The Hotel Guru
California
20 of the Best Beach Hotels in California

20 of the Best Beach Hotels in California

Sun, sand, sea, celebrities, breathtaking natural vistas on a grand scale and bustling city life, California is where it’s happening. And California’s coastline, where it meets the Pacific, beckons with long, long stretches of sand, windswept dunes, dramatic cliffs and a string of beach and port towns all with their own personalities. Then there are the cities, San Francisco, San Diego and Los Angeles, famous destinations with so many appeals. And there are just as many beach hotels and resorts in California as reasons for wanting to find the perfect one to stay in. But we’ve capped our recommendations for the best beach hotels and resorts in California to 20, choosing, we hope, something for everyone, from the classic, mid-century Los Angeles hotel right on the beach, to Spanish style villas along the coast in Santa Barbara, clifftop beach escapes in we don’t really know where, and plenty of choices for families or those on a budget. Our list of the best California resorts and hotels by the beach also includes a real blow-out option, which we’ve included for our celebrity readers...use our guide and start planning your coastal getaway.

For a beach view

For unobstructed views of the Pacific Ocean it’s hard to top the 16 elegant, Japanese-style guest rooms of Nobu Ryokan. The rooms are arranged in a long line, with their terraces touching the sand and the water lapping along them at high tide, and all have floor to ceiling windows and doors, many which slide open. As well as private decks and skylights, and Japanese-style soaking tubs, all the rooms have their own indoor/ outdoor fireplace. And they’ll deliver your breakfast to you each morning in a bento box, so you don’t have to leave your beautiful cocoon until you want to. The restaurant is Japanese-Peruvian fusion, and there’s an oceanfront swimming pool. Discreet.
Along the same stretch of beach, but in a more affordable price bracket, you’ll find the Malibu Beach Inn, just three minutes from Malibu’s pier. Outside the design is boxy, but boxy with lots of big squares of glass, perfect for making the most of the views, and inside there are 47 rooms and suites decorated with unfussy style, using pale wood, Ercol-esque furniture and natural materials. There’s an impressive onsite spa, a private beach and a hip restaurant with incredible views.
Just a few minutes walk from Newport’s historic pier, and with a great view of it from many rooms, the Newport Beach Hotel is a cinch for the view category. It’s small, with 15 rooms and suites (and a self-catering guest cottage), and the decor is classic beach hotel: think shades of blue, rattan and white or pale wood furnishings. Newport Harbour is a great place for sailors or rowers of all kinds, and a great place to join a fishing charter. And you’re close to the nature reserve, but also Newport’s nightlife.
Totally different from the long sandy beaches and city piers, the coastline around Santa Barbara is rocky and dramatic, covered in low scrub, which conveniently doesn’t obstruct your view much. And this is the view from the Bacara Resort & Spa, a 358 room hotel with the feel of a Spanish village, complete with low rise villas which follow the coastline along, with the odd outdoor bar, terrace and fireplace along the way. The decor follows the same theme as the architecture, with polished marble and tile floors, vast fireplaces and traditional furnishings. The rooms are large, and many have sitting rooms and balconies too. The size of this resort guarantees choice when it comes to activities, bars and restaurants, but the menus have a Catalan flavour.

For a hip beach stay

Right on the long, long stretch of sand at Huntington Beach, Los Angeles, the Pasea Hotel & Spa is a 250 room property, with plenty of balconies and sliding glass doors to make the most of the incredible views. The decor is hip white on white, with chaise longues shaped like waves, wave patterned carpets, and large scale wave-inspired art and photography. The bar is lively and there’s a surf centre, where a ’surf butler’ will assist with your needs, and a trendy restaurant.
Hip and affordable, the Shorebreak Hotel on Huntington Beach has a contemporary, minimal vibe, with pops of colour, and a popular bar and restaurant with a good reputation for cocktails. This is a fun spot, and it’s not just the cocktails that let on, it’s also the ping pong table, the surf shop, 24 hour fitness centre and yoga studio. They also offer board and bike rentals. The Shorebreak has 157 rooms and suites, including family suites and some with their own hot tubs.

