Best Beachfront Hotels in Southern California

Occupying 175 acres on a seaside bluff in Dana Point, the Waldorf Astoria Monarch Beach tops this list for a few reasons. Formerly known as the Monarch Beach Resort, the Hilton brand transformed this perennial favorite at the start of 2021, adding its signature touch of luxury to the property. All of the bright and airy accommodations are furnished with either balconies or terraces, offering views of the ocean or the resort’s lush grounds. The property offers a robust seven dining options, including the oceanfront Monarch Bay Beach Club and Bourbon Steak by celebrity chef Michael Mina. 

At the resort, you’ll find three outdoor pools, including a family-friendly one featuring a kids’ splash pad, and a private beach club to meet all your needs while relaxing by the Pacific. The spa will reopen in summer of 2021 following a renovation, and the property offers a fitness center and daily classes that range from yoga to body boot camp. And if you’re hoping to get some tee time in, there is an 18-hole golf course with a Scottish links style designed by renowned architect Robert Trent Jones, Jr.

• Three outdoor pools
• Private beach club
• 18-hole golf course
• Daily fitness classes

If you’re looking for the biggest bang for your buck, look no further than Carlsbad Inn Beach Resort. The property offers a bevy of amenities, including a heated outdoor pool, both family-friendly and adults-only jacuzzis, bike rentals, barbecue grills, and weekly activities (most of which are complimentary). And even though it may not sit right on the sands of Carlsbad Beach, it’s less than a block away to hit the shore.

If you’re looking for some additional space in your room or want to bring the family along, book one of their condo units, which has a separate living area, full kitchen, and private patio or balcony.

• Heated outdoor pool
• Family and adults-only jacuzzis
• Barbecue grills
• Bike rentals
• Fire pits

Sprawled across 102 acres on the Palos Verdes Peninsula, Terranea Resort offers plenty of space for you and the family to run around. For starters, the property has four pools, one of which even has a 140-foot water slide for children to enjoy, and nine dining options to choose from so that you don’t have to eat the same thing twice. The property also offers a range of activities for everyone to enjoy such as horseback riding, kayaking, falconry, guided hikes, and archery. And when the parents need a little break, there’s a nine-hole, par-three golf course as well as an award-winning, 50,000-square-foot spa for some quiet time.

Consider opting for a Casita or multi-bedroom Villa for added space and amenities like an in-room washer and full kitchen to maximize convenience and comfort for the entire family.

• Award-winning spa
• Nine-hole golf course
• Four heated pools and a 140-foot water slide
• Kids activity boxes

Sitting on 16 acres of prime beachfront real estate, Rosewood Miramar Beach offers unparalleled views of the Pacific Ocean in Santa Barabara. What really sets this resort apart from many of the others is its top-notch service, sumptuous details, and elegant design. During your stay, you’ll have access to two pools with cabana service, one geared toward adults, the other to families; seven dining and beverage options including a beach bar and an oceanfront Southern Italian restaurant; an award-winning spa; and shuffleboard and bocce ball courts. And while you can’t go wrong with any of the residential-style accommodations—designed with a sprawling Montecito estate in mind, decked out with lavish marble bathrooms and furnished terraces or patios—opt for one that offers direct access to the beach for that authentic SoCal experience.

• Award-winning spa
• Two outdoor pools
• Shuffleboard and bocce ball courts
• Bike rentals
• Full food and beverage beach service
• Complimentary transportation within a three-mile radius of the hotel
• Pet services and amenities

Designed with Japanese ryokan in mind, this zen 16-room hideaway is a modern take on the traditional inns that are beloved in the Land of the Rising Sun. The minimalist design—comprised largely of teak, limestone, and neutral hues—further drives home that Nobu Ryokan Malibu is meant to be a serene retreat. All accommodations feature teak soaking tubs, skylights, and private decks or patios, while some also come furnished with a fireplace. And if you’re a fan of the brand’s restaurants, in-room dining is crafted by Nobu Malibu.

While there is no spa facility on-site, the property does offer in-room treatments and transportation to the nearby CURE Wellness Center.

• Complimentary valet parking
• In-room dining crafted by Nobu Malibu
• Loro Piana cashmere robes
• 800 thread count bed linens
• Custom-made linen yukatas (bathrobes)

Arguably one of the most iconic properties in Santa Monica, Shutters on the Beach is a go-to spot for visiting travelers and entertainment industry folk alike. Many celebrities have been spotted dining at the hotel over the years, but even if you’re not one to get starstruck, its location right along the Marvin Braude Bike Trail is perfect for observing all the passersby.

While you’re here, carve out some time to relax by the cabana-lined pool; have the concierge arrange a picnic on the beach; grab a seat in the Living Room lounge by the fireplace and enjoy an evening tipple to live entertainment; and borrow one of the property’s customized beach cruisers for a spin on the bike path. When selecting your rooms, be aware that many don’t offer ocean views, but they are considerably spacious, with the smallest accommodations coming in at 450 square feet.

• Outdoor pool
• Lobby lounge with live entertainment most evenings
• Bike rentals
• Alfresco dining

Set atop a bluff in Dana Point, the Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel offers unobstructed views of the Pacific Ocean, Catalina Island, and Salt Creek Beach. When you’re looking out at the water, keep your eyes peeled for passing dolphins and whales.

In addition to its picturesque vistas, the resort also has six restaurants to choose from, an award-winning spa with a full-service salon, two pools, and two tennis courts. And with a March 2021 refresh of their accommodations, rooms and suites are better than ever with coastal-inspired decor, state-of-the-art technology, and updated bathrooms, many of which feature walk-in showers and white Statuario marble.

• Award-winning spa
• Complimentary beach shuttle and beach butler service
• Two outdoor swimming pools and two outdoor whirlpools
• Two tennis courts