Are you looking for a quintessential California vacation? Then, you’re in luck. With an 840-mile-long coastline, the state boasts some of the most beautiful beaches in the US, and there are plenty of oceanfront hotels where you can stay to make the most out of these seaside escapes.
Throughout California’s sun-kissed beaches, from San Diego to Half Moon Bay, you’ll all kinds of accommodations, including high-end resorts, low-key b&bs, and luxurious hotels with stunning ocean views.
Most of California’s beach hotels, by the way, are also outfitted with modern amenities such as full-service spas, on-site restaurants, free beach cabanas, and outdoor swimming pools, to name a few.
In this blog post, we’ve compiled a well-curated selection of the best hotels on the beach in California, so you can make the most of your trip without worrying about where to stay. Have a look below to learn more!
The 11 Best California Beach Hotels
Loews Coronado Bay Resort, San Diego
Loews Coronado Bay Resort is one of the best hotels in San Diego. Beautifully situated on Coronado Island, this luxurious hotel features 440 guestrooms, 40 plush suites, and private balconies or patios overlooking the Pacific Ocean.
Artfully decorated with soothing colors that evoke the atmosphere of San Diego, all the rooms are equipped with luxury amenities like free wi-fi, 55-inch flat-screen TVs and Keurig coffeemakers, Stearns & Foster pillowtop mattresses, and plush terrycloth robes.
Loews Coronado Bay Resort feels more like a private oasis than a resort. Here, travelers can unwind and forget about the outside world while sipping in a freshly made mojito by the pool or enjoying a tropical sea-stone massage at the on-site luxury spa.
Those looking for fun can rent jet skis, sailboats, kayaks, or SUP boards and head to the Loews Private Marina for an adventure in the water.
Other Loews Coronado Bay Resort facilities include four restaurants and bars and meeting spaces for business travelers.
Address: 4000 Coronado Bay Rd, Coronado, CA
Top Amenities: Three heated swimming pools & a poolside concierge, full-service spa, fitness center, shuttle to Silver Strand State Beach and Downtown Coronado Village, babysitting, dry cleaning & pressing, valet parking
Montage Laguna Beach, Laguna Beach
Montage Laguna Beach is the ultimate Laguna Beach getaway for luxury-loving travelers. Beautifully nestled on a coastal bluff above the Pacific Ocean, the hotel is a gem in Southern California and boasts 258 luxurious accommodations, each with its features and amenities.
Level up your stay by booking the Ocean Surf King Room with a private patio offering expansive, unobstructed ocean views. You can drink your morning coffee while taking in the superb breeze of the Pacific to kick off the day with plenty of energy. This 500 sq. ft. room has one king-size bed, a marble bathroom, a deep soaking tub, and a separate shower.
Spanning 30 acres, Montage Laguna Beach also has two outdoor pool decks, a 20,000-square-foot spa, and three signature restaurants with spectacular views of the California coast.
Address: 30801 Coast Hwy, Laguna Beach, CA
Top Amenities & Services: Swimming pool, spa, restaurants, meeting space
Hotel Californian, Santa Barbara
The Hotel Californian perfectly encapsulates the American Riviera glamour. This charming hotel is beautifully set within a Spanish colonial building, framed by the glittering Pacific Coast and the majestic Santa Ynez Mountains.
Boasting picture-ready interiors designed by Martyn Lawrence Bullard, the hotel has 121 well-appointed rooms and suites that combine Spanish Colonial Revival architecture with Moroccan influences. In more luxurious rooms and suites, guests will be treated to breezy private balconies featuring stunning views of the Santa Ynez Mountains, the Pacific Ocean, or the cityscape.
The Hotel Californian also has a glittering outdoor swimming pool, where guests can take a refreshing dip while sipping on creative cocktails, as well as an on-site spa featuring salt massages, baths, and face & full-body treatments.
Another hotel highlight is the Goat Tree, an al fresco cafe serving pastries and baked goods, cold-pressed juices and coffee, seasonally curated picnic baskets, and a full breakfast menu. All with a flavor of Mediterranean culinary influence.
Address: 36 State St, Santa Barbara, CA
Top Amenities: Fitness center, spa, outdoor pool, events facilities, custom hotel Californian bicycles, Tesla & standard EV car chargers, free wi-fi
Portola Hotel & Spa at Monterey Bay, Monterey
Portola Hotel & Spa at Monterey Bay is a AAA Four Diamond hotel close to Old Fisherman’s Wharf, Monterey State Historic Park, and the famous Monterey sea lions.
This hotel is the ideal destination for a family vacation and a romantic getaway, as it offers a range of amenities and services designed to cater to every need.
Guests can relax and rejuvenate in the outdoor plunge pool or Jacuzzi surrounded by lush landscaping or indulge in a signature treatment at the award-winning spa, which offers more than 40 therapies, including aromatherapy facials and coconut balm massages.
