From California to New York, these spots offer picturesque waterside stays.
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We don't know about you, but we're ready to turn our sights on warm-weather getaways. A great beach vacation starts with booking the right hotel—ideally, one that offers near-instant access to the shoreline, so you can soak up the sea breeze and sink your toes into the sand without delay. And if you really are taking your leisure seriously, you'll ask for a room with a stunning ocean view you’ll love waking up to each morning.
If that sounds like your ideal escape, you’re in luck. We turned to interior designers for their top beachside hotel picks across the United States. From East Coast hideaways to West Coast retreats, their recommendations pair unbeatable waterfront locations with beautifully designed interiors. Keep reading for designer-approved stays that may just spark a spontaneous weekend getaway.
"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] 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
“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
“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
“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
"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 is a gorgeous, historic property that feels like the Midwest's Door County.”
—Andrea Goldman of Andrea Goldman Design
"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
"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 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 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 sage brush, 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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