The 7 Most Beautiful Beach Resorts in California

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I’ve been up and down California’s coast more times than I can count, and this state absolutely nails the beach resort game. We’re talking about everything from Big Sur’s dramatic cliffs to San Diego’s perfect weather, with each spot offering something completely different. The Hotel del Coronado blew me away with those fairy tale turrets rising from the sand, while places like Post Ranch Inn make you feel like you’re floating above the Pacific.

What I love about California beach resorts is how they capture totally different vibes depending on where you are. Shutters on the Beach puts you right in the Santa Monica action where you can watch surfers before your morning coffee. Up north in Mendocino, intimate properties perch on rugged cliffs that feel like the edge of the world. These best beach resorts in California have mastered everything from Hollywood glamour to bohemian charm, and honestly, picking just seven favorites was brutal.

The best beach resorts in California: 7 amazing resorts on the California coast

This guide is your key to unlocking seven of the best beach resorts in California. Here are my favorites at a glance:

• Best for Luxury Getaways: The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel
• Best Cliffside Views: Montage Laguna Beach
• Best Historical Charm: Four Seasons Resort The Biltmore Santa Barbara
• Best for Nature Lovers: Terranea Resort, Rancho Palos Verdes
• Best for a Celebrity Experience: Shutters on the Beach, Santa Monica
• Best Mediterranean Style Escape: Fairmont Grand Del Mar, San Diego
• Best for Golf Lovers: The Lodge at Pebble Beach

I used visitor reviews, hotel websites, and amenities lists to put together this comprehensive list to find the best. And now, without further ado, here is my list of the 7 best beach resorts in California. 

1. The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel

• 📍 Location: Blufftop above Salt Creek Beach, Dana Point
• 💰 Prices From: $860/night
• ✨ Top Amenities: Oceanview dining, eco-adventures, surf concierge, blufftop yoga, dog-friendly perks
• 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Perfect For: 🌅 Romantic getaways, nature-lovers, luxury stays with Pacific views

If you’ve ever dreamed of watching surfers carve through waves from your balcony, The Ritz-Carlton in Laguna Niguel brings that vision to life. Perched on a 150-foot bluff, this resort feels like an elevated outpost for ocean lovers, literally and figuratively. The Pacific rolls out beneath you, and everything from the design to the pace of service echoes that coastal rhythm.

I just love how the energy shifts depending on where you are. Mornings feel calm and breezy with beach walks or blufftop yoga, while evenings lean into glowing sunsets and fine dining at Raya. There’s even a “Yappy Hour” for your dog, where pups get treats and owners sip cocktails while watching the waves roll in.

You’re also minutes from Dana Point Harbor and the wild trails of Salt Creek and the Headlands. Between guided eco-adventures and surf lessons arranged by the concierge, this resort connects you to California’s coastline in a way that’s both luxurious and grounding.

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2. Montage Laguna Beach

• 📍 Location: Clifftop above Treasure Island Beach, Laguna Beach
• 💰 Prices From: $1,200/night
• ✨ Top Amenities: Oceanfront pool, craftsman-style rooms, Spa Montage, coastal dining, art classes
• 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Perfect For: 🌊 Wellness travelers, honeymooners, coastal art lovers

Montage Laguna Beach feels like someone built a private coastal sanctuary and decided to share it. Craftsman-style bungalows stretch along the coastline, with walking paths that wind through gardens and open out to dramatic Pacific views. You can pretty much spot dolphins from your balcony and hear waves crashing while you sip your morning coffee.

What makes this place so calming is how everything flows together: earth-toned rooms, curated art pieces, and an easy elegance that never feels staged. The dining here is even next level, with Studio and Mosaic bringing local ingredients and coastal flavors to the table without overcomplicating anything.

If you’re here to reset, Spa Montage is the crown jewel. Marine-based bodywork, a saline lap pool, and meditation classes overlook the sea. Between treatments and walks along Treasure Island Beach, it’s easy to forget the rest of the world exists.

• Read next: Reasons to Choose Retreats Over Vacations

3. Four Seasons Resort The Biltmore Santa Barbara

• 📍 Location: Butterfly Beach, Montecito (just east of Santa Barbara)
• 💰 Prices From: $950/night
• ✨ Top Amenities: Spanish Colonial architecture, beachfront dining, lush gardens, private bungalows
• 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Perfect For: 🏖️ Romantic escapes, design lovers, laid-back luxury stays

This resort is a masterclass in timeless California glamor. Tucked between the Santa Ynez Mountains and the sea, The Biltmore feels like an estate from another era. White stucco walls, red-tiled roofs, and palm-lined courtyards lead to Butterfly Beach, and everything here moves at its own graceful pace.

It’s the kind of place where everything slows down. Tile-lined patios open to lush gardens, and the ocean air filters in like a soft invitation to breathe deeper. Evenings glow with that golden light you only get on the California coast.

Part of what makes it so special is the balance of seclusion and convenience. You’re minutes from downtown Santa Barbara, close to coastal trails, and within easy reach of wine country. The setting is peaceful, but the possibilities stretch out in every direction.

