The 11 Best Coastal California Hotels for Design Lovers

From soulful lodges in the woods to surf-inspired hideaways on the PCH, these hotels offer serious style and stunning ocean views.

Photo by Nicole Franzen | Courtesy of The Surfrider Malibu

Having grown up in Northern California and lived in LA for many years, I feel particularly qualified to share this next list with you. I’ve traveled extensively throughout the state and taken many a road trip so I’m very familiar with the overall feel and reputation of each hotel on this list. California has a lot of incredible stays, so to narrow it down a bit I’ve only included small-ish design-led properties with ocean views.

From north to south, here are my picks for California’s best coastal hotels with both style and substance.

Northern California Coast

Courtesy of Harbor House Inn

Harbor House Inn - Elk, California

With 11 guest rooms and cottages perched high on a cliff along the Mendocino coast, Harbor House Inn is like a breath of fresh air. Literally. Time here is best spent slowing down — meandering along its private black sand beach to sipping a glass of wine on the Adirondack chairs as you watch a whale migration. But a huge draw is the food — from fresh-baked breakfast deliveries to the hyperlocal nightly tasting menu in its Two Michelin-starred restaurant — you’re in for a treat.

Courtesy of The Sea Ranch Lodge

The Sea Ranch Lodge - Sea Ranch, California

The Sea Ranch Lodge is one of the oldest buildings on the untamed stretch of coastline known as the The Sea Ranch - the utopian 1960’s planned community conceived of by notable architects with a goal of living in harmony with the land. Reopened in 2021, the lodge boasts updated interiors, 17 airy ocean-view guest rooms, farm-to-fork cuisine and outstanding views.