Last Updated on October 4, 2026 by Katrina
With sunny days, reliable waves, and charming beach towns, Southern California is a hotbed for surf culture. Plenty of hotels in the region can hook you up with lessons and board rentals. At the best hotels, you’ll be just steps from the beach. You can find excellent options for surfing-based vacations in all four coastal SoCal counties—San Diego, Orange, Los Angeles, and Ventura—but here are some of the best surf hotels in Southern California.
Alila Marea Beach Resort Encinitas (2100 N Coast Hwy 101; 760-452-3500) Encinitas
Just north of San Diego, the laidback beach town of Encinitas is steeped in surf culture, and “this minimalist property manages to feel inviting and elevated, but not ostentatious or sterile,” writes Condé Nast Traveler of the sleek hotel affiliated with Hyatt, which sits right above the beach and has an acclaimed onsite restaurant. Do the hotel’s surfing experience, with private instructors and board demos, then relax by the pool or in the elegant rooms done in earth tones. “They have everything you could want for a proper California beach vacation,” writes a Google reviewer. “Beach access with chairs, umbrellas, surfboards, and beautiful views from the pool.” >> Book this hotel for less
Mission Pacific Beach Resort – JDV by Hyatt (201 N Myers St.; 844-330-1722) Oceanside
Book a surf lesson—or do a yoga session, go whale-watching, or rent a bike—at this beachfront Hyatt on the northern edge of San Diego County. “The easy, breezy Oceanside attitude is free flowing at this beach resort,” writes Condé Nast Traveler. “Decorated in calming blues and well-crafted wood pieces, Mission Pacific exudes effortless cool.” The hotel has a Michelin-starred Mexican restaurant, a rooftop bar, and direct access to the beach. “The hotel supplied chairs, towels and umbrella at the beach,” writes a Tripadvisor user. >> Book this hotel for less
Kimpton Shorebreak Huntington Beach Resort (500 Pacific Coast Hwy; 714-861-4470) Huntington Beach
Nicknamed Surf City USA, Orange County’s Huntington Beach has a long surf history and is home to consistent waves for a variety of skill levels. This Kimpton “puts you within easy access of Surf City’s top attractions, including the famous Huntington Beach Pier and Main Street, lined with some of the area’s best restaurants and bars,” writes Travel+Leisure. Along with Kimpton perks like a wine hour, “the resort’s breezy common areas include an open-air patio with fire pits.” Rooms pop with ocean-themed art and come with record players and yoga mats. “Plenty of amenities—yard games, bikes, and surfboard rentals,” writes a Google reviewer, “not to mention a lot of shops nearby.” >> Book this hotel for less
Shutters on the Beach (1 Pico Blvd.; 310-458-0030) Santa Monica
Shutters on the Beach offers serious L.A. luxury and direct access to the beach—a combo that is relatively rare in Los Angeles County. You can book private or group surf and SUP lessons through the hotel. U.S. News & World Report likes the “shabby-chic Cape Cod-style hotel” where “rooms are reminiscent of a beachside bed-and-breakfast, but with flat-screen TVs, marble bathrooms, and balconies overlooking Santa Monica.” A Tripadvisor user likes the “short walking distance to downtown Santa Monica. Great amenities—we used the bikes to ride to Venice and around the canals. The lobby has coffee in the morning and nice music in the evening.” >> Book this hotel for less
Zachari Dunes on Mandalay Beach, Curio Collection by Hilton (2101 Mandalay Beach Rd.; 805-984-2500) Oxnard
North of Los Angeles, Ventura County has plentiful surf waves and a more affordable definition of luxury hotels. Travel+Leisure calls this member of Hilton’s Curio Collection a “luxury all-suites resort at the edge of the sand. Spend the day riding by the water on a complimentary beach cruiser.” The hotel has a pool, game room, three restaurants, and a surf shop where you can book lessons. “There is plenty to do on property and the uncrowded beach is steps from the resort,” writes a Google reviewer. “We also booked a surfing lesson through the hotel website. Had an amazing instructor and I was able to ride about 15 waves my first time.” >> Book this hotel for less
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