By Alison Bailin Batz
Seeking to play on the beach this summer but craving something less familiar? Southern California has no lack of phenomenal coastal gems. Why not head south for a summertime holiday?
The beach towns of Oceanside, Carlsbad and Coronado are just a short drive away from Ventura County — Oceanside, for example, is a mere three hours from Ventura via car — and offer stunning landscapes, luxurious accommodations and delicious dining options. All are conveniently located along Amtrak’s Pacific Surfliner as well, making for an exceptionally stress- (and traffic-) free getaway.
Coronado
Coronado’s roots trace back to 1886 when visionary investors dreamed of a sumptuous seaside sanctuary so fabulous that it would be the talk of the Western world. Cradled between the calm waters of San Diego Bay and the refreshing seascape of the Pacific Ocean, they accomplished their mission — and then some.
For the ultimate Coronado getaway, look no further than the Loews Coronado Bay Resort. Epic in every way, and planning for a multimillion-dollar renovation that will be unlike anything else in North America, Loews boasts multiple mouth-watering restaurants and lounges onsite as well as its own private marina, which allows guests to easily rent a sailboat for a cruise or dock their own boat in one of 80 gorgeous slips. They also rent powerboats, kayaks, stand-up paddle boards and more at the touch of a button.
Of course, the prime location right on the marina means more than just watersports; it also means awe-inspiring views from nearly every single room, especially the waterfront villa suites and both the vice presidential and presidential suites. Ranging in size from 750 to nearly 1,800 square feet, the Loews suites set the standard for coastal luxury, offering bay views from multiple balconies, a grand entertaining space, large flat-screen televisions, Julien Farel bath amenities and hair care products and much more. The resort is also home to three heated pools complete with cabanas, loungers and more, and the award-winning Sea Spa + Fitness. Loews is a five-minute walk from Silver Strand State Beach. Memorial Day through Labor Day, the resort offers a free shuttle back and forth for ease of access.
Coronado also happens to be among the most underrated culinary gems in California.
If seeking something comforting, book a meal at The Henry. An import from Arizona, where The Henry’s first outpost was opened in 2013, this light, bright 6,600-square-foot hotspot boasts a timeless vibe, a blend of Gatsby-era elegance and modern industrial décor. Amenities include a full-service coffee bar for those on the go, an open kitchen, a full-service bar and ample seating throughout its indoor and outdoor spaces. Seeking something extra special with someone special? Located at the iconic Hotel del Coronado, the Michelin-rated Serea, which is recognized by the James Beard Foundation as a Smart Catch Leader for its efforts in sustainable seafood, offers the ultimate in upscale sea-to-table dining. Every seat in the chic, open-air restaurant features views of the beach and ocean, right along with a menu that is ever-changing based on the fresh catches and seasonality of produce. Stake Chophouse is another must. Distinguished by its selection of fine USDA Prime, dry-aged, Miyazaki and Kagawa Prefecture Japanese A5 and Black Grade American Wagyu beef cuts, Stake is a boutique, intimate steakhouse on par with any of the big boys over in San Diego. The peninsula is also home to Michelin-rated Little Frenchie, Neapolitan pizza perfection at Garage Buona Forchetta and long-time staple Coronado Brewing Company.
Looking for even more to do? Be sure to carve out time to float around Coronado with a drink in hand on the Flagship Ferry. Stroll around Orange Avenue, the official Main Street for the region boasting more than 50 locales to shop and dine.
www.discovercoronado.com
Oceanside
Oceanside exudes classic charm and a laid-back vibe, while also offering an abundance of authentically elevated experiences. Visitors can explore everything from beachfront resorts and Michelin-starred dining to thought-provoking art and exhilarating outdoor adventure.
There are two dreamy resorts of note perched just off the water: the Mission Pacific Beach Resort and the Seabird Ocean Resort & Spa. Opened in 2021, the Mission Pacific Beach Resort is an energetic expression of Southern California coastal living. Michelin-starred Valle makes its home on the first floor of the resort, while an expansive rooftop pool and jacuzzi coupled with a chic day-to-night bar and lounge destination offer the ultimate vantage point to take in the views. The restored Graves House, beloved for its appearance in the 1986 hit film “Top Gun,” is also on property. Its sister hotel, The Seabird, is a great place for families, couples and friends. The rooms are colorful, plush and beachy. Home to Sunny’s Spa & Beauty Lounge, voted No. 2 Best Hotel Spa in the country by USA Today, featuring an ocean-view relaxation lounge and a range of services.
