With over 840 miles of stunning coastline and more than 420 beaches, California is the perfect place for a beach vacation.
But with so much coastline, it can be difficult to know where to even begin…
That’s where we come in!
If you’re planning a beach vacation, you’re in for a treat as we’ve compiled a list of the 13 best California hotels on the beach to help you select the ideal vacation spot.
These resorts and hotels offer a perfect blend of relaxation, top-notch amenities and mesmerizing beachfront views.
Table of Contents
1. Inn at the Cove
The Inn at the Cove is located in Pismo Beach, a picturesque coastal town in California, known for its stunning beaches and vibrant community.
This hotel is particularly appealing due to its prime location on a clifftop, offering panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean.
Plus it comes with free breakfast, Wi-Fi and parking, what’s not to like?
Each room at the Inn at the Cove is designed with comfort in mind, featuring modern amenities and private balconies that look out onto the ocean and beach below.
For those looking to explore, the hotel is just minutes from Pismo Beach so guests have easy access to a variety of outdoor activities including surfing, paddleboarding and beachcombing.
The hotel also has a heated outdoor pool and a hot tub where guests can relax whilst enjoying the stunning ocean backdrop.
Its location not only offers direct access to the beach but also places guests within a short drive of local attractions including Pismo Beach Pier and Monarch Butterfly Grove.
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2. Malibu Beach Inn
Malibu Beach Inn is a luxurious boutique hotel located by Carbon Beach in Malibu. This stretch of coastline is affectionately known as “Billionaire’s Beach”.
This exclusive hotel is perfect for anyone seeking an intimate escape and with stunning ocean views and direct beach access, you’ll be blown away.
Every hotel room offers breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean and comes with a private balcony where guests can listen to the sounds of the waves and watch the sunset.
The on-site restaurant, Carbon Beach Club, features seasonal dishes made with locally sourced ingredients and offers dining experiences overlooking the ocean.
Guests can also indulge in spa services delivered in the comfort of their own rooms.
With its prime location, Malibu Beach Inn serves as an ideal base for exploring Malibu including boutique shopping, fine dining and outdoor activities like hiking, surfing and beach yoga.
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3. Seven Gables Inn on Monterey Bay
Seven Gables Inn is located on the scenic shores of Monterey Bay. The rooms themselves are set across 7 elaborate Victorian houses.
This historic bed and breakfast is famous for its stunning Victorian architecture, meticulously maintained gardens and panoramic ocean views that greet guests from every single room.
The Inn’s prime location in Pacific Grove provides a peaceful escape with easy access to the bay and the fresh, salty air of the Pacific Ocean.
Each room at Seven Gables Inn is uniquely decorated and features antique furniture as well as all the modern amenities you might need.
For those looking to explore, the Inn is conveniently located near some of Monterey Bay’s most beloved attractions including the Monterey Bay Aquarium, Cannery Row and the scenic 17-Mile Drive.
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4. Waldorf Astoria Monarch Beach
Waldorf Astoria Monarch Beach is a luxurious hotel located on top of a cliff overlooking the vast Pacific Ocean in Dana Point.
This prestigious resort is well-known for its stunning Mediterranean-inspired architecture and large on-site golf course. The resort itself is huge, sitting on a 175-acre plot.
It features a private beach club, three swimming pools, an on-site spa and a variety of dining options, ranging from casual eateries to fine dining restaurants.
Each room at the Waldorf Astoria Monarch Beach features plush furnishings, modern amenities and private balconies with breathtaking views of the ocean or golf course.
Additionally the resort provides easy access to a variety of activities including surfing at various beaches, hiking along picturesque trails and exploring the local marine life.
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5. Beach Terrace, Carlsbad
Beach Terrace, located in the heart of Carlsbad, offers a serene and intimate getaway directly on the sandy shores of the Pacific Ocean.
In fact, this hotel is the only one located directly on the sand in the whole of Carlsbad!
