5 Great Beach Hotels In Southern California

SoCal Hotels For Ocean Lovers

Things To Bring on Your California Vacation

• Beach accessories and sunscreen
• Aloe vera cream in case you get burned
• A good book
• Travel size toiletries that won't take up too much space
• Keep your dirty clothes separate from the clean ones with a laundry bag
• A money belt for easy access to cash & cards
• If you're traveling with kids, you might want to bring along some games
• Depending on your preference, either a backpack or some nice luggage
• Cozy pillows can improve any long flight or car trip
• A travel mug for your coffee or tea

California History & Facts

Biggest Cities & Towns in California

The state is home to many famous places, from the sunny beaches in the south to the arid deserts in the east. Here are the ten largest cities and towns in California:

Why Is The Ocean Blue?

In Depth

Southern California is an exciting destination for travelers seeking a sunny getaway. The region's famed beaches, from Coronado in San Diego, to Santa Monica in Los Angeles, beckon visitors from around the world with surfing, sailing, and ocean views. For tourists eager to experience a beach vacation in the Golden State, in no particular order, here are five impressive waterfront hotels offering fun in the sun.

At #1 is Kimpton Shorebreak Huntington Beach Resort, located near Surf City, USA. Boutique amenities include complimentary coffee and tea, a hosted wine hour, beach cruisers, and fireside s'mores. In addition, Surf Ambassadors are available to guide your surfing experience. The hotel is also a popular wedding venue, with dedicated planners and custom catering menus. Couples also receive an ocean view suite and champagne.

The Kimpton Shorebreak Huntington Beach Resort features Oceanfront and Pierview Two-Bedroom Suites, which have private living rooms, gourmet honor bars, and terraces facing the shore. There is a phonograph in every room, and guests have access to the hotel's curated record library, allowing them to borrow their favorite music or discover new artists. The resort is located steps from Huntington Beach Pier and the International Surf Museum.

There is a phonograph in every room, and guests have access to the hotel's curated record library, allowing them to borrow their favorite music or discover new artists.

In the #2 spot is Pacifica Hotels, a collection of California beach hotels from San Francisco to San Diego, with an additional location in Hawaii. It has destinations for family holidays, romantic getaways, or ocean view weddings. Its Honeymoon On Us package offers choices of traditional or do it yourself venues along the California coast, and an exclusive complimentary stay at a location of your choice.

Choose Your Coastal Adventure tailors hotel stays for every taste and desire, including wine enthusiasts, surfers, and cyclists. Golfers have access to the renowned greens at Half Moon Bay, with a choice of playing an original or ocean course. Romantic Beach Getaways feature an assortment of activities including whale watching, touring the Hearst Castle, or a couple's massage.

Coming in at #3 is The Kimpton Goodland, a boutique surf hotel near Santa Barbara. Other popular activities include kayaking, visiting the Goleta Butterfly Grove, fishing, and ultimate Frisbee. Music aficionados can visit VNYL, the hotel's on-site record shop and experience its listening station and purchase an album.

Other popular activities include kayaking, visiting the Goleta Butterfly Grove, fishing, and ultimate Frisbee.

Special events at The Kimpton Goodland include Trivia Night and Lawn Game Tournaments with cornhole, giant Connect Four, and Tic-Tac-Toe where guests compete for prizes. Yappy Hour for canine guests has a menu for dogs and a specialty-themed cocktail for humans. Local art walks, movie screenings, and wine tastings are also regular attractions.

Entering the list at #4 is Catamaran Resort Hotel and Spa in San Diego. The Polynesian-themed resort features tiki torches, waterfalls, and exotic birds. Home to the city's only beachfront spa, its treatment options for massages, facials, and body scrubs are inspired by South Pacific and Asian healing traditions.

Guests of the Catamaran Resort Hotel and Spa can take a ride on its classic sternwheeler, the Bahia Belle, which provides complimentary cruises on Mission Bay. Movies on the Beach, complete with popcorn and beach chairs, screens family friendly flicks. Other popular oceanfront activities include water sports such as stand up paddle boarding, kayaking, sailing, and biking around the bay.

Guests of the Catamaran Resort Hotel and Spa can take a ride on its classic sternwheeler, the Bahia Belle, which provides complimentary cruises on Mission Bay.

Finishing up the list at #5 is Hotel Erwin on Venice Beach. Named by Tripadvisor as one of the Best Hotels in Los Angeles, it offers a variety of specialized packages designed to maximize the beach experience, such as Beds and Boards which features lessons from a local surfing instructor as well as the provision of equipment and wetsuits. Weekend Warriors gives you your choice of rooms, along with breakfast for two at the onsite restaurant, Erwin's Kitchen & Cocktails, and bike rentals.

Amenities at Hotel Erwin include balcony views, an honor bar curated with seasonal items, and a day pass to a local gym. The hotel enjoys proximity to a number of popular and renowned attractions such as the Farmers Market, Santa Monica Pier, and Muscle Beach. It has received media coverage in Locale Magazine, Los Angeles Times, and The Infatuation.