The hotel also offers bicycle rentals from Adventures by the Sea for those who love exploring the city on two wheels. And for those who enjoy craft beer, the on-site brewery is not to be missed.
The hotel rooms are all coastal-inspired and feature contemporary furniture, air conditioning, headboards with built-in lighting, USB outlets, and Keurig® Coffee Makers. Best of all, pet-friendly rooms are available for those who want to bring their furry friends along on their Monterey adventure.
Address: Two Portola Plaza, Monterey, CA
Top Amenities & Services: 24-hour business center, outdoor pool & jacuzzi, concierge services, restaurants & bars, meeting & event space
Casa del Mar, Santa Monica
Casa del Mar is a luxurious beachfront getaway in Santa Monica. Housed in a 100-year-old building that was once a luxe beach club for A-list celebrities, this historic hotel is inspired by the charming villas of the Mediterranean and boasts 129 guestrooms, including 17 suites, all pampered with amenities like hydrotherapy spa tubs, luxury Italian linens, in-room libraries, and stunning coastal décor in soft blues, whites, and beiges. Some rooms even offer breathtaking coastline views from Palos Verdes to Malibu.
The hotel also features a spa specializing in anti-aging and hydrating treatments, oceanfront restaurants, and a beach concierge to help you arrange all your ocean adventures.
Guests staying at Casa del Mar will also benefit from a prime location, as the hotel is within walking distance of the beach and the Santa Monica Pier. You’ll also easily reach Downtown Los Angeles and the Los Angeles International Airport (LAX Airport) from here.
Address: 1910 Ocean Way, Santa Monica, CA
Top Amenities & Services: Beach concierge, on-site spa, fitness classes, on-site restaurants, Italian marble bathrooms, in-room Nespresso coffee machine, Dyptique bath amenities
Paséa Hotel & Spa, Huntington Beach
Paséa Hotel & Spa is one of the most celebrated California hotels. Located on the edge of the Pacific Ocean, just steps from the beach and a short walk to the iconic Huntington Beach Pier, the hotel has 250 elegant rooms filled with luxe amenities.
Custom Frette® linens, exclusive hooded sweatshirt robes, and luxury Aarna Spa bath products await in each room, many of which have private balconies offering stunning views of the Pacific Coast Highway and the ocean.
And when it comes to relaxation, Paséa’s Aarna Spa offers Polynesian-inspired massages and restoring beauty treatments, while the fitness center provides pilates sessions and one-on-one sessions with personal trainers.
Dining options are equally impressive, with contemporary coastal dishes at Tanners and refreshing cocktails at the Ninth Island Bar by the swimming pool. Whether seeking a romantic getaway or a relaxing beach vacation, Paséa Hotel & Spa is your ultimate California destination.
Address: 21080 CA-1, Huntington Beach, CA
Top Amenities & Services: Spa, swimming pool, events space, fitness center, in-room dining, pool cabanas, pet-friendly
Wayfarer San Diego, San Diego
You can’t help but love Wayfarer San Diego. Located on the sand in Pacific Beach, this laidback hotel has 126 bright, beach-inspired rooms, several offering ocean views. All accommodations are pampered with a mini refrigerator, 65-inch flat-screen TV, complimentary Wi-Fi, air conditioning, Lather Bath amenities, and furnished balconies for guests to take in the beachside sunrise and sunset.
In this dreamlike getaway, guests can take advantage of on-site surf lessons and Beach Cruiser Bike Rentals. Relax in the year-round heated pool and spa, or explore San Diego’s vibrant attractions. Wayfarer San Diego is the perfect place to unwind and embrace the ultimate Southern California beach lifestyle.
Address: 707 Pacific Beach Dr, San Diego, CA
Top Amenities & Services: Seasonal on-site surf lessons, 24-hour business center, on-site parking, complimentary Wi-Fi, oceanfront pool & spa
The Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon Bay
Ritz-Carlton is a gem perched atop a rugged oceanside bluff in Half Moon Bay. Situated just 30 minutes from San Francisco and Silicon Valley, this 5-star resort offers guests the opportunity to escape from the pressures of life and enjoy luxury at its finest.
You’ll have many options with 239 guest rooms and 22 suites, including secluded Guest Houses. Each room has sumptuous bedding, in-room dining, a deep soaking hot tub, and expansive golf course views.
The resort’s spa offers an array of treatments, including an HydraFacial treatment and a Full Moon Sound Therapy Meditation ritual. Golf enthusiasts will love the resort’s Ocean Course and parkland-style Old Course, offering stunning views and challenging play. The hotel also boasts several restaurants and cafes, including the acclaimed seafood restaurant Navio, known for its indulgent Sunday Brunch.
