The 8 Best Beach Hotels in California (2023)

California and the beach go together like milk and cookies. Sand and sun epitomize the state's outdoor lifestyle, and one of the best ways to enjoy the splendor of the Pacific Ocean is to book a California beach hotel - a place where you can wake up with a view of the ocean and watch the sun go down. over the ocean.

The Most Amazing Beach Hotels in California

From Southern California to remote Mendocino County, California's Pacific Coast is full of beautiful beaches, rocky shorelines, and excellent beachfront hotels. So get your flip flops, put on your sunscreen, and get ready to be so close to the water that you fall asleep to the sound of the waves. Here are the best beach hotels in California.

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1. Terranea

Palos Verdes, California

The 8 Best Beach Hotels in California (1)

It is located on the Palos Verdes Peninsula, just a few dozen kilometers from the Los Angeles metropolitan area,Terranealuckily it is free of traffic jams and crowds. If you want coastal rocks,Calm streams and refreshing hiking trails, this stretch of sand is your paradise. Accommodations are luxurious and range from hotel rooms to private villas and casitas.

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The main pool here has a 140m long slide, pad and poolside games. Terranea's restaurants range from fine dining to juice bars. At this California beach hotel, you can watch fishermen fishing, look out for Catalina Island, walk around the lighthouse, or kayak while spotting native plants and marine life. The resort also offers falconry, archery and a golf program.

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2. Pousada dos Sonhos

Santa Cruz, California

The 8 Best Beach Hotels in California (2)

Santa CruzThis is a great stop with the kids. This is the house of a legendPromenade on Santa Cruz Beachplus miles of beaches perfect for fun and surfing. And because UC Santa Cruz is located up the hill from the beach, it has the feel of a beach town and college town, filled with educational and fun stops likeSeymour Marine Discovery Center. There are many hotels in Santa Cruz, but for families who want easy access to the beach, none is more ideal than this onedream inn.

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Situated on Cowell Beach, a short walk from the boardwalk and pier, the hotel exudes a beachfront vibe with surf-themed rooms and ocean-view balconies. The pool deck on the ocean side has a hot tub and a poolside bar. There are also cruiser bikes on the beach that you can rent to ride around town.

3. Praia Rosewood Miramar

Santa Barbara, California

The 8 Best Beach Hotels in California (3)

The famous seaside paradise known as the American Riviera,Santa Barbara is the perfect place for familieswith attractions including a zoo, natural history museum and interactive Moxi, Wolf Museum of Exploration and Innovation. Next to the hustle and bustleSaint Barbarais the ultra-luxurious city of Montecito, home to beautiful, luxurious and surprisingly family-friendlyPraia Rosewood Miramar.

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Situated on one of the area's most pristine beaches, the hotel offers swimming, kayaking and stand-up paddle boarding, as well as sun loungers, umbrellas, water sports equipment and a beach butler service. During the summer, Rosewood Miramar Beach offers a wide variety of free activities for kids, including beach art and tie-dye classes, a kids' beach camp, night outs, movie nights, and ice cream decorating classes. There's also a beach activities coordinator who oversees building sandcastles, rowing lessons and other beach activities,

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4. Pousada Rio Pequeno

Mendocino, California

The 8 Best Beach Hotels in California (4)

With redwood trees and rocky cliffs overlooking the windswept Pacific, remote northern CaliforniaMendocino Countyis immersion in California's Wild Coast. No visit to this beautiful place is complete without experiencing a fragrant floral fantasy at the Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens or a ride on the Skunk train through ancient redwood groves.

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Owned by the same family for five generations, charmingsmall inn by the riverIt has rooms overlooking the sea with fireplaces and comfortable terraces. Tennis courts and a 9-hole golf course sweeten the offer. A short path leads to Van Damme State Park, where you can explore the tidal pools and watch the crashing waves, or follow the trail to Van Damme State Park and hike through the unique Pygmy Forest. Breakfast is served in your room, especially if you order Swedish warm cakes from an old family recipe (which you should because they are delicious).

5. Hotel Fairmont Miramar i bungalowy

Santa Monica, California

The 8 Best Beach Hotels in California (5)

asSaint MonicaIt is famous for its many miles of beach, coastal path and pier with a solar-powered ferris wheel. It's also close to the rest of Los Angeles' attractions, so it's a great base close to the ocean. Set on five expansive acres overlooking the Pacific, surrounded by lush gardens and tall trees, TheHotel Fairmont Miramar i bungalowyit has a lot of old hollywood charm as well as a great view of the beach.

