8 Best Beachfront Resorts in California 2025 | Right on the Sand
We analyzed every option, compared amenities, and sifted through guest feedback to find the best beachfront resorts in California.
From opulent hideaways perched on ocean bluffs to welcoming, family-friendly spots that let you figuratively dip your toes in the sand from your balcony, these places offer more than just a getaway.
The mix of high-end indulgence, incredible locations, and picture-perfect ocean views makes these California resorts on the beach an absolute must for travelers who crave a seamless, yet exhilarating, blend of relaxation and coastal charm.
Table of Contents
Methodology
To determine which beachside resort California options deserved a spot on this list, we took a deep look at guest ratings, expert reviews, and firsthand experiences found across Google Reviews, TripAdvisor, and Expedia.
We considered, for instance, the quality of the beach, the atmosphere of the resort, and the variety of amenities, along with dining, spa treatments, and proximity to local attractions.
Each selection, in total, reflects a balance between luxurious features and accessibility to the golden coastline, ensuring that each of these resorts in California on the beach offers a truly memorable experience.
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The 8 Best Resorts in California on the Beach in 2025
8. Santa Barbara Inn
Key Highlights:
- Sits right on East Beach, steps from the shore
- Offers spacious balconies overlooking the Pacific
- Complimentary breakfast and oceanfront dining
The Santa Barbara Inn is that kind of resort that, somehow, effortlessly combines sophistication with an inviting, easygoing ambiance.
The Spanish-style architecture, complete with red-tile roofs and whitewashed walls, gives the whole property an undeniably charming feel. It’s the kind of beachside resort California travelers dream about, where you wake up to waves rolling in just outside your window. The outdoor pool, lined with palm trees, provides a lovely place to unwind if you’re not already basking in the sun on the sand.
Each suite is generously sized, offering plush beds, elegant furnishings, and, in many cases, direct ocean views. The dining scene here is equally as enticing, with Convivo Restaurant & Bar serving up Mediterranean-inspired dishes that pair perfectly with the sea breeze.
For those who want to explore, downtown Santa Barbara’s vibrant mix of wine bars, boutique shops, and historic landmarks sits just a short drive away. This is one of those California resorts on the beach where everything about the experience feels effortless yet luxurious.
Reviews & Latest Price on TripAdvisor
7. The Seabird Resort – Most Affordable
Key Highlights:
- One of the most affordable luxury options on the coast
- Expansive pool deck with direct views of Oceanside Beach
- Full-service spa and oceanfront dining
With a name like The Seabird, it’s no surprise this resort delivers when it comes to a true oceanfront escape. Unlike some high-end properties that feel a bit exclusive, this is one of the best beachfront resorts in California that manages to balance luxury with accessibility.
The entire atmosphere here is relaxed, from the airy, coastal-inspired decor to the easygoing attitude of the staff.
Rooms are filled with soft, neutral tones, letting the blues of the ocean take center stage right from your private balcony. The pool area is an absolute highlight, offering a heated swimming space with loungers perfectly positioned to catch the sunset.
The on-site spa, Sunny’s, provides soothing treatments inspired by the ocean’s natural minerals. For food lovers, Piper, the resort’s signature restaurant, serves locally sourced seafood with bold flavors. This beachside resort California gem proves that upscale doesn’t always have to mean overpriced.
Reviews & Latest Price on TripAdvisor
6. The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel
Key Highlights:
- Perched on a bluff with sweeping ocean panoramas
- World-class spa offering seaside-inspired treatments
- Beach butler service for the ultimate relaxation
This is the type of resort where every detail, no matter how small, is carefully crafted to provide the most luxurious coastal experience possible.
The moment you arrive at The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel, it’s impossible not to be taken in by the sheer grandeur of the place. Sitting high on a bluff, the resort looks out over Salt Creek Beach, giving guests an unparalleled vantage point to take in the ocean’s endless stretch.
The rooms here feature warm tones, floor-to-ceiling windows, and balconies that let in the salty air. If that wasn’t enough, the spa offers a full range of treatments that incorporate natural elements from the Pacific.
The dining options here are some of the best among resorts in California on the beach, with Raya serving up bold Latin flavors and 180blũ providing craft cocktails with an unbeatable sunset view. Whether you’re lounging in a private cabana or dipping into the ocean below, this is a destination that defines high-end coastal living.
Reviews & Latest Price on TripAdvisor
5. Regent Santa Monica Beach
Key Highlights:
- Prime location just steps from Santa Monica Pier
- Infinity pool overlooking the ocean
- Direct access to one of California’s most iconic beaches
Santa Monica’s reputation as one of the most vibrant coastal destinations on the West Coast is well deserved, and the Regent Santa Monica Beach places guests right at the heart of it.
This California resort on the beach blends the laid-back energy of the city with the kind of luxury that makes vacations feel truly indulgent. From the infinity pool perched above the sand to the sun-drenched suites that look out over the boardwalk, everything about this place screams California cool.
The rooms are stylish, featuring modern touches that reflect the city’s creative spirit. Dining at the resort is equally impressive, offering locally sourced cuisine with an emphasis on fresh, organic ingredients.
