By Corinne Whiting Travel Expert December 30, 2021

For so many, this past year-plus has provided chances to look at familiar parts of life at a slowed-down pace – and through a fresh lens. And with travel options feeling more limited, some have chosen return trips to destinations they already know well.

Take a self-guided mural tour of Oceanside's ever-expanding art scene — Photo courtesy of Visit Oceanside

Yet sometimes beauty is hidden in places that were previously obscured (or simply unexamined). Frequent visitors to breezy beachfront towns along the Southern California coast will be delighted to learn that dreamy recent additions breathe new life into some tried-and-true favorite spots. As an added bonus, this region's optimal climate and open-air set-up make it an ideal destination in these social-distancing-appropriate times.

Fly into the refreshingly easy San Diego airport, and either head north in your rental car – perhaps by cruising up the historic 101 – or hop aboard the Coaster commuter train, which makes several stops between the San Diego-Santa Fe Depot and Oceanside Transit Center.

Oceanside is a hub for surfing competitions throughout the year — Photo courtesy of Visit Oceanside

On a recent bright Sunday in Oceanside, young military residents stepped out with fresh fades from old-school barber shops, right next to bustling patios of new taco-and-beer venues, where revelers soaked up easy weekend vibes. Folks strolled and fished along the town's iconic 1,942-foot-long wooden pier, while the incredibly inspiring U.S. Open Adaptive Surfing Championships (hosted by the Stoke for Life Foundation) took place in the swells below, as one of several major surfing competitions that take place in these waters every year.

Newcomers wanting to get their bearings can stop into the California Welcome Center Oceanside to learn about local attractions, such as the California Surf Museum (which helps preserve the town's thriving surfing heritage) and Oceanside Museum of Art, and activities like riding a surrey from Wheel Fun Rentals along the strand or renting a kayak/SUP to paddle around Oceanside Harbor.

Wheel Fun Rentals has locations in Oceanside (right below the pier), Dana Point and San Diego, too — Photo courtesy of Visit Oceanside

Art lovers will want to pick up refreshments (we suggest Parlor Doughnuts and an iced treat from small-batch roaster Steel Mill Coffee, owned by skateboard pro Riley Hawk and friends) before heading out on a self-guided outdoor mural tour. Explore the vibrant and whimsical outdoor art scene that has helped make Oceanside a state-recognized cultural district. Don't miss Artists Alley!

Accommodations in Oceanside recently got a major upgrade, too, with the opening of two neighboring (sister) properties, Mission Pacific Hotel and The Seabird Resort. As part of the largest oceanfront hotel development in San Diego County in 50-plus years, these two beautiful venues feature cushy rooms and suites, bright and airy communal spaces, a total of six new dining concepts, a tranquil, Cali-chic spa and beauty lounge (open to the public, too) and local touches that support fellow makers in the community (from Bagby Beer Company to Brixton apparel). Guests can choose between two elevated pools-with-views, too.

The Seabird lobby melds nautical vibes with pops of color and whimsy — Photo courtesy of Visit Oceanside

Around the properties, visitors enjoy artworks and site installations curated by Oceanside Museum of Art (OMA), and each guest receives a reusable water bottle for the filtered alkaline water (sparkling or still) found on each floor – installed with the help of Oceanside-founded URBN WATER CO.

Within the hotels, head to Piper for its pasta bar, The Shore Room for nautical vibes and ocean-view cocktails, High Low for relaxed midday patio eats and Valle for its stunning, grand decor and Guadalupe Valley-inspired fare, prepared by one of Baja's most celebrated chefs, Roberto Alcocer.

Mission Pacific's pool offers one of the best views around, showcasing Oceanside's thriving surf scene and unforgettable sunsets — Photo courtesy of Visit Oceanside

The Rooftop Bar at Mission Pacific is a charming spot for visitors and locals alike to drink in the sunset over the ocean (while staying forever on the hunt for that elusive green flash). The trendy spot with lounge-like beats features tasty bites, such as elote asado, oysters and taco trios (choose between carne asada, fish, shrimp, grilled octopus or avocado), as well as standout cocktails that include the Pina Mia, a combo of serrano-infused tequila, pineapple-infused mescal, lime, cilantro and tajin.

If you've been to Oceanside before, you'll notice that the beloved, 140-year-old "Top Gun" house has been moved a short hop down the road, now sitting on the property of the Mission Pacific. Slated to open after a $1 million restoration, the new venue (reportedly called “Charlie’s,” after Kelly McGillis’s character in the movie) will debut as a vintage dessert lounge.

