The Best Oceanfront Hotels in Southern California

Are you planning a trip to Southern California? We’ve rounded up some of the best places to stay along the Pacific Coast Highway. You can relax in style at any of these amazing, luxurious hotels, and you’ll be only a short walk from the California coast. No matter which of these stunning spots you stay at, you will fall even more in love with Southern California. Without further ado, let’s jump into the best oceanfront hotels in Southern California to make your next vacation unforgettable. 

North Orange County

Paséa Hotel & Spa is only steps away from an incredible beach and a short walk from the iconic Huntington Beach Pier. This luxurious hotel features 180-degree beachfront views from your suites, allowing you to take in the sights while you relax in style. 

This hotel is close to countless downtown activities and events and features the Aarna Spa, an indoor and outdoor spa experience for those looking to melt their stress away. If you’re looking for accommodations in Southern California that combine the best parts of beach life with high-class luxury, you’re looking for the Paséa Hotel & Spa.

This Forbest four-star resort is located along Newport Beach and offers prime bayfront lodging that will take your breath away. Balboa Bay Resort offers simple luxury, with live music, poolside relaxation, and stunning accommodations only 50 miles from downtown Los Angeles. 

They offer unique boutique shopping experiences right on the premises, and you can also relax in style at their poolside Oasis Bar. Guests can gaze out over the Newport Bay Marina and watch some of the most expensive yachts in the world park for the evening before heading down to enjoy fine dining at the A + O Restaurant and Bar. 

If you’re looking for a waterfront hotel away from the hustle and bustle of LA but with the charm of the California coastline, this is the hotel for you.

South Orange County

Set overlooking the ocean, Marriott’s Newport Coast Villas is a short walk from the beachfront and everything Newport offers. Adventurous guests can rent a bike to explore Newport’s incredible waterfront or head into the city for any number of entertainment venues. 

The resort offers a restaurant, hot tub, swimming, child activities, a tennis court, and more, all backed by gorgeous ocean views. Like any great hotel, the Villas also include a spa for the ultimate coastal relaxation package. So if you’re looking for a hotel in Newport but outside of the hustle and bustle of the marina, Marriot’s Newport Coast Villas is a great choice.

The Ranch combines the best coastal exploration and canyon views in one scenic property that will take your breath away. Guests can start their morning by hiking on local trails crisscrossing 15,000 acres of land in Laguna Beach. Then, with an on-site restaurant offering locally grown foods, live music, and more, you’ll be spoiled for choice for your next meal.

Those looking to relax in style after their trip can head to the attached spa for the pampering of a lifetime, while those itching to hit the town can head to any of the countless restaurants and bars throughout Laguna Beach. Of course, The Ranch is only a short walk from the beach, meaning you can dive into the crystal clear waters before heading back to your hotel room to relax with breathtaking views.

This hotel in Laguna Beach has two main buildings offering wildly different but equally stunning vacation experiences. 14 West Boutique Hotel’s South Building offers classic Spanish-style facilities with a modern twist, while the North Building offers sleek modernity that blends beautifully with the rest of Laguna Beach.

Those looking to relax at the hotel can head to the patio at the North Building for gorgeous seating and views of downtown, all from their hotel. For the more exploration-focused guests, the beach and downtown Laguna Beach are only a short walk away, making this hotel the perfect choice for anyone looking to be in the heart of Southern California. 

Situated just 200 steps away from the beach (yes, they counted), 12 West Boutique Hotel is the perfect option for anyone looking for beachfront views with the convenience of a centrally located resort.

Only 500 feet from Laguna Beach, Surf and Sand Resort offers exquisite coastal dining, a breathtaking spa experience, and an aesthetic that will melt your stress away. Go from relaxing with beachfront views in your suite to dining at a laid-back but luxurious restaurant, all at this stunning location. You can explore the nearby beach to your heart’s content and easily venture into Laguna Beach, where countless events and amenities await discovery. 

Those looking to lay back can spend their days on the beach and their nights at the spa on the property, relaxing in a way only Southern California can truly embody. If you’re looking for one of the best beachfront resorts, visit the Surf and Sand Resort. 

Showcasing 45 unique, gorgeous guestrooms with ocean views, Capri Laguna on the Beach is a fantastic place to take in all of Southern California’s beauty. This boutique hotel is in the heart of Laguna Beach, within walking distance of the stunning downtown area and beachfront bliss. 

While this hotel has simple offerings, the gorgeous aesthetics are worth visiting. With breathtaking ocean views from each suite, you’ll be hard-pressed to pick your favorite. We’re fans of the classic fireplace combo, perfect for taking off the chill as the sun sets after a long day of playing on the beach. If you’re looking for a place to stay in Southern California, Capri Laguna on the Beach deserves a top spot on your list. 

If you crave panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean, you’ll be at home at The Ritz-Carlton at Laguna Niguel. This breathtaking hotel perches on top of a seaside bluff, with the stunning sands of Saly Creek Beach right below. With the ocean outside your window, you’ll wake up to sunny skies and salty air. 

This hotel offers an incredible spa package perfect for melting away stress, or for the more adventurous guests, there’s a surfside eco-adventure. With both Los Angeles and San Diego a mere drive away from this stunning resort, you can explore every inch of Southern California before returning to a jaw-dropping suite at The Ritz-Carlton at Laguna Niguel. So if you crave luxury, book one of these stunning suites on the California coast today.

While the Riviera Beach & Shores Resort may not be right against the coast, it offers luxurious ocean views and beaches within walking distance. These modest suites offer luxury on an approachable scale, with amenities like pools, saunas, hot tubs, and more. 

With connections to biking, hiking trails, and beaches a short walk away, these accommodations are perfect for exploring Southern California. But, of course, Los Angeles and San Diego are only a drive away from this stunning resort, allowing you to explore the area at your leisure before returning to the comfort of luxury suites and spectacular sunset views. So, if you want a mix of affordability and convenience, you want Riviera Beach & Shores Resort.

Best Coast Tours is here to help you explore the sights no matter where you stay in Southern California. Many of our tours come with custom pickup locations, meaning you’re always one step away from joining the tour of a lifetime. If you want to learn more about our tours or make a reservation, check out our offerings today.