For a romantic coastal stay

The Surfrider is a small, and super cool, Malibu boutique hotel with incredible sea views and just 20 rooms and suites. They’ve totally nailed the balance between luxury and minimalism, and their simple decor and design, featuring lots of natural materials, gives the impression of being a guest at someone’s upscale beach house rather than a hotel. The rooftop restaurant is guests only, so the feeling continues. This is the perfect place to watch the sunset.
Santa Monica’s Casa del Mar is a larger, more traditional hotel, right up against the beach, with rooms facing out onto the ocean and the pool. If you look at their photos you can see why we’ve put it into the romantic category: its 129 rooms and suites have elegance, comfort and sea views, and give the feeling of this being your home for your stay, not just a bare hotel room. The luxurious linens and eclectic objets d’art really finish the picture. There’s also a spa bath in all the suites. And live music every night in the lounge, which specialises in small plates and cocktails.

For the best beach escapes

Along a quiet stretch of coast from San Francisco, right against a sandy stretch of quiet beach, you’ll find the Beach House Hotel Half Moon Bay, a spacious, comfortable hotel in a stunning spot. This is an idea spot to come to relax, with your family, or without. The 54 rooms and suites have private living space, fireplaces and balconies, as well as comfortable beds, and the hotel advertises the spaciousness of their bathrooms too. This is the perfect spot for watersports, and Half Moon Bay is part of a wetland reserve — around 200 different species of birds live here. There are lots of walking and cycling trails from the hotel too.
Perched on a spectacular clifftop overlooking a private beach on Mendocino’s coast, The Heritage House Resort is a 47 room hotel that’s smart and spacious, with huge windows letting in lots of light and incredible ocean views. If the view alone isn’t enough to make you feel a sense peace there’s the beach itself, just a minute's walk away through lush gardens, or the excellent bar and restaurant, which also have incredible views.

For family friendly options

The Pavilion Hotel is right on the water in Avalon, a gorgeous film-set of a town on Santa Catalina Island. This is a relaxed and relaxing hotel, set amongst its own tropical gardens, with 71 rooms and suites arranged in low rise buildings hidden from each other by the palms and other foliage. This is the perfect place to bring your family for some watersports fun, with all sorts on offer, including surfing, sea kayaking, sailing, fishing, diving and dolphin spotting. Of an evening the hotel has its own fire pits in the sea facing gardens.
If you want an all-singing all-dancing resort hotel then consider Terranea, a 582 room behemoth set on 102 acres of oceanfront just 30 minutes from Los Angeles. You can book a room or suite, sure, but at Terranea you can also book a whole villa, or penthouse with a private pool and hot tub. The list of hotel facilities is long, and features a kids club, an eight hole golf course, a horse riding stable, a conference centre, a vast spa and a vast wine list, and a huge range of restaurants and bars, to accompany the huge range of pools.

For great value

Just across the street from Moontstone Beach and the ocean, the Cambria Beach Lodge is a small beach-chic hotel, perfect for a romantic escape involving long walks along the beach and sunset suppers. The decor feels very beach-holiday-y, with lots of white paint, raffia, pale wood and pops of colour. And their sun terrace is hard to top.
The Beach Terrace Inn is shaped like a ‘V’ looking right out onto the hotel pool, then the beach and then the ocean, so all of the 48 rooms have sea views from private balconies. The decor is simple yet stylish, with comfort at the top of the list of priorities. And the location, in Carlsbad, is just half an hour from the attractions of San Diego.

For an eco stay

Treebones Resort is a unique glamping hotel for a real escape to nature. Stylish yurts offer a very comfortable low-impact stay. With organic food, on-site yoga classes, and gorgeous walks in the area - this is an eco-friendly option perfect for a rejuvenating stay.

For foodies

Harbor House Inn is a luxurious boutique option set on a spectacular section of rugged and secluded coastline. Design blends elegant traditional style with modern luxuries. The excellent seafood restaurant is the real draw here and serves dishes made with produce found only within a 30-mile radius. Plus the Mendocino wines are particularly good. Perfect for a couples' escape.

