BEACHFRONT BLISS
There’s only one part of California that boasts a wide range of beach resort options
California is justifiably famous for its beaches, but not so much for its beachfront accomodations. And that’s simply because there aren’t a lot of sun, surf and sand hotels positioned to allow guests to stroll right right from their room to the Pacific, with very little in between. But there’s one part of the Golden State where you can find a smattering of beach resorts at various price points that cozy right up to the shore — scattered along the Central Coast between Los Angeles and San Francisco.
DREAM INN
For one, there’s the aptly named Dream Inn, which perches right on the sand in Santa Cruz, just a seven-minute walk from the famous Beach Boardwalk amusement park. Even more impressive is that there’s nothing but the hotel pool between your room and the alluring surf of Monterey Bay. The Dream Inn’s retro styling — especially the cool lamps and plastic molded chairs — gives the guest rooms a ’60s vibe. So make sure the Beach Boys are on your vacation playlist.
RITZ CARLTON HALF MOON BAY
Another hour further up the coast is a whole different species of marine hotel: the ultra-posh Ritz Carlton Half Moon Bay, a dramatic cliff-top hotel with its own golf links that ramble along the shore. Once again there’s retro styling, but this time it’s a throwback to the expansive seaside resorts of Victorian England or Scotland. The almost-always-empty beach and its rocky outcrops are perfect for a romantic stroll or solo contemplation, while paths lead across the bluffs to scenic spots like Cromwell Ranch and Poplar Beach.
SEVEN GABLES INN
Over on the south side of Monterey Bay, Seven Gables Inn could easily claim the title of the best beachfront bed-andbreakfast along the Central Coast. Tucked inside a sprawling 1886 seafront mansion, the yellow Victorian is a Pacific Grove landmark. The little twin beach at Lover’s Point is right across the street. Those with a nose for adventure can ask the front desk how to reach the Seven Secret Beaches of the Monterey Peninsula.
PIER VIEW SUITES
For obvious reasons (steep cliffs), there are no beach hotels along Big Sur. But just south of there on Highway 1 is the quaint beachside town of Cayucos and its Pier View Suites. Located frontand-center along the beach strip, the little boutique features sea-view rooms with private balconies, outdoor daybed cabanas on the sand, a fireplace to cozy up at night, a complimentary bottle of Central Coast wine for anyone who stays two nights or more, and a pet fish bowl in every room.
KON TIKI INN
Pismo Beach, one of the more iconic Central Coast beach towns, boasts several digs with direct access to the sand and surf. But none as cool at the Kon Tiki Inn, an old motel reworked as a 21st-century oceanfront boutique. Once again, there’s direct access to the beach, just across the back lawn and down a flight of stairs. And right next door you’ll find the romantic cliff-top restaurant Steamers of Pismo, where the seafood-oriented menu includes everything from halibut tacos and mahi mahi steaks to lobster tempura and blackened ahi.
FOUR SEASONS BILTMORE SANTA BARBARA
Down in Santa Barbara, the swank Four Seasons Biltmore offers its guests direct beach access via the historic Coral Casino Beach and Cabana Club, located across Channel Drive from the main hotel grounds. Built in 1936, the club boasts a heated, oceanfront Olympic-size swimming pool with diving board and a private gate that opens onto Butterfly Beach.
VENTURA BEACH MARRIOTT
Southernmost of the great sandy abodes is the Ventura Beach Marriott, which nestles beside the grassy stretch of San Buenaventura State Beach. You can easily walk along the shore to Ventura Pier and Surfer’s Point Park, or the other way to Marine Park and Ventura Harbor. If walking isn’t your thing, rent a bike from the front desk and pedal down the shore.