Southern California is a dream destination for beach lovers. It is home to the famed beach town of Malibu, Laguna Beach, and Huntington Beach in Orange County. When you’re not venturing out on the awesome waterfall hikes, you may want to visit the famous Los Angeles County Museum of Art, take a photo by the Hollywood sign, and visit Disneyland. If you are into shopping, you can head to Beverly Hills and explore some luxury stores on Rodeo Drive. Offering plenty of attractions to visitors, this region has lots of accommodation options that can ensure guests a comfortable stay. Some of the popular options among tourists are the beach resorts in Southern California. But if you are looking to enjoy a one-of-a-kind vacation experience, check out the top unique hotels in Southern California.
We handpicked these listings carefully, considering (wherever possible) Superhost status, recent guest reviews, location, accommodation type, prices, availability of dates, decor, and amenities. The image galleries get refreshed with the latest updates regularly. They were last updated on April 22, 2025.
1. Palihotel Westwood Village (from USD 307)
You can bet on a one-of-a-kind stay at Palihotel Westwood Village, a historic boutique hotel that showcases a design that blends the mid-century and contemporary art. Its 55 rooms are stylish lodgings appointed with a mini-fridge, 43-inch HDTV, and minibar with gourmet snacks. The options range from queen to king and double rooms so as to appeal to the different types of travelers. Free Wi-Fi is also available to cater to browsing and research needs.
While the hotel rooms are warm and inviting, you’ll likely want to visit the local attractions to experience the Southern California lifestyle. The nearby destinations include Hammer Museum, Westfield Century City, University Of California Los Angeles, and Pauley Pavilion.
Palihotel Westwood Village - West Beverly Hills
40.24 km (25.0 mi) from Aquarium of the Pacific
2. JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa, Palm Desert (from USD 587)
You’ll surely have the time of your life in JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa. With its two championship golf courses, a complex of five pools, grass and clay courts, state-of-the-art fitness center, and spa, you can enjoy a comfortable stay. It boasts luxuriously furnished rooms with marble bathrooms and large TVs for entertainment. The on-site Rockwood Grill offers authentic Californian cuisine, so you need not go far for delicious meals. There is a bar for a quick nightcap after a fun day outdoors.
JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa
169.73 km (105.5 mi) from Aquarium of the Pacific
3. The Surfrider Malibu (from USD 355)
Some of The Surfrider Malibu’s guest rooms offer a breathtaking view of the sea or mountains. Each room is furnished with a private bathroom with essentials for freshening up after a fun-filled day. You can enjoy delicious food and refreshing cocktails at the exclusive guest-only roof deck bar and restaurant overlooking the Pacific Ocean and Malibu Pier. You can also enjoy the complimentary surfboards and stand-up paddleboards for your water excursions. Also, Los Angeles International Airport is situated 27.4 km (17 mi) away from the property.
The Surfrider Malibu
53.91 km (33.5 mi) from Aquarium of the Pacific
4. The Westin Desert Willow Villas, Palm Desert (from USD 202)
Great dining options nearby, but on-site restaurant and pool service could be improved
Reasonable pricing for spacious villas with kitchenettes and washer/dryer
Close to golf courses, shopping, and restaurants in a beautiful, quiet setting
Multiple pools, water slides, and convenient texting service for requests
Every villa in The Westin Desert Willow Villas features a seating area, a dining area, a kitchenette, a flat-screen TV, and a washing machine for your laundry needs. While you are here, you can take advantage of the outdoor pool, play basketball, go horseback riding, and even go on a hike to further explore the area. The property also has a restaurant and bar that serves grilled food in a casual setting. There are several shopping centers near the property.
The Westin Desert Willow Villas, Palm Desert
168.59 km (104.8 mi) from Aquarium of the Pacific
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. Pendry San Diego (from USD 406)
Pendry San Diego has amazing amenities meant for every guest’s relaxation and comfort. The five-star property boasts an outdoor swimming pool, a hot tub, a fitness center, free WiFi, and a 24-hour front desk for convenience. In the morning, you can enjoy an a la carte or American breakfast to help you kickstart your day. Car hire services are available, so you can easily explore some of the top attractions in the area. For entertainment, you can enjoy playing darts while you are here.
Pendry San Diego
151.69 km (94.3 mi) from Aquarium of the Pacific
6. Hard Rock Hotel San Diego (from USD 280)
Hard Rock Hotel San Diego is a modern and music-centered hotel situated within San Diego’s Gaslamp Quarter. You can even borrow a free guitar and receive free music downloads that can serve as a soundtrack for your stay. Guests can enjoy a restful sleep in the property’s contemporary rooms equipped with a large flat-screen TV, free WiFi, and bathrooms with full-length mirrors and rain-style showers. Enjoy a drink by the rooftop pool while admiring the views of the surroundings. For classic American cuisine, you can count on Maryjane’s to serve delicious meals you can surely enjoy.
