17 Beautiful Pacific Coast Highway–Centric Hotels for Your Next California Road Trip (2024)

One of the most well-traveled roads in America, California’s Route 1—on many stretches called the Pacific Coast Highway—offers some of the most iconic, sun-drenched coastal views on the planet. Starting in Orange County near Dana Point and continuing as sister highway 101 for a grand finale through the Golden Gate Bridge, a drive up “the 1” (as it’s referred to by Californians) is an unforgettable bucket-list experience. Bearing that in mind, we’ve selected a collection of chic hotels—including beloved classics and instant-favorite newcomers—on this scenic thoroughfare that are perfectly perched in the most fascinating towns along the way, from Newport Beach to Santa Barbara to Big Sur. These bolt-holes are sure to impress—some for their grandeur and luxury, some for their quaintness, all for their singular design. Read on to discover the best hotels along the Pacific Coast Highway.

1. Lido House

3300 Newport Dr., Newport BeachFrom $429/nightlidohousehotel.com

Just off the 1 is Newport Beach’s newest boutique hotel, a Cape Cod–style beach house with 130 rooms and a prime position on the beloved Balboa and Lido Peninsulas, which are like California summer embodied. The nautical homage sitting on the former City Hall site includes a saltwater pool outfitted with cabanas, spa and CrossFit-inspired fitness center, and a slew of culinary concepts comprising a seafood-oriented gastropub, a rooftop bar, and an ice cream and coffee shop. To truly feel like a local, book one of the five three-story residential-style cottages (from $2,200/night), all custom-designed by a unique local interior designer. The aesthetic of each is completely different—from midcentury to Nantucket to high-fashion vintage—yet they all boast rooftop decks kitted out with fire and gas BBQ grills.

2. Westdrift Manhattan Beach

1400 Parkview Ave., Manhattan BeachFrom $215/nightwestdrift.com

Newly debuted in late March, this premiere Autograph Collection hotel in the Los Angeles area—sitting just to the side of Highway 1 in tony Manhattan Beach—takes up a whopping 26 acres not far from the sea. The pillared lobby design draws inspiration from the iconic Manhattan pier, while the sense of place is hammered home by a custom driftwood check-in desk, sand and navy hues, hanging chairs, and artwork by photorealist painter Eric Zener, whose underwater scenes are acclaimed. The 360-degree Jute Bar—part of the indoor-outdoor signature restaurant—features geometric pendant lights and a triangular bar that puts a spin on the nautical theme, and the CrossFit-style gym keeps guests toned for the beach or cabanas at the pool.

3. Nobu Ryokan Malibu

22752 CA-1, MalibuFrom $1,800/night, with two night minimumnoburyokanmalibu.com

Japanese-inspired teak soaking tubs that traveled from Alaska, opulent kimono robes, wraparound terraces and floor-to-ceiling windows facing the iconic Carbon Beach, tatami mats, and art from billionaire Larry Ellison’s private collection—the intimate luxury of Nobu Ryokan Malibu is unmatched in Malibu or, maybe, anywhere on the coast of California. Soft lighting sets the mood in the just 16 accommodations that make up this exclusive getaway full of teak, limestone, and bronze. The room service is, of course, delivered by Nobu Malibu (just next door), ensuring ultimate privacy and relaxation. Guests, by the way, are highly vetted and cannot simply book a room or call, they must send an email request.

4. Hotel Californian

36 State St., Santa BarbaraFrom $488/nightthehotelcalifornian.com

Spanning three blocks just off the iconic highway, just minutes walking from the wine-soaked Funk Zone, is glamorous designer Martyn Lawrence Bullard’s latest effort, opened in fall 2017. The developer of the historic property—it was first opened in the 1920s and has the only rooftop pool in the city—spared no expense exacting the design personality’s Moroccan- and Spanish-inflected vision, which includes studded headboards, custom tile wainscoting, mashrabiya-inspired doors, brass serpent fixtures, and textural wall coverings. Very residential in feel, it’s totally bespoke in every way. The common spaces are just as Instagram-worthy, with gallery-like hallways, fountain-studded paseos, hand-painted coffered ceilings, and the ultra-glam, gilded Blackbird restaurant. Nothing says “coastal road trip” like sundowners at the Rooftop Bar, where the palm trees fringing the sea and mountains turn pink.

