Looking for the best beachfront hotels in Newport Beach? You’re in the right spot! We just spent a week there and I have all the details about the best hotels for you!
If you’re planning on visiting Newport Beach, you’re in for a treat. It offers so much for families, it’s gorgeous, and the vibes are perfectly calm, cool, California. It’s actually one of my favorite beach towns in California! Â
Obviously the most important part of a trip is where you’re going to stay.
You need convenience to activities so you’re not stuck in the car the whole time, great amenities, food options, room to move around… and more I can’t think of right now.
And I always need proximity to the beach! That’s why I scoured the internet to find the best beachfront hotels in Newport Beach.
The bad news is that there aren’t THAT many. It’s not your typical beach town overflowing with oceanfront resorts. Newport Beach has a unique charm with houses lining the shore (more about that later).Â
In addition, there are also many amazing hotels that are about a mile or less away from the beach. And the best part is that they offer shuttle service to the beach.Â
I go through all the details of each below! So, if you’re going to Newport Beach, keep reading!
Key Takeaways
- Newport Beach has few beachfront hotels, while most of the coast is lined with houses. There are a number of great hotels a mile or less from the beach and they offer shuttle service to the beach.Â
- The beachfront hotels in Newport Beach are Newport Beach Hotel, Balboa Inn, and Doryman’s Inn.Â
- There are also numerous houses for rent right on the beach.
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⚠️ Heading to Newport Beach with the family for the first time? ⚠️
Check out my full guide of Newport Beach with kids by clicking here!
5 Beachfront Hotels in Newport Beach
I include the best beachfront options below, along with the details of each, how close they are to the beach, special amenities, plus links to check them out yourself.
1. Newport Beach Hotel: Chic boutique hotel steps from the beach
Deemed “Newport’s Closest Hotel to the Beach,” a sidewalk separates the entrance of the casual but chic Newport Beach Hotel to the sand. Right in the action but has a laid-back vibe perfect for families.
They offer coastal-inspired standard guestrooms, but also suites that offer a full kitchen and 1 or 2 separate bedrooms perfect for families.
The amenities like complimentary breakfast, bike rentals, high speed WiFi, and water, coffee and tea throughout the day are a treat. They also have beach gear to borrow like umbrellas, chairs, towels, and beach toys so you don’t have to bring anything with you.
On-site parking is limited and is available on a first-come, first-served basis for $30 a night.
👉 Check out pics and rates at the Newport Beach Hotel by clicking here!Â
2. Doryman’s Oceanfront: A beachfront Victorian Inn
This vintage oceanfront inn also sits on the boardwalk and is less than a minute walk from the beach. It was even voted one of the 20 best seaside inns in Southern California!
Doryman’s Oceanfront offers a relaxed atmosphere, free grab-and-go continental breakfast, free parking across the street, free WiFi, and a restaurant on-site. Since it’s on the boardwalk, you’re steps away from restaurants, shopping, desserts, and the pier. No need for a car at all!
Standard rooms are offered, but so are 1-bedroom suites with a separate seating area. There’s a 360-degree rooftop lounge to chill out at—great place to watch the sunset!
Note: If you’re a light sleeper, maybe pick another spot or bring ear plugs or a noise machine because the outside noise can be heard at night.
👉 Check out pics and rates at Doryman’s Oceanfront by clicking here!Â
3. Crystal Cove Beach Cottages: Historic cottages on the beach
For groups that want their own place right on the beach, the Crystal Cove Conservancy offers 24 historic cottages, 14 of them are individual while 10 are dorm-style with private rooms.
It’s no fancy shmancy hotel, this is for the nature lovers. They tried to keep the vibes the same as they were when the cottages were built between 1935 and 1955, so you’ll be taking a step back in time!
The rustic cottages line the beach fitting groups from 3 people to 9 people. Each one is unique, but they all offer a full kitchen, separate bedrooms, and outdoors space to enjoy beach views.
There aren’t any special amenities, so consider this more of a fun glamping experience on the beach.
Reservations open 6-months before the date you want to leave, and you’ll have to use their specific reservation system to book (or you can call them). Â
Note: If you want something more modern, look below at the list of house rentals.
