Page 147 - WINE DINE AND TRAVEL SUMMER 2024 LIMA

surfers and surfboard crafters through the
sport’s many stages. There’s an impressive
array of boards and memorabilia, interac‐
tive exhibits covering the science of surfing
and, for thrills, the shark-bitten surfboard
Bethany Hamilton was riding when she was
attacked by a tiger shark and lost her left
arm off Kauai in 2003.
Moving on to the waterfront, I explored
the two oceanfront hotels that have helped
transform Oceanside. The luxe Mission Pa‐
cific Beach Hotel and Seabird Resort & Spa
both opened in 2021 across Pacific Street
from the beach and pier and greatly upped
the lodging bar. The Brick Hotel opened in
2022 in a skinny building dating back to
1888, giving travelers a more intimate ur‐
ban option, and several other small inns
have opened around downtown. The sleek
sand-colored Mission Pacific was hosting a
business meeting group, and folks from
around the country were thoroughly enjoy‐
ing their surroundings. Despite the chill,
guests were gathered around the edges of
the Rooftop Bar overlooking the ocean and
pier. The sky was just beginning to darken
as the sun gave a valiant effort toward a
picturesque setting.
Next door, the Seabird had an over‐
grown beach cottage feel, with art curated
by the Oceanside Museum of Art and
comfy couches in the open lobby. I took a
seat looking out to the deck at the hotel’s
Shore Room and sipped a Salty Sea Dog,
envying those who’d claimed prime turf
around the deck’s fire pits. The sun was do‐
ing its best to add some color to the slate
sky; over time, it added a dramatic golden
glow to the night.
Tasty Indulgences
Much of my pre-trip research was de‐
voted to restaurants, and I had far too
many choices for my time frame. Ocean‐
side’s dining scene is evolving, with one
Michelin-starred restaurant and others

WINEDINEANDTRAVEL.COM 147