5. Skyview Los Alamos

9150 US-101, Los AlamosFrom $179/night*skyviewlosalamos.com

The very best case scenario for a motel renovation is Skyview, a 1950s motor lodge turned luxe boutique hotel that retained its original pool and quirky cactus columns holding up the porte cochere. The 33 charming rooms are rustic yet plush, with supremely comfortable beds and goose-down duvets, plus hand-painted tile, farm sinks, push-button fireplaces, leather club chairs, and art from cult-loved lifestyle shop Iron and Resin. Some have private decks, outdoor showers, and fire pits. While it’s comfortable driving distance to wineries, the hotel actually has its own 2.5-acre vineyard producing house wines, served alongside farm-fresh cuisine and herb-infused co*cktails at Norman restaurant (as in Bates). The tiny up-and-comer can be explored via electric or mountain bikes from the hotel’s fleet.

6. The Getaway

Junipero St., Carmel-by-the-SeaFrom $167/nightthegetawaycarmel.com

As of last spring, there’s one more compelling reason to stop by quaint Carmel-by-the-Sea. Just off Highway 1 is the Getaway, a 34-room boutique property that was renovated extensively by PlumpJack Group and Meriwether Companies as a modern beach retreat. Each of the rooms is designed to provide an ultimate night’s sleep, with a fireplace to set the mood and deluxe mattress alongside Gilchrist & Soames bath amenities. Contemporary takes on coastal chic include rattan and teak alongside graphic houndstooth bed skirts, geometric tiled floors, and oversize subway tiles. Don’t miss the savory-and-sweet breakfast, included, or the daily Sparkling Wine Hour on the terrace, complete with bubbly co*cktails and snacks.

7. Gaige House + Ryokan

13540 Arnold Dr., Glen EllenFrom $279/nightthegaigehouse.com

At the end of the trip go a little off track to the newest lure in Sonoma, where there’s not only a sun deck on which to sip local Sonoma vino but also a moon deck (inspired by late Glen Ellen resident Jack London’s 1913 novel The Valley of the Moon) with swinging chairs for stargazing, and a meditation deck for yoga and reflection. The intimate property relaunched in May with nine Ryokan Zen Suites, in their own private section of the property, with live-edge wood beams on the ceilings, large stone bathtubs (plus Coyuchi bathrobes and towels, and hinoki wood accessories) and a Zen neutral palette. Classic yukata kimonos, slippers, and meditative music, and green tea, sake, and ice cream mochi complete the vibe that is best kicked off with a self-guided forest bathing session, known as shinrin-yoku.

8. The Monarch Beach Resort

1 Monarch Beach Resort, Dana Point
From $429/night
monarchbeachresort.com

After completing a $40 million renovation in 2016, this resort became one of the centerpieces of the Dana Point social scene. The property offers eight dining outlets, some conceived by San Francisco–based Puccini Group, ranging from an artisanal café and food market to a light and airy Mediterranean eatery. Outdoor spaces conjure a SoCal beach house, with wide-plank floors, oversize seating, and a cool palette of sky-blue and sea-glass-green. Designed by L.A.–based decorator Rodrigo Vargas, the hotel’s 400 guest rooms and suites offer California contemporary furnishings and a neutral palette that lets the views do the talking. The property also features Arizona-based wellness spa Miraval’s first coastal location.

9. Hotel Casa del Mar

1910 Ocean Way, Santa Monica
From $495/night
hotelcasadelmar.com

Built as a beach club for the well-heeled in the Roaring ‘20s, this Italian Renaissance Revival building is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Nearly a century after its initial iteration, the hotel stands just as glamorous today. Lobby interiors updated by Obama White House decorator Michael S. Smith feature a monumental double staircase, massive two-story windows, and a custom-made iron chandelier with handblown glass beading. In the 129 guest rooms, rich walnut four-poster beds are paired with caned and ebonized furniture and European linen window treatments, a nod to the hotel’s seaside-glam past. The property also boasts an eco-conscious spa and two locavore dining outlets.

10. The Native

28920 Pacific Coast Highway, Malibu
From $299/night
thenativehotel.com

This Instagram-worthy Malibu retreat was originally built in 1947 as the Malibu Riviera Motel and once hosted stars such as Marilyn Monroe and Bob Dylan. The property was revamped by L.A.-based design firm Folklor, which incorporated local art, custom furniture, and artisan-made hammocks. The 13 guest rooms feature Casper mattresses, Bluetooth speakers, Wi-Fi, and retro fans. (But no air-conditioning or TV.) Relax on your private patio or explore nearby Zuma Beach or Point Dume.

11. Four Seasons Resort the Biltmore

1260 Channel Drive, Santa Barbara
From $895/night
fourseasons.com

Built in 1927, during the heyday of this beachside town and before the film studios moved south to Hollywood, the Four Seasons Resort the Biltmore Santa Barbara is a red-roofed Spanish Colonial building true to the region’s vernacular architecture. Interiors designed by Peter Marino feature wrought-iron railings, cut-metal chandeliers, and handcrafted ceramic tiles. Brick-lined walkways overlook mature tropical gardens and are lit by romantic gas lanterns every evening.