👉 Check out pics and rates at Crystal Cove Beach Cottages by clicking here!Â
4. Balboa Inn: Intimate beach retreat close to beach and Fun Zone
On the other side of the beach near the Fun Zone and Balboa Pier is Balboa Inn. It’s historic, charming and the location is awesome. It’s steps from the beach plus a short walk to the ferry, shops, and restaurants.
The hotel has just 45 rooms and a California beach vibe. They offer standard rooms, but the real treats are the suites, like the 2-bedroom family suite with a balcony and beach view.
There’s an on-site Italian restaurant (with an oceanfront terrace!), a free grab-and-go continental breakfast, a huge outdoor hot tub, oceanfront sundeck, and a lush Mediterranean-style courtyard. There’s a bike rental shop nearby too.
Only valet parking is available at the hotel and it’s $60 a night—but there are nearby spots you can park at for less.
👉 Check out pics and rates at the Balboa Inn by clicking here!Â
5. Little Inn By the Bay: No-frills spot a block from the beach
Another spot that’s not technically on the beach, but it’s just one block away. If you’d rather a no-frills option that will help the budget, try Little Inn by the Bay.
It’s a sweet little inn with 18 rooms, offering standard king/queen rooms with the option of in-room jacuzzies and balconies. Cribs and Aerobeds are available too.
You’ll get complimentary beach gear like towels, umbrellas, beach chairs, and beach toys. They also help with finding discount theme park tickets!
If you just need a spot to lay your head at night while you explore during the day, this would be a good option.
On-site parking is $15 a night.
👉 Check out pics and rates at the Little Inn By the Bay by clicking here!Â
4 Hotels Near the Beach with Shuttle Service
These hotels are all under a mile away from the nearest beach, and offer free shuttle service. They are all more upscale resorts with amenities galore.Â
6. Lido House: Upscale resort blocks from the beach
If you’re into luxury resorts with amazing amenities only a few blocks from the beach—Lido House is your spot.
There are restaurants, coffee shops, and bars on site, plus a pool, hot tub, roof top deck, and free bike rentals. And it’s only 1,000 feet from the beach but there’s beach shuttle service, plus they offer beach gear including chairs, towels, and chairs.
Rooms range from standard guestrooms to suites with living rooms and kitchens to private tri-level cottages for large groups. They are masterfully decorated in their classic Cape Cod style.
If you want to visit Newport Beach and have a luxurious experience, you must go here.
Only valet parking is available at the hotel and it’s $60 a night.
👉 Check out pics and rates at the Lido House by clicking here!Â
7. Balboa Bay Resort: Luxurious resort named #1 in Newport Beach
Named the #1 Resort in Newport Beach by U.S. News and World Report! It’s also a Forbes Four-Star and AAA Four-Diamond property. Talk about fancy!Â
There are multiple on-site dining options, year-round heated pool, whirlpool, a spa, a Drybar salon (agh!!), and water sport rentals right from the hotel’s private dock. Plus, it’s right on the water, so you’ll get great views of the harbor throughout the hotel.Â
There are 159 luxurious guestrooms and 1-bedroom suites. Each suite has a separate bedroom, multiple bathrooms, a sofa bed, and a balcony. The elevated suites also include a kitchenette and dining room table.Â
This is prime luxury. You will be paying a pretty penny, but it’ll be worth it!Â
Public parking is available on site and costs $50 per day.Â
👉 Check out pics and rates at the Balboa Bay Resort by clicking here!Â
8. Marriott’s Newport Coast Villas: 2-bedroom villa with amazing amenities
If you prefer more room for everyone plus your own kitchen, the Newport Coast Villas are your best bet. Every villa has 2 bedrooms, a full kitchen, separate living and dining areas, plus a private balcony. This is basically living having your own condo!
There is a restaurant plus a deli market, multiple pools including a kids pool with slides, a whirlpool, multiple sports courts, and fire pits. The villas are one mile away from Crystal Cove Beach and there is transportation provided if you don’t want to drive. Plus, it sits on a bluff so the views are fantastic!
Parking is available and FREE!
👉 Check out pics and rates at Marriott’s Newport Coast Villas by clicking here!
