From San Diego to Santa Barbara, southern California is home to beaches, mountains, valleys and deserts. That’s a lot of ground to cover, but fortunately there’s a wide assortment of the best resorts in southern California to serve as home base. Whether you’re looking for a woodsy retreat or coastal resort – and anything in between – we’ve got you covered. Here are 15 of the best resorts in Southern California for your next getaway.
1540 Camino Del Mar
Del Mar, California 92014
(858) 386-1336
A family-friendly luxury resort, the award-winning L’Auberge del Mar overlooks the Pacific Ocean and is close to a popular coastal village. The beachfront resort has 121 rooms that range from guest rooms to suites. They feature elegant furnishings like marble bathrooms and have private balconies or patios with ocean, garden or village views. Some rooms have a fireplace.
Resort amenities include a year-round heated swimming pool, fitness center, two tennis courts and the 5,000-square-foot Spa L’Auberge. The beach is just a short walk away down a landscaped path from the resort to the sand.
1500 Orange Ave.
Coronado, California 92118
(619) 435-6611
Built in 1888, the historic Hotel del Coronado is a beachfront resort on Coronado Island. It’s an iconic San Diego family resort with one of the best beaches in San Diego and an extensive selection of accommodations. Many people like to stay in the original Victorian building where no two rooms are alike. Contemporary furnishings and features are found in the Cabanas, Views, Beach Village and Shore House.
With its prime spot on Coronado Island, the resort is a destination in itself. In addition to the beach, guests have access to swimming pools, yoga, golf, bike rentals, tennis courts and a surf academy. The Dell has six restaurants and three bars/lounges.
Families can enjoy a private beach bonfires and s‘mores. The resort‘s children‘s program, Ocean Explorers, for ages 5 – 12, offers half-day and full-day sessions with a boatload of activities.
2100 Costa Del Mar Road Carlsbad, California (760) 438-9111
The world-class Omni La Costa Resort & Spa spoils families from the moment they check in and kids receive a backpack stuffed with goodies. Situated on 400 acres of lush gardens with paved pathways, the pet-friendly resort has 607 units that range from guest rooms to villas and family suites. Up to four kids ages 17 and younger stay free in their parents’ or guardian’s room.
Amenities include seven restaurants, eight swimming pools, a free waterpark, cabana rentals, 17 tennis courts and two championship golf course. For children 6 months through 12 years old, Kidtopia Kids Club offers a range of activities. Meanwhile, adults can enjoy treatments at the full-service luxury spa.
More activities include dive-in movies and evening s’more roasting. There’s also a free beach shuttle. Another perk: The resort is a short drive to LEGOLAND California in Carlsbad.
8110 Camino Del Oro
La Jolla, California 92037
(855) 923-8058
The laid-back, beachfront La Jolla Shores Hotel has 128 guest rooms, including 19 with kitchenettes. The family-owned hotel has a private beach, year-round heated outdoor pool, onsite restaurants, fitness center and two tennis courts.
TripAdvisor reviewers give this beachfront hotel a thumbs up for location, cleanliness and friendly service. Plus, it’s a short drive to the Birch Aquarium and other San Diego attractions.
1 Monarch Beach Resort N
Dana Point, California 92629
(949) 234-3200
Waldorf Astoria Monarch Beach Resort & Club is an upscale property on 175 acres atop a 150-foot seaside bluff with access to a private beach. For travelers, it’s a good location between San Diego and Los Angeles. Accommodations include a variety of guest rooms and suites.
Traveler reviews rank the resort high for service, dining options and amenities. The resort has seven restaurants, three swimming pools, a championship golf course, tennis courts and a children’s program (surcharge).
74-855 Country Club Drive Palm Desert, California 92260 (760) 341-2211
Situated on 450 acres of desert gardens, the JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa is a laid-back luxury resort in the Greater Palm Springs Area. The family-friendly resort has 884 guest rooms including 101 luxury suites. Rooms are spacious and many have mountain and pool views. The property has landscaped pathways, waterways and lakes. Guided, private electric boat rides are available for guests. These boats cruise along the lake and under a bridge to the onsite Mikado Restaurant and The Spa at Desert Springs.
The resort’s amenities include five pools, two golf courses and several restaurants, many with lake views. Families can spend hours in the 12,000-square-foot arcade – the JW Entertainment Zone that has fun retro and modern games for all ages. Adults should be sure to book a treatment at the 38,000-square-foot Spa at Desert Springs.
30801 South Coast Highway Laguna Beach, California 92651 (866) 271-6953
Situated on a coastal bluff above the Pacific Ocean, the five-star Montage Laguna Beach pampers guests with luxury accommodations and amenities. Guest rooms, suites and villas all have 24-hour room service, premium bedding and pillow menus. Free infant beds are available.
TripAdvisor reviewers rave about the resort’s excellent service, three ocean view restaurants and Sunday afternoon tea. The beachfront resort has two outdoor pools, a children’s play area, cabanas, pool umbrellas and a poolside bar. There’s also a 20,000-square-foot spa, fitness center and yoga classes. For a surcharge, guests ages 5-12 can participate in Paintbox, a themed activities-based children’s program.
