Best Oceanfront Hotels and Resorts in the U.S.
For many travelers, waking up to the sound of waves crashing and spending the day with sand between their toes is the ultimate vacation experience. Luckily, the U.S. has an array of oceanfront hotels and resorts for all beachgoers to enjoy. A 2022 Hilton survey found that over a third of travelers feel mentally refreshed on vacation when they don't have to worry about leaving the resort during their stay. Here are the best oceanfront hotels and resorts in the U.S. for a perfect beach getaway.
Marriott Harbor Beach Resort & Spa: Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Located just 15 minutes away from the Fort Lauderdale airport, this resort is the perfect far-flung escape. Nestled along a quarter-mile stretch of private white sand beach, guests can snorkel, paddleboard, and enjoy piña coladas on their beachfront lounge chairs. It's a perfect choice for a family vacation with a lagoon-style pool, activities for kids, and an onsite dining experience at the 3030 Ocean Restaurant. Don't forget to hit up the spa and downtown Fort Lauderdale for a night out.
Ocean House: Watch Hill, Rhode Island
Experience a blast from the past with the Ocean House, a historic luxury hotel overlooking the Pacific Ocean in Watch Hill, Rhode Island. Its beautiful design and interior wall hues take guests down memory lane to the Gilded Age. The oceanfront hotel has been meticulously reconstructed to pay tribute to its storied past. The hotel offers high-quality customer service, delicious restaurants, and post-beach cocktails on the sprawling veranda.
Elk Cove Inn & Spa: Mendocino, California
This refined inn is set in a historic, Craftsman-style mansion right on a bluff overlooking the Mendocino coastline. Guests can take advantage of the sweeping views by booking an oceanfront suite or cottage. Elk Cove Inn also features a roof deck, day spa, beachfront gazebo, and gourmet breakfast in bed, complete with champagne. After touring Point Arena Lighthouse and kayaking or whale watching nearby, enjoy dinner with an ocean view at the on-site restaurant Sibo.
Aulani: Kapolei, Hawaii
This Disney resort and spa is a perfect choice for a family vacation. The resort features amenities for both kids and adults, with cozy rooms overlooking a private stretch of beach. After a day of water activities, guests can attend one of the resort's famous on-site luaus, complete with spectacular dancing and a sumptuous Hawaiian feast.
Alila Marea Beach Resort: Encinitas, California
Perched on top of a seaside bluff just north of San Diego, Alila Marea Beach Resort offers modern and well-equipped rooms and suites with beautiful views of the Pacific Ocean. Guests can enjoy various activities, including sunrise yoga, hikes, guided beach runs, and coastal flight excursions in a vintage biplane. The resort features a spa, pool, fitness center, tennis courts, restaurant, bar and lounge, and 24-hour room service.
Adrift Hotel: Long Beach, Washington
With sleek, minimalist rooms and a full-service spa, this hip oceanfront hotel and spa is the perfect hidden gem for a beach getaway. Located in Long Beach, guests can take advantage of the killer location and enjoy the white sand beaches.