9. The Resort at Pelican Hill: Ultra Luxury Near the Beach
I saved the best for last, and by best I mean the very best, and very expensive. The Resort at Pelican Hill is ultra luxury – it’s Italian Essence with Newport Beach Style.
There are five on-site restaurants, a gigantic pool named the Coliseum Pool, a spa, fitness center, golf, and pure elegance.
The resort is made up of bungalows and villas. The bungalows offer a living area with a view terrace, and the bungalow suites offer a separate bedroom and half bathroom. The villas are two-, three-, and four-bedrooms with a gourmet kitchen, washer and dryer, terrace, and private garage.
The Crystal Cove Beach Experience sets you up with everything you need – free shuttle to the beach plus a beach bag with towels and water, and toys when requested. You’ll also get free chairs and umbrellas at the beach. Service is on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays during the summer months.
Parking is included in the rate.
👉 Check out pics and rates at The Resort at Pelican Hill by clicking here!
Beachfront House Rentals in Newport Beach
While there aren’t too many hotels on the beach in Newport Beach, there are plenty of rental properties.
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If you’d rather enjoy your time at the beach in your own spot steps from the sand, consider renting a house or condo. You’ll have access to numerous bedrooms, a full kitchen, a washer and dryer, and outdoor space.
I’ve included a few excellent options that are on the beach, a short walk from the pier and all of the attractions near it.
Stay on the Oceanfront – 4 bedrooms / 2 bathrooms
4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms (one bedrooms has 2 twin beds). Sleeps 10 people. Expansive oceanfront patio to enjoy the beach views or people watch in the evening. One car parking in carport behind the unit is included.
👉 Check out pics and rates at the Stay on the Oceanfront house rental by clicking here!Â
Five Bedroom Oceanfront – 5 bedrooms / 4 bathrooms
5 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms (two bedrooms have 2 twin beds.) Sleeps 12 people. Oceanfront patio with loungers to enjoy the views, and an interior courtyard for private outdoor dinners. Master bedroom also has an oceanfront balcony. Garage included.
👉 Check out pics and rates at the Five Bedroom Oceanfront house rental by clicking here!
Upstairs Oceanfront Unit | Rooftop Deck w/ Hot Tub – 3 bedrooms / 3 bathrooms
3 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms (one bedroom has a queen/twin bunk bed combo). Sleeps 8 people. The treat of this property is the oceanfront rooftop deck with hot tub and bbq grill/outdoor kitchen.
👉 Check out pics and rates at the Upstairs Oceanfront Unit house rental by clicking here!
FAQs: Beachfront Hotels in Newport Beach
Is it worth going to Newport Beach?
Absolutely! Newport Beach offers something for everyone. Beautiful beaches with long stretches of sand and a fun boardwalk, family-friendly activities like the Balboa Fun Zone and tide pools at Crystal Cove, and shopping and dining at Fashion Island and Lido Marina Village.
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What are some beachfront hotels in Newport Beach?
- Newport Beach Hotel, A Four Sisters Inn: Laid-back vibe, deemed the closest hotel to the beach, with a complimentary breakfast.
- Doryman’s Inn: Right on the boardwalk, complimentary continental breakfast, beach cruiser rentals, and a relaxed atmosphere.
- Balboa Inn: Historic inn with a California vibe, steps from the beach and the Balboa Pier. Complimentary breakfast and a large outdoor hot tub.
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What is the difference between Newport Beach and Huntington Beach?
Both are popular SoCal beach destinations, but they have distinct vibes:
- Newport Beach: Offers a mix of luxury resorts, charming beach cottages, and a vibrant harbor area. Considered a bit more upscale with a focus on relaxation and family activities.
- Huntington Beach: Known as “Surf City USA” with a strong focus on surfing culture. Offers a more laid-back atmosphere with a younger adult crowd.
Wrapping Up: Beachfront Hotels in Newport Beach
So there you have it! We explored some fantastic beachfront hotels in Newport Beach that are perfect for any beach lover.
Whether you crave a luxurious escape with all the bells and whistles, a charming beach cottage experience, or a relaxed spot right on the action, Newport Beach offers something for every type of trip.
