California is also referred to as the golden state and it is a haven for travelers. It boasts some of the most stunning attractions to explore. The state offers a fascinating destination for thousands of tourists who love its pristine beaches, lively cities, several natural wonders, and amusement parks. There are bustling cities such as Los Angeles and San Francisco, which feature a host of famous sites like Disneyland, Hollywood, and Golden Gate Bridge, among others. It is also home to the planet’s largest and tallest trees, North America’s largest alpine lake, and plenty of options for outdoor adventure. If you are in pursuit of a restful vacation, then book a stay in a hotel on the beach. Check out our list, below, of the best beachfront hotels in California, to explore some of the best attractions the state has to offer.
We handpicked these listings carefully, considering (wherever possible) recent guest reviews, accommodation type, prices, availability of dates, decor, and location with easy access to beach. The image galleries get refreshed with the latest updates regularly. They were last updated on April 09, 2024.
1. Pacific Terrace Hotel (from USD 394)
Just a few steps from the surf, Pacific Terrace Hotel boasts unmatched beachfront tranquility. Set on Pacific Brach Park, the hotel features a relaxing hot tub and a refreshing beachfront outdoor swimming pool. Some of its island-inspired guestrooms offer unobstructed ocean views. Each luxury guestroom has been decorated with dark wood furnishings and comes with a private bathroom with free toiletries and terrycloth bathrobes. If you are looking for touristy things to do, check out attractions such as the San Diego Zoo, Gaslamp Quarter, and Mission Bay Golf Course and Practice Center, which are all a short car ride away.
Pacific Terrace Hotel
Address: 610 Diamond Street
245.61 km (152.7 mi) from Ventura Harbor Village
2. The Ritz-Carlton Bacara, Santa Barbara (from USD 909)
High-end pricing, with some room discrepancies and overpriced amenities.
Beautiful location, spa services, pools, beach access, and free bike rentals.
Scenic oceanfront setting, though some noise and distance issues.
Mixed dining experiences, with some overpriced and slow service, but delicious fresh food choices.
The Ritz-Carlton Bacara in Santa Barbara is a bestseller, which is certainly understandable. Located close to the Sandpiper Golf Course, the resort is only moments from the beach. The plush accommodation boasts a string of modern facilities including an outdoor pool, stunning ocean views, and a fitness center. Each guestroom comes with a private patio to enjoy some great views. The rooms offer many details to add to the convenience and comfort, including a minibar, a seating area, a TV, and a private attached bathroom. Tourist attractions such as the Santa Barbara Mission and Santa Barbara city center, are a quick drive away.
The Ritz-Carlton Bacara, Santa Barbara
Address: 8301 Holllister Avenue
63.85 km (39.7 mi) from Ventura Harbor Village
3. The Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon Bay (from USD 959)
Overlooking the shores of the Pacific Ocean, Hotel Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon Bay, is encircled by a couple of championship golf courses and it is a haven for golf lovers. The hotel boasts two gourmet restaurants and spacious well-decorated guest rooms. The rooms offer views of the mountains and the ocean, and they are decorated with beachside and coastal accents. San Francisco Airport can be easily accessed from the hotel as it is just about 37.01 km (23 mi) away.
The Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon Bay
Address: One Miramontes Point Road
456.04 km (283.4 mi) from Ventura Harbor Village
4. Fairmont Miramar Hotel & Bungalows (from USD 466)
If you are looking for quick beach access, Fairmont Miramar Hotel & Bungalows can be one of the best bets for you. Just a few minutes’ ride from Santa Monica Beach Park, the hotel is loaded with modern amenities and facilities to ensure a relaxed stay. It offers a rejuvenating hot tub, an outdoor swimming pool, and a full-service spa for your comfort. Many of the rooms have an attached balcony to enjoy garden or ocean views. Other in-room amenities include a flat-screen TV, marble bathrooms, ironing, and coffee-making facilities. The property is a short drive from UCLA, downtown Los Angeles, and Riviera Country Club.
Fairmont Miramar Hotel & Bungalows
Address: 101 Wilshire Boulevard
74.61 km (46.4 mi) from Ventura Harbor Village
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... Read more
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5. Shutters On The Beach (from USD 1050)
Perched directly on the sea beach, this beautiful resort in Santa Monica, California, boasts an outdoor pool, two oceanfront on-site restaurants, and a rejuvenating spa. All guestrooms here come with spacious spa baths while the private bathrooms feature free toiletries, bathrobes, and slippers. There is also a flat-screen TV, an in-room library, and a docking station for your iPod in each room. Some of these rooms come with an attached balcony. A contemporary beachfront gem, the resort is a short walk from Santa Monica Pier. Los Angeles International Airport is a quick ride from this property.
