Great Beachside Hotels Around the U.S.

Venice’s leafy side streets are lined with the kind of charming little bungalows that make an out-of-towner sigh, wishing they’d beaten the zeitgeist and bought one back before this quirky little beach town was trendy. A temporary cure? Perhaps a stay at the Venice Beach Eco Cottages, where three such bungalows sit, each a cozy one-room home with a white picket fence, claw-foot tub, and its own distinct, vintage style. Thoughtfully redesigned and outfitted with flea market finds by the husband-and-wife owners, the solar-powered cottages feel like miniature movie sets, with every last detail covered, including era-appropriate dishware and artwork, modern and eco-friendly appliances, and a full home theater system.

But the feeling of being a local doesn’t stop there; the cottages are just a few blocks from Abbot Kinney Boulevard, the heart of Venice’s relaxed, beachy culture, and only slightly farther from the beach itself. By the time guests check out, the local barista should know their name.

The sweet smell of plumeria floats on gentle trade winds into each guest room at the Mauna Kea Beach Hotel. When entering the room, you may be surprised that floor-to-ceiling picture windows and a beautiful private lanai (patio) beckon you to step back outside—closer to the rhythmic surf and paradise in nature. In the hotel’s main building, each morning you can wake up to warm accent colors in your room that recall the previous evening’s sunset. Natural light fills the entire space and you can brew a lovely cup of Kona coffee before leaving your room to face the world. A 2009 remodel of the main building rooms along with a 2013 beachfront wing renovation enable guests to unwind in the comfort of updated interiors that still remain true to Laurance S. Rockefeller’s original vision.

An antidote to hectic modern life, Travaasa Hana, on Maui’s remote eastern coast, feels like a step back in time. There are no televisions, radios, clocks, or air-conditioning (ceiling fans and panoramic sliding doors capture ocean breezes) in nearly all of the 70 cottages and suites, but you won’t miss them. Your days will be spent soaking up Hawaiian culture, whether that means fishing with throw nets, making traditional ti leaf leis, or enjoying an open-air ukulele lesson. Of course, no visit to these parts is complete without a journey along the legendary Road to Hana, which lies to the north and west and promises primordial views of waterfalls, gardens, and secluded swimming holes. Upon your return to the resort, savor the fresh-caught specialties at the Preserve Kitchen & Bar, overlooking Hana Bay.

First built in 1967, the Surf Lodge has been a destination for surfers, artists, and musicians for decades. Today’s Surf Lodge has kept that bohemian spirit, creating a breezy boutique for savoring Montauk’s simple pleasures: sunsets, fishing, surfing, sunbathing, and music. Every summer season, live concerts attract music lovers. Hammocks on private balconies, cozy lounge furniture in the sand, and a spacious waterfront deck set the scene for relaxation. The Restaurant serves fresh seafood plucked from Montauk’s shores, while the bar serves healthy juices by day and potent cocktails by night. At the heart of the Montauk community, this local landmark is the perfect base for a trip to the serene sibling of the Hamptons.

Tucked away on a bend in the road on the northern part of Collins Avenue, the Soho Beach House feels surprisingly removed from the Miami Beach bustle. Once inside, however, especially on a weekend, it’s evident that the hotel is hardly a secret. Weekend brunches bring throngs of hungry locals, who rave about the charcuterie and cheese spreads. Lots of common areas—two pools (one is adults-only) and several open-air eating spaces—contribute to a constant social hum, as does a packed events and activities schedule. The hotel’s members-only club, allowing access to a private library and dining room, among other things, adds an air of exclusivity that makes Soho Beach House even more popular. The hotel makes liberal use of rough wood walls and a furnishing aesthetic that draws on a “little bit of everything” approach, with mismatched furniture and decor. For the most part the rooms have a rustic, homey feel in keeping with the hotel’s overall vibe, but numerous amenities—including classy home-style minibars—help justify the price.

Just steps from Pacific Beach Park, Tower23 Hotel has embraced its stunning location to the fullest. Modern rooms and suites reflect inspiration from their natural surroundings. A palette of muted colors translates into a tranquil atmosphere, while teak furniture reinforces beach vibes. If you forget anything, sunscreen and baseball hats are available for purchase in the rooms. New-age features such as chromatherapy baths and electronic “Do Not Disturb” signs set the property apart.

By day choose from a number of nearby recreational activities, including surfing, golfing, fishing, and jet skiing. Hotel staff can help you arrange more adventurous options such as a hot air balloon ride or a yacht charter. In the evening check out JRDN restaurant for its floor-to-ceiling glass beach lookout. This coveted sunset viewing location is best experienced with a cocktail in hand. Don’t leave too hastily, though; the restaurant serves equally memorable California cuisine in a laid-back setting.

For more than 30 years, the Post Ranch Inn, which sits along a cliff 1,200 feet above the Pacific Ocean, has been a go-to retreat for devotees who believe well-being starts with a place that honors its natural environment—and treads lightly on it, too. Big Sur architect Mickey Muennig designed the 40 guest rooms that rely on solar power; all were fashioned out of recycled wood, and the structures blend in with the Santa Lucia Mountains. Views through enormous windows face either the Pacific Ocean or the mountains. Wellness plays a role in every experience on offer, whether it’s a reflexology treatment, a shaman healing session, a doctor-led sleep program, or a private guided hike or meditation session in the nearby ancient forests.

Make the three-and-a-half-hour trip from Boston for seafood and salt air. Opened last year, this hotel in the heart of town has a whimsical preppy aesthetic. From $219.