With a combination of natural attractions, vibrant city life, and sources of entertainment, the state of California is teeming with things to do and places to explore. Behold majestic waterfalls at Yosemite National Park or drive along Big Sur’s coastline to witness the beauty of the West Coast. In addition, Universal Studios Hollywood and Disneyland Park will enthrall young and old travelers alike and leave them with memories that will last a lifetime. If you are a beach lover, you will also get to choose between beaches that offer a lively atmosphere filled with food and entertainment and those that seem untouched by civilization. Experience this fun and exciting land of adventure to its fullest by choosing to stay at a beach resort that will give you the perfect mix of leisure and thrill. Read on to find a list of the top beach resorts in California, USA.
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 April 13, 2024.
1. The Pines Resort; Bass Lake (from USD 148)
Pines Resort will give you the rare opportunity to enjoy the pleasures of both the mountains and the beach due to its unique location on Bass Lake in Sierra National Forest. You can enjoy water activities, such as canoeing, fishing, and kayaking, in the resort itself or drive to the nearby Willow Creek Trailhead or Bass Lake Recreation Area for local adventures.
This accommodation also provides on-site bars and restaurants for delicious meals and beverages along with spa services and a seasonal outdoor pool.
The Pines Resort
Address: 54432 N Shore Road
380.44 km (236.4 mi) from Santa Monica Pier
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2. Hotel del Coronado, Curio Collection by Hilton; Coronado (from USD 410)
Stay in this stunning hotel and enjoy stunning views and unparalleled amenities. The full-service spa offers a myriad of massage treatments, including deep-tissue and prenatal sessions, along with a sauna and steam room. With the 18-hole golf course, fitness center, and yoga and aerobics classes on the premises, you will not feel bored here even for a second. Parents will also be happy to know that the accommodation offers in-room child care and babysitting services for a surcharge.
Hotel del Coronado, Curio Collection by Hilton
Address: 1500 Orange Ave
191.96 km (119.3 mi) from Santa Monica Pier
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
excellent room beautiful interior and kept very cleanHost:
the hotel is packed with tourists who aren’t staying here—they’re just looking around because it’s historically amazingRead more reviewsLocation:
the location of this resort it's great but it's a very old building with small updatesit’s just a beautiful place
3. Waldorf Astoria Monarch Beach Resort & Club; Dana Point (from USD 611)
This luxurious beach resort is on a spell-binding private beach where you can enjoy surfing, yoga, and volleyball. You can experience the utmost relaxation in the property’s spa or swim in one of its three outdoor pools. Enjoy delicious food and drinks at the in-house restaurant and bars or take advantage of the 24-hour room service too.
In addition, golf enthusiasts will be glad to know that this resort features a stunning golf course with 18 holes where novices can also take golf lessons. This property is also the ideal destination for families as it is both kid and pet friendly.
Waldorf Astoria Monarch Beach Resort & Club
Address: 1 Monarch Beach Resort
93.09 km (57.9 mi) from Santa Monica Pier
Top guest reviews
Cleanliness:
property was clean and staff was very friendlyRead more reviewsHost:
great resort with exceptional staffbellman that helped us with our luggage upon check out was very kind
4. Seascape Beach Resort Monterey; Aptos (from USD 335)
This resort overlooking the stunning Monterey Bay will allow you to kick back and make the most of your vacation in California. Enjoy a deep-tissue, Swedish, or hot-stone massage at the on-site spa or soak in one of the property’s three outdoor pools, which are open from 10am to 6pm. When you need a break from the water, feel free to rest on the sun loungers surrounding the water.
Thanks to the free Wi-Fi and a 24-hour business center, you can even stay on top of your work while on vacation.
Seascape Beach Resort
Address: One Seascape Resort Drive
447.81 km (278.3 mi) from Santa Monica Pier
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
we were fortunate that one pool was undergoing maintenance so all the pools were open to kidsCleanliness:
the resort itself was clean and well keptclean with great viewsour one bedroom suite was very large and cleanHost:
the staff was friendlyRead more reviewsLocation:
a really cool place to be
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
Tours by Stephanie
5. Heritage House Resort & Spa; Little River (from USD 225)
Retreat to this cliffside haven that stretches over 37 acres (14.97 hectares) to witness the wild beauty of Northern California and stunning views of the Pacific Ocean. The accommodation’s private beach will allow you to spend lots of time splashing in the water and making sand castles. A stay here will also give you the chance to replenish your mind and body thanks to the in-house spa and gym facilities.
Best of all, guests can bring their four-legged friends to join them on their adventures in the area.
