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The Top Luxury Beach Resorts in California

Planning a trip to the Golden State? Check out our roundup of the best luxury beachfront hotels in California, from Coronado to Half Moon Bay.

By 

Lindsay Cohn

 |  April 19, 2025

Dreaming of a sun-and-sand beach vacation that doesn’t require a passport? The beauty of California’s Pacific coastline defies description. Stretching nearly 900 miles, th​i​s storied coast teems with cliff-backed beaches, scenic viewpoints, and charming seaside towns. When it’s time to turn off the engine and ease into relaxation mode, there are plenty of polished luxury beach resorts in California, complete with superb gastronomy, thoughtful service, first-rate amenities, and, of course, rooms with sweeping vistas. 

Whether you’re driving the Pacific Coast Highway and need recommendations for a few luxurious spots to stop along the way or want one luxury respite for a week-long holiday full of chilled seafood towers and shiatsu massages, these are the best luxury beach resorts in California for an unforgettable stay. 

The Top Luxury Beach Resorts in California

El Encanto, a Belmond Hotel 

Situated on a hillside overlooking the sun-dappled shores of the American Riviera, El Encanto, a Belmond Hotel, is an exclusive and iconic flora-wrapped respite that channels the charm and cachet of its surroundings — and makes good use of its pleasant Mediterranean climate. A getaway to this discreet luxury retreat blends refinement with a laid-back atmosphere. It’s not uncommon to see an A-lister enjoying a moment of relative normalcy among the lush, secluded gardens, going for a dip in the heated saltwater infinity pool, or sipping a perfectly chilled glass of white wine from the nearby Santa Ynez Valley. There’s a spa for glow-boosting facials, enlivening body scrubs, and chakra-balancing treatments. The restaurants serve elevated Californian fare with fresh seafood and bountiful produce. The rooms, terrace suites, and standalone bungalows evoke timeless Hollywood glamour in a way that’s warm and easygoing.  

Montage Laguna Beach

It doesn’t get more rejuvenating than a seaside spa resort. While Montage Laguna Beach isn’t exclusively dedicated to the art of well-being, this peaceful blufftop paradise supplies a range of amenities — including a spa for Skin Design London facials and restorative body rituals, a state-of-the-art fitness center, and a movement studio that boosts the self-care quotient, plus well-deserved indulgence in the form of gourmet alfresco dining. The call of the outdoors is hard to tune out. (And why would you?) Guests can go on endorphin-boosting hikes or leisurely nature walks, try stand-up paddle boarding, and bliss out on a beach sun lounger. At the end of a blissful day, 262 rooms, suites, and villas with cloud-like beds and stunning ocean views await.  

Rosewood Miramar Beach

Set on one of the most beautiful beaches in the celeb-favored town of Montecito (where Meghan and Harry, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, call home) and perennially ranked among the best luxury beach resorts in California, Rosewood Miramar Beach is an A-list escape with impeccable service and panache in spades. The 16-acre property has an award-winning spa for the Glacial Revive facial and CBD total-reboot contrast therapy sessions, plus beach butlers, two outdoor pools, and experiences such as mixology classes and surf lessons led by local boarding legend Adam Lambert. Culinary concepts range from Edomae-style sushi to Michelin-starred fine dining at Caruso’s. Styled after beach houses, the 158 rooms and suites have Rivolta Carmignani bed linens, soaking tubs, and large windows that stream natural light. 

Regent Santa Monica Beach

Santa Monica is having a resurgence. One of the best new beachfront hotels in California, the Regent Santa Monica Beach shines bright as a welcome addition to the city’s hospitality scene. Designed by Wimberly Interiors and AvroKO, it’s an idyllic oasis of contemporary coastal luxury with a sleek approach to glamour that trades traditional gilded trappings for a posh palette of cream and light wood with playful pops of color. The property provides 167 spacious rooms and suites, a picturesque oceanfront pool deck, and beach butler service. Mediterranean meets Middle Eastern flavors are on the menu at Orla and the 10,000-square-foot Guerlain wellness sanctuary offers a sauna, steam room,  boutique to stock up on beauty elixirs, and bespoke treatments.   

The Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon Bay

Poised on the rugged Northern California coastline, just 45 minutes south of San Francisco, the Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon Bay draws luxury lovers, romance seekers, and avid golfers. This sprawling stunner boasts a slew of luxurious accommodations. Our favorite club suites have soaking tubs and a private outdoor terrace with fire pits to make s’mores and come with niceties like a dedicated concierge and lounge access. This expansive property also has a 16,000-square-foot spa, two championship golf courses, six lighted tennis courts, and three restaurants. Check out Navio for contemporary Californian cuisine and stunning ocean panoramas, The Conservatory for seafood and steak, and the alfresco Ocean Terrace for oysters and Champagne. Despite its grand size, it feels rather intimate thanks to personal service and one-of-a-kind touches such as sunset bagpipe performances. 

Nobu Ryokan Malibu

Very few properties can strike a balance between elevated and elitist, but Nobu Ryokan Malibu does it gracefully. This luxurious hotel is a brilliant example of what happens when Japanese hospitality traditions and chill Southern Californian vibes come together. Given its zen atmosphere and emphasis on privacy, you might assume the property was completely isolated, save a few megawatt mansions. On the contrary, it occupies a prime piece of Pacific Coast Highway real estate next to one of the most happening, star-studded restaurants in town. Not that you have to leave the cosseting comforts of an oceanfront suite to savor incredible sushi. Stay in the handcrafted teak tub, cashmere Loro Piana robes, 800-thread-count Anichini bed linens, or private terrace​and order Nobu room service.

Waldorf Astoria Monarch Beach Club & Resort

If you’re the type of traveler who isn’t satisfied with sitting idly, we highly suggest putting the AAA Five-Diamond Waldorf Astoria Monarch Beach Club & Resort on your short list. Perched atop a seaside bluff overlooking brilliant blue waves, this 175-acre Dana Point playground attracts a well-heeled crowd of couples, groups, and families with its lengthy list of top-notch facilities and activities. On the docket? Hit the links at the 18-hole golf course, practice your swing at the tennis club, learn surf fundamentals, and embark on a stand-up paddleboard tour. In between adventures, guests can catch rays by one of the three pools or at the serviced beach, relax at the spa, indulge in surf and turf at Bourbon Steak, or kick back in the coastal rooms, featuring plush bedding and private terraces. 

Beach Village at the Del, LXR Hotels & Resorts

For some discerning travelers, sacrificing space and the comforts of home while on vacation puts a major dent in the happiness department. That’s what’s so appealing about Beach Village at The Del. Guests get all the benefits of staying at the legendary, recently revamped, crown jewel of Coronado — snapping photos in front of the original Victorian architecture and dining at the clutch of acclaimed restaurants — but without cramming into tight quarters. This gated enclave is steps from the golden sand, which now flies the LXR Hotels & Resorts flag, and features 78 spacious, residential-style cottages and villas equipped with kitchens, living rooms, and expansive patios. A stay also means access to a personal concierge, a private chef, swimming pools, lounge chairs, beach beds, and cabanas.

Shutters on the Beach

Shutters on the Beach, a Santa Monica institution dating back to 1993, has long lured actors, athletes, and affluent travelers. Among the many reasons it’s such a storied hangout is its proximity to the Pacific. Dedicated beach concierge​s to set up chairs and umbrellas right on the sand s​tand out among the many plush perk​s. The interiors — including the lobby, which was recently redesigned by Los Angeles-based studio Nickey Kehoe — are reminiscent of a fabulous friend’s beach house. The pool deck is dotted with chaise lounges and private cabanas. It’s also a superb place to watch the sunset. Privileged guests can take advantage of paddle tennis, volleyball, yoga, and cruiser bikes. They can also unwind with a glass of crisp rosé and a seafood tower on the terrace. Because it’s not a true escape without some pampering, there’s also a sumptuous spa.

The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel

No list of the best luxury beach resorts in California would be complete without the Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel, a well-established destination for seaside splendor in Dana Point. Teetering on a bluff with the azure waters of the Pacific Ocean below, the five-star resort is the pinnacle of barefoot luxury with beach butlers, surf lessons, and a serviced swimming pool. Diners have the choice of Californian fine dining, authentic Indian flavors, and Pan-Latin fare. Other highlights include the curated art collection, seasonal afternoon tea, cliffside yoga, and the spa for marine collagen facials and Pacific wave massages. The spacious rooms and suites are decorated in an elevated coastal style with watery hues, large windows, and thematic accents. We’re partial to the club-level accommodations for the private concierge and lounge access.

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