COUPLE’S ESCAPE FROM L.A.
BY LIZ SHELDON
There’s nothing more romantic than a sunny weekend escape by the ocean, with delicious food, inventive cocktails, and fun activities. And there’s nothing less romantic than sitting in traffic or rushing through a busy airport. So may we suggest a quick escape from L.A. to Oceanside, California? Our 48-hour itinerary for couples starts with a picturesque train ride down the coast and comes complete with surf lessons, spa treatments, and some damn good tacos. We’ve mapped it all out here so you can just relax and enjoy.
FRIDAY AFTERNOON
Ease into the weekend with a leisurely ride on Metrolink, whose Orange County Line winds down the scenic SoCal coast on its way to Oceanside. Soak in the romance of the rails and see if you can achieve Inbox Zero before the R&R begins.
FRIDAY EVENING
Check into your ocean-view room at Mission Pacific in time to catch a dreamy Pacific sunset. Then head upstairs to The Rooftop Bar and enjoy the warm coastal breeze — preferably with a zesty Pina Mia (made with serrano-infused tequila and pineapple-infused mezcal) and a few of Chef Roberto Alcocer’s Baja-inspired small plates, like ceviche tostadas and octopus tacos.
SATURDAY MORNING
Sleep in — it’s Saturday! Then head down to breakfast at High/Low, our all-day California-style cafe. The coffee comes from Oceanside’s own Revolution Roasters, which also bakes the fresh pastries — try their homemade Pop-Tarts, filled with local strawberries. Or go savory with spicy huevos rancheros.
SATURDAY AFTERNOON
Oceanside offers some of the best surfing in the world, and the seasoned experts at North County Surf Academy can help even total beginners experience the exhilaration of catching a wave. Book a couple’s surf lesson in advance with our concierge. When the lesson’s over, hang out on the beach and watch the locals showing off their skills (many pro surfers call Oceanside home), or stroll the famous Oceanside Pier and maybe even cast a line.
SATURDAY EVENING
Wind down at Sunny’s Spa & Beauty Lounge, located next door at our sister property The Seabird Resort. The full-body Soul Ritual experience includes breathwork and a body scrub, while the Ocean Devotion treatment offers deep hydration, perfect after a day in the sun. Or book a duo treatment, specially designed to help you decompress and reconnect with each other.
SATURDAY NIGHT
You’ve tasted chef Roberto Alcocer’s casual Baja-inspired food, now try his elevated take on the cuisine of the Guadalupe Valley, Mexico’s most famous wine region. The warm and inviting space at Valle is perfect for a date night, with an inventive menu that highlights the fresh-caught seafood and flavorful local produce — like bone marrow crème brûlée with California sea urchin.
SUNDAY MORNING
Feeling healthy? Head to Piper, across the street at our sister property The Seabird, and order the Superfood Bowl, with açai, sunflower butter, bee pollen, and hemp and chia seed granola. Feeling indulgent? High/Low chef Tara Lazar highly recommends the flaky donuts at Parlor Doughnuts in town. (Explore some of her other local haunts here). Then head to the renowned Oceanside Museum of Art, whose rotating exhibits feature local artists in all stages of their careers, many of them inspired by the sea and surrounding landscape.
SUNDAY AFTERNOON
Before checking out, swing into Mission Pacific’s retail space, The Ozone, to pick up some gifts designed and made by members of Oceanside’s burgeoning creative community — leather bags from Rais Case, sunglasses from RAEN, jewelry by Zofia Day. Soak up some final moments of sun by the pool at The Shelter Club, and have a perfectly cooked burger with views of the sea before heading back to the Surfliner fully rested and restored.
