. While there, get fortified for your retail therapy adventure at the onsite coffee shop, Captain’s Grounds. 

 

Nearby, Meena says, “Reap & Sow stocks local wellness brands and keeps locals tuned into the best in eco-beauty, health, and wellness.” This family business and self-proclaimed “lifestyle apothecary” is also ahead of its time, having offered natural, sustainable, toxin-free, and zero-waste products since 2014, well before those became everyday watchwords. From beauty products to essential oils, handmade jewelry to teas and herbal remedies, it’s all good for you — and the environment. 

 

Heading back toward town, Sea Hive Marketplace is where “locals shop weekly to add to their vintage clothing, jewelry and design collections,” Meena says. Sea Hive calls itself a “massive mall o’ vintage,” and its 13,000 square feet house some 100 vendors.

 

A repurposed 1930s-era gasoline station is now home to Rising Co. “It’s a community collective of local designers and artists and one of our favorite places to feel the local vibe,” Meena exclaims. Case in point: handmade handbags by Rais Case, personalized jewelry from Tessa Lane, and Feather 4 Arrow, a kids’ clothing and lifestyle brand imbued with an attitude that’s pure Southern California. Meena also recommends the in-house coffee and tea shop and weekend events in Rising Co.’s parking lot. 

 

 

black hats, panama hats, white hats and a couple tying them on
Brixton started in Oceanside before taking Instagram by storm. The Oceanside retail location is just as picture-worthy as the cool apparel.

 

Another go-to hub is Tremont Collective, home to a local coffee shop, surf shop, bottle shop, and wildly popular hat and apparel brand Brixton, which was started by a group of friends way back when in an Oceanside garage. If you need a new sun hat, you won’t want to miss stopping by here.  

 

Surfing and skateboarding culture are woven into the very fabric of San Diego County. Experience them at Surf Ride, which has won Retailer of the Year from the Surf Industry Manufacturers Association. It offers a dizzying selection of boards for gnarly waves or the perfect Ollie, plus the right gear and clothing to rock the look. Never surfed? Take a lesson from one of their experienced instructors. 

 

And speaking of water, even humble H2O gets its place in the sun here in Oceanside. Urbn Wtr Company sells its own alkaline water, treated via a 13-step process that helps the body both hydrate and detoxify (Urbn Wtr also supplies the drinking water for The Seabird), alongside bottles and flasks to make the folks back home go “Where’dja get that?” 

 

Back downtown, the Oceanside Museum of Art is one of the region’s hidden gems. Meena calls it “small but amazing, with exciting exhibits highlighting California artists.” Its Museum Store is like a gallery of Southern California-based makers of painting and photography, textile and fiber arts, ceramics, mixed media, timeless jewelry, and even elegant basketry. The result: one-of-a-kind pieces with a real sense of place. 

 

And if your visit coincides with one of Oceanside’s popular street markets, you’re in luck. Thursdays, downtown streets are closed off for the morning Farmer’s Market — for California’s bounty from produce to prepared foods — and the evening Sunset Market featuring eclectic crafts, an international food court, and live music. At the monthly First Friday Art Walk, the focus turns to dozens of local creators showing their paintings, sculptures, home décor, and jewelry; it’s along Artist Alley, a side street well worth a visit anytime for its Instagrammable collection of murals. 

 

 

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Must-try breweries in Oceanside, Barman pouring fresh beer in glass, closeup

March 18, 2022

Must-Try Breweries in Oceanside and Beyond

By Suzanne Davis

San Diego is becoming as well known for its craft breweries as it is for its fish tacos. But San Diego breweries are just the start — there are plenty more just up the frothy coastline towards Oceanside, where the craft beer scene is booming, all just steps from the beach and the beachfront The Seabird Resort.

Read on for our favorite breweries in Oceanside, along with a couple honorable mentions just beyond our borders. 

Bagby Beer Co.

When world-famous professional brewer Jeff Bagby went out on his own, heads (and pint glasses) turned. What he and his wife and co-owner Dande built, less than a mile away from The Seabird, is far from beer-business-as-usual. Among their award-winning offerings? Gotta Pay the Pils, a German-style pilsner, and Untarted Cherritory, a tart Belgian-style mini blonde. Don’t miss the fried chicken and cheddar biscuits and fried cheese curd topped Belgian-style frites. If you don’t make it to the pub, you can still sample Bagby’s brews right here at The Seabird with rotating beers on tap at The Shore Room, Piper, and The Shelter Club. Bagby Beer Co., 601 S Coast Highway, Oceanside

Booze Brothers Brewing Co.

When brothers David and Donny Firth started tinkering with brewing their own beers in their garage, they never thought it would lead to this: a beloved veritable beer empire with taproom locations in Vista, Fallbrook, and, yep, Oceanside. Among their most beloved brewskies? Ramble On, an IPA with notes of fresh pine and grapefruit, and Courage Lager, which is brewed with German Pilsner malt. Booze Brothers Brewing Co., 606 Mission Ave., Oceanside

Burgeon Beer Company

Just down the road in Carlsbad, this craft brewery and taproom is well worth the short trek. Sure, we love the eye-popping lineup of brews — which range from Nitro Coffee Burl ale to the passionfruit and citrus-noted Hand Selected — but what keeps us coming back weekend after weekend are the food trucks popping up in the beer garden, including Thumbs Up BBQ and El Shrimp Bucket Mexican Food. Burgeon Beer Company, 6350 Yarrow Dr., Carlsbad

Craft Coast Beer and Tacos

The name says it all – this local joint brings two of the world’s best culinary delights together: craft beer and Baja-style street tacos. Who can say no to that? Even better, Craft Coast Beer and Tacos is just a 2-minute walk from The Seabird. With a rotating selection of beers available, enjoy a new brew on tap every time you visit. Get your fill of tacos, nachos, multias (a type of taco that uses one tortilla on top and one on the bottom with fillings in the middle), and taco bowls with your choice of perfectly prepared meats (the birria is a favorite) and satisfying veggies. Craft Coast Beer and Tacos, 275 Mission Ave, Oceanside

Northern Pine Brewing

The piney woods of the Pacific Northwest-inspired this beloved brewery, which Oceanside locals love for its knowledgeable staffers and on-point barbecue. Founded in 2018 by a trio of craft beer obsessives, Northern Pine’s offerings include slightly sweet Turning Point Cream Ale and Saized & Confused, a Belgian ale that won a gold medal at the San Diego International Beer Festival. Northern Pine Brewing, 326 N. Horne St., Oceanside

Societe Brewing Company

This indie brewery in San Diego is devoted to uniting “beer folk” of every stripe. And thanks to flavors for every palate — including a hoppy The Coachman and floral The Harlot — they do. The only thing better than nabbing a picnic table in their alfresco beer garden? Getting a few street tacos or carne asada fries from Chachos Tacos, tucked within the brewery. Societe Brewing Company, 8262 Clairemont Mesa Blvd., San Diego

South O Brewing Company

Founded by local Oceanside neighbors in 2020, South O Brewing Company is a relatively new addition to the region’s craft beer scene, situated along the famous California Pacific Coast Highway. South O brews a little of everything, offering a tap list that features a solid mix of IPAs, pilsners, amber ales, porters, and more. Food trucks pull up to dish out meals on the weekends and some weekdays — check the brewery’s social media to see what’s available. South O Brewing Company, 1575 South Coast Highway, Oceanside

 

The best part about checking out these craft breweries in Oceanside? Knowing you’ll return home to The Seabird Resort for a much-deserved break (and okay, maybe another pint) by the pool.