21500 E. Pacific Coast Highway Huntington Beach, California 92648 (714) 698-1234
The Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach Resort & Spa is a good choice for travelers looking for a laid-back oceanfront resort. The pet-friendly hotel has 517 guest rooms and suites with private terraces. Most have ocean views. From poolside to casual and elegant, the Hyatt Regency offers a variety of dining options. There’s also an onsite grocery store.
With its beachfront location, two outdoor pools, a children’s pool, fitness center and full-service spa, the resort caters to couples and families.
100 Terranea Way Rancho Palos Verdes, California 90275 (855) 938-4047
Perched on a coastal bluff along the Palos Verdes Peninsula, the five-star Terranea Resort is a luxurious, secluded getaway in Los Angeles. All 360 rooms, which include guest rooms, suites, bungalows, casitas and villas, have premium bedding and 24-hour room service.
Resort amenities feature eight dining options, a nine-hole golf course, four heated swimming pools and a waterslide. Guests also have access to a private beach cove, a nature trail, paddle boarding and kayaking.
The Terranea Kids Club entertains ages 4 – 12 with outdoor games, arts and crafts, science-based activities and more. This gives parents a chance to relax and enjoy massages at the 50,000-square-foot spa with 25 treatment rooms.
1 Pico Blvd. Santa Monica, California 90401 (310) 458-0030
With its beachfront location and proximity to the Santa Monica Pier (which anchors the Pacific Park amusement park), Shutters on the Beach is a great place to stay and one of our favorite Santa Monica hotels with ocean views. Room options vary from studios and standard guest rooms to suites. Onsite restaurants, an outdoor pool, spa tub and a full-service spa are among the amenities. The pet-friendly hotel also offers a children’s menu, 24-hour room service and free WiFi.
Bike rentals, swimming and beach yoga are among outdoor activities. Plus, it’s a short walk to Downtown Santa Monica.
300 S. Doheny Drive Los Angeles, California 90048 (310) 273-2222
For a luxury urban experience, check into the Four Seasons Hotel Los Angeles at Beverly Hills. The five-star hotel puts you in the middle of the action for sightseeing, shopping on Rodeo Drive and exploring the Hollywood Hills.
Guests get the star treatment starting with luxury guest rooms and suites. Kids are pampered with a special welcome gift, child-sized robes, children’s menus and complimentary coloring book and crayons. Meanwhile, parents can enjoy the full-service spa before heading out for a night on the town. Babysitting services are available for a fee.
27984 CA Hwy. 189 Lake Arrowhead, California 92352 (909) 336-1511
Nestled in the San Bernardino National Forest (about 90 minutes from L.A.), Lake Arrowhead Resort & Spa is a breath of fresh air away from the city. The lakeside resort has spacious balcony rooms, onsite restaurants, a small theater and a private beach. The pet-friendly resort also offers yoga, meditation and other wellness activities.
Things to do include boat rides, fishing, hiking and mountain biking. Plus, it’s a short walk to the pretty lakeside village and marina.
1759 S. Jameson Lane Montecito, California 93108 (805) 900-8388
The oceanfront Rosewood Miramar Beach accommodates travelers with an assortment of guest rooms, suites and bungalows. Guests are pampered with beach butler services, beach activities and the complimentary use of chairs, umbrellas, beach toys and water sports equipment.
When you’re not lounging or playing on the beach, enjoy the resort’s adults-only and family pools, onsite restaurants, poolside bar and fitness center. At the Forbes five-star spa, Sense, guests will enjoy a variety of treatments from deep tissue massages to rejuvenating facial therapies.
8301 Hollister Ave. Santa Barbara, California 93117 (805) 968-0100
The elegant Ritz-Carlton Bacara, Santa Barbara is a five-star property with direct access to miles of pristine beach. Spacious suites with Mediterranean-style decor have ocean or garden views, deep soaking tubs and marble showers.
Guests can also enjoy three zero-edge saline swimming pools with cabana rentals, six onsite restaurants and a 42,000-square-foot spa and wellness center. Electric bike rentals for ages 18 and older are available to explore the surrounding area. In addition, guests have access to the adjacent 18-hole championship golf courses at the Sandpiper Golf Club.
905 Country Club Road Ojai, California 93023 (855) 697-8780
One of the best resorts in southern California is a hidden gem in Ventura – the Ojai Valley Inn. Built in 1923, the award-winning resort is located in a unique coastal valley about 12 miles from the ocean. The five-star resort is a great home base for exploring Ojai’s enchanting art galleries, farmers markets and shops. TripAdvisor reviewers call Ojai and the Ojai Valley Inn a magical place and recommend the destination for a long weekend getaway.
Choose from luxury guest rooms, suites or penthouses – some with fireplaces. All rooms have a courtyard, garden, golf course or mountain view. Dining is a pleasure at the four onsite restaurants. There’s also an onsite artisan market. Enjoy poolside dining at two of the four swimming pools. Indigo is the adults-only pool and Pixie Pool is for families. Cabana rentals are available.
Additional resort activities include tennis, guided hikes (surcharge) and art classes in the Artist Cottage (surcharge). Camp Oak (surcharge), for ages 4-12, offers arts and crafts, science experiments and other activities.