California hotels make list of best waterfront lodgings in country. Which ones?
Dreaming of waking up to beautiful water views on your next vacation? California is home to three of the top 10 waterfront hotels in the country, according to USA Today.
The publication recently released the top 10Best list of Coastal Charms for 2025, with two northern/Bay Area spots and one southern California hotel coming in at No. 5, 6, and 7.
The hotels are the Hotel del Coronado at No. 7, The Inn Above Tide in Sausalito at No. 6, and The Lodge at Bodega Bay at No. 5.
“Whether by a lake or overlooking the sea, there’s something special about vacationing near water,” the 10Best editors wrote. “Nominated by a panel of hotel and travel experts and voted as the best in the country by readers, each of these 10 U.S. waterfront properties sets the scene for a memorable and relaxing vacation.”
Here’s what guests can expect at these seaside getaways:
Hotel del Coronado
“Built in 1888 and designated a National Historic Landmark in 1977, the Hotel del Coronado remains a first-rate mainstay with travelers seeking a waterfront getaway,” the 10Best editors wrote. “Luxe accommodations are found throughout the property in five distinct ‘neighborhoods,’ all of which put you close to the water.”
The hotel just south of San Diego was “lovingly restored” over six years and “has stood as the birthplace of the American beach vacation” for over a century, according to its website.
“Discover new seaside cottages, villas or guestrooms that seamlessly blend contemporary luxury with coastal charm, or retreat to our lovingly restored Victorian rooms for a timeless escape,” the website says.
Photos show guests — including the four-legged variety — enjoying oceanfront dining, weddings, surfing, and more fun in the sun.
The Inn Above the Tide
“Nestled on the edge of the San Francisco Bay, The Inn Above Tide offers a serene escape with its panoramic bay views that are simply mesmerizing,” the 10Best editors wrote. “Each room and suite provide a private deck from which guests can soak in the sights of the city skyline, Alcatraz, and Angel Island — all while being intimately connected to the charming town of Sausalito.”
The inn is described on its website as a luxury hotel with “chic and understated interiors” with “mesmerizing views from the private furnished room decks.”
Photos show serene bay views.
The Lodge at Bodega Bay
“The Lodge at Bodega Bay sits on the rugged Sonoma Coast, offering a luxurious escape where the charm of wine country meets the tranquil beauty of the Pacific Ocean,” the 10Best editors wrote. “This getaway is celebrated for its serene ambience and luxurious touches like fireplaces in rooms with sweeping ocean views. Guests can indulge in the warmth of the lodge’s attentive staff, unwind by the pool, or cozy up by the firepits, all while soaking in the breathtaking coastal scenery.”
The lodge sits on a bluff on the coast and “is designed for respite,” according to its website. It was also a top-rated hotel in Northern California and the world in the 2024 Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards, the website says.
“Here, you collect moments of magic and memories, sources of refuge to relax the body and mind and rekindle the spirit,” the website says.
What are the top 10 waterfront hotels in the U.S.?
These are the top 10 waterfront hotels in the nation, according to USA Today:
1. Acqualina Resort & Residences on the Beach in Sunny Isles Beach, Florida
2. Chatham Bars Inn in Chatham, Massachusetts
3. Grand Hotel Golf Resort & Spa in Point Clear, Alabama
4. Madison Beach Hotel, Curio Collection by Hilton in Madison, Connecticut
5. The Lodge at Bodega Bay in Bodega Bay, California
6. The Inn Above Tide in Sausalito, California
7. Hotel del Coronado in Coronado, California
8. Wailea Beach Resort - Marriott, Maui in Wailea, Hawaii
9. Eau Palm Beach Resort & Spa in Manalapan, Florida
10. Condado Vanderbilt Hotel in San Juan, Puerto Rico
