With over 1,000 miles (1,609.34 km) of beaches in California, it can be more than daunting to figure out where the best views and places to stay might be. We’ve decided to help you out by giving our top ten list of hotels in California with beautiful beach views. Whether you are looking for rugged landscapes or sunsets that fairytales were made from, we’ve got everything you need for your perfect beach-view holiday. Read on below for the top hotels in California with beach views.
1. SeaCrest Oceanfront Hotel, Pismo Beach (from USD 199)
Reasonable pricing for oceanfront location and amenities.
Heated outdoor pool, hot tub, beach access, fire pits, and beautiful grounds.
Convenient location with easy beach access and proximity to Pismo Pier and San Luis Obispo.
Complimentary breakfast with varied options, but some room for improvement in quality.
The area of Pismo Beach is known for two things: beaches and wineries! The SeaCrest Oceanfront Hotel is one of the top hotels in California on the beach that features a year-round outdoor pool, barbecue area, and sun terrace, perfect for enjoying those summer days. To be honest, the view can be enjoyed even during the winter days from the sun terrace because they have plenty of fire pits to keep you warm and toasty.
The hotel itself is just 3 minutes to the beach, down a series of steps meaning that you get an elevated angle for the perfect beach view. Some of the rooms offer private balconies so that you can enjoy a glass of wine alongside the excellent view whilst the bedrooms themselves are simply decorated and comfortable.
SeaCrest Oceanfront Hotel
Address: 2241 Price Street
Parking Meeting/banquet facilities 24-HOUR FRONT DESK Garden Terrace Non-smoking rooms Business centre Facilities for disabled guests
2. Embassy Suites Mandalay Beach - Hotel & Resort, Oxnard (from USD 248)
Situated on the beachfront just 5 miles (8 km) from downtown Oxnard, it’s one of the best beach hotels in California that caters primarily for business guests, so alongside the expected amenities it also has a fully equipped gym, hot tub, and even on-site tennis courts. But what about the view? Be sure to book an ocean view room and you won’t be disappointed, the sun setting over the ocean can be enjoyed every night.
In the morning, the best way to enjoy the view is to grab a towel after finishing your cooked-to-order breakfast and relax on a sun-lounger on the manicured front lawn of the hotel, which then miraculously turns into the beach just a few meters ahead of you!
Zachari Dunes on Mandalay Beach, Curio Collection by Hilton
Address: 2101 Mandalay Beach Road
Accommodates: 6
Parking Restaurant Pets allowed Room service Meeting/banquet facilities Bar 24-HOUR FRONT DESK Tennis court
3. Harbor View Inn, Santa Barbara (from USD 285)
Reasonable pricing for spacious, clean rooms with ocean views. Onsite parking available for a fee.
Convenient location near the beach, pier, and dining options. Pool and gym facilities. Some rooms offer balconies and ocean views.
Prime location within walking distance to restaurants, shops, and attractions. Close to the beach and State Street.
Numerous dining options nearby, although breakfast is not included. Some guests found the onsite restaurant small with long queues.
Surrounded by beautiful palm trees, Harbor View Inn is one of the top hotels with beautiful views in California, promising nothing but relaxation and comfort. The rooms here have a modern design and come with an HDTV, a safety deposit box, a work desk, and a terrycloth bathrobe. Some bedrooms even have private balconies with beautiful ocean views. The property is located at the beachfront so you can expect to hear the crashing of waves and feeling the ocean air.
Other amenities you can look forward to here is the stunning outdoor swimming pool with a seasonal bar. Other facilities include an on-site restaurant, spa, and fitness center.
Harbor View Inn
Address: 28 West Cabrillo Boulevard
Accommodates: 4
Parking Bar 24-HOUR FRONT DESK Fitness centre Garden Non-smoking rooms Business centre Laundry
4. Casa Del Mar, Santa Monica (from USD 675)
Featuring two on-site restaurants and an outdoor pool, Casa Del Mar boasts comfort and luxury, which you can see in its design and amenities. Each comfortable room features light neutral colors and floor-to-ceiling windows, which makes the space bright and relaxing. Other things you’ll find in the guestrooms are a flat-screen television, a coffee maker, a minibar, and a private bathroom with a hydrotherapy spa tub. Also, some rooms have amazing ocean views.
Casa Del Mar
Address: 1910 Ocean Way
Accommodates: 4
Parking Restaurant Pets allowed Room service Meeting/banquet facilities Bar 24-HOUR FRONT DESK Fitness centre
5. Shoreline Inn...on the beach, Cayucos (from USD 174)
A perfect view right on the front of Cayucos beach and the hotel offers afternoon cookie-time, I think we just fell in love ourselves, and so will you! The sun sets right over the pier of the sea and you can select a room that has this view. The rooms themselves are comfortable, clean, and a continental breakfast is offered.