4. Terranea Resort, Rancho Palos Verdes

• 📍 Location: Blufftop above the Pacific, Rancho Palos Verdes
• 💰 Prices From: $750/night
• ✨ Top Amenities: Seaside spa, saltwater pool, golf course, nature trails, cliffside dining
• 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Perfect For: 🌿 Nature lovers, wellness retreats, coastal getaways

Terranea Resort in Rancho Palos Verdes feels like a private peninsula with the kind of views that make you forget Los Angeles is just an hour away. Set on coastal bluffs with winding trails and tide pools below, the resort spreads out like a Mediterranean village, complete with red-tiled roofs and breezy courtyards.

What stands out is how well it connects you to the landscape. You can kayak alongside dolphins, hike trails that hug the cliffs, or sit in an oceanview cabana and watch pelicans glide past. 

For quiet restoration, the spa blends seamlessly into the scenery. Its outdoor soaking tubs, fire pits, and coastal-inspired treatments invite you to slow down. Everything at Terranea feels spacious, thoughtful, and designed to keep you in rhythm with the ocean.

5. Shutters on the Beach, Santa Monica

• 📍 Location: Right on the sand, Santa Monica Beach
• 💰 Prices From: $700/night
• ✨ Top Amenities: Beachfront balconies, spa suites, boardwalk access, casual luxury vibe
• 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Perfect For: 🏖️ Beach walkers, sunset seekers, design-conscious travelers

Staying at Shutters feels like borrowing a beachfront home from a stylish friend. White wood-paneled walls, cozy fireplaces, and shelves of curated books give it the charm of a New England cottage, but with the laid-back pulse of Southern California. Step outside, and the beach is literally right there.

Santa Monica Pier is a short stroll away, but it’s just as easy to spend the day lounging in your robe, ordering room service, and letting the ocean breeze roll in. The rooms feel airy and lived-in, like someone thought about every little detail and then made it feel effortless.

Ready to spoil yourself? Book a massage, coastal scrub, or quiet soak in the spa suites, then drift to the pool or back to your balcony. What really stays with you is the relaxed hospitality; staff treat you like a returning friend, and sunset views over the Pacific do the rest.

• Read next: Things to Do in Southern California

6. Fairmont Grand Del Mar, San Diego

• 📍 Location: Los Peñasquitos Canyon Preserve, inland from Del Mar
• 💰 Prices From: $850/night
• ✨ Top Amenities: Five-star spa, golf course, canyon trails, fine dining, equestrian center
• 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Perfect For: 🏇 Luxury retreats, wellness weekends, inland nature escapes

Fairmont Grand Del Mar feels like it was made for slowing down. Nestled deep in a quiet canyon north of San Diego, this resort has the elegance of a European estate but the ease of California living. Terra-cotta rooftops peek through the trees, archways open into sunlit courtyards, and the whole place hums with that calm, golden-hour kind of energy. It’s luxurious, yes, but I appreciate how it doesn’t feel over the top.

Morning hikes through Los Peñasquitos Canyon reveal oak-lined paths and waterfalls, while afternoons drift into wine tastings, golf rounds, or a sunset ride at the on-site stables. You’re less than 20 minutes from the coast, but there’s no real reason to leave.

For peak relaxation, the five-star spa feels as luxurious as the grounds. Think warm stone massages, crystal facials, and eucalyptus steam rooms set within peaceful tiled chambers. Between the stillness of the canyon and the pampering inside, it’s easy to forget you’re anywhere near a city.

• Read next: Budget-Friendly Airports in California

7. The Lodge at Pebble Beach

• 📍 Location: Overlooking Pebble Beach Golf Links, Monterey Peninsula
• 💰 Prices From: $1,200/night
• ✨ Top Amenities: Iconic golf, oceanside spa, fire pits, fine dining, scenic drives
• 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Perfect For: ⛳ Golf fans, romantic retreats, coastal luxury seekers

Few resorts feel as iconic as The Lodge at Pebble Beach. Set right on the legendary 18th hole, it places you at the heart of one of the world’s most celebrated golf courses. Ocean winds carry through cypress trees, and every room gives you a front-row seat to the Monterey coastline.

Even if you’re not swinging clubs, the surroundings are unforgettable. You can drive the 17-Mile loop, explore Carmel’s art galleries, or walk the bluffs and spot sea otters playing in the surf. Sunset by the fire pits feels like a ritual you won’t want to skip.

When it’s time to unwind, the spa leans into its surroundings with a calm, earthy vibe. Coastal herbs, warm stones, and sea-salt scrubs set the tone, while the quiet, light-filled space mirrors the calm that rolls in with the fog. This is luxury that invites you to slow down and soak it all in.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs) about the best beach resorts in California

Now that you know where to find the best beach resorts in California, you can begin planning your next adventure. Before you do, here are some frequently asked questions about booking a trip to the best beach resorts in California. I hope my answers help you have a trip of a lifetime! 

What is the best time of year to visit the best beach resorts in California?

California, with its renowned Mediterranean-like climate, is a year-round destination. However, the best time to visit can vary depending on what you’re looking for in your beach resort experience.

