These Are the Best Surf Hotels in the West
Drop into these modern surf lodges for the ultimate seaside vacation.
Read McKendree
Wayfinder Waikiki guest room
The West has played a huge role in the history of surf culture, so it’s natural that today, the region is home to some of the world’s best surf hotels. With lodging situated right next to epic breaks, there’s no need to check the morning Surfline report. All you need to do is take a peek out the window or a stroll down to he beach. Here are some of our all-time favorite surf hotels where you can catch the stoke, and a great night’s sleep.
Courtesy of Turtle Bay Resort
The Ritz-Carlton O’ahu, Turtle Bay
The North Shore is known for its world-class competitions at Banzai Pipeline and Sunset Beach—no doubt incredible feats to spectate, but downright dangerous, even for seasoned pros. But that’s not to say a newbie is totally out of luck, especially at this spectacularly redone property, home to one of Jamie O’Brien’s three surf schools. There’s a soft spot in front of the hotel for beginners to learn. And perfect mai tais to sip during golden hour at Off the Lip. There’s plenty to do aside from catching waves, too. Think snorkeling at Shark’s Cove, hiking at Waimea Valley Trail, and shopping and dining in historic Hale’iwa Town.
Visit Huntington Beach
Kimpton Shorebreak
Opt for an overnight in Surf City, where you can stroll the Surfing Walk of Fame on Main Street and explore the sport’s heritage at the Huntington Beach International Surfing Museum. If you’re planning on investing in a board, this is the town to do it. HB is home to Shaper’s Alley, where some of the world’s greatest craftsmen have historically set up shop. The Shorebreak is within walking distance of the superb swells that host over 50 annual competitions, including the U.S. Open of Surfing, and it is a quick jaunt down to watch big waves at The Wedge.
Alila Marea Beach Resort
Alila Marea Beach Resort
Encinitas is practically synonymous with California surf culture, so it’s only fitting that there’s a board butler on staff to provide updates on swell and conditions, as well as providing a bevy of waxes and reef-safe sunscreens. Beginners can book in for a lesson with Fulcrum Surf, then enjoy a sundowner while looking over picturesque Ponto Beach. Be sure to peruse the collection of works from local photographer Aaron Chang after a Baja Med dinner at VAGA.
Surf Lodge in Stinson Beach, California
The Surf Lodge is walking distance to the white sand beaches of the Pacific Ocean and located right in the middle of Stinson Beach, known for great hiking and lazy beach days within the Golden Gate National Recreation Area. Start the day by strolling through the surrounding trails of Muir Woods, then relax in the rooms inspired by modern California surf culture. Think vaulted ceilings and boho decor that throw back to the heyday of surfing in the ’60s. There are rentals at Live Water Surf Shop next door for all your water-based needs.
Thomas J. Story
The Surfrider in Malibu, California
The Surfrider sits snugly amidst the steep hills of Malibu and is a postcard of the California dream. From the guests-only roof deck, you get unparalleled intimate views of Surfrider Beach and the Malibu Pier, where you can take complimentary stand-up paddle boards and surfboards out for a session. Even if you don’t want to get in the water, it’s a great spot to watch, ideally with a coconut margarita in hand. Longboarders come from far and wide to witness the world-famous Malibu Wall at First Point, made internationally recognizable by the Gidget movies that were filmed here.
The Pacific Motel in Cayucos, California
The Pacific is a 20-room newly designed motel steps from Cayucos Beach, featuring a mix of 1920s historical bungalows that have been given a fresh makeover by owners and Central Coast locals Ryan and Marisa Fortini. The result is a playful beachside getaway with contemporary flair that brings a new level of style and taste to the quirky coastal community that sits just about halfway between San Francisco and L.A.
Mariko Reed
The Wayfinder Waikiki in Honolulu, Hawaii
Brutalist architecture accented by retro natural fiber furniture and native botanicals gives a groovy island vibe to this new Honolulu hotel. Watch outriggers glide down the Ala Wai from your breezy rooftop lanai while sipping a cup of Kona coffee, then walk to Waikiki Beach to fetch a log and a lesson from the local beach boys. These longstanding stewards of boardriding have graciously taught tourists the sport—whose Polynesian roots were popularized after being brought to Hawaii—following in the footsteps of the “ambassador of aloha,” Duke Kahanamoku. After a session, pop into Redfish for a proper bowl of poke; the restaurant is the second outpost from the iconic Hawaiian grocer Foodland.
Thomas J. Story
Laguna Surf Lodge
Surfing is inextricably tied to a community of early birds, and Laguna Surf Lodge taps into that with their Dawn Patrol experience. Perched atop Thalia Street’s gentle yet consistent break, the newly revamped hotel allows for a great night’s rest beforehand, with calming essential oil diffusers, cozy Avocado mattresses, and nature’s ultimate sound machine—waves caressing the shore below. Morning warriors then load into the lodge’s vintage Land Rover to head south to SoCal’s vibiest surf spot, San Onofre, for a guided session with none other than San Clemente surf pro Izzi Gomez. The morning begins with freshly roasted cowboy coffee and a meditation, and ends with an epic breakfast on the sand.
Nick Hall
The Cape in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico
The 161-room Cape boasts a prime location fronting Monuments Beach, home to a bucket-list worthy left-hand break. There’s also a restaurant from Mexico’s star chef Enrique Olvera, a serious small-batch tequila collection, and a buzzy rooftop bar with live music. If you want to splurge with your buddies, book the two-story, three-bedroom Surfer Villa. Set a dozen steps from the ocean, the home features a private barbecue, plunge pool, sauna, and a screening room for surf flicks. Plus, your stay comes with two surfboard rentals.
Dream Inn: Carrie Browde
Dream Inn in Santa Cruz, California
Recently renovated, the 165-room Dream Inn is the sole beachfront hotel in Santa Cruz. The surf theme extends to walls decorated with brightly-hued surfboards and murals of surfers, as well as a restaurant and bar honoring local surf legend Jack O’Neill. Cowell Beach is just out back, and Club Ed surf school sets up a trailer here to rent boards and offer lessons. More experienced riders can head to Steamer Lane, one of the Central Coast’s best-known breaks.
Courtesy of Hotel Joaquin
Hotel Joaquin in Laguna Beach, California
The laid-back, 22-room Hotel Joaquin occupies a traditional white-shingled California bungalow set just off Highway 1 on Shaw’s Cove. Designed by Robert McKinley, the visionary behind the renowned Surf Lodge in Montauk, New York, the interiors reference 1950s SoCal beach culture and the boho-chic style of St. Barts. Guests have access to a private beach plus an Adventure Garage stocked with surfboards, boogie boards, beach toys, and more.
Courtesy of Santa Monica Travel & Tourism
The Pierside Santa Monica
New to the Santa Monica scene is this set of sunlit suites that comes complete with a board shop and an al fresco restaurant called The Surfing Fox. Warm woods and beach-inspired artwork nod to the ‘70s Dogtown days, which helped popularize skateboarding and surfing for the masses. Don’t forget to take a gander at the western-facing mural by distinguished street artist and founder of SoCal streetwear brand OBEY, Shepard Fairey.