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Luxury accommodations are full of comfort, while private bungalows offer extra space and seclusion from the shore. The pool is a winner, with seasonal movie screenings by the pool. And the hotel's Miramar Beach Club offers boogie boards and sand buckets for kids.

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6. Hotel Shore Cliff

Writing Beach, California

The 8 Best Beach Hotels in California (6)

Writing beachThis is a classic central California beach, anchored by a large pier that offers great views for surfers and anglers. If you're visiting with kids, don't miss the Whale Surfing Playground with a slide that takes you to the beach below.Hotel Shore Cliffit sits dramatically over the pacific ocean.

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This dog-friendly, beachfront property offers oceanfront tennis and bocce courts, complimentary breakfast, in-room binoculars for viewing marine life, and the city's largest heated oceanfront pool and hot tub. 100 rooms have a private balcony or patio. sleep with the door ajar and the sound of the sea will be your lullaby.

7. Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach Resort and Spa

Huntington Beach, California

The 8 Best Beach Hotels in California (7)

Home to a notoriously long stretch of Orange County coastline,Huntington BeachIt's a wonderland for families who want to spend their days building sandcastles and jumping on the waves. Known as Surf City, its dependable break makes it popular with surfers. The Huntington Beach Surfing Museum is a great way to experience the sport without getting wet. Light a bonfire on the beach at dusk at one of the 500 free bonfire spots on a first come, first served basis.

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TOHyatt Regency Huntington Beach Resort i SpaIt is a large, modern facility with stylish rooms and apartments, a swimming pool with slides and a bicycle rental to pedal along the seaside path. The beach concierge can provide chairs, towels and sand toys. If all of that doesn't suit you, here's something you can do: free seasonal transportation to Disneyland makes spending a day at the Magic Kingdom a breeze.

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8. Asilomar

Pacific Grove, California

The Monterey Peninsula is the perfect place to enjoy California's coastal wilderness, with miles of restored dune ecosystems and dense stands of towering redwoods.Asilomar, an Arts & Crafts era hotel and convention center designed in the early 1900s by Californian architect Julia Morgan.

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The hotel's boardwalk leads to miles of coastal paths and tranquil beaches. Free ranger-led walks teach visitors about the native plants and rich flora and fauna that have adapted to the mild climate and sandy soil. After a day of sunbathing, relax in the comfortable rocking chairs in front of the huge stone fireplace, swim in the outdoor pool and have fun by the fireplace. The rooms have been refurbished but still retain much of their original charm, including wooden floors and rustic furniture. they are deliberately free from modern distractions such as TVs, phones and Wi-Fi.

Bonus: HI Pigeon Point Lighthouse Shelter

Pescadero, California

Pigeon Point lighthouse Albergue, a series of small cottages perched on a bluff next to the historic Pigeon Point Lighthouse, is definitely a guesthouse, not a hotel. But the truly unique setting and comfortable (if rustic) accommodation make it a highlight on this list. The rooms are shared, but if you are traveling with a larger family, you can take a whole bunk or even have the whole house to yourself. Each house has a fully equipped kitchen and living room, as well as a cliff-side hot tub, which is the perfect spot for whale watching.

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To one side of the cottage is a beach and cliff where in the background you can often see elephant seals basking in the sun. This guesthouse is a short distance from the hotelNew Year's State Park, where in the winter months you can go on a guided tour to observe elephant seals.

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FAQs

What is the number 1 beach in California? ›

1. Seacliff State Beach. California's Central Coast has more than 100 named beaches, varying from hidden coves perfect for quiet contemplation to long stretches of sunny sand backed by arcades and amusements. The northern star of the incredible sweep of sand that curves around Monterey Bay is Seacliff State Beach.

Where is the prettiest beach in California? ›

What are the most beautiful beaches in California?
  • Stinson Beach, Marin County;
  • Tourmaline Beach, San Diego;
  • Point Dume State Beach, Malibu;
  • Hermosa Beach, Los Angeles;
  • Glass Beach, Fort Bragg;
  • East Beach, Santa Barbara;
  • Paradise Cove Beach, Malibu;
  • Torrey Pines State Beach, San Diego.
Mar 7, 2023

What is the warmest beach in California? ›

1. Long Beach. The average high temperature at this beach is 84 degrees in summer and 68 degrees in winter, making it the warmest beach – for daytime temperature – on our list. Long Beach is only half an hour from Los Angeles and has 11 miles of shoreline, much of which is soft sandy beaches.

