Home to adventure, endless possibilities, and Hollywood movies, California is a worthy destination for the bucket list. The state boasts excellent weather year-round, some of the most epic coastal sceneries, and plenty of adventure opportunities. With cities such as San Diego, Santa Barbara, Los Angeles, and San Bernardino, Southern California features a great mix of rugged scenery, hidden beaches, and touristy spots. Some activities you can do here include surfing the waves in Huntington Beach, unwinding in Laguna Beach, and sunbathing and exploring the movie sets in Los Angeles. This part of the state is also dotted with the best accommodations. Start planning your next adventure, and check out the best beach resorts in Southern California.
We handpicked these listings carefully, considering (wherever possible) recent guest reviews, location, accommodation type, prices, availability of dates, decor, and access to beach. The image galleries get refreshed with the latest updates regularly. They were last updated on March 22, 2024.
1. The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel, Dana Point (from USD 640)
Perched atop a hill overlooking the Pacific Ocean, this luxury resort offers guests direct beach access and some of the most breathtaking sunset views. The hotel features a full-service spa, a seafood restaurant, and many outdoor amenities, including two year-round pools surrounded by tall palm trees and sun loungers as well as several indoor and outdoor dining options. No matter where guests are on the property, they will witness panoramic vistas. Each room comes equipped with a coffee maker, a work desk, a flat-screen television, an iPod dock, a DVD player, and bathrobes. Guests can order room service and enjoy a delicious meal or a glass of wine out on the balcony.
The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel
Address: 1 Ritz Carlton Dr
3.07 km (2.0 mi) from Dana Wharf Sportfishing & Whale Watching Dana Point
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2. Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach Resort and Spa (from USD 502)
Slightly expensive but reasonable for the quality and location.
Two pools, one for families and one for adults, shops, restaurants, and a store on site. Pet-friendly with beach gear provided.
Direct access to the beach, walking distance to shops, and close to Huntington State Beach.
Delicious dining options on-site, though some found the pricing a bit high.
One of the most luxurious resorts in the city, the five-star Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach Resort and Spa welcomes guests in an exotic setting and offers them access to a full-service spa, two outdoor pools, a fitness center, and children’s amenities, including a playground, a game room, and a kids’ pool. Whether they opt for a room or a suite, guests can enjoy a bright and elegant space equipped with a desk, a seating area, a private balcony or patio, bathrobes, complimentary toiletries, and a flat-screen television. Huntington Beach is just 200 meters (656.2 feet away)
Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach Resort and Spa
Address: 21500 Pacfic Coast Highway
34.89 km (21.7 mi) from Dana Wharf Sportfishing & Whale Watching Dana Point
3. Montage Laguna Beach (from USD 1080)
This five-star resort in Laguna Beach boasts a spectacular location as it is perched atop a rocky hill right on the beach. The resort is a top choice for families, couples, and guests with pets. On site, guests will find three restaurants serving American and French cuisines and two year-round outdoor pools surrounded by cabanas offering spa services. What’s more, its rooms are bright and spacious, tastefully designed and furnished, and feature a seating area, a minibar, a coffee maker, and a private balcony with great views.
Montage Laguna Beach
Address: 30801 South Coast Highway
8.59 km (5.4 mi) from Dana Wharf Sportfishing & Whale Watching Dana Point
4. Paradise Point Resort and Spa, San Diego (from USD 229)
Paradise Point Resort and Spa is a fabulous beachfront resort in Mission Bay, San Diego, excellent for couples, pet lovers, and families with children. Sitting on a private island, the resort boasts various accommodation options, including standard rooms, suites, and bungalows, all in an exotic setting surrounded by lush vegetation. There is a full-service spa on site, five pools, sports courts, a gym, and beautiful tropical gardens that guests can explore. All rooms are bright, spacious, and equipped with a desk, a minibar, a flat-screen television, a coffeemaker, and a private balcony or a patio. Best of all, Crown Point Beach is 550 meters (1804 feet) away.
Paradise Point Resort & Spa
Address: 1404 Vacation Rd
87.09 km (54.2 mi) from Dana Wharf Sportfishing & Whale Watching Dana Point
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California Tour Guide
Stephanie Eley
I'm a graduate of ITMI, International Tour Management Institute and 17 years as a licensed Tour Director and Program Director. My expertise began in NYC and Washington, DC where I'm a licensed guide and has expanded to Europe, South America, Cuba and the Western / Southwestern National Parks of the US. I'd love to introduce you for a day or a week to Denver, Colorado and the 4 corners region of the US: Colorado, Utah, New Mexico and Arizona! Let's GO!! stepheley@gmail.com
Tours by Stephanie
5. Terranea Resort, Rancho Palos Verdes (from USD 610)
This luxury resort, located 1.5 kilometers (0.9 miles) away from Abalone Cove Beach, welcomes guests in a spectacular natural setting with sweeping ocean views and world-class services. Guests arriving at the retreat will be greeted with a complimentary sparkling wine glass and then accompanied to their luxury room. Here, they will find a private balcony, an ensuite bathroom with a separate bathtub and shower, and a flat-screen television. Guests can enjoy lots of outdoor activities, such as tennis and golf, either on site or nearby. The resort also features a fitness center, five on-site restaurants serving local cuisine, three outdoor pools, a spa, and marvelous gardens with an outdoor fireplace.