Address: 1 Miramontes Point Rd, Half Moon Bay, CA
Top Amenities & Services: Spa, golf courses, indoor and outdoor meeting space, Executive business center, tennis courts, Techno gym
Monarch Beach Resort, Dana Point
The Waldorf Astoria Monarch Beach Resort & Club is a luxurious retreat perched atop a massive seaside bluff in Dana Point.
This AAA Five-Diamond resort has spacious and well-appointed guest rooms and suites with private terraces and patios, custom-designed furnishings, and spa-inspired bathrooms. Guests can enjoy the refreshing coastal breezes on their private terrace or patio, which provide the perfect ambiance for a morning cup of coffee or a picturesque sunset.
Guests can relax in their private beach club, lounge poolside in their private cabana, work out in the open-air Athletic Club, or have a thrilling golfing session on the resort’s stellar championship golf course. There’s also a spa, the Waldorf Astoria Spa, which offers personalized treatments, and several on-site restaurants. A must-try is the acclaimed Bourbon Steak Orange County from chef Michael Mina.
Address: Dana Point, California 92629
Top Amenities & Services: Golf course, swimming pool, spa, restaurants, private beach club
Hotel La Jolla Curio Collection by Hilton, La Jolla
Hotel La Jolla Curio Collection is a luxuriant retreat nestled among the palms of La Jolla Shores. Located within walking distance of the beach and close to the idyllic La Jolla Cove, this San Diego hotel boasts 110 guest rooms and suites featuring Serta Suite Dreams® bedding and furnished balconies or patios overlooking the ocean or city.
Take your stay to the next level by booking the spacious King Bed High Floor Ocean View room, which boasts a breezy terrace from where you can watch a heartwarming sunset over the ocean.
Guests can spend hours in the hotel’s outdoor pool or simply head over to La Jolla beach, beautifully framed by a rugged coastline. Maybe even feast on some jet-fresh seafood at Cusp Dining & Drinks, the hotel’s oceanfront restaurant (try the lobster risotto paired with a glass of Fel Chardonnay, you won’t regret it!).
Address: 7955 La Jolla Shores Dr, La Jolla, CA
Top Amenities & Services: Fitness center, indoor & outdoor event venues, outdoor pool, digital key, on-site restaurant
FAQ
What Is The Best Time To Visit California?
Boasting consistently lovely weather, California is a year-round destination. For indulging in milder yet luminous and pleasant weather, September and October are ideal months to visit California.
What is the prettiest beach near Los Angeles?
The best beaches near LA are:
- El Matador State Beach, Malibu;
- Zuma Beach, Malibu;
- Santa Monica Beach, Santa Monica;
- Paradise Cove Beach, Malibu;
- Huntington City Beach, Huntington Beach;
- Leo Carillo State Beach, Los Angeles County.
What is the nicest beach in California?
The 30 best California beaches are:
- Huntington City Beach, Huntington Beach;
- Crystal Cove, Laguna Beach;
- South Mission Beach, San Diego;
- La Jolla Shores, San Diego;
- West Beach, Santa Barbara;
- Butterfly Beach, Santa Barbara;
- Santa Monica Beach, Santa Monica;
- Ocean Beach, San Francisco;
- Baker Beach, San Francisco;
- Half Moon Bay State Beach, San Mateo;
- Zuma Beach, Malibu;
- El Matador State Beach, Malibu;
- Main Beach, Laguna Beach;
- Pfeiffer Beach, Big Sur;
- Carmel Beach, Carmel by the Sea;
- Arroyo Burro Beach, Santa Barbara;
- Venice Beach, Los Angeles;
- Oceano Dunes, Pismo Beach;
- Victoria Beach, Laguna Beach;
- Main Beach, Santa Cruz;
- Manhattan Beach, Los Angeles;
- Wildcat Beach, Point Reyes National Seashore;
- Stinson Beach, Marin County;
- Tourmaline Beach, San Diego;
- Point Dume State Beach, Malibu;
- Hermosa Beach, Los Angeles;
- Glass Beach, Fort Bragg;
- East Beach, Santa Barbara;
- Paradise Cove Beach, Malibu;
- Torrey Pines State Beach, San Diego.
Where can I stay in Los Angeles near the beach?
The Best Hotels on the Beach in L.A. are:
- Malibu Beach Inn Malibu Beach Inn;
- Hotel Erwin, Venice Beach;
- Casa del Mar, Santa Monica;
- The Surfrider, Malibu.
What are the best hotels on the beach in California?
The best beach hotels in California are:
- Wayfarer San Diego, San Diego
- The Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon Bay
- Monarch Beach Resort, Dana Point
- Hotel La Jolla Curio Collection by Hilton, La Jolla
- Vespera on Ocean, Autograph Collection, Pismo Beach
- Loews Coronado Bay Resort, San Diego
- Montage Laguna Beach, Laguna Beach
- Hotel Californian, Santa Barbara
- Portola Hotel & Spa at Monterey Bay, Monterey
Browse. Book. Stay.
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