For Los Angeles

The Oceana Beach Club Hotel is one of those hotels with a happy, sunny vibe, with summery decor in a style many of us would choose to have in our own homes. Its location is right by the beach, but up the hill from it, and the hotel runs a regular shuttle bus down and back, or you can borrow a bike for the same trip. But you still have beautiful beach views, just with a few palm trees in the foreground. There are 70 rooms and suites, with generous proportions and, in many cases great views from private balconies. The hotel also has a heated outdoor pool and a gym where you can arrange yoga or pilates classes. The restaurant is well regarded too.
The Beach House is the sort of hotel you see in films set in L.A., a bit boxy and right up against a broad promenade and sand that stretches a long way in three directions. It’s in Hermosa Beach in Redondo, which is only a short drive from the centre of town, and it’s the ideal spot for beach cafes, bars and restaurants, and a bit of city exploration as well. Its 96 rooms are light and airy, with private balconies and fireplaces. There’s also a spa, gym and hot tub.

For San Diego

Just a few benches and a pavement from the sand, and the pier, Tower 23 is a recent addition to the view: a contemporary architectural masterpiece with sharp lines and lots of glass — which is perfect if you’re all about the sea views. Inside, the hotel has 44 rooms and suites, with are also fresh and minimally styled, with spectacular sea views. You’re close to the centre of town too, with its myriad of places to eat and drink, although the hotel’s restaurant is supposed to be pretty darn good.

For Santa Barbara

Set in 20 acres of lush gardens just off the beach, Four Seasons The Biltmore is a long, low Spanish style villa with 207 rooms and suites — some of them huge. The views of the Pacific are obstructed only by the hotel’s own palm trees and elegant outdoor seating, and the rooms that don’t have sea views have serene views of the gardens or the chic pool. The decor is luxurious, with heavy drapes and four-poster beds. There are three restaurants onsite: one Italian, one specialising in seafood and one more a cocktail and tapas lounge. And there’s a huge spa too.

Still not sure which to book?

Expand your search to include all of the best places to stay in California,
or refine your search to our Guru’s collection of the best places to stay in Los Angeles, or the best places to stay in San Francisco.
Or you could be even more specific than that and just look for beach hotels in Malibu, Santa Barbara, Carmel-by-the-Sea, Santa Catalina Island, San Diego, Newport, Santa Monica or Los Angeles’s Venice Beach.
Alternatively, you could contact one of our friendly Gurus for personalised advice.
- Nobu Ryokan Malibu (CA) 16 rooms from £1468
  
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  Total relaxation  -  The marriage of Japanese philosophy and a relaxed, Californian atmosphere means this hotel promises total relaxation
  Romantic Break  -  With its adult-oriented amenities, this hotel scores highly with couples; book an ocean room for romantic views
  Beach Life  -  Located on an exclusive stretch of the Malibu coast, this hotel makes for a VIP beach break
  Restrictions on children  -  This is an adult-oriented hotel
  
  This Japanese-style inn is located on the coast of Malibu, California. The custom-designed guestrooms feature sweeping skylights, a private deck and ensuite fireplace; book a Beachfront Room for sea views. Sample Japanese-Peruvian fusion cuisine at the seaside restaurant; an exclusive beach break. See More
  
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- Malibu Beach Inn Malibu 47 rooms from £243
  
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  Surfing  -  Visit legendary surf spots like Zuma and Surfrider beaches.
  Lively  -  Hip and happening.
  Views  -  Great views from hotel
  Designer  -  Uniquely designed interiors.
  
  A high-end Inn, three minutes from Malibu's iconic pier. Plush rooms with understated elegant furnishings. Full floor to ceiling windows and private balconies allow one to fully appreciate the spectacular ocean views. On-site spa, private beach and hip restaurant complete the Malibu experience. See More
  
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- Newport Beach Hotel Newport Beach (California) 15 rooms from £176
  
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  Birdwatching  -  The northern portion of Newport Bay comprises the pristine, 1,000-acre Upper Newport Bay Nature Preserve and Ecological Reserve.
  Sailing  -  Newport Harbor is one of the west coast’s largest recreational boat harbors, perfect for sailing, rowing and kayaking.
  Fishing  -  Chartered ocean fishing excursions allow participants to haul in sea bass, halibut, tuna and yellowtail.
  Surfing  -  With a range of beaches to choose from you won't be dissapointed.
  
