SpringHill Suites Makes a Splash in Oceanside

I love to travel. In particular I love going when it is off-season, because you get more for your money, and the crowds have dissipated.

I had heard about a new property down in Oceanside, and since I’m a sucker for views of the Pacific, we decided to plan another excursion. Boy, were we in luck!

SpringHill Suites by Marriott just opened in February, and I’ve got to tell you, this is a real bargain for being by the ocean. This stylish surf inspired retreat offers a coastal casual vibe. The rooms are finely appointed with a beachy decor, with modern amenities that discerning travelers expect.

Step outside and you have panoramic views of the Pacific and a long lazy pier that welcomes your attention. There was even a triathlon going on while we were there, and we both enjoyed the plethora of hard bodies traipsing through the lobby.

Nearby, Oceanside’s sunset market was in full swing. This street fair takes place on Thursdays from 5 to 9 PM but it’s advisable to get there early because this place gets busy. I gobbled a few samples before heading off to dinner and I was wowed.

We dined at Hello Betty Fish House, adjacent to the hotel, a seafood inspired hangout, with that cool coastal vibe. Dan, our server, was as bright as a 200-watt light bulb, and gave us a nice tour of the menu. We settled for a variety of seafood dishes with accolades going to their halibut with a citrus lime sauce. Gaze out at the Pacific and be thankful. What a way to end the evening.

The following day we headed east to Bates Nut Farm, a perfect place for kids and the young at heart. Enjoy a hayride, petting zoo, and a wonderful gifts store with all types of goodies.

If beer is your thing you won’t be disappointed with the offerings in Oceanside. Oceanside’s craft beer scene is booming and in the last year alone almost a dozen new venues have popped up. There are even pub-crawl itineraries available showcasing hotspots that offer both sensational beers and delicious local eats.

In particular Bagby Beer Company looked promising, and I was sad that we had had made other plans for dinner. That place was packed. We’ll put it on the list for our next visit to Oceanside.

Oceanside is still one of the more affordable beach destinations in Southern California. But as you look around you can see that the density of fine dining options and things to do are on the rise. And you know what that means, so check it out. You and your wallet won’t be disappointed.

For more information:

www.shsoceanside.com