How would you choose a hotel in a beach resort? ›

To help you plan your perfect beach vacation, here's how to choose a great beachside hotel.
  1. Amenities. ...
  2. The location. ...
  3. Reviews from previous guests. ...
  4. Activities to enjoy. ...
  5. Food. ...
  6. Access to external facilities. ...
  7. The type of room. ...
  8. Enjoy your beach vacation at a great beachside hotel.
Jan 20, 2022

What's the cleanest beach in California? ›

What's the cleanest beach in California? Malibu, Laguna, Crystal Cove, Doheny Beach, Carlsbad, and Pismo Beach are the cleanest beaches in California.

What is the clearest beach in California? ›

What beach in California has the clearest water? La Jolla Cove is widely known to have some of the clearest water anywhere. Water here tends to be warmer and clearer because of its protected cove, with underwater visibility extending up to 30 feet.

What is the bluest beach in California? ›

La Jolla Cove, San Diego County

One of the biggest draws to La Jolla Cove is the sparkling blue water, often called the clearest in Southern California. Be sure to go during low tide because the beach is pretty narrow and likely to be submerged otherwise.

What is the safest beach city in California? ›

Carpinteria is known as the safest beach town in California. Only 10 miles east of Santa Barbara, Carpinteria is the safest beach town for families.

What part of California is warmest year round? ›

Some of the “hottest” cities in California include Sacramento, Redding, Fresno, and Bakersfield with average year-round highs of 72°F (22°C) to 77°F (25°C). For the warmest beach escape with balmy temperatures all year long, head to San Diego.

What is the hottest time of the year in Long Beach CA? ›

The hottest month in Long Beach is August, when temperatures average 84 degrees.

Where is the warmest place in California in winter? ›

Palm Springs in December. If you're wondering where the warmest place in California is in December, look no further than Palm Springs! Southern California in winter makes for the perfect time to explore the desert since daytime temperatures are pleasant.

How do I get the best resort rates? ›

15 Tips To Book The Cheapest Hotels
  1. Use Credit Cards With Huge Travel Cash Back Perks. ...
  2. Sign Up To Hotel Booking Engines Loyalty / Rewards Programs.
  3. Download Hotel Booking Smartphone Apps. ...
  4. Check Prices Directly With Hotels. ...
  5. Book In Advance With Free Cancellation. ...
  6. Book In Advance With Non-Refundable Rate.
Dec 29, 2022

Which beach in California has the whitest sand? ›

Iconic Carmel-by-the-Sea is known for its many attractions, but perhaps none more so than its splendid, white-sand beach.

What beach has bacteria in California? ›

Various tests have concluded that there is a level of bacteria that exceeds health standards at the following California beaches: Mother's Beach in Marina Del Rey, Santa Monica Pier in Santa Monica, Topanga Canyon Beach in Malibu, Malibu Lagoon in Surfrider Beach, Latigo Shore Drive in Malibu, Marie Canyon Storm Drain ...

What beach in California has sea glass? ›

Glass Beach is a beach adjacent to MacKerricher State Park near Fort Bragg, California, named from a time when it was abundant with sea glass created from years of dumping garbage into an area of coastline near the northern part of the town. It is illegal to collect glass at this state park.

What beach has glowing water in California? ›

The environmental website Treehugger named San Diego one of the world's eight best places to see bioluminescent glows. Meanwhile, north of San Francisco at Point Reyes National Seashore, Tomales Bay is a dependable spot for bioluminescence and you can go out on guided trips with Blue Waters Kayaking.

What is the least polluted beach in California? ›

Only Point Loma Lighthouse in San Diego County and Bean Hollow State Beach in San Mateo County received the highest marks for water quality all year, the report said, having “zero bacterial exceedances all year under all conditions.”

Where is a purple sand beach? ›

Pfeiffer Beach in Big Sur is famous as the “purple sand beach.” But that's not its only claim to fame: beautiful Keyhole Arch, which sits just offshore at Pfeiffer Beach, is one of the most photographed spots in Big Sur.

Is there a pink beach in California? ›

Pfeiffer Beach, Los Padres National Forest, California

While driving through California's Big Sur, you'll discover both breathtaking mountain views as well as expansive blue seas — and the pink sands at Pfeiffer Beach.

What is the least expensive beach city in California? ›

The cheapest beach town in California is Arcata. This affordable Northern California town is well-known for having a low cost of living. Arcata is a great place to live if you want to enjoy the best NorCal has to offer, including the local beaches, Humboldt Beach, and Mad River Beach.