  Ideal location for lapping up Newport's vibrant beach scene. The rooms are classic beach-chic with stylish features and a contemporary tone. Relax on your balcony overlooking the sea, hit the beach or soak up the lively nightlife. See More
  
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- Ritz Carlton Bacara Santa Barbara (California) 358 rooms from £273
  
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  Kayaking  -  Kayaking and Paddle boards are both avaliable to rent.
  Great walks  -  Along the coast or through the Med-vibe town Goleta
  Tennis  -  Four clay courts to be used by all guests.
  Kids Club  -  Fully staffed.
  Recommended by  -  Tablet
  
  A stunning ocean-facing resort 15 minutes from Santa Barbara. Spanish style white washed buildings give a village feel. There are various dining options from fine dining steak to sushi. Rooms and suites are luxuriously appointed plus there's a brilliant spa and activities galore. See More
  
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- Kimpton Shorebreak Resort Huntington Beach (California) 157 rooms from £163
  
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  Shops  -  The Main Street outside the hotel is buzzing with hip boutiques and surf shops
  Private Hot Tub  -  The Oceanfront 2 BR Suite, Oceanview Suite King and Accessible Courtyard Suite come with large soaking tubs
  Local markets  -  The Surf City Nights street fair and farmers market just moments away from the hotel
  Restaurant  -  Mediterranean cuisine at the Zimzala restaurant and bar cannot be missed
  Recommended by  -  Tablet
  
  Chic hotel on the beach with a modern vibe. A popular in-house restaurant and bar serving regional fare and cocktails. Bike and surfboard rentals, a ping pong table and outdoor fire pits add to the relaxed atmosphere. A great spot to enjoy a sundowner drink before heading out for some fun. See More
  
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- Treebones Resort Big Sur 16 rooms from £234
  
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  Great walks  -  Big Sur hike offers canyons, waterfalls, rocky beaches and historic sites.
  Local markets  -  Explore what Big Sur has to offer from local produce and arts and crafts.
  Kayaking  -  Sea Kayaking for 60 miles at Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary.
  Restrictions on children  -  Treebones only accepts children over 6 years
  Recommended by  -  CN Traveller
  
  Be at one with nature while gorging on oceanic views, glamping in stylish yurts and feasting on organic locally sourced produce for all meals. Put up your own tent or call a yurt a home, a fantastic spot for all the Big Sur offers. Environmentally conscious, a great treat. See More
  
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- The Surfrider Malibu (CA) 20 rooms from £332
  
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  Beach Life  -  The ultimate beach chic getaway- paired back luxury rooms offering views of the pacific and the best surfing beach in California
  Total relaxation  -  Relax, unwind and enjoy- rooftop cocktails by the firepit and listening to waves crashing on your private terrace
  Surfing  -  Take advantage of your location and hit the beach for some surf (beginners should ask reception for instructors)
  Sights nearby  -  Within a short walk of Malibu Pier, a great place to people watch and grab a bite
  Recommended by  -  Tablet
  
  An uber cool and laid back Malibu boutique. The perfect balance of simplicity and luxury is all in the fine details, scented candles, organic materials and private balconies with Pacific views. The rooftop restaurant is perfect and the staff are as friendly as you will find anywhere. Beach-chic! See More
  
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- Casa del Mar, Santa Monica Santa Monica 129 rooms from £334
  
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  Local exploring  -  Wander down to the Santa Monica pier or into the city, with lots to explore close to the hotel
  Beach Life  -  Set on the seafront in Santa Monica, this hotel makes a great option for a luxury beach break
  Romantic Break  -  The bright and airy suites are perfect for a romantic getaway, with a spa bath in every room
  Sights nearby  -  Visit the neighbouring Santa Monica pier, featuring a classic seafront amusement park and aquarium
  
