From East Coast hideaways to West Coast retreats.
If you're dreaming about a last-minute summer getaway, you're not alone. The perfect beach vacation begins with finding the right hotel—one that's just steps from the shore, making it easy to enjoy the ocean breeze and soft sand whenever the mood strikes. For an even more memorable stay, choose a room with sweeping ocean views so you can wake up to the water every morning.
If that sounds like your idea of a good time, we've got you covered. We asked interior designers to share their favorite beachfront hotels across the United States. From charming East Coast destinations to stylish West Coast retreats, these properties combine prime waterfront settings with exceptional design. Read on to discover designer-recommended hotels that might inspire your next coastal escape.
Asbury Ocean Club Hotel in New Jersey
"Since I was born and raised in New Jersey, growing up, we spent each summer at the Jersey Shore. Those beaches still have my heart. Asbury Ocean Club is one of my favorites. It is right on the beach, so you have sweeping views of the water, which are transformative, and the furnishings and decor are a perfect mix of organic, beachy, and midcentury modern. The lobby and common areas are fun, eclectic, and inspiring. It is located in historic Asbury Park, which any Bruce Springsteen fan would appreciate!"
—Allison Handler of Allison Handler Design
Shutters on the Beach in Los Angeles
"Shutters [on the Beach] blends the charm of a New England beach cottage with laid-back California cool. It sits directly on the sand in Santa Monica, and it’s one of the few hotels with true beachfront access. It’s so cozy with all the textures used throughout, which creates a feel of a sophisticated private beach home rather than a hotel."
—Emily Del Bello of Emily Del Bello Interiors
Hotel del Coronado in San Diego
“The Hotel del Coronado in San Diego is a timeless favorite. There’s something magical about its iconic red turrets, grand historic architecture, and oceanfront setting that never goes out of style. I love how it blends classic luxury with a relaxed California vibe—perfect for unwinding while still feeling inspired by its design legacy.”
—Michelle Murphy of Demi Ryan
Gurney's Montauk in New York
“I love Gurney's in Montauk. The rustic beauty of the beaches juxtaposed against the modern design of the resort makes for an incredible experience.”
—Hillary Cohen of HCO Interiors
Four Seasons Hotel at The Surf Club in Florida
“The [Four Seasons Hotel at The Surf Club] has the best restaurant overlooking the ocean. And with being on the beach in Miami, there are beautiful people everywhere, which makes for great people watching. I also love the decor and the marriage of classic and modern architecture with the use of The Surf Club’s original structure.”
—Andrea Goldman of Andrea Goldman Design
Four Seasons Resort Oahu at Ko Olina in Hawaii
"I love the Ko Olina on Oahu, Hawaii! Born and raised in Hawaii, it is my home away from home. I especially love the Hawaiian design style of the furniture and spaces by de Reus Architects and local design firm Philpotts Interiors. While there, I love to run on the beach, paddleboard, golf, and eat lots of papaya!"
The Wauwinet on Nantucket
“The Wauwinet is a gorgeous, historic property that feels like the Midwest's Door County.”
—Andrea Goldman of Andrea Goldman Design
Four Seasons Resort Hualalai in Hawaii
"Perhaps it is the way this paradise [Four Seasons Resort Hualalai] is nestled into the volcanic terrain. It is an authentic escape from daily life and its frenetic pace. There is somehow less pretense while indulging in luxuries for which the property is well known."
—Matt Donahoe of Bureau Interior Design
The Surfrider in Malibu
"As a designer, I’m drawn to spaces that feel effortless yet refined, and The Surfrider Malibu captures that perfectly. Nestled right across from the iconic Surfrider Beach, the hotel blends California coastal charm with elevated design—think natural woods, whitewashed walls, and linen textures that mirror the sand and sea. The rooftop deck has some of the best ocean views in Malibu, and every detail, from the curated art to the custom furniture, feels intentional. It’s a masterclass in understated luxury, and the visuals are absolutely stunning—sunlight-drenched rooms, beach bikes, and surfboards included."
—Laura Lubin of Ellerslie Interiors
Lake Shore Resort in Michigan
"[Lake Shore Resort in Saugatuck, Michigan] is a truly peaceful retreat with tons of charm for a homey feeling."
—Andrea Goldman of Andrea Goldman Design
The Resort at Pelican Hill in Newport Beach
“The Resort at Pelican Hill sits on a spectacular 450-acre piece of the Pacific coastline in Newport Beach, California. Entering the estate is like transporting oneself into a glorious Tuscan retreat with stunning Palladian-style architecture. Replete with ancient olive trees, coastal pines, chaparral, and sagebrush, red tile roofs terrace above a rolling golf course at the edge of the continent with sweeping vistas to infinity. A mosaic-clad coliseum pool in the round offers the perfect vantage point for taking in sunsets exceeding the imagination. This may not be the most gorgeous place in the world, but it is certainly one of them.”
—Mary Alice Palmer of Roam Interior Design
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