Shoreline Inn...on the beach
Address: 1 North Ocean Avenue
Accommodates: 4
Parking Pets allowed 24-HOUR FRONT DESK Terrace Non-smoking rooms Fishing Facilities for disabled guests Family rooms
6. Monterey Tides: a Joie de Vivre Hotel, Monterey (from USD 188)
You want a somewhat simple hotel, with a beach view and hot tub?! Ah, sure we’ve got that for you. Monterey County has over 99 miles (159 km) of beaches, and so at this hotel you won’t be disappointed with the view, that’s for sure! We particularly love the view from the lounge that offers full floor to ceiling windows, perfect for watching the sunset with a glass of wine. We particularly recommend booking in for dinner at the fourth floor restaurant before retiring to your clean and relaxing bedroom, with many offering seating areas.
Monterey Tides
Address: 2600 Sand Dunes Dr
Food can be delivered to guest accommodation Cashless payment available Hand sanitizer in guest accommodation and key areas Outdoor pool (all year) Meeting/banquet facilities Private parking Facilities for disabled guests Vending machine (snacks)
7. Beach House, Half Moon Bay (from USD 265)
This beach front hotel in Half Moon Bay overlooks Pillar Point Harbor and is sure to be relaxing; they even offer in-room spa treatments! The suites each come with a private balcony so that you can watch the sunset with red and pink hues over the the bay. We’re swooning just by looking at the pictures! The rooms are cozy and quaint with a homely feeling and the staff make sure that you feel welcome. You’ll really enjoy your stay at Beach House in Half Moon Bay.
Beach House Half Moon Bay
Address: 4100 North Cabrillo Way
Accommodates: 4
Parking Meeting/banquet facilities 24-HOUR FRONT DESK Fitness centre Terrace Non-smoking rooms Business centre Family rooms
8. Best Western Beach View Lodge, Carlsbad (from USD 239)
Reasonable pricing for the area, with free parking and breakfast included.
Convenient location with easy beach access, spacious rooms, and a lovely ocean-view deck.
Prime location near the beach, restaurants, and shops, with easy walking access to attractions.
Delicious and varied breakfast options, with a fantastic view of the ocean from the dining area.
Located right on the 7 mile (11 km) coastal stretch called Carlsbad in northern San Diego County, this hotel is on the doorstep of the beach and has the views to prove it. After your breakfast, included in the price, head to the beach which is very easy to access or if you just want to enjoy the view without the sand then make yourself at home on the sundeck where you can relax with a book or watch the fellow beach go-ers enjoy their day. The sundeck also offers incredible views of sunset, which is often enjoyed communally with guests. Rooms are clean and comfortable, ensuring a thoroughly pleasant stay.
Best Western Plus Beach View Lodge
Address: 3180 Carlsbad Boulevard
Parking 24-HOUR FRONT DESK Fitness centre Golf course (within 3 km) Terrace Non-smoking rooms Business centre Laundry
9. Cavalier Oceanfront Resort, San Simeon (from USD 159)
Reasonable rates for oceanfront rooms with cozy fireplaces
Spacious grounds, oceanfront fire pits, and a pool with fluffy robes provided
Scenic oceanfront location with proximity to Hearst Castle and elephant seal rookery
Delicious dining options with accommodating staff and gluten-free menu adjustments
This hotel has got it figured out when it comes to best enjoying the view as they offer fire-pits right on the beachfront… you can stargaze all night! It’s also a fantastic way to make some new friends whilst on your travels. The bedrooms are spacious and offer both a writing desk area and indoor seating, so sit back, relax, and enjoy the view.
Oceanfront
Cavalier Oceanfront Resort
Address: 9415 Hearst Dr.
Accommodates: 4
Parking Restaurant Pets allowed Room service Meeting/banquet facilities Bar 24-HOUR FRONT DESK Fitness centre
10. North Cliff Hotel, Fort Bragg (from USD 229)
With a view that is known as both breathtaking and beautiful, our list wouldn’t be complete without this hotel. The views take in both Pacific Ocean and Noyo Bay. So you can wake up fresh and early from a relaxing night in your traditional wood furnished room and enjoy the fresh hot buffet. We’ll let you into a secret, some of the rooms have the bath next to the window with the view…. did someone say the word ‘perfect’.
North Cliff Hotel
Address: 1005 South Main Street
Accommodates: 4
Parking Non-smoking rooms Fishing Facilities for disabled guests Family rooms Free parking Internet services Express check-in/check-out
11. Crowne Plaza Hotel Ventura Beach (from USD 229)
Featuring a magnificent view of the Pacific Ocean, Crowne Plaza Hotel Ventura Beach offers a wide array of amenities that will surely be enjoyed by everyone. The hotel comes with an outdoor pool, where you can swim and relax, an on-site restaurant, a bar, a fitness center, a parking area, luggage storage, and a concierge service. Each room here comes with a private balcony, where you can have a beautiful view of the ocean. Also, you’ll find inside a flat-screen television, an air-conditioning unit, and an aromatherapy kit for a more calming sleep.
