Last Updated on September 28, 2026 by Betsy Ramsey
Prime real estate and rare natural assets draw visitors looking for the best beachfront stays and oceanfront hotels in Laguna Beach. Of the seven local hotels with direct beachfront access, I’m reviewing two of the most popular: Surf Lodge by SPC and Surf & Sand Laguna Beach.
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Surf Lodge by SPC vs. Surf & Sand Resort
When we visited in late July and early August 2026, rates for an ocean view room with a balcony ranged from $650 to $1500 per night. During low season, you can expect to pay less than half this rate, but during peak summer months, the holidays, and special events, an ocean view comes with a hefty price tag.
Today’s review takes an honest look at each property’s pros and cons and gives insight into the type of traveler each attracts.
About Laguna Beach’s Oceanfront Stays
Life in Laguna Beach revolves around the water! To fully embrace that coastal charm, many visitors desire an oceanfront or beachfront experience. While it can be a splurge, I still recommend it. Properties even a block off the beach have more traffic noise and lack the restorative feeling that comes from falling asleep to the sound of surf.
Surf Lodge by SPC Overview
A Boho, Surf-Chic Vibe
Surf Lodge by SPC, like most oceanfront Laguna Beach properties, is set on a cliff overlooking the Pacific. It’s a 3-star boutique hotel with 41 guest rooms/suites.
As you drive up, the hotel’s retro, boho vibe is apparent. Think classic beach cruisers surrounding the valet, an atrium-enclosed swimming pool and hot tub complex, and a surf-chic clientele. The staff is attentive but also gives off a very laid-back, Cali aura.
The reception area also houses an entrance to the pool atrium, a small library and shop with wine and snacks, and a coffee and water-filling station for guests’ enjoyment. Check-in was quick and painless, and we were soon off to check out our room!
Guest Rooms & A Warning
Our First Impressions
We climbed a flight of stairs and had a moment of concern when we noticed that all the doors around us had keycard entry, but our room had a traditional, metal key. On entering, we walked into a large galley kitchen with a full-size refrigerator before reaching the bedroom.
While the kitchen was dated, the bedroom had been partially updated. A sliding door provided access to the shared balcony. The bathroom was quite small, but what struck us the most was the oppressive heat. The room was broiling!
We fiddled with the standalone AC unit in the corner and then headed outside to enjoy on the balcony while we waited for the room to cool. The view helped lower our blood pressure and we assumed housekeeping had just forgotten to turn on the AC before we arrived.
A couple of hours later, we were getting drowsy and ready for bed. Unfortunately, the room was still a sauna. We called the front desk and explained the situation. They came up immediately and agreed that spending the night would be untenable. The manager offered us another room, available for one night only, and told us maintenance would come in the morning. They also gave us a bottle of wine for our inconvenience.
Updated & Oceanfront Views
The second room was stunning – exactly what is pictured on their website. Newly remodeled in a coastal contemporary style with large bathrooms and a compact but updated hospitality area. The room was also blissfully cool. We settled in and slept great.
The next morning, we returned to our first room along with the maintenance team. They determined that because of the heat wave, the AC unit couldn’t keep up. A manager told us this area (rooms 501-506) hadn’t been updated in the same way as the rest of the hotel because the owners ultimately plan to raze the space and put in a small rooftop restaurant instead.
That is something we wish we’d known when booking. Rates are the same for all rooms in a category, but rooms 501-506 provide a distinctly lesser experience than the others on property. The manager was very understanding and immediately offered to refund our entire stay. However, we were now in the position of needing to find another hotel during high season.
I’ll review that property next. While we were very pleased with how quickly they offered a refund, we felt like the hotel owners are looking for a quick money grab by pricing these lesser rooms equally.
Surf or Sip the Day Away
The grounds are the main draw here. Ocean-view, terraced sitting areas, some with firepits, are spread out throughout the property. They’re a popular spot for both friends and families to meet, have a drink, and enjoy the view.
While there are no on-site dining options, several restaurants are nearby, and some guests ordered food delivery to enjoy on the terraces. We were so tired from touring presidential libraries earlier in the day that we ordered a pizza and picked up a bottle of wine from reception to enjoy on our patio.
As previously mentioned, plans call for a restaurant in the area where rooms 501 – 506 are located. I’m excited to see what that will entail, as the ocean-facing space should provide great views!
A gently winding path leads guests to the beach where lounge chairs, umbrellas, and towels are available. Surfing, body surfing, and beachcombing are all popular activities here! NOTE: Even at high tide, you can access the beach. That is not the case at all hotels in the area.
Aside from the pool and hot tub, there is no fitness center on-site. However, guests are welcome to visit the nearby Laguna Health Club at a discounted rate. For activities like paddleboarding, kayaking, surf lessons, or e-bike tours, Surf Lodge partners with La Vida Laguna. Book on your own, and an option for a 10% discount as a Surf Lodge guest will appear at check-out.
Best for Those Who Make Their Own Fun
The Surf Lodge has a laid-back, old-school California vibe that is perfect for people just looking to chill and catch some waves. Children are welcome; however, it’s best for kids who enjoy spending LOTS of time in the water, as there aren’t many other on-site activities geared toward the younger set. The property is pet-friendly and a good option if you’d like to bring your pup along.
Surf & Sand Resort Overview
We were fortunate to discover that the nearby Surf & Sand resort had one upper-floor, ocean-view room available for the weekend. We took it!
Luxurious and Full Service
Just a two-minute drive south of Surf Lodge is the 5-star Surf & Sand Resort. With 165 rooms, all with ocean views and balconies, this property has a more pronounced resort feel. A large tower and two wings house the various guest rooms.
Like Surf Lodge, Surf & Sand is set on a cliffside with magnificent views overlooking the Pacific Ocean. The entry and reception areas have a sophisticated and “quiet wealth” vibe. Original artwork from various Laguna Beach artists is highlighted throughout.
Our check-in was prompt and professional. We received room keys, keyed wristbands, and a map of the grounds. The front desk attendant also gave us a quick rundown of the property’s amenities and offered to make any reservations we might require.
Rooms That Bring the WOW Factor
Room entry was one of the most impressive we’ve experienced. When you activate the key, it cues the blinds to raise, slowly revealing the stunning ocean view as you walk in.
Our room was beautifully decorated, with herringbone hardwood floors, a small breakfast table, coffee/bar set-up, and a spacious bath with a walk-in shower. A mini-fridge hidden in the dresser was stocked with an assortment of wines, beers, and soft drinks.
The veranda was furnished with a small banquette, table, and chair on one end and a reading chair with a side table on the other. The sliding door opens the full width of the room, allowing you to take advantage of ocean breezes. I could tell from the get-go that it was going to be hard to leave!
Oceanfront Dining & Thoughtful Activities
Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are provided in the full-service restaurant, Splashes. Guests and locals alike love this venue for its large glass windows, just feet above the surfline (hence the name, Splashes). American with a Cali twist, the restaurant offers a mix of sea- and land-based entrees. All meals come with a price tag befitting the extraordinary view.
Pacific Perk provides grab-and-go options for breakfast and lunch, teas/coffee, and gelato. We grabbed our breakfast here each day, and the freshly baked pastries were out of this world!
Splashes Bar and the Bella Vista Terrace offer sunset views, cocktails, and small bites. Patrons of Splashes Bar can order from a modified restaurant menu while taking in the ocean breeze via open windows. The Bella Vista Terrace features live music and theme nights throughout the week. The complimentary Manager’