Oceanside resort named No. 1 in Southern California by Condé Nast Traveler

OCEANSIDE, Calif. (FOX 5/KUSI) — Oceanside’s hospitality scene just scored a major win as two of the coastal city’s resorts have been named among the very best in Southern California, according to a popular luxury and travel magazine.

The Condé Nast Traveler’s 2025 Readers’ Choice Awards, voted on by more than 750,000 readers, highlight the best destinations and hospitality experiences around the world—and this year, the top resort in SoCal can be found in San Diego’s North County.

Think rooftop sunsets with live DJs setting the mood, MICHELIN-starred cuisine, and a historic house from “Top Gun” turned cafe. It’s the Mission Pacific Beach Resort that’s turning heads and keep visitors coming back, securing the No. 1 ranking.

Opened in 2021, Mission Pacific blends boutique luxury with breezy coastal vibes. With 161 oceanview rooms, a rooftop pool and bar, curated artwork from the Oceanside Museum of Art, and the acclaimed Valle restaurant by MICHELIN-starred Chef Roberto Alcocer, this is not your typical beach hotel.

And yes — the original “Top Gun” house sits right on the property, reimagined as HIGH-pie, a nostalgic hand pie spot that feels as whimsical as it does Instagram-worthy.

“To be recognized as the No. 1 hotel in Southern California by Condé Nast Traveler is an extraordinary honor, as it reflects the genuine experiences of our guests,” said Tim Obert, area managing director, Hyatt. “We’re deeply grateful for this recognition by readers of one of travel’s most respected publications.”

Right next door, The Seabird Ocean Resort & Spa, Mission Pacific’s sister property, also earned high praise— landing at No. 14 in the region. With 226 rooms, an ocean-facing spa and nearly 20,000 square feet of event space, The Seabird brings relaxation and elegance to the West Coast shoreline.

This is not the first time Mission Pacific has received national recognition. In 2024, the resort was named the No. 1 Resort Hotel in the Continental U.S. by Travel + Leisure. With back-to-back honors from two of the most respected names in travel, Oceanside is quickly becoming a go-to destination for travelers.

“It’s a joy to watch guests connect with our vision of authentic Oceanside hospitality—from our award-winning drinking and dining destinations to our celebration of local surf scene,” Obert added. “We’re proud to represent not just our resorts, but the thriving community of Oceanside.”

Oceanside — or “O’side,” as locals call it — is in the midst of a full-blown glow-up. What was once a laidback surf town is now a rising star on the SoCal travel map, drawing foodies, artists and style-conscious travelers from around the globe.