What is the most expensive beach community in California? ›

Ocean-view homes in these California cities among most expensive in US: report
  • Montecito: $5,997,500.
  • Del Monte Forest: $5,975,000.
  • Malibu: $5,025,000.
  • Del Mar: $4,595,000.
  • Newport Beach: $3,825,000.
  • Manhattan Beach: $3,492,500.
  • Laguna Beach: $3,000,000.
  • Carmel-by-the-Sea: $3,000,000.
May 15, 2023

Where is the least expensive beachfront property? ›

Top 10 cheapest places in the U.S. to buy a beach house
  • Gulfport, Miss.
  • Newport News, Va.
  • New London, Conn.
  • Grand Isle, La.
  • Corpus Christi, Texas.
  • Atlantic City, N.J.
  • Navarre, Fla.
  • North Beach, Md.
May 27, 2023

What is America's number 1 beach? ›

George Island State Park—on a barrier island near the Florida Panhandle—was named the number 1 beach in the United States in Dr. Beach's annual Best Beaches awards, which is published just in time for Memorial Day Weekend.

What beach in California has blue water? ›

Coronado Beach is considered by many to be the prettiest Southern California beach. The clear blue waters, white sand shoreline, and iconic sunsets make Coronado Beach one of the most beautiful beaches in Southern California.

What state stays 70 degrees year round? ›

While temperatures fluctuate throughout the year in most U.S. states, there are few states with warm weather that see averages around 70-degree weather year-round. These states include Arizona, California, Hawaii, Nevada, and New Mexico.

What month is the warmest in California? ›

In August, the warmest month, the average day time temperature rises to 84.8°F.

What city in California has perfect weather? ›

Best weather: San Francisco, CA

Both have an average yearly temperature of 60 degrees with sunny days 70% of the year. Los Angeles is third with 21 extreme heat days compared to San Diego's three.

What is the coldest month in Long Beach California? ›

The coldest month of the year in Long Beach is December, with an average low of 49°F and high of 66°F.

Why is it so hot in Long Beach? ›

A dark surface like asphalt has a low albedo and absorbs a lot of the sun's energy. A light-colored surface like snow has a high albedo and reflects a lot of the sun's energy. Southern California beaches have a lot of dark grains, so they absorb a lot of the sun's energy. This is why the sand gets so hot.

Does Long Beach get hot? ›

High temperatures in the summer range from 70 to 80 degrees with winter highs at a comfortable range between 67 to 73 degrees making Long Beach the ultimate year-round destination.

What is the top 1 best beach? ›

Baia do Sancho, Brazil

About 220 miles off the coast of Brazil, Baia do Sancho is regularly deemed the world's best beach. UNESCO designation and careful government protections keep it and the entire Fernando de Noronha archipelago pristine.

What is the safest beach in California? ›

Carpinteria is known as the safest beach town in California. Only 10 miles east of Santa Barbara, Carpinteria is the safest beach town for families.

What are the most expensive beaches in California? ›

7 Luxurious California Beach Towns to Visit
  • Malibu. Live in the lap of luxury in Southern California's premier coastal town, Malibu. ...
  • Carmel-By-The-Sea. Carmel-by-the-Sea, or Carmel, is a California beach town that will win your heart time and time again. ...
  • Monterey. ...
  • Capitola. ...
  • Carlsbad. ...
  • Encinitas.
May 18, 2023

What beach has the prettiest water in the US? ›

Beaches With Clear Water: The Best in the United States
  • Waimea Bay Beach Park, Hawaii. ...
  • Crandon Park Beach, Florida. ...
  • Assateague Island, Maryland and Virginia. ...
  • Clearwater Beach, Florida. ...
  • Carmel Beach, Carmel by The Sea, California. ...
  • Cannon Beach, Oregon. ...
  • Lake Tahoe, California and Nevada. ...
  • Clear Water, Clear Skies, Good Times.
Mar 25, 2022

Which ocean has most beautiful beaches? ›

Although many of the world's most beautiful beaches are located in the Pacific and Caribbean, Camps Bay, Cape Town, South Africa sits at the base of the Twelve Apostles Mountains looking out over the Atlantic Ocean.

What is the cheapest beach to stay at in California? ›

The cheapest beach town in California is Arcata. This affordable Northern California town is well-known for having a low cost of living. Arcata is a great place to live if you want to enjoy the best NorCal has to offer, including the local beaches, Humboldt Beach, and Mad River Beach.

What beach in California has gold sand? ›

The long sandy beaches here are special and literally sparkle, thanks to the mineral mica in its golden sand. It's just one of the reasons Coronado was ranked No. 15 on Tripadvisor's 2022 Travelers Best tally of best beaches in the United States, and has regularly landed on other top-beaches lists.

What is the most luxurious city in California? ›

#1. Los Altos and Los Altos Hills tops the list for the richest and most expensive city in California. Los Altos is the affluent enclave of Silicon Valley's most affluent and influential leaders. It is one of the wealthiest cities in the US and among the richest areas in California.

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