By Marissa Willman
Just two hours outside of the Coachella Valley, a family-friendly oceanfront oasis awaits at The Seabird Ocean Resort & Spa and Mission Pacific Beach Resort in Oceanside. Capturing the essence of coastal living in Southern California, The Seabird offers a perfect blend of relaxation and recreation for families and couples alike. With its stunning views of the Pacific Ocean, spacious accommodations, and a range of family-friendly amenities, The Seabird Ocean Resort & Spa and Mission Pacific Beach Resort promises an unforgettable seaside escape this summer.
The Location
The Seabird Ocean Resort & Spa and Mission Pacific Beach Resort is nestled right on the shore in Oceanside. Without traffic, the resort is about a two-hour drive from Palm Springs–but with its oceanfront location, it feels like an entirely different world. Once you arrive at The Seabird, you won’t necessarily need to drive around during your stay. The resort is close to downtown, and plenty of dining and shopping options are within walking distance. Most importantly, the beach is just a two-minute walk from the hotel.
The Rooms
Whether you’re traveling as a small or large party, The Seabird Ocean Resort & Spa and Mission Pacific Beach Resort offers a range of spacious accommodations. The resort boasts 226 guest rooms, including 56 suites. And with many boasting incredible ocean views, you can’t help but relax as soon as you check in. From cozy guest rooms to luxurious suites, each space is designed to provide a comfortable and relaxing retreat.
The guest rooms feature calming earth tones and modern furnishings, creating a serene, beach-inspired atmosphere. Families will appreciate the convenience of connecting rooms, while couples seeking a romantic getaway can indulge in the privacy of the oceanfront suites.
The suites at The Seabird Resort are worth the splurge for a private balcony overlooking the ocean. Here, you can immerse yourself in the breathtaking beauty of the Pacific Ocean from floor-to-ceiling windows, or step out onto your private balcony to feel the gentle ocean breeze.
The Food
Garden-to-table fare is on the menu at onsite restaurant Piper, which serves up fresh California cuisine for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. This is a convenient option for families staying at The Seabird, as you only have to wrangle the family down to the first floor. The breakfast menu spans a range of classics like eggs, pancakes, and the like, plus fun brunch additions like a chicken and waffle bar. Kids can enjoy plenty of options from the breakfast buffet, and later in the day, the kids menu offers pasta, chicken, and flatbread. Meanwhile, adults can feast on braised short rib with onion soubise, duck ragu with wild mushrooms, or whole branzino come dinnertime.
Even better, there’s a Palm Springs tie-in at The Seabird Ocean Resort & Spa and Mission Pacific Beach Resort. Next door, Palm Springs restauranteur Tara Lazar and her F10 Creative brand operate High Pie inside of the “Top Gun House.” That’s right, the baby blue house featured in Tom Cruise’s “Top Gun” is slinging delicious pies by the desert’s own F10 Creative. Here, you can grab a dozen small hand pies in seasonal flavors and dress them up a la mode or with a $2 dip.
And for a short pit stop or an after-dinner drink, The Shore Room acts as a lobby bar of sorts with incredible views of the beach and Oceanside Pier. This oceanfront cocktail bar perfectly pairs craft cocktails with stunning views for a coastal lounge vibe that should at least be experienced once during your stay.
The Amenities
It’s hard to beat The Seabird’s beachfront location, just steps from the sand. Speaking of, if you want to set up a spot on the beach, The Seabird offers free chairs and umbrellas for guests via The Beach Rambler. This cute beach stand is housed in a vintage Airstream right on the beach, directly across from The Seabird.
If you’re traveling with the family, the kids will love the “Little Seabirds” program. This daily kids club offers activities like dive-in movie nights, complimentary beach activities, scavenger hunts, crafts, and even private surf lessons. While the kids are busy on the beach, the parents can head next door to sister resort Mission Pacific, where guests of The Seabird have access to the rooftop pool and bar. This chic, more adults-version of oceanfront fun includes a lively rooftop scene, whether you’re dining with views of the ocean or lounging on a daybed by the rooftop pool.
The Verdict
The Seabird Ocean Resort & Spa and Mission Pacific Beach Resort makes a great homebase for a weekend at the beach with the family this summer. This oceanfront resort caters to the entire family with plenty of kids activities through its “Little Seabirds” kids program, and the location and amenities like onsite dining make this an easy win for parents. Just in time for summer travel, The Seabird Resort has a “Kids Eat Free” offer, which includes free breakfast or brunch at Piper for kids and free valet parking, too.
To learn more and book your stay, visit theseabirdresort.com.