The peak travel season is during the summer months, from June to August, when the weather is warmest and sunniest. This is an ideal time for sunbathing, swimming, and enjoying water sports. Resorts like The Ritz-Carlton Laguna Niguel, Montage Laguna Beach, and Shutters on the Beach offer exceptional summer amenities. You can expect private beach access, outdoor pools, and various water sports activities.

The fall months (September to November) bring milder temperatures and fewer crowds. This makes autumn a great time to enjoy outdoor activities like golfing, hiking, or exploring local attractions in comfort. Resorts like Fairmont Grand Del Mar and The Lodge at Pebble Beach offer world-class golf courses that can be particularly enjoyable during these months.

Winter (December to February) and spring (March to May) are also excellent times to visit. While temperatures can be cooler, particularly in Northern California, it’s often still warm enough for outdoor activities. You may also find lower rates and fewer crowds at the resorts.

Of course, many of these resorts also offer unique amenities that can be enjoyed year-round, such as spa treatments, fine dining experiences, and fitness facilities. Ultimately, the best time to visit these California beach resorts depends on your preferences and the activities you most enjoy.

What is the prettiest beach in California?

Determining the prettiest beach in California is no easy feat, given the state’s expansive coastline teeming with numerous stunning options. However, among the many contenders, Carmel Beach stands out as one of the most captivating beaches in California.

Located at the foot of the quaint Carmel-by-the-Sea, Carmel Beach is a picturesque hideaway that encapsulates the breathtaking beauty of the California coast. It’s famed for its stunning white sands that contrast sharply with the deep blue of the Pacific Ocean. Fringed by cypress trees, the beach offers a dramatic view of the rugged coastline and Pebble Beach’s legendary golf links in the distance.

Carmel Beach isn’t just a feast for the eyes. Its calm waters make it an excellent location for swimming, surfing, and beachcombing. The scenic beach is also home to the Carmel Beach Monterey Cypress forest, a unique ecosystem found only in this part of the world.

As the sun sets, Carmel Beach transforms into one of the best spots for sunset viewing. The beach permits bonfires, adding a cozy element to evening beach visits.

With its combination of natural beauty and serene ambiance, Carmel Beach is undoubtedly one of California’s prettiest beaches. However, the true beauty of California’s coast is its variety, with each beach offering its unique allure and appeal.

What’s the warmest beach in California?

California’s coastline stretches over 800 miles. This means beach temperatures vary greatly from the northern part of the state to the southern regions. Generally, the warmest beaches are found in Southern California, particularly during the summer months.

Among these, Coronado Beach in San Diego is considered one of the warmest. Bathed by the southern sun, this expansive beach experiences average high temperatures, often reaching into the 70s Fahrenheit even in the winter. In the summer, they can soar into the 80s. The water temperature also tends to be warmer here, typically in the mid-60s to low-70s Fahrenheit during the summer.

Coronado Beach’s warmer temperatures are complemented by its stunning beauty. It boasts a tranquil, laid-back vibe, soft white sands, and calm, clear waters. It’s perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and beachcombing. The iconic Hotel Del Coronado adds a touch of historic charm to the beachscape. 

However, remember that weather can be unpredictable, and it’s always a good idea to check the forecast before planning your beach visit. Nevertheless, Coronado Beach is an excellent choice for those seeking warmth and an iconic Southern California beach experience.

What beach in California has the best weather?

When considering the beach with the best weather in California, it’s important to note that the ideal conditions often depend on personal preferences. Naturally, “best” weather can be subjective. Some might prefer a cooler, more refreshing climate, while others may seek warmth and sunshine.

However, for consistently pleasant, mild weather year-round, Santa Barbara is top for the best beach weather in California. 

Santa Barbara Beach offers an enviable Mediterranean climate characterized by moderate, often warm temperatures throughout the year. The average high temperature rarely dips below 60 degrees Fahrenheit even in the winter. In the summer, it tends to hover in the mid-to-high 70s. Rain is infrequent and usually confined to the winter months. Humidity is relatively low, and there’s plenty of sunshine throughout the year.

Besides enjoying the weather, there’s a lot to do around Santa Barbara Beach. You can take in scenic views, engage in water sports, and explore the area’s vibrant dining and shopping scene.

Of course, California is known for its favorable beach weather as a whole. As such, many beaches, especially in the southern part of the state, offer sunny, warm conditions for most of the year. Always check current weather conditions before planning your visit.

What sets the best beach resorts apart from other accommodations in California?

These seven resorts set the benchmark for luxury accommodations in California, providing not just a place to stay but a complete experience. They stand out because of their stunning locations, from beachfront settings to dramatic cliff-top vistas, providing guests with breathtaking views and easy access to the beautiful Californian outdoors.

Each resort offers a unique combination of luxurious rooms and suites, world-class dining experiences, superb facilities, and a wide range of recreational activities. Above all, they excel in providing personalized service, ensuring each guest’s stay is not just comfortable but truly unforgettable. It’s these elements that make these resorts the best in California.