  This stylish hotel is located on the oceanfront in Santa Monica, California. Airy guestrooms create a luxury Mediterranean feel with white linens against oyster accents and dark wood furniture. Meanwhile, the suites feel homely with eclectic objets d'art. Head to the chic Terrazza for nightly music. See More
  
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- Pasea Hotel & Spa Huntington Beach (California) 250 rooms from £175
  
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  City Style  -  A contemporary beach front property pleasing surfers, night revelers and spa-goers alike.
  Surfing  -  This property takes surfing seriously even offering a 'surf butler' to arrange all your needs.
  Local markets  -  Wander around Lot 579, an artisinal market, and sample Califorinia's flavours.
  Views  -  Great views from hotel
  Recommended by  -  Tablet
  
  A hip contemporary beachfront property offering excellent service and an unbeatable location. Light and airy rooms are all white on white with plenty of glass and luxury bathrooms. Boasting a lively bar and superb restaurant as well as surf centre and glorious spa. Fabulous. See More
  
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- Pavilion Hotel Avalon, Catalina Island 71 rooms from £187
  
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  Family
  Fishing  -  Fly fishing boat trips are popular and readily avaliable.
  Diving  -  SNUBA dive experience is the one.
  Local markets  -  Atwater for markets and shops.
  Recommended by  -  CN Traveller
  
  A nautical setting in manicured tropical gardens on the sea front. A dreamy film set town mirrored in the light rooms with all mod-cons, private bathrooms and breakfast. Restaurants, pool and spa treatments close by. Water sport activity heaven: sailing to surfing, boating and swimming. See More
  
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- Beach House Hotel Half Moon Bay Half Moon Bay (California) 54 rooms from £195
  
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  Birdwatching  -  Half Moon Bay has wetland and natural preserves that create an inviting environment for more than 200 species of birds.
  Kayaking  -  Discover the world of Sea Kayaking or Stand up Paddle boarding at Half Moon Bay Kayak Company.
  Great walks  -  Stroll Historic Main Street and visit the boutiques, restaurants, bakeries and cafes.
  Barefoot Luxury  -  For total relaxation.
  
  Stunning ocean location with pool and relaxing spa treatments. The rooms are comfortable and with private sitting room, fireplace, balcony and spacious bathroom. Restaurants are walking distance and activities are many. Great spot for water sports, fishing, beautiful trekking trails and relaxing. See More
  
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- The Heritage House Resort Mendocino (5200 N Hwy 1) 47 rooms from £192
  
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  Sights nearby  -  Head over and see the Taoist Temple of Kwan Tai, a California Historical Landmark
  Great walks  -  Enjoy a walk through the Coast Botanical Gardens
  Views  -  Great views from hotel
  Seaside  -  Ideal for a seaside holiday.
  Recommended by  -  Tablet
  
  The Heritage House Resort boasts a spectacular clifftop location, perched above a private beach area on Mendocino's coast. Smart and spacious accommodation with fantastic views. Lovely meals served at the restaurant, whilst the 5200 lounge is the perfect place to relax with a tipple. A top spot. See More
  
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- Harbor House Inn, California California 6 rooms from £351
  
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  Foodies  -  The beautiful coastal restaurant serves dishes made with produce found within a 30-mile radius - a standout dining experience
  Beach Life  -  Located on the beautiful and rugged Northern Californian coast with a winding path down to a secluded beach
  Restaurant  -  The fabulous restaurant boasts 2 Michelin Stars
  Good wine list  -  Serving Mendocino wines
  
  A charming lodge packing a real punch with a standout restaurant and elegant traditional design. Choose from a cottage or a room in the main house - all filled with antiques, brimming with character, and offering sea views. The seafood restaurant is worth the journey alone. Boutique luxury defined. See More
  
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- Oceana Santa Monica, LXR Hotels & Resorts Santa Monica (California) 70 rooms from £200
  
