When the Vegas sun starts sizzling, sometimes the only cure is a salty breeze, sandy toes, and a place where your kids and pets are not just tolerated—they’re treated like VIPs. Enter The Seabird Resort (theseabirdresort.com), Oceanside’s sparkling answer to the family-friendly beach getaway, and just a short drive or flight from the desert. This isn’t your average hotel—it’s the largest beachfront resort to open in San Diego County in half a century, and it’s designed for families, fur babies, and anyone who dreams of swapping neon lights for ocean nights, at least for a weekend.
From the moment you step into The Seabird, you’re greeted by a living room that feels like it belongs to your coolest, most stylish friend. Local artwork, curated by the Oceanside Museum of Art, fills every corner—don’t miss the hand-woven, thrifted T-shirt installation, a nod to the resort’s passion for ocean conservation and environmentalism. The vibe is relaxed and homelike with a touch of coastal chic, and the staff are genuinely delighted to see your kids—and your dog—walk through the door. At check-in, little guests get to pick a special toy from a wagon, and pups are greeted with tail wags and treats.
Rooms at The Seabird are designed for families, couples, or individuals, and even your furry friend. The ocean views from the balconies make you feel like you’ve moved right into a postcard. The delight continues off the front steps. Just a quick stroll across the street lands you on a wide, sandy beach. The resort’s Beach Rambler trailer is your headquarters for all things sun and surf: complimentary boogie boards, chairs, umbrellas, and snacks, so you can pack light and play hard.
Kids will find their tribe at The Seabird’s “Little Seabirds” program, which offers daily crafts like sand art, rock painting, and seashell decorating—plus the occasional bubble party or movie night with popcorn. The pool deck, with its ocean views and heated water, is a favorite for families, and the poolside food and beverage service means you never have to leave your cabana or lounge chair for lunch.
Picky eaters and foodies alike are covered at Piper, the resort’s signature restaurant serving California’s coastal cuisine, features garden-fresh produce, handmade pastas, locally sourced seafood, and more.
As the sky turns gold and the ocean breeze cools, evenings at The Seabird bring a sweet tradition: s’mores kits are available, so families can gather around fire pits to toast marshmallows and swap stories under the stars.
And don’t worry, parents, there’s plenty for you, too. The Shore Room is the go-to spot for sunset cocktails with a panoramic view of the Pacific, and the spa offers everything from massages to sound baths for a little grown-up indulgence.
Outside The Seabird is walkable downtown Oceanside offering a laid-back, family- and pet-friendly coastal vibe with surf shops, quirky boutiques, local art galleries, and plenty of spots to grab ice cream or relax at a sidewalk café.
If you’re craving a date night or a little grown-up adventure, just head across the street to The Seabird’s sister property, Mission Pacific Hotel. This adult-oriented retreat offers elevated retail, a rooftop pool and bar, and a sophisticated atmosphere that’s earned it the number one spot among resorts in the continental US in Travel + Leisure’s World's Best Awards for 2024. Separating the two hotels is the iconic “Top Gun” house, now a pastel-blue landmark where you can snap a photo on a Maverick-style motorcycle—because why not make your own movie moment?
With surf lessons, local shops and restaurants within walking distance, and a staff that genuinely appreciates your visit, The Seabird Resort is the kind of place that makes you feel like you belong. So next time the Vegas heat has you dreaming of ocean breezes, remember anyone—kids, pets, parents, couples, friends alike—can be a Seabird.