12. Ventana Big Sur

48123 Highway One, Big Sur
From $675/night
ventanabigsur.com

Conceived by architectural designer Kipp Stewart, the recently renovated Ventana Big Sur boasts a variety of room types, all with stunning views of the dense forest or the ocean beyond. The natural beauty is brought indoors in cedar-lined guest rooms or suites with baths covered in locally sourced slate. Rustic, handcrafted furnishings definitely offer a sense of place, as Big Sur is one of California’s greatest artisan communities. To that end, the hotel also offers its own Glass House Gallery with work by local artists. Guests can also take part in a number of specially created experiences, from garden tours to falconry to photography hikes. Last fall, the resort also launched a glamping program with 15 safari-style tents set in the redwood forest.

13. Post Ranch Inn

47900 Highway 1, Big Sur
From $875/night
postranchinn.com

Another Big Sur favorite is the Post Ranch Inn, which features architecture as stunning as it’s ocean views. The 40 guest rooms and suites are nestled along the ridge and range in design from tree houses to butterfly-shaped structures. Each structure on the 100-acre property was built using natural materials and green building techniques. The hotel is also the home of the Sierra Mar Restaurant, which boasts spectacular panoramas and a wine cellar with over 14,000 bottles. Guests can enjoy meditation and yoga classes, as well as guided hikes and nightly star gazing.

14. Hotel Carmel

4th & San Carlos Street, Carmel-by-the-Sea
From $199/night
thehotelcarmel.com

This recently renovated gem in the artsy cobblestone-lined village of Carmel-by-the-Sea has just 27 rooms and suites, all devised by L.A.–based Bishop Pass Design to conjure the effortless, laid-back ethos of coastal California. Interiors are complete with locally sourced wood accents, Big Sur coastal photography by local artist Matt Schwartz, and, in some cases, in-room fireplaces. In public spaces, traditional Carmel-by-the-Sea cottage architecture melds with rustic-modern touches like a farm table check-in counter, a living room with a communal marble-top table, and reading nooks. The lobby’s quirkiest (and perhaps coolest) feature is a vintage cassette player and a library of more than 300 tapes. Outside, a garden courtyard offers a Jacuzzi and outdoor fire pit, and a landscaped terrace is the ideal spot for an intimate event.

15. L’Auberge Carmel

Monte Verde & 7th Street, Carmel-by-the-Sea
From $465/night
laubergecarmel.com

The Relais & Chateaux property is located a few blocks from the beach in a historic 1929 building. The 20 guest rooms have French windows, antique doorknobs, and coved plaster walls, giving the spaces an intimate, Old World charm. Guests can request in-room spa services and enjoy breakfast at the hotel’s award-winning restaurant, Aubergine. The hotel can also arrange sunset cruises, wine tasting walking tours, and Big Sur hikes with a gourmet picnic lunch.

16. Casa Madrona Hotel & Spa, Sausalito

801 Bridgeway, Sausalito
Mansion rooms from $450/night, suites from $10,000/night
casamadrona.com

Casa Madrona’s crowning glory is the Mansion, an 11-room estate that dates from 1885, when no expense was spared to create a luxe hilltop perch at the edge of Richardson Bay. Updated by Safdie Rabines Architects, Christopher O’Connor Design, and TruexCullins Interiors, the space features brown walnut wood, granite countertops imported from Turkey, and a plush palette of Swiss and British fabrics. Floor-to-ceiling doors fold away to open the interiors to the outdoors, while high-tech elements like a video wall and touch-screen controls round out the sleek seaside digs, which also nod to the home’s original Victorian heritage.

17. Loews Regency San Francisco

222 Sansome Street, San Francisco
From $369/night
loewshotels.com

This San Francisco hotel offers spectacular views, stretching from the Oakland Bay Bridge all the way to the iconic Golden Gate Bridge, the official end point of the great California coast road trip. The best vantage point for these vistas would definitely be the 40th-story Sky Deck, which also turns into a co*cktail bar Tuesday through Saturday nights. Of the 155 rooms and suites, the stunning Regency Terrace suites offer the best guest room (and bathroom) views, as well as French Deco furnishings and a color palette of blue (for the sparkling waters of the bay) and silver (for San Francisco’s iconic fog). The hotel boasts a brand new lobby and the Bear & Monarch, a restaurant designed by Rottet Studio, will debut at the end of April.