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  Active Holiday  -  Swim in the heated outdoor pool, take surfing lessons, try yoga, explore the hikes in Temescal Canyon- a perfect active holiday
  Beach Life  -  This hotel sits on Santa Monica Beach, looking out over the Pacific Ocean. A shuttle service or bikes take you to the beach.
  Local exploring  -  This bright and colourful hotel is only 1 mile from the shopping on Third Street Promenade and Santa Monica Pier.
  Total relaxation
  Recommended by  -  Mr & Mrs Smith, Tablet
  
  Bright and lively hotel by Santa Monica Beach with wonderful Pacific views. The rooms colourfully create a sense of sunny optimism, with homely, comfortable features in large contemporary rooms. With a heated pool and only seconds from the beach, it's perfect for both relaxing and active trips. See More
  
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- Terranea Los Angeles (California) 582 rooms from £224
  
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  Local markets  -  Seaport Village is worth a visit if you are interested in seeing the daily fishermans catch.
  Hideaway  -  In 102 acres of oceanfront.
  Kids Club  -  Fully staffed.
  Outstanding location
  Recommended by  -  Tablet
  
  102 acres of oceanfront more Mediterranean in feel than South California. Stunning spot, activities for all and only 30 minutes away from LA. Rooms are light, spacious and capture the spectacular view. In-house restaurants and bars are inside or by the pool or ocean. Great retreat for all the family See More
  
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- Tower 23 San Diego (Pacific Beach) 44 rooms from £220
  
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  Surfing  -  Pacific Beach is close and great for picking up a board and getting in the ocean.
  Fishing  -  Ask at reception for the recommended spots.
  Great walks  -  Along the beach front or in town.
  Local markets  -  Close to San Diego city centre.
  Recommended by  -  Mr & Mrs Smith
  
  A contemporary architectural masterpiece on the seafront, interiors mirror the modern facades and fresh, clean cut style. Rooms have spectacular sea views, all the mod-cons and in-room spa treatments are available. Steak & Seafood restaurant is a must, but the location lends itself to exploring. See More
  
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- Four Seasons The Biltmore Santa Barbara (California) 207 rooms from £503
  
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  Sailing  -  Santa Barbara Harbour and Waterfront has a lot of sailing opportunities.
  Great walks  -  Along Butterfly Beach, or even East Beach just a bit up the coast.
  Sights nearby  -  Stearns Wharf nearby for art galleries, restaurants and bars.
  Fishing  -  Readily avaliable at the local harbour or ask at reception.
  
  The 20 acres of lush garden on the oceanfront give a Mediterranean feel and beautiful Pacific views. The spacious are Spanish-esqe, with fabulous views of garden, sea or pool. Bella Vista offers organic Italian food or seafood at Tydes, with cocktails at Ty Lounge. Loads to do and a brilliant spa. See More
  
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- Cambria Beach Lodge Cambria (California) 25 rooms from £170
  
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  Sights nearby  -  Go check out the nearby Hearst Castle, the "gateway to the bohemian culture of Big Sur"
  Fishing  -  Find a quiet spot along the coast and spend an afternoon fishing
  Great walks  -  Hike along Bluff's trail, a 2-mile walk along Moonstone Beach
  Seaside  -  Ideal for a seaside holiday.
  Recommended by  -  Tablet
  
  Cambria Beach Lodge is located across the street from Moonstone Beach, Cambria. This quaint stay offers chic, beach-inspired minimalist accommodation livened up with a vibrant array of colours. Kick back on the sun terrace with a tipple and relax! Daily continental breakfasts. Great for couples! See More
  
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- Beach Terrace Inn Carlsbad, California 48 rooms from £160
  
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  Fishing  -  Arrange a deep sea fishing trip in the nest door bay.
  Lively  -  Hip and happening.
  Romantic  -  Good for couples.
  Designer  -  Uniquely designed interiors.
  
  THE place to stay on the Carlsbad Bay. The sleek and understated rooms come with private balconies overlooking the spectacular beach below. Nothing has been neglected for the sake of comfort and convenience. Everything about this boutique hotel is elegant and well thought out. See More
  
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