Enjoy Quintessential California at The Seabird Ocean Resort & Spa
By: Amanda Huntsman
Just 41 miles from Newport Beach in Oceanside resides The Seabird Ocean Resort & Spa, a hidden quintessential California beachfront boutique property. The perfect place for families, friends, and loved ones to reconnect and rediscover meaningful moments while enjoying the spectacular shoreline.
About Seabird
The Seabird embodies the spirit of classic California coastal living, symbolic of a family beach house with a nautical-inspired aesthetic, where North County's surf culture runs through the veins of the property. Guests will notice the blue and white hues with pops of yellow and contemporary art and furniture. The Seabird has stately architecture, evoking a timeless estate vibe that is above chasing trends and lacks pretension. The resort provides personal, assured, and gracious service, making it a memorable experience. The signature amenities include an award-winning pool with ocean views, Sunny’s Spa & Beauty Lounge offering authentic farm-to-sea treatments rooted in world-class techniques, a stylish wood-paneled library, nearly 20,000 square feet of spectacular ocean-view meeting and celebration spaces, and OMA West; a rotating art gallery at TheSeabird that serves as an extension of the Oceanside Museum of Art. In addition, several of Oceanside’s most dynamic dining destinations are dotted throughout the seaside escape, from the signature restaurant Piper to the sunset hotspot The Shore Room to the poolside oasis The Shelter Club. The Seabird is the imagination of designer Bill Bocken in association with Delawie Interiors and the in-house Value Retail design team. This classic seaside resort is beautifully refined and wonderfully indulgent – an idyllic spot for a picture-perfect getaway.
A Recount of My Two-Day Getaway
I had the pleasure of staying at The Seabird Ocean Resort & Spa and had an incredible experience. The location was perfect; it was just across the street from the beach, making beach days easy and enjoyable. The upscale amenities next door at Mission Pacific Beach Resort was a major bonus, especially the chic rooftop pool. I also appreciated the hotel's commitment to being eco-friendly by replacing single-use plastic bottles with refillable metal alternatives. My kids had a blast with all the Little Seabirds' kid-friendly activities.
Day One:
We started our day off at the beach. We visited the Seabird’s vintage Rambler camper set up on the strand at Oceanside, delivering all you need to have the perfect beach day and live the Southern California dream. The camper has everything guests need, from rental games like volleyball and cornhole to health-conscious food and drink to distinctly Southern Californian beach apparel and supplies. Guests can simply show up and soak up the sun, knowing that The Seabird has anticipated their every want and need. The vintage George T. Hall Company rambler, dating back to 1941, is the only remaining model of its kind, meticulously restored to its original glory by Jeremy Phillips, owner and operator of Hutchbilt Design. Their staff set up beach chairs and umbrellas while we frolicked in the water and built sandcastles with the kids. Next, we had Dinner at Seabirds’ Piper restaurant. The open-kitchen design showcases seasonal local produce, celebrating globally inspired cuisine helmed by award-winning Chef Chris Carriker. Brought to life by award-winning Los Angeles-based design studio Bells + Whistles, Piper's airy dining room is a bright and friendly setting inspired by the California coast. Families feel welcomed, and the menu has a little bit of everything pleasing even the littlest and pickiest of guests.
Day Two:
We decided to have a pool day and treated ourselves to a cabana (available by reservation for a fee) to enjoy a tranquil coastal respite overlooking the glittering Pacific Ocean. The outdoor heated pool area has four private cabanas, lounge seating, and a Jacuzzi. Additionally, if you want to enjoy some adult time, you can send your little ones to partake in the daily craft activities at The Shelter Club. Guests can release their inner DIY and join in on the fun-filled craft time at Oside Beach. Activities include sand art, rock painting, picture frame decorating, seashell painting, and more! Our children enjoyed rock painting while my husband and I snuck away for a quick soak in the jacuzzi sipping mimosas.
While my family wrapped up pool time, I booked a 60-minute massage session at Sunny’s Spa.The spa has bright yellow doors and a whimsical, light-filled interior with ocean views. It offers a unique take on beauty, wellness, and & "soul care." With both traditional and holistic rituals, the spa offers classic massages, innovative treatments, and a full-service beauty lounge. Their treatments use locally and globally sourced products that provide an eclectic blend of "farm to sea" treatments inspired by the power and endless energy of the sun. The spa has a lavish &,000-square-foot space that includes a dry warming sitting area with radiant heat, cooling mist, and aromatherapy showers, a sauna that can be transformed into a tropical bath, nine treatment rooms, and nail and hair stations. I received one of the best massages from Denise. Insider Tip: book Denise early, as her strong hands are a favorite of locals and hotel guests alike.
Overall Experience
The Seabird Ocean Resort & Spa is precisely what the already-gentrifying area needed. Clean lines give all rooms and community spaces an appealingly contemporary look and beach house feel that draws your attention where it belongs: the spectacular views of the ocean. Moreover, its proximity adjacent to the Mission Pacific Beach Resort is a huge bonus. Guests of either hotel have signing privileges at both Hyatt hotels. The Seabird Resort is definitely “worth the drive” from Newport Beach. Whether you are traveling with your significant other or family, this beachside property hits all the marks. And, given the oceanfront location, amenities, and service, you would expect to pay much more. Overall, it was a wonderful experience for the entire family, and we will definitely be back next summer!
Shout-Out
The staff was incredibly friendly, and I must give a special shoutout to Monika from Food & Beverage for the delicious nightcap cookies, Odessa, our waitress at Piper, who was so kind to my daughter and even let her take home a pink tea set; Stephanie from Sunny’s who provided excellent service, and Denise from marketing who shared some great insights with us.
Insider Tips:
For fine dining, head across the street to Mission Pacific Beach Resort’s MICHELIN-Starred restaurant Valle to experience seasonal eight-course tasting menus paired with exquisite wines from Mexico’s Valle de Guadalupe wine region – just make sure you reserve your table in advance!
Need to get some work done? Head to the Wood Library, named in honor of former Oceanside Mayor Jim Wood, right next to Sunny's Spa for a serene workspace with ocean views
Greet the day with rooftop yoga at Mission Pacific, hosted each Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 9AM-10AM
To continue the O’side fun, check out the Oceanside Resorts Membership, a member-based club offering special access to the world-class amenities at both resorts, including entry into Sunny's Spa & Beauty Lounge
Golfers can enjoy 20% off best available room rates at both resorts and 10% off at Sunny's Spa & Beauty Lounge when booking a tour-level fitting with Oceanside's Titleist Performance Institute
The Seabird Ocean Resort & Spa
101 Mission Avenue, Oceanside, California | theseabirdresort.com | IG @theseabird
