Start your day at Piper at The Seabird resort . With a California-coastal ambiance , open kitchen and fresh ingredients sourced from regional small farms and artisanal purveyors , Piper is an agreeable destination for breakfast , brunch or dinner . For more of a coffeehouse feel , try Communal . This creative space , less than a mile away , offers specialty coffees , a toast bar and myriad breakfast sandwiches as well as a flower shop and next-door home decor shop . After breakfast , grab an e-bike at Mission Pacific and explore the coast . Cruise south to explore the beaches and surf spots or head north to Oceanside Harbor to see everything it has to offer , from bird watching to finding souvenir swag . Oceanside Harbor is also a mecca for water activities .

AFTERNOON After a little cardio , head back to the hotel and stop by the historic “ Top Gun ” House . The iconic Victorian cottage , made famous by the 1986 movie “ Top Gun ,” sits in the confines of the Mission Pacific Beach Resort , about a block from

its original location . The building serves as an homage to the hit movie and is filled with memorabilia , but it is also home to High-Pie , a dessertfocused eatery featuring baked-to-order mini pies a la mode and more .

After your nostalgic visit , check in for a spa appointment at Sunny ’ s Spa & Beauty Lounge at The Seabird resort . Sunny ’ s is beloved by guests and locals alike and is known for providing 30- to 90-minute hits of joy through its integrated services of wellness and beauty offerings . The environment is open and warm and , no matter the treatment or service you prefer , one can ’ t leave Sunny ’ s unhappy .

EVENING Head up to The Rooftop Bar at Mission Pacific to take in the ambiance and enjoy the sunset . Nosh on snacks and small plates while taking in the scene and watching for the elusive green flash as the sun disappears into the Pacific . Or go out for dinner first and end your evening at the Rooftop listening to the top DJs in town in this open-air lounge . For

dinner , some of the best wood-fired pizza can be found a short walk away at Blade 1936 . Named after the historic building that housed the Blade- Tribune newspaper from 1936 until the 1960s , this local favorite serves up authentic Italian cuisine with modern twists . But it ’ s the Napoli-style pizzas that get all the buzz , partly due to their craveable crusts coming out of the custom-made Italian brick oven .

IF YOU HAVE MORE TIME … There ’ s much more to explore in the area so , if you have the time , visit the California Welcome Center on your way into town . Get some expert advice on what to do and see as well as historical perspective from some passionate O ’ siders . If you ’ re looking for a little more of an adrenaline rush , try iFly Oceanside for an indoor skydiving experience . Or spend some time at one of the top attractions in town , the California Surf Museum , which showcases the history of surfboards and wave-riding and also features revolving exhibits throughout the year . NBM

TOP LEFT AND MIDDLE : COURTESY OF THE SEABIRD OCEAN RESORT & SPA ; TOP RIGHT : DOUGLAS FREIDMAN ; BOTTOM , FROM LEFT : JOSH HILD / UNSPLASH . COM ; JORDAN YOUNIS PHOTOGRAPHY

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