For those who want to explore, the Santa Monica Pier is just steps away, while Venice Beach’s iconic boardwalk is within walking distance. With its unbeatable location and easygoing yet sophisticated atmosphere, this is one of the best resorts in California on the beach for travelers who want a mix of excitement and relaxation.
Reviews & Latest Price on TripAdvisor
4. The Inn at Spanish Bay
Key Highlights:
- Set along the breathtaking coastline of Pebble Beach
- Luxurious accommodations with sweeping ocean and golf course views
- Access to world-renowned golf courses, fine dining, and scenic walking trails
The Inn at Spanish Bay is, in many ways, a coastal masterpiece that seamlessly blends luxury with the rugged, natural beauty of California’s famed Pebble Beach.
This property feels a bit more exclusive, making one of the most secluded beachfront resorts in California, offering guests a front-row seat to some of the most stunning ocean views on the West Coast. The moment you arrive, the salty breeze and the soft melody of bagpipers playing at sunset create an atmosphere that is, quite honestly, nothing short of magical.
The accommodations here are incredibly refined, featuring fireplaces, private balconies, and floor-to-ceiling windows that invite in the breathtaking landscape.
Golf enthusiasts, in particular, might find this to be their dream retreat, with direct access to Pebble Beach Golf Links and the legendary Spyglass Hill course.
For those who prefer relaxation over competition, the resort’s fine dining scene, complete with world-class restaurants and an impressive wine selection, offers an indulgent alternative.
Meawnhile, the surrounding area boasts scenic trails, dramatic cliffs, and hidden coves, making it a fantastic choice for those who appreciate a slower, more immersive travel experience. In short, The Inn at Spanish Bay offers an experience that makes it one of the best California resorts on the beach.
Reviews & Latest Price on TripAdvisor
3. Shutters on the Beach – Top Value Pick
Key Highlights:
- Classic East Coast-inspired design with West Coast charm
- Directly on Santa Monica Beach, just steps from the sand
- Renowned spa offering ocean-inspired wellness treatments
Shutters on the Beach, which is really one of the most effortlessly stylish resorts in California on the beach, is that rare spot where timeless design and a laid-back vibe meet in perfect harmony.
Walking into the lobby, it’s almost as if you’ve stepped into an exclusive coastal retreat, yet the atmosphere remains incredibly warm and welcoming. The interiors, featuring crisp white linens, cozy fireplaces, and private balconies, tend to feel like a luxurious beach house rather than a traditional hotel.
The spa, which is an absolute highlight, focuses on ocean-inspired treatments, using mineral-rich products that seem to enhance that fresh, post-beach glow.
Dining at the property is equally as refined, with One Pico serving locally sourced, thoughtfully crafted dishes that pair rather well with sunset views. For travelers who want an effortlessly elegant escape in one of the most iconic beach cities, this beachside resort California destination makes a rather compelling case.
Reviews & Latest Price on TripAdvisor
2. The Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon Bay – Best-Seller
Key Highlights:
- Perched on a rugged cliff overlooking the Pacific
- World-class golf courses and luxury spa on-site
- Evening bagpipes at sunset for a unique ambiance
There is, quite frankly, nothing typical about The Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon Bay, which is one of the most dramatically situated best beachfront resorts in California.
Nestled on a bluff that seems to drop off into the ocean, it’s the kind of place where nature, luxury, and a little bit of magic come together seamlessly. The architecture, with its grand stone facade and towering windows, creates a setting that feels more like a countryside estate than a traditional beach retreat, yet the ocean is right there, stretching endlessly in front of you.
The rooms, which tend to be generously sized, offer a balance of modern elegance and cozy warmth, often featuring fireplaces that make cooler coastal nights feel especially inviting.
The spa, which is highly regarded, incorporates locally sourced ingredients into treatments that seem to bring a whole new level of relaxation. If that wasn’t enough, the resort is home to one of the best golf courses along the coast, making it, in some respects, an absolute paradise for those who love the game.
Overall, it really is one of the best resorts in California on the beach – so immersive, you might, at least for a moment, forget the rest of the world exists.
Reviews & Latest Price on TripAdvisor
1. Montage Laguna Beach – Top Overall
Key Highlights:
- Stunning cliffside setting overlooking the Pacific
- Multiple infinity pools, a world-class spa, and fine dining
- Expansive suites and private beachfront access
There is, honestly, no real debate when it comes to Montage Laguna Beach claiming the top spot—it is, in almost every way, the ultimate beachfront resort in California.
The entire property, which seemingly floats above the coastline, is nothing short of breathtaking, offering panoramic ocean views that are, in some respects, nearly impossible to beat. The level of detail and craftsmanship throughout the resort is rather astonishing, from the polished wood floors to the oversized windows that perfectly frame the horizon.
The accommodations, which range from ultra-luxurious suites to fully private bungalows, are so elegantly designed that you might, in fact, never want to leave your room.
However, with an oceanfront spa, multiple infinity pools, and direct beach access, it’s almost impossible not to explore everything this spectacular California resort on the beach has to offer.
Dining here is, naturally, an event in itself, with Studio, the resort’s signature restaurant, serving some of the most thoughtfully crafted coastal cuisine in the state. As far as beachside resorts in California go, this one sets the standard in every imaginable way.