Heritage House Resort & Spa
Address: 5200 N Highway 1
748.31 km (465.0 mi) from Santa Monica Pier
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
our room was clean had a great view of the water and was spaciousRead more reviewsHost:
staff so incredibly kindthe stay at heritage house was amazing beautiful property kind and courteous staff and beautiful rooms
6. Villa L'Auberge; Del Mar (from USD 181)
This chic accommodation has the double benefit of being an apartment rental and a hotel. The rooms come attached with a fully equipped kitchen and a sitting area along with a fireplace and private balcony. Additionally, guests will also have access to a common hot tub and outdoor pool perfect for unwinding after a day of exploring. Meanwhile, the shared fitness center and tennis courts will keep you active and healthy during your stay here.
Villa L'Auberge
Address: 1570 Camino Del Mar
163.31 km (101.5 mi) from Santa Monica Pier
Top guest reviews
Cleanliness:
qas clean and beautifulRead more reviewsHost:
staff is exceedingly friendly
7. Malibu Beach Inn; Malibu (from USD 735)
Luxurious but pricey, worth the splurge for oceanfront views.
Elegantly decorated rooms, beachfront access, top-notch customer service.
Perfectly situated on Carbon Beach, close to Malibu Pier and dining options.
Delicious breakfast with breathtaking ocean views, onsite restaurant with beach seating.
This spectacular resort is a short drive from downtown Malibu and a two-minute walk from Malibu Pier. With a wide variety of rooms, this accommodation can house groups and families of various sizes along with couples and solo travelers. At the on-site restaurant, Carbon Beach Club, you can enjoy breathtaking views of the ocean along with delectable locally sourced foods.
You can also take advantage of a variety of services at the spa to rejuvenate and heal your mind and body.
Malibu Beach Inn
Address: 22878 Pacific Coast Highway
16.54 km (10.3 mi) from Santa Monica Pier
8. Lake Arrowhead Resort and Spa; Lake Arrowhead (from USD 128)
Spend a memorable vacation in this charming resort located on a private lake beach. Along with enjoying water activities, you can also use this property as a base for various mountain activities, including hiking and biking. Afterward, the on-site spa offers a range of massages and treatments, such as a romantic couples treatment and body scrubs, and the outdoor pool will be a perfect zone for fun and relaxation.
If you happen to visit during the summer, you can also drop by different invents, such as farmers’ markets and concerts.
Lake Arrowhead Resort and Spa
Address: 27984 Highway 189
123.28 km (76.6 mi) from Santa Monica Pier
Top guest reviews
Host:
the gentleman who checked us in was so friendly and accommodatingRead more reviewsLocation:
great location can walk to the villageover all the property has a great location need a good carpet cleaning and updated curtains
9. Terranea Resort; Rancho Palos Verdes (from USD 610)
This luxury oceanfront resort offers a wide range of accommodations that include rooms, bungalows, casitas, suites, and villas. The nine-hole oceanfront golf course will be a dream come true for both novice and expert golfers, and guests may choose from eight dining options, each offering delicious food and drinks.
The resort will also allow you to book adventure activities, such as ocean kayaking, paddleboarding, archery, and nature walks. You will also have the option of accessing four pools with ocean views and going on a 140-foot (42.67-meter) water slide.
Terranea Resort
Address: 100 Terranea Way
31.38 km (19.5 mi) from Santa Monica Pier
Top guest reviews
Read more reviewsHost:
people make the difference and your staff is amazingthe staff was great the property is gorgeousEarn OneKeyCash for every dollar spent on eligible hotels, vacation rentals, flights, car rentals, and more when you book across our family of brands.
10. Sanctuary Beach Resort; Marina (from USD 320)
This 4-star property features oceanfront rooms and suites that offer panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean. You can explore the nearby area by using one of the bicycles available free of cost at the resort or picnic and lounge on the private beach. Furthermore, enjoy a breakfast of your choice for an additional fee and visit the on-site restaurant or bar to sample the local cuisine. This resort is also pet friendly.
Sanctuary Beach Resort
Address: 3295 Dunes Rd
423.6 km (263.3 mi) from Santa Monica Pier
Top guest reviews
Amenities & Room:
as always sanctuary beach resort delivers unparalleled views and beautiful roomsHost:
the staff upfront weren’t nice or pleasantstaff that is kind and attentive makes you feel very special every day you are therestaff super nice and helpful will definitely come back in the futurereally great resort in a surprising location the restaurant was really good and the staff was wonderfulRead more reviewsLocation:
i like the location of this resortEarn OneKeyCash for every dollar spent on eligible hotels, vacation rentals, flights, car rentals, and more when you book across our family of brands.
Rejuvenate and revel at the beach
Beachside resorts offer plenty of opportunities for both relaxation and enjoyment, making them one of the best options for long and short vacations alike. The beaches in California are some of the best in the USA for a wholesome and fun-filled holiday. So, be sure to choose a beachside resort from the list above and spend an unforgettable time by the sea.
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