Crowne Plaza Hotel Ventura Beach, an IHG Hotel
Address: 450 East Harbor Boulevard
Accommodates: 5
Parking Restaurant Pets allowed Room service Meeting/banquet facilities Bar 24-HOUR FRONT DESK Fitness centre
12. Surf and Sand Resort, Laguna Beach (from USD 604)
Premium rates for oceanfront rooms, worth the cost for stunning views and beachfront access.
Beachfront property with pool, spa, and exceptional staff service.
Prime spot on Laguna Beach, with easy access to restaurants and shops.
Impeccable dining experience, especially the breakfast burrito and French toast.
Located in the center of Laguna Beach, facing the Pacific Ocean, Surf and Sand Resort is one of the few holiday accommodation that comes with private beach access. Aside from the beach, it also features an outdoor pool that is open all year round and has a shallow end where kids can swim. Another thing to look forward to here is their wellness programs including yoga and fitness classes, spa treatments, massages, and many more. Other facilities include an on-site restaurant, a concierge service, a parking space, a tour desk, and daily housekeeping, among others.
Surf and Sand Resort
Address: 1555 South Coast Highway
Accommodates: 4
Parking Restaurant Pets allowed Room service Meeting/banquet facilities Bar 24-HOUR FRONT DESK Sauna
13. Bodega Bay Lodge (from USD 349)
Luxurious resort with stunning ocean views, but prices can be high.
Spacious rooms, heated pool, jacuzzi, outdoor space, and attentive staff.
Beautiful location overlooking Bodega Bay, short drive to town, and walking distance to the beach.
Good dining experiences, but some guests found the menu limited or overpriced.
Set on a hill, Bodega Bay Lodge has spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean, Doran Regional Park, and Bodega Bay. The property is also close to many points of interest, including wine-tasting, hiking, and whale-watching spots. It is also a walking distance to Doran City Park. The hotel features various amenities such as an outdoor pool, a wellness spa, a fitness center, an on-site restaurant, and more. The guestrooms are furnished with a flat-screen television, free Wi-Fi, an air-conditioning unit, and a private bathroom that comes with a microfiber bathrobe.
The Lodge at Bodega Bay
Address: 103 Coast Highway One
Accommodates: 6
Parking Restaurant Room service Meeting/banquet facilities Bar 24-HOUR FRONT DESK Fitness centre Golf course (within 3 km)
14. Best Western Plus Lighthouse Hotel, Pacifica (from USD 134)
Reasonable pricing for oceanfront location and amenities.
Heated pool, comfortable beds, on-site restaurant, lovely ocean views.
Convenient location steps from the ocean, close to dining and hiking trails.
Beautiful restaurant with ocean views, nearby dining options, but breakfast reservations may be required.
Located just south of San Francisco, this hotel is recommended above all else for its fantastic view. There are a number of different views available from partial to full beach view so be sure to check online before booking. Although there is no restaurant on-site, the hotel itself is just walking distance from a number of local bars and restaurants. From the bedrooms you can expect plenty of space and relaxing neutral colours.
Pacifica Lighthouse Hotel Trademark Collection by Wyndham
Address: 105 Rockaway Beach Avenue
Accommodates: 4
Parking Restaurant Room service Meeting/banquet facilities Bar 24-HOUR FRONT DESK Fitness centre Golf course (within 3 km)
15. Four Seasons Resort The Biltmore, Santa Barbara (from USD 595)
Feel like a million dollars at this Spanish inspired resort; from the cosy dressing-gowns in your rooms, to the cuisine at the restaurant everything oozes luxury and the view doesn’t disappoint. Be sure to book a room with an ocean view and you’ll feel like you have your own slice of beach paradise. We also particularly love the room from the communal veranda areas because it feels like you’re sitting on top of the water! Bedrooms are spacious and elegant with stocked mini-bars and more than comfortable beds.
Four Seasons Resort The Biltmore Santa Barbara
Address: 1260 Channel Drive
WiFi available in all areas Hot tub Terrace Mobile app for room service Room service Fitness centre Use of cleaning chemicals that are effective against Coronavirus Outdoor pool
We don't encourage just sitting indoors
A nice view can make or break a holiday, so we’re happy safe in the knowledge that by booking one of these best hotels with ocean view in California, you’ll be thrilled when you open your eyes in the morning. But, that doesn’t mean that we recommend just sitting indoors idly watching the view and the world pass you by from your room because, do you know what makes a good view even better? Getting out there and exploring it!