This laid-back SoCal beach town boasts stunning strips of sand—but also cultural landmarks, cutting-edge restaurants and bars, scenic hotels, and historic architecture and art.
Relax in Mission Pacific Hotel’s courtyard, complete with a fireplace PHOTO: COURTESY OF MISSION PACIFIC HOTEL
WHERE TO SIP
Cococabana Bar
Housed in a historical building from 1888, the new Brick Hotel features 10 guest rooms and two eating-drinking establishments opening in July. The ground-floor restaurant, Q&A Restaurant & Oyster Bar, is helmed by executive chef Quinnton Austin, and the Cococabana Bar occupies the Brick’s 2,100-square-foot rooftop. Operated by Grind & Prosper Hospitality, this Caribbean-style cocktail bar boasts captivating coastal views, ample cocktail options and its own menu of small bites. Be among the first to sip summer drinks from the Brick’s chic rooftop. 760.519.7163, thebrickhotel.com
WHERE TO DINE
Matsu
Chef William Eick’s 48-seat fine dining restaurant marries Japanese traditions and techniques with the Southern California environment. In June, the sleek and sophisticated eatery moved to a single 10-course tasting menu that showcases ingredients from local farms as well as products directly from Japan. Guests can add on A5 wagyu or wine pairings to the meal—or opt for the 10-course vegan version. 760.681.6152, eatatmatsu.com
Miso grilled fish from chef William Eick’s 10-course tasting menu at Matsu. PHOTO; BY LEO CABAL
Dija Mara
Dija Mara combines Southeast Asian flavors with Japanese cooking techniques and Western flair to arrive at its unique Balinese-inspired cuisine. Local chef Jason Ambacher helms the kitchen, putting out creative fusion dishes including grilled roti flatbread, Chinese yu choy, beef short rib rendang and wok-fried rice—which you can pair with equally inventive craft cocktails. 760.231.5376, dijamara.com
WHAT TO SEE
New Exhibits at Oceanside Museum of Art
The Gail Roberts: Color Field exhibit at Oceanside Museum of Art opening July 30 showcases over 130 oil paintings of flowers. PHOTO; BY LILE KVANTALIANI
Explore new, relevant and historical art of Southern California in these side-by-side buildings designed by two renowned SoCal modernist architects, Irving Gill and Frederick Fisher. Beginning July 30, Gail Roberts’ latest show, Color Field, will showcase over 130 oil paintings of singular flowers created over five years, exhibiting the beauty of all that blooms, from flowers and fruit trees to succulents and more. Opening Aug. 13, Pop Smoke: A Veteran Art Exhibition explores the work of veterans, who use bright colors, basic shapes, commonplace images and repetition in their art. 760.435.3720, oma-online.org
WHERE TO STAY
The Seabird Resort
A perfect seaside getaway for the whole family, this reimagined classic beach resort boasts ocean estate architecture and picturesque Pacific views. Stay in one of 226 airy guest rooms and unwind at the expansive pool, indoor-outdoor living room or Sunny’s Spa, which offers farm-to-sea treatments. For top California coastal cuisine, indulge in handmade pastas, garden-to-table dishes and breakfast at the hotel’s vibrant signature restaurant, Piper. Pasta lovers looking to experience styles from around the world won’t want to miss the The Pass, Piper’s new pasta bar tasting experience. 855.413.7573, theseabirdresort.com
Cocktails and small bites await in The Shore Room at The Seabird Resort PHOTO: COURTESY OF THE SEABIRD RESORT
Mission Pacific Hotel
The Seabird Resort’s sexy sister property, neighboring Mission Pacific Hotel is a dreamy oceanside boutique situated on 700 feet of prime beachfront space. Guests staying in the 161 sleek rooms—including 38 suites—can partake in a variety of biking, skating and surfing experiences. Chef Roberto Alcocer transports patrons to Mexico’s Guadalupe Valley with boldly flavored dishes at the hotel’s restaurant Valle, and The Rooftop Bar is a perfect pick for alfresco cocktails. This summer, the new Top Gun House—the restored 1887 bungalow featured in the 1986 film—houses HIGH-pie dessert shop, which serves signature hand pies filled with fruity compote. 855.365.5078, missionpacifichotel.com
Photography by: Courtesy of The Seabird Resort