Oceanside is known as one of Southern California’s most consistent surf spots, and visitors can book a one-on-one private surf lesson with numerous surf schools to be riding waves by the end of the day. Whitlock Surf Experience offers a two-hour, private Surf Coach and Ocean Guide experience that includes an introduction to local surf spots and tips on how to improve one’s surfing from a former pro. For visitors who prefer to relax on the water, a private excursion on a luxe catamaran or sports yacht is available out of Oceanside Harbor. Knowledgeable sea captains set the stage for fun cruises including wildlife watching and enjoying the beautiful coastal waters.
A self-proclaimed “flip-flop fine dining” town, Oceanside is home to another Michelin-recognized establishment, Dija Mara. With Chef Jason Ambacher in the kitchen, Dija Mara focuses on Balinese fusion using a mix of Southeast Asian flavors with Western flair and Japanese cooking techniques. Matsu, located in the design district, offers modern Japanese cuisine in an edgy but elevated setting. From Chef William Eick, Matsu is centered around a fixed menu that constantly changes with the seasons and availability. 24 Suns, a boundary-pushing Chinese restaurant led by former Addison chefs Nic Webber and Jacob Jordan, officially relaunched in January. With a focus on hyper-seasonal, regionally inspired dishes and an innovative cocktail program featuring duck fat-washed cognac, 24 Suns is part of a growing dining hub in inland Oceanside.
Finally, golfers will be elated that Oceanside boasts the Titleist Performance Institute, which offers private, custom golf fitting sessions from its team of experts. The experience is designed to improve overall player development using Titleist’s innovative technologies for advanced equipment fitting, swing analysis and science-based player conditioning. www.visitoceanside.org
Carlsbad
And then, of course, there is Carlsbad itself! Just north of San Diego, Carlsbad boasts seven miles of pristine beaches, notably South Ponto Beach, which is secluded with high dunes, and Tamarack State Beach, a popular spot for swimming, surfing, kayaking, windsurfing, fishing and beachcombing. It is also famously home to The Flower Fields at Carlsbad Ranch…which is wonderful, but open seasonally March through early May.
The beaches are near ample hotels and resorts, including the newly renovated Park Hyatt Aviara Resort. Located adjacent to a natural wetland preserve, the property features an eye-popping 15,000-square-foot Miraval Life in Balance Spa and fitness center, high-end shops, casual and fine-dining venues including celebrity Chef Richard Blais’ acclaimed Ember & Rye, tennis courts, a recreation lawn complete with badminton, bocce ball, croquet and sand volleyball, and Aviara Golf Club. As the only coastal Southern California Arnold Palmer design, Aviara Golf Club features a unique layout sculpted around Carlsbad’s rolling hillsides and lush landscapes of local wildflowers. The par 72 course offers plenty of bunkers and water features over 7,000 yards.
Beyond its renowned course, Park Hyatt Aviara offers the TaylorMade Aviara Performance Center, Kip Puterbaugh’s Aviara Golf Academy as well as memberships, one-on-one training and more to provide enriching experiences for golfers at every skill level. Further, the Topgolf Swing Suite offers a fun indoor golf experience where players can enjoy food, drinks and virtual golf games. www.visitcarlsbad.com
CORONADO
Loews Coronado Bay Resort
4000 Coronado Bay Road, Coronado
619.424.4000
www.loewshotels.com/coronado-bay-resort
The Henry
1031 Orange Avenue, Coronado
619.762.1022
www.thehenryrestaurant.com
Hotel del Coronado
1500 Orange Avenue, Coronado
619.435.6611
www.hoteldel.com
Flagship Ferry at the Coronado Ferry Landing
1201 First Street, Coronado
coronadoferrylanding.com/ferry-info/
OCEANSIDE
The Seabird Ocean Resort & Spa
101 Mission Avenue, Oceanside
855.420.8163
theseabirdresort.com
Mission Pacific Beach Resort
201 North Myers Street, Oceanside
855.365.5078
missionpacifichotel.com
The Graves House
250 North Pacific Street, Oceanside
oceansidehistoricalsociety.org
Whitlock Surf Experience
609 Mission Avenue, Oceanside
760.994.0506
whitlocksurfexperience.com
CARLSBAD
Park Hyatt Aviara Resort, Golf Club & Spa
7100 Aviara Resort Drive, Carlsbad
760.448.1234