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.
Miso grilled fish from chef William Eick’s 10-course tasting menu at Matsu. PHOTO; BY LEO CABAL
626 S. Tremont St., eatatmatsu.com
Why It’s Essential To The Neighborhood: 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.
232 S. Coast Hwy., dijamara.com
Why It’s Essential To The Neighborhood: 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.
2002 S. Coast Hwy, heritagecraftbbq.com
Why It’s Essential To The Neighborhood: Bringing together craft barbeque, beer and cocktails, this critically-lauded restaurant will also be opening another location in Oceanside. Its distinctive style of barbecue features speciality items and favorites all in a SoCal style with beers brewed on-site.
201 N. Cleveland St. Suite 109, thelabcollaborative.com
Why It’s Essential To The Neighborhood: A combination of flavors come together to create a delicious menu at The Lab, a group of restaurants which include the Jet Fuel coffee shop and a top-tier bar. The restaurants of The Lab Collaborative provide guests with modern, upscale dining for a taste of the coast.
Cocktails and small bites await in The Shore Room at The Seabird Resort PHOTO: COURTESY OF THE SEABIRD RESORT
101 Mission Ave., theseabirdresort.com
Why It’s Essential To The Neighborhood: 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.
201 N. Myers St., missionpacifichotel.com
Why It’s Essential To The Neighborhood: 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.
408 Pier View Wy, thebrickhotel.com
Why It’s Essential To The Neighborhood: As a contemporary boutique vacation spot, this hotel features a rooftop bar, restaurant, cocktail lounge, cafe and beer garden. Inside a historical building from 1888, The Brick Hotel has been redesigned into a spectacular modern property with museums, theaters and restaurants nearby.
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101 Mission Ave., theseabirdresort.com/spa/
Why It’s Essential To The Neighborhood: Here to make you stress-free, carefree and beautiful, Sunny’s presents massages, a relaxation room with an aromatherapy sanarium, facials, body work, hair and nail treatments. It's the ideal retreat with innovative treatments and rituals to wash away your worries.
3460 Marron Rd., thebeachgenie.com
Why It’s Essential To The Neighborhood: Beach Genie is the perfect getaway where you can enjoy cabana parties, luxury bonfires and beach setups. Your wishes will come true with blankets, chairs and lunch delivered to you while you relax on the beach.
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602 S Tremont St., tremontcollective.com
Why It’s Essential To The Neighborhood: This converted warehouse will inspire you on all levels with retail shops, fitness brands, events and a medley of eating and drinking destinations. The curated mix of shopping and hospitality spots reflect North County's distinctly coastal lifestyle.
102 Mission Ave., shoptheozone.com
Why It’s Essential To The Neighborhood: Selling one-of-a-kind clothing, books, jewelry, accessories, art, home fragrances and skincare products, this iconic luxury shop sells colorful items for the ideal beach day. Unique in style, this local store caters to men, women and children alike.
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408 Pier View Way, thebrickhotel.com
Housed in a historical building from 1888, the new Brick Hotel features 10 guest rooms and two eating-drinking establishments. 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. Sip seasonal drinks from the Brick’s chic rooftop.
602 S Tremont. St., Suite 100, communalcoffee.com
Why It’s Essential To The Neighborhood: Communal introduces its newest Oceanside location, a delightful place to enjoy delicious cocktails and appetizers. The layout includes a winding wine bar, a lounge with leather couches and a communal table to relax and enjoy the evening.
shoesandchews.com
Why It’s Essential To The Neighborhood: An excellent way to explore Oceanside’s neighborhoods is to visit food locations and venues. Consisting of three tour options with stops at distinct culinary locations, this tour also provides interesting information about local history.
928 North Coast Hwy, visitoceanside.org/oside-sips
Why It’s Essential To The Neighborhood: Consisting of 29 Oceanside locations with craft breweries, microbreweries, wine-tasting rooms, craft coffee stops, tea shops, distilleries and homegrown spirits, O’Side Sips has notable venues for indulging in a handmade beverage.
704 Pier View Way, oma-online.org
Why It’s Essential To The Neighborhood: 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. Work from local artists is features in exhibits like Gail Roberts’ latest show, Color Field, or Pop Smoke: A Veteran Art Exhibition, which explores the work of veterans who use bright colors, basic shapes and repetition in their art.
visitoceanside.org/oceanside-pier
Why It’s Essential To The Neighborhood: Recently named an official training ground for USA surfing, Oceanside was also the host city of the 2015 ISA World Junior Surf Championships. The beach provides fun rental games such as volleyball and cornhole at the Beach Rambler, an exclusive camper designed to cater to visitors’ needs.
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