Beautiful California beach resort named America’s best for stunning views, luxurious rooms and Michelin-starred food

A beautiful California beach resort has been named the best in America, thanks to its stunning views and Michelin-starred food.

Oceanside’s Mission Pacific Beach Resort has taken the top spot in Travel + Leisure’s prestigious reader poll, beating out luxury hotels to become the must-visit destination of 2024.

Opened just three years ago, this seven-story paradise has already caused a stir with its 161 opulent rooms offering breathtaking ocean views.

Plus, it has a Michelin-starred Mexican restaurant, an Instagram-worthy rooftop bar serving craft cocktails at sunset, and an original “Top Gun” house from the 1986 Tom Cruise classic.

A beautiful California beach resort has been named America’s best, thanks to its stunning views, luxurious rooms and Michelin-starred food

The Mission Pacific Beach Resort in Oceanside has taken the top spot in Travel + Leisure’s prestigious reader poll, beating out luxury resorts to become the must-visit destination in 2024 (photo of hotel restaurant)

Tim Obert, area director of the resort, said The Mercury News“I think everyone was completely surprised,”

“It’s our guests who voted for us, and they’re well-traveled and experienced. They know what great is, so it’s flattering that they were kind enough to take the time to vote for us. We were hoping to do well, but I don’t think any of us expected to be number one.”

But it’s not just America that’s fallen in love with this coastal gem. Mission Pacific Beach has also taken the 11th spot on Travel + Leisure’s Top 100 Hotels in the World for 2024.

This comes after Oceanside spent nearly 25 years trying to develop a luxury waterfront hotel, with four failed attempts before finally making the winning bid.

Despite being open during the Covid pandemic, the resort has seen huge revenues.

It has a Michelin-starred Mexican restaurant, an Instagram-worthy rooftop bar serving craft cocktails at sunset and an original ‘Top Gun’ house from the 1986 Tom Cruise classic

Opened just three years ago, this seven-story slice of paradise has already caused a stir with its 161 opulent rooms offering breathtaking ocean views

It now runs at 70 percent occupancy year-round, with occupancy in the summer exceeding 80 percent

Today, occupancy is 70 percent year-round, and in summer it even exceeds 80 percent.

In addition, owners continually invest in keeping the site ‘current and relevant’.

More than 186,000 readers cast their votes.

“When it opened in May 2021, it was during COVID, which was a difficult time to open a hotel,” Obert told the outlet.

This comes after Oceanside spent nearly a quarter century trying to develop a luxury waterfront hotel, with four failed attempts before landing their winning bid.

Sauna pictured in the hotel

“So it started slowly and now it’s gained traction and is competing very well in the market. We’re running around 67, 70 percent occupancy for the year, but this year we’ll be closer to the low 70s,” he added.

‘Like all resorts during the summer through Labor Day, we operate at over 80 percent occupancy.

“Our owners continue to reinvest in the property on a regular basis. They have a background in luxury retail and they continue to innovate the product to stay current and relevant.”

The cost of an overnight stay in July is between $500 and $800.