Carte Blanche serves French-Mexican-inspired fare in a breezy setting a few blocks from the Oceanside Pier — Photo courtesy of Visit Oceanside

At mealtime, be sure not to overlook other Oceanside gems like Dija Mara, making waves for its delightful Balinese fusion offerings, popular hangout Local Tap House and Mexican-French-inspired newcomer Carte Blanche Bistro & Bar. This open-air venue with fire tables on the patio boasts menu highlights like duck mole tacos, Mexican hot pot, charred broccolini and carrots, and the black cod with crispy skin, braised leeks and roasted beets. For the finale, save room for beignets or the 23-layer crepe cake.

Nearby, Carlsbad offers its own lineup of enticing lodging and culinary draws, from the second location of CrackHeads Restaurant and Pure Taco, to the recently renovated Windmill Food Hall (located in an actual windmill building). At this lively foodie hub, vendors' cuisines range from American BBQ and Mediterranean feasts to flavorful Vietnamese finds.

Local Tap house features delicious, elevated pub fare, from truffle-butter pretzels and blackened tuna clubs to pecan-roasted Scottish salmon and coconut curry udon noodles — Photo courtesy of Visit Oceanside

Splurge on a room at Omni La Costa Resort & Spa (with restaurants featuring honey from the venue's own beehives, home to 60,000 bees) or the Park Hyatt Aviara Resort (that recently underwent $50 million-plus renovations). Or enjoy a boutique hotel experience a bit down the 101 at Encinitas' intimate Surfhouse.

Start the day off in Carlsbad with some java from Lofty Coffee, a venue that places emphasis on the traceability of its coffee’s journey, from farm to roasting works. Later on, feel equally good about sipping sustainably-sourced brews from Pure Project (you can read about the six areas of focus for their "beer for good" here).

Beach Genie brings a luxury bonfire experience to several locations along the SoCal coast — Photo courtesy of Lauren Conroy

Experiencing the beaches of Carlsbad (and beyond) in style has never been easier, thanks to Beach Genie, a local company that sets up high-end equipment for you to enjoy on the edge of the sea. You simply get to show up, sit back (in comfy, oak-and-cloth chairs), play games on the sand (think corn hole and paddle ball) and soak up time amid the soothing breezes of Southern California.

Beach Genie is fully permitted on more beaches than any other such company in San Diego County, allowing you to explore spots from Tamarack State Beach and Carlsbad State Beach to Cardiff State Beach. While daytime experiences and cabana parties certainly shine, we highly recommend the Fire Ring and S'mores experience that places showtime right around the magic-marked hours when the sun sinks below the ocean.

Bluetooth speakers allow you to dictate your own soundtrack as the sky splits into a pastel symphony, and you fall under the spell of the flickering flames. The company tries to support local small businesses whenever possible, like Fireside Organics whose non-GMO s'mores fixings up the game with peanut butter cups, among other fair-trade chocolates, and gourmet sauces like decadent dulce de leche.

Carlsbad Aquafarm is Southern California's only shellfish farm growing Pacific oysters and Mediterranean mussels — Photo courtesy of Carlsbad Aquafarm

Sustainability buffs may want to take a Farm Discovery Walk at the Carlsbad Aquafarm – Southern California's only shellfish farm growing Pacific oysters and Mediterranean mussels. The tour showcases the techniques and equipment used to support the growth and harvesting of Carlsbad’s homegrown oysters, as well as sharing examples of how the farming process protects the natural ecosystem of the lagoon. (The end of the tour features a hands-on oyster shucking class, in addition to generous tastings.)

Whether this is your first visit – or your tenth – to the sun-kissed Southern California coast, we hope you find unexpected ways to appreciate the natural beauty and laidback charm of Oceanside and beyond.

Corinne hails from the other Washington, where she caught the travel bug early on. Corinne studied abroad in Strasbourg, France (undergrad) and in Edinburgh, Scotland (graduate school). She's backpacked around Australia, taught English in Argentina and explored (so far!) countries from Cambodia and Egypt to Turkey and China. Corinne served as associate editor at Where magazine for five years; as a freelancer, she now writes for publications like National Geographic Traveler and Amtrak's OnTrak. Here in the lovely Northwest, she's  attempting to debunk the rain myths, up her coffee and live music quotient and find her Zen near/on the water.

Read more about Corinne Whiting here.

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