Destinations, Guide of the Week, LowFares Summer Issue, Travel Guides
Guide of the Week: California Coastal Getaways
Summer is here and there is still time to plot a course for an unforgettable California beach vacation. Our sunshine state boasts over 840 miles of coastline and a wide choice of resorts near the shore. Below is a roundup of prime spots to catch a few waves, watch spectacular sunsets and soak up the scenery.
1910 Ocean Way
310-581-5533
Seven stories high along the Santa Monica shore stands this Renaissance revival-style resort. Inside the 129 rooms with ocean views are quaint interior decor like soft yellow walls, wooden blinds and Italian marble bathrooms. Get a massage outdoors by the pool or relax with sushi and seafood at Catch restaurant while enjoying uninterrupted views of the Pacific.
Hermosa Beach
1300 The Strand
310-384-3001
Hermosa Beach’s upscale Beach House features 96 loft-style rooms with wood-burning hearths, balconies, extra-deep soaking tubs and white wood interiors with navy and beige nautical accents. The small spa offers facials, massages and yoga sessions on the sand. A few steps away is the lively Strand, housing restaurants, shops, bars and The Comedy and Magic Club, where on most Sunday nights Jay Leno performs stand-up.
Huntington Beach
500 Pacific Coast Highway
714-861-4470
Shorebreak, the latest boutique hotel in the Joie de Vivre chain, opened in May in Huntington Beach. The 157 room resort sits across the street from the infamous surfers’ beach and walking distance to the Huntington Beach Pier, shopping and nightlife. Inside, photos of surfers abound and modernly-designed accommodations feature private oceanside balconies with views of the Pacific.
Newport Beach
1221 West Coast Highway
949-645-5000
This former private yacht club evolved into a world-class resort with 132 guest rooms overlooking the boat filled bay. Set on 15 acres, this posh resort has a European feel with its Italian piazza, stone archways and Roman columns. Casually-elegant rooms feature rattan furnishings, giant marble bathrooms, plantation shutters and fireplaces. After a day of shopping at the nearby South Coast Plaza, guests can enjoy dinner and a view of the glistening harbor at the resort’s First Cabin restaurant.
Carmel
Monte Verde Street at Seventh Avenue
831-624-8578
Just four blocks away from the beach in the center of Carmel, the L’Auberge Resort is an intimate 20-room resort modeled after a Prague building. Guest rooms are filled with antique tiling and sumptuous furnishings, while the restaurant serves 12 tables where guests can nosh on an extravagant tasting menu or sip on a Northern California wine from one of the 4,500 bottles in the wine cellar.
Laguna Niguel
33533 Ritz Carlton Drive
714-240-2000
This grand white castle perched on an ocean bluff houses 393 pastel-colored rooms and suites with French doors leading to charming private terraces overlooking the Pacific Ocean. The resort features lush gardens, intimate walkways, golf courses, tennis courts and a seaside spa, as well as the revamped RAYA restaurant serving Pan-Latin coastal cuisine amidst sweeping views of the coastline and Eno wine and cheese bar.
La Jolla
9700 North Torrey Pines Road
858-550-1000
Built on former equestrian school grounds, this luxurious rustic resort is surrounded by 10 acres of flowers and fauna. The 199 ranch-style rooms reflect the resort’s Spanish style and are adjacent to a gym, outdoor splash pool, spa and Adobe el Restaurant.
Santa Cruz
174 West Cliff Drive
800-979-0910
Originally built as a home in 1877, this posh nautical-themed inn located across from Cowell’s Beach commands sweeping views of the boardwalk and Monterey Bay. The nine rooms in this three-story Victorian feature marble tile bathrooms, local artwork and fireplaces. For the ultimate in privacy with a stunning view, choose a second story room featuring a private outdoor hot tub.
Cambria
6400 Moonstone Beach
805-927-1400
Located in charming Cambria, this quaint English country-style inn is steps from Moonstone Beach and close to over 60 wineries, Hearst Castle and the downtown art colony. Surrounded by flowering gardens, the 60 rooms feature vaulted ceilings, fireplaces and wood furniture.
Summer is both a time for making new memories and reflecting on those from years past. We want you to share your Best Summer Travel Story (in 100 words or less) with us for the chance to win a free $250 (USD) Visa gift card. Click here for full contest rules and to find out how to enter.
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Image 1: Beach House Hotel Hotel
Image 2: Balboa Beach Club Hotel
Image 3: Ritz-Carlton Laguna Niguel
Image 4: West Cliff Inn