Shutters On The Beach
Address: 1 Pico Boulevard
75.83 km (47.2 mi) from Ventura Harbor Village
6. Casa Del Mar (from USD 675)
Located in proximity to the sandy surf, this oceanfront property in Santa Barbara offers two on-site restaurants to titillate your taste buds. The hotel offers a relaxing outdoor swimming pool as well as a hydrotherapy spa tub in every room. The rooms here are beautifully designed, with modern amenities such as air conditioning, TV with cable/satellite channels, a minibar, and a coffee maker. Select rooms offer beautiful views of the ocean. Guests can stay fit by working out in the on-site gym where private instructors are also available. Venice Beach and Los Angeles International Airport are both a short drive from Casa Del Mar.
Casa Del Mar
Address: 1910 Ocean Way
75.91 km (47.2 mi) from Ventura Harbor Village
7. Crowne Plaza Hotel Ventura Beach (from USD 229)
Nestled on the coast of the Pacific Ocean, the resort is a plush property with plenty of charm. Enjoy your meals at the on-site restaurant or take a leisurely dip in the heated outdoor swimming pool. The furnished terrace, with some great ocean views and a fire pit, is the perfect place to relax when you are not in the mood to go out. All air-conditioned rooms feature an attached balcony with mesmerizing ocean views. Other exciting facilities include a fitness center, a parking space, free Wi-Fi, and tea/coffee-making facilities in all rooms. You will be close to Seaside Wilderness Park while staying here.
Crowne Plaza Hotel Ventura Beach, an IHG Hotel
Address: 450 East Harbor Boulevard
4.72 km (3.0 mi) from Ventura Harbor Village
8. Pavilion Hotel (from USD 223)
A stylish beachside property, Pavillion Hotel boasts beautifully landscaped gardens as well as a relaxing lounge with fire pits and cabana seats. All rooms display pleasant decor and offer free Wi-Fi, a flat-screen TV, a Blu-ray player, and a DVD player among others. The guest rooms are decorated in blue accents and they feature contemporary wood furnishings. If you are interested in doing touristy things, visit Catalina Grand Casino, which is a few minutes’ walk away, while Pointe Catalina Island Golf Club is a short drive from the hotel.
Pavilion Hotel
Address: 513 Crescent Avenue
132.32 km (82.3 mi) from Ventura Harbor Village
9. Kimpton Shorebreak Huntington Beach Resort (from USD 469)
Reasonable pricing for beachfront location, with complimentary amenities like happy hour, morning coffee, and beach equipment.
Dog-friendly with free bike and board rentals, social hours, s'mores kits, and games in the lobby.
Prime location across from Huntington Beach Pier, near shops, restaurants, and nightlife.
Excellent dining options with happy hour, complimentary breakfast, and a vibrant restaurant atmosphere.
Moments from the majestic Pacific Ocean, Kimpton Shorebreak Huntington Beach Resort is in proximity to Huntington Beach’s lively and hip nightlife. This full-service, boutique hotel provides an array of contemporary amenities, such as a state-of-the-art gym, as well as an on-site restaurant cum bar. Relish some delectable Asian and Latin American delicacies. The rooms feature all the latest amenities to enjoy a luxurious stay. The concierge staff can arrange for bicycle rentals on your request. This property is only a few seconds from attractions like gourmet restaurants, shopping facilities, and a string of water and beach activities.
Kimpton Shorebreak Huntington Beach Resort, an IHG Hotel
Address: 500 Pacific Coast Highway
133.32 km (82.9 mi) from Ventura Harbor Village
10. Hotel Californian (from USD 909)
Hotel Californian is an efficient property providing excellent beach facilities within easy reach. The hotel is a stone’s throw from the nearest beach and it is set close to Santa Barbara’s Funk Zone. It is loaded with a host of facilities like a refreshing outdoor swimming pool, an on-site spa, and multiple on-site restaurants. All rooms are decorated with a flat-screen TV, air conditioner, a coffee machine, cable channels, a fridge, and complimentary toiletries, among others. Some guestrooms are equipped with an attached balcony. Santa Barbara Wine Collective and Kunin Wines are only a few steps from this modern accommodation.
Hotel Californian
Address: 36 State Street
43.43 km (27.0 mi) from Ventura Harbor Village
California beach getaway
California is an excellent destination for your upcoming family vacation. Staying in a beachfront property during your getaway can be an excellent remedy. So, if you are looking for a plush hotel near the beach or comfortable accommodation in proximity to the glimmering surf, these beachfront hotels in California, are your best bet.
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