Spring is a time of renewal and growth, and nowhere is this more evident than in Oceanside, California. As the weather warms up and the days get longer, new businesses are popping up all over town, offering fresh and exciting experiences for both locals and visitors alike.
Discover Oceanside’s South Morro Hills
South Morro Hills in Oceanside is a hidden gem that visitors should discover as it is one of the few remaining coastal agricultural regions in San Diego. Mellano Farm Stand, a multi-generational family-owned business, is a must-visit destination in South Morro Hills that offers a range of agri-fun experiences throughout the spring and fall seasons. These include strawberry picking, sunflower fields, pumpkin patches, corn mazes, weekend tractor rides and special events such as the popular watermelon festival in July. Additionally, the farm offers weekly for-purchase bounty boxes that contain fresh, seasonal produce for visitors to take home.
New Luxury Yacht Adventures
Oceanside Harbor is now offering private coastal cruises along the stunning North San Diego coastline, with luxurious experiences provided by Good Life Charters‘ 37-foot sport yacht and Way Point Adventures’ 42-foot catamaran. Whether visitors are looking to indulge in the high life or simply enjoy a day out on the water, these new cruises offer something for everyone. With opportunities for family outings, romantic proposals, team building exercises, and more, there’s no shortage of ways to enjoy these unforgettable excursions.
New Speakeasies Focus on Late Night Fun
Oceanside’s nightlife scene has received a double boost with the addition of two new speakeasies that offer creative craft cocktails and immersive themed experiences. Ladies Love Outlaws is located inside Heritage Barbecue & Beer Co. and boasts a dark and moody atmosphere with a laid-back Honky Tonk vibe. The bar’s vintage jukebox is loaded with classic country gold, and Bar Director Wyatt DeMars has crafted aptly named cocktails like “Big Buckle Energy” with Madre Mezcal, Cucumber, Cinnamon, and Aztec Chocolate, and the “Bolo Tie” with Abasolo Corn Whiskey, Rye, Poblano, Lemon, and Oat. Meanwhile, The Space Pad at Kilowatt Brewery, is an otherworldly cocktail lounge inspired by the planet Rillispore. Guests enter through a space elevator to experience the 1950s atomic era-styled cosmic ambiance and can choose from a menu of innovative cocktails designed by Mixologist Cristian Diaz, known for his work at Disneyland Hotel’s Trader Sam’s Enchanted Tiki Bar. Menu items include cocktails with flavored smoke bubbles, lava lamp drinks that change color, and spherefied cocktails that patrons can bite into.
Asian Street Eats Inspire New Dining Venues
Oceanside’s newest food venues have been inspired by Asian street food, and they’re quickly becoming must-visit destinations. One of these is Mak Mak Organic, a new fast-casual eatery near the picturesque Oceanside Pier. Here, celebrated Chef James Limjoco serves up fresh, homespun recipes from Thailand, Singapore, The Philippines, Vietnam and South Korea in a modern, spacious setting. The menu features a variety of chicken and vegetarian options, as well as complementary effervescent drinks made from tropical, macerated seasonal fruits. Another hotspot is Haetae, a Korean street food pop-up located within KNVS, an immersive art gallery and cocktail bar at The Fin Hotel in downtown Oceanside. Owner Kevin Chin draws inspiration from his family’s recipes, crafting casual eats like Bulgogi Tacos, Kalbi Rice Bowls with Kim Chi, and Korean Fried Chicken Wings that are sure to satisfy any cravings.
New and Award-Winning Wellness Escapes
Visitors to Oceanside can enjoy a range of new wellness experiences that promote a holistic focus on the mind, body and spirit. The new Affirmations Wellness Center, located in downtown Oceanside, specializes in yoga, massage and reiki, with workshops exploring healing topics such as nutrition and chakras. Recently voted the #2 best Spa in the country by USA Today’s 10 Best readers, Sunny’s Spa at the Seabird Resort is a peaceful oasis with traditional and holistic rituals. Guests can enjoy beautiful ocean views and indulge in newly introduced gemstone treatments, which integrate stones indigenous to the California coast such as blue quartz, magnesite and tourmaline that encourage a balanced, vital and healthy state of mind. Mental health, stress relief and individual expression through art is the focus of Sip, Paint and Gaze events on most Friday evenings at the hip Mission Pacific Hotel. Classes are led by Cynthia’s Artistic Expressions and take place at the Rooftop, where participants can capture Oceanside’s iconic pier at sunset on canvas while enjoying a variety of beverages. Sessions are open to both resort guests and non-guests, with prices starting at $55 per person and including all painting supplies and step-by-step artist instruction.
Uniquely Oceanside Summer Cultural Events
Oceanside’s lively arts and culture scene includes upcoming events that provide visitors with rich and diverse experiences. Mission San Luis Rey Oceanside continues to celebrate its 225th anniversary with the return of Mission Fiesta, June 16-18. The lively, family-friendly event will feature carnival rides, games, live music, food, a beer garden, fun activities and the crowing of Fiesta Royalty – Fiesta King and Queen, Fiesta Prince and Princess, and Fiesta Little Prince and Princess. Meanwhile, Oceanside Museum of Art pays homage to Oceanside’s gorgeous coastlines, charming cityscapes and other visual splendor during its bi-annual Oceanside Plein Air Festival, July 15-22. The event includes plein air painting sessions throughout the city, workshops and a juried exhibition with awards. Registration begins May 1.
For more about what’s new in Oceanside, visit www.visitoceanside.org.