This family-owned boutique hotel provides guests with exclusive beach access and panoramic ocean views that promise a peaceful escape from everyday life.
The hotel’s spacious rooms feature large windows and private balconies or patios that open up to the ocean.
Beach Terrace has a laid-back feeling with an outdoor pool that overlooks the ocean, allowing guests to soak in the sun and swim with a view.
Plus a complimentary continental breakfast is served daily!
Its prime location in Carlsbad also means that you’re just steps away from the charming village, with its shops, restaurants and cafes, as well as close to popular attractions like Legoland and the Carlsbad Flower Fields.
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6. Pacific Terrace Hotel
Nestled on the sunny sands of San Diego’s famous Pacific Beach, Pacific Terrace Hotel is a jewel that offers a blend of luxurious comfort and scenic beauty.
This oceanfront hotel is a paradise for guests seeking the ultimate beach experience, with its stunning views of the ocean and direct access to the beach.
It also features incredible amenities such as an outdoor heated pool, a hot tub with an ocean view, a terraced cafe and an on-site fitness center. They even offer free cookies!
Guests can start their day with a refreshing swim, followed by a relaxing soak in the hot tub, all whilst admiring the vast expanse of the ocean.
Pacific Terrace Hotel also offers bike rentals (and boogie boards) which makes it easy for guests to explore the vibrant boardwalk and local attractions.
Its prime location in San Diego ensures that you’re never far away from the city’s best attractions, restaurants and entertainment.
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7. Hotel Casa Del Mar
Hotel Casa Del Mar is a stunning beachfront hotel located in the heart of Los Angeles, right on the famous Silicon Beach in Santa Monica.
This hotel stands out because of its elegant, Italian Renaissance-inspired architecture and its breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean.
When you stay at Hotel Casa Del Mar, you’re not just getting a room – you’re getting an experience.
The hotel offers spacious and beautifully decorated rooms with big windows that let you soak in the gorgeous sunsets and listen to the soothing sounds of the ocean waves.
There is also a beautiful outdoor pool where you can relax and enjoy the California sun and a fitness center for those who want to keep up with their workouts.
Additionally, the hotel also has several dining options, serving delicious food that can satisfy any craving, from fresh seafood to Italian cuisine.
Plus, its location in Santa Monica means you’re just steps away from the beach, as well as close to lots of shops, restaurants and attractions like the Santa Monica Pier.
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8. Heritage House Resort & Spa
Heritage House Resort & Spa is a hidden gem located along the rugged coastline of Mendocino.
This tranquil retreat is set on 37 acres of breathtaking scenery, where the Pacific Ocean meets lush gardens and wooded areas.
The resort offers a range of accommodations from cozy rooms to spacious suites, all designed with comfort and elegance in mind.
Large windows and private decks in many of the rooms provide guests with stunning views of the ocean or the serene landscapes that surround the property.
The on-site spa offers relaxing treatments that are perfect after a day of exploring the nearby trails or visiting the charming towns of Mendocino County.
For dining, the resort’s restaurant serves delicious, locally sourced cuisine with a view that can’t be beaten.
The resort also features easy access to the beach, where guests can take a leisurely walk, breathe in the fresh ocean air and maybe even catch a glimpse of whales passing by in the distance.
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9. Surf & Sand Resort
Surf & Sand Resort, located in the picturesque town of Laguna Beach, is a beachfront paradise that pretty much sums up the Southern California lifestyle.
With its stunning location right on the edge of the Pacific Ocean, guests have direct access to the sandy beach and the soothing sound of the waves right at their doorstep.
The resort’s rooms are super luxurious, featuring modern amenities and private balconies that offer breathtaking views of the ocean.
This resort is not just about the spectacular views though, it also offers a range of activities and amenities that will enhance your stay.
The outdoor pool and spa area is a perfect spot to relax and soak up the California sun, whilst the on-site restaurant serves up delicious dishes, complemented by stunning ocean views.
