What it is

A modern 161-room retreat fronting the sea with a sceney rooftop bar, pool deck, and three restaurants that even the locals love.

What it isn't

Equipped with its own spa. Stop by sister The Seabird Resort next door to treat yourself to a CBD body wrap or sun relief facial at Sunny’s Spa and Beauty Lounge.

What we think

Mission Pacific is easily one of the most jaw-dropping hotels in Southern California—but without any of the attitude you’ll find elsewhere. Each guest room looks like a page torn from a California edition of Elle Decor, with art curated by the aesthetes at Oceanside Museum of Art and sculptural furniture in earthy hues. It’s worth splurging on an ocean view—the only thing blocking your panorama of the surf an occasional palm tree. We love the 337-square-foot One King Bed with Ocean Front room category, with its seating area on the balcony and an intimate living space overlooking the waves crashing under the Oceanside pier (originally built in 1888). Want to sprawl out even further? The Bohemian Suite with Kitchenette has nearly a full kitchen (sans oven and stovetop) and a separate living and dining area within its expansive 894-square-foot floor plan. Either way, you’ll be treated like the V.I.P. you are with luxe touches, including Mansfield bathrobes, an Illy coffee maker, and toiletries from Apothia that were custom blended for the hotel.

You're here because

The hotel has revamped a Victorian era cottage on the premises that was the architectural star of the movie “Top Gun” and is now a dessert bar—High Pie—with hand pies you can dip in lemon curd and sea salt caramel.

The Moment

You’re not surprised at all that Chef Roberto Alcocer’s open-air restaurant Valle was written up in a Michelin guide….it’s everything one could ever want from a meal. One bite of your butter poached lobster tacos and you’re positive: heaven is a place on earth, and it’s right here.

Restaurants & Bars

High/Low - surf-casual café offering a seasonal menu, to-go beverages and bites, and a curated selection of local beers and California wines

The Rooftop Bar - poolside sanctuary serving Baja street-food and cocktails

Valle Restaurant - offers bold cuisine inspired by traditions of Mexico’s renowned wine region and the bounty of local farms

Location

Fronting the Pacific Ocean in Oceanside, just two blocks from the California Surf Museum—where you can see surfboards that span the entire history of the sport.