Terranea Resort
Address: 100 Terranea Way
72.31 km (45.0 mi) from Dana Wharf Sportfishing & Whale Watching Dana Point
6. Waldorf Astoria Monarch Beach, Dana Point (from USD 820)
Five-star Waldorf Astoria Monarch Beach is a magnificent resort located in a hillside setting. Here, guests can enjoy dining at seven on-site restaurants, swimming in one of the three pools, playing golf, or relaxing at the spa. Each guest room is spacious and bright, and they also have a private terrace or balcony, a flat-screen television, a seating area, and a deluxe bathroom with a separate shower and large bathtub. In addition, the outdoor space is sprinkled with palm trees, sun loungers, and cabanas so that guests can enjoy a relaxing experience. Salt Creek Beach Park is 850 meters (2,789 feet) away, while Dana Strand Beach is 1.2 kilometers (0.7 miles) away.
Waldorf Astoria Monarch Beach Resort & Club
Address: One Monarch Beach Resort
3.32 km (2.1 mi) from Dana Wharf Sportfishing & Whale Watching Dana Point
7. L'Auberge Del Mar Resort and Spa (from USD 399)
High-end pricing, with additional charges for amenities and dining.
Lovely pool, bar, and restaurant area. Krups coffee maker in room. Spa was closed.
Prime location near the beach and shops in Old Del Mar. Can be noisy due to events.
Varied dining options, but pricey with limited menu and high additional charges.
L'Auberge Del Mar Resort and Spa is a beautiful four-star resort that blends luxury amenities with coastal touches. The dog-friendly resort is ideal for couples and families with children. It boasts rooms of various sizes, all equipped with ensuite marble bathrooms, coffee-making facilities, a flat-screen television, and cozy bathrobes. There are two famous beaches a short walk away from the retreat. Still, guests can also stay on the premises and enjoy the outdoor pool, the on-site spa and fitness center, or one of the three restaurants serving American cuisine.
L'Auberge Del Mar Resort and Spa
Address: 1540 Camino Del Mar
68.28 km (42.5 mi) from Dana Wharf Sportfishing & Whale Watching Dana Point
8. The Waterfront Beach Resort, Huntington Beach (from USD 288)
Pricey at $450+ per night, extra resort fees, and $48 per night parking.
Beautiful decor, spacious rooms, lovely pools, and rooftop bar with great views.
Perfect location across from the beach, walking distance to downtown shops and dining.
Good dining options, excellent breakfast buffet, but some restaurants had slow service and overpriced food.
The Waterfront Beach Resort is a five-star Hilton hotel in Huntington Beach, located across the street from the beach with the same name. The resort has a coastal vibe and features a rooftop bar, an outdoor pool with water slides, cabanas, fire pits, and two on-site restaurants. Rooms at the Waterfront Beach Resort come equipped with an iPod dock, a minibar, a seating area with a flat-screen television, and a private balcony or terrace.
The Waterfront Beach Resort, A Hilton Hotel
Address: 21100 Pacific Coast Hwy
35.31 km (22.0 mi) from Dana Wharf Sportfishing & Whale Watching Dana Point
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9. Hotel del Coronado (from USD 554)
High prices for rooms, dining, and amenities, with additional charges for parking and resort fees.
Historical property with beachfront location, pools, and shopping options, though some areas are under renovation.
Prime beachfront location on Coronado Island, close to restaurants, cafes, and stores.
A range of dining options available, with some high-quality but expensive food and limited menu choices.
San Diego County’s five-star Hotel del Coronado is the perfect blend of historic architecture, luxury amenities, and flawless service. Although the hotel dates back to 1888, it boasts nothing but high-class and modern touches. Guests can spend their days here either dipping their toes in the outdoor pool, relaxing with a pool-side massage, or trying one of the water sports options available. The rooms have plenty of natural light and are painted in warm colors and sprinkled with coastal-inspired elements. In addition, each room comes with cozy bathrobes, a desk, a seating area, a minibar, and a flat-screen television. What’s more, Coronado Beach is 250 meters (820 feet) away.
Hotel del Coronado, Curio Collection by Hilton
Address: 1500 Orange Avenue
99.02 km (61.6 mi) from Dana Wharf Sportfishing & Whale Watching Dana Point
10. Loews Coronado Bay Resort (from USD 259)
A short 10-minute walk from the beach and surrounded by excellent facilities, family-friendly Loews Coronado Bay Resort boasts a superb peninsula location. The resort features three pools, a spa and fitness center, and two on-site restaurants that serve fresh seafood and an American menu. Each room features a Keurig coffee maker, a minibar, a seating corner, a luxury ensuite bathroom with bathrobes and complimentary toiletries, and a private balcony.
Loews Coronado Bay Resort
Address: 4000 Coronado Bay Road
105.75 km (65.8 mi) from Dana Wharf Sportfishing & Whale Watching Dana Point
Enjoy the Californian dream in one of these top beach resorts
This summer, you’ll go from dreaming about California to living in California. So whether you want to check out Universal Studios in Los Angeles, go paddle boarding in Huntington Beach, or discover a piece of history in San Diego, you’ll need a place by the sea to stay. So, go check out these fantastic beach resorts along the Southern California coastline.
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