Hard Rock Hotel San Diego
151.82 km (94.4 mi) from Aquarium of the Pacific
7. The Ritz-Carlton Bacara, Santa Barbara (from USD 1261)
Mixed dining experiences, with some overpriced and slow service, but delicious fresh food choices.
High-end pricing, with some room discrepancies and overpriced amenities.
Scenic oceanfront setting, though some noise and distance issues.
Beautiful location, spa services, pools, beach access, and free bike rentals.
You’ll fall in love with the views The Ritz-Carlton Bacara, Santa Barbara offers. All of the rooms are fabulously furnished and have private patios with breathtaking views. You’ll be able to enjoy authentic Californian dishes at The Bistro, signature cocktails at O Bar + Kitchen, and seafood and steak at Angel Oak. If you want to stay active, the five-star property offers an on-site fitness center, tennis courts, and hiking trails. For some relaxation, you can head to the spa, which is one of the largest spas on the West Coast.
The Ritz-Carlton Bacara, Santa Barbara
175.41 km (109.0 mi) from Aquarium of the Pacific
8. Santa Monica Proper Hotel, a Member of Design Hotels, Los Angeles (from USD 777)
Santa Monica Proper Hotel is Santa Monica’s first new luxury lifestyle hotel in over a decade. It has fused the character of a 1928 landmark building with contemporary design. The hotel’s rooms have amenities such as fresh linens, luxurious comforters and pillows, custom bathrobes, and bathroom essentials. It has three on-site dining options for your convenience. You can also enjoy a refreshing swim in the rooftop pool and a relaxing yoga session on the terrace.
Santa Monica Proper Hotel, a Member of Design Hotels
39.87 km (24.8 mi) from Aquarium of the Pacific
9. Beverly Wilshire, A Four Seasons Hotel, Beverly Hills (from USD 1126)
Beverly Wilshire is situated 19 km (12 mi) from the Los Angeles International Airport. It boasts a Mediterranean-style pool and hot tub with private cabanas as well as fully furnished rooms for a comfortable stay. You can enjoy massages, facials, and organic treatments at the spa or keep active by working out at the well-equipped fitness center with state-of-the-art equipment. The hotel also has various restaurants, including CUT by Wolfgang Puck, which offers succulent steaks and rare wines. The property is situated near Hollywood, Santa Monica, and Venice Beach.
Beverly Wilshire, A Four Seasons Hotel
38.78 km (24.1 mi) from Aquarium of the Pacific
10. Millennium Biltmore Los Angeles (from USD 188)
Located in downtown Los Angeles, Millennium Biltmore is a luxurious hotel with guest rooms decorated in rich, warm colors. Each room has a satellite TV, a work desk, a coffee maker, and a marble bathroom. For your dining needs, there is an on-site restaurant that serves Italian cuisine. Gallery Bar and Cognac Room offers live entertainment on Friday and Saturday nights. You can enjoy a refreshing swim in the Roman-style indoor pool, relax in the hot tub, or work out at the gym during your stay.
The Biltmore Los Angeles
32.45 km (20.2 mi) from Aquarium of the Pacific
11. Hotel Maya - a DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel, Long Beach (from USD 263)
Varied dining options with good food quality, but some guests found the prices to be high and experienced issues with billing and service.
High cost with added fees for parking and extra charges for amenities.
Scenic waterfront location with easy access to the beach, cruise terminal, and local attractions. However, some guests experienced noise disruptions and safety concerns.
Beautiful view, pool, fire pits, and on-site restaurant. Limited amenities, cleanliness issues, and noise disturbances.
Located in Long Beach, California, Hotel Maya is an accommodation that’s situated right in front of the water. It has spacious guest rooms with large flat-screen TVs, coffee makers, and aromatherapy bath amenities. You can take advantage of the outdoor pool, hot tub, fitness center, and business center during your stay. For a wonderful dining experience, you can enjoy the delicious Mexican and Latin American dishes served at Fuego Restaurant. If you want to explore, Hotel Maya is near Aquarium of the Pacific and Battleship USS Iowa Museum.
Hotel Maya - a DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel This is a Proud Certified property where you can be extra sure of a welcoming stay.
Address: 700 Queensway Drive
563 meters (0.4 ft) from Aquarium of the Pacific
Southern California is more than just breathtaking beach views
Southern California will leave you in awe, offering stunning beaches, historic destinations, and plenty of outdoor opportunities. These unique places to stay in Southern California add to the long list of reasons why you should visit this lovely region. See you at one of these distinct hotels!
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