For those looking to explore, Surf & Sand Resort is ideally situated to take advantage of Laguna Beach’s vibrant art scene, boutique shopping and the natural beauty of the coastline.
Surf & Sand Resort is a favorite for travelers seeking a blend of luxury, relaxation and adventure.
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10. Paséa Hotel & Spa
PasĂ©a Hotel & Spa is located in the lively city of Huntington Beach, often referred to as “Surf City USA.”
This luxurious hotel offers panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean, along with easy access to the famous Huntington Beach Pier and miles of stunning sandy beaches.
With a modern design that aims to blend elegance with a laid-back vibe, Paséa Hotel & Spa provides a unique blend of comfort and style.
Each room and suite is thoughtfully decorated with high-end amenities and private balconies where guests can enjoy the refreshing ocean breeze.
The hotel also features a full-service spa offering a range of treatments designed to relax and rejuvenate, a state-of-the-art fitness center and an outdoor pool with cabanas and a fire pit.
Dining at Paséa Hotel & Spa is an experience in itself, with several restaurants and bars serving innovative dishes and cocktails that highlight the flavors of Southern California.
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11. Zachari Dunes on Mandalay Beach
Zachari Dunes on Mandalay Beach sits along the pristine shores of Oxnard and allows guests to enjoy direct access to the soft, sandy beaches and the serene Pacific Ocean.
This luxurious resort features Spanish-inspired architecture and the rooms themselves are very sophisticated.
Expect plush furnishings, modern amenities and private balconies that provide spectacular ocean views or overlook beautifully landscaped gardens.
The resort also has an outdoor pool where you can relax under the California sun, a spa offering rejuvenating treatments and dining options that celebrate local cuisine.
For those looking to explore, the resort’s location offers easy access to a variety of outdoor adventures including kayaking, paddle boarding and biking along the coast.
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12. The Ritz-Carlton Bacara, Santa Barbara
The Ritz-Carlton Bacara in Santa Barbara is a luxurious resort that offers an unforgettable experience in one of California’s most beautiful coastal cities.
Situated on 78 acres of oceanfront property, this resort gives guests spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean and access to two natural beaches.
The resort’s Spanish-style buildings and lush gardens create a serene and picturesque setting, perfect for anyone looking to relax and soak up the beauty of Santa Barbara.
Guests can choose from a variety of rooms and suites, all of which are elegantly furnished and designed to provide maximum comfort and luxury, with many offering stunning ocean views.
There are three infinity pools to choose from, a spa that offers a variety of treatments to help you unwind and several dining options that serve delicious food.
For those interested in exploring the local area, The Ritz-Carlton Bacara is conveniently located near many of Santa Barbara’s attractions including wineries, shopping and outdoor adventures like hiking and water sports.
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13. Hotel del Coronado
Hotel del Coronado is an iconic beachfront resort located on the picturesque Coronado Island, just across the bay from San Diego.
Known affectionately as “The Del”, this historic hotel has been welcoming guests since 1888, combining Victorian elegance with modern luxury.
The hotel’s red-roofed buildings and sprawling grounds offer guests a one-of-a-kind experience, with stunning views of the Pacific Ocean and pristine sandy beaches right at their doorstep.
Rooms at The Del come in a variety of shapes and sizes.
You’ll find everything from cozy, traditional accommodations to modern, beachfront cottages and villas with private balconies and ocean views.
There’s also an outdoor pool where families can splash around and an on-site spa where you can relax.
The hotel also offers a variety of recreational activities including bike rentals, beach volleyball and surf lessons.
Whether you’re seeking a romantic getaway, a family vacation full of adventure or simply a luxurious escape by the sea, The Del promises a perfect stay filled with lasting memories.
Be aware though that this hotel is thought to be one of California’s most haunted places!
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And that’s it!
Those are the best beachfront hotels in California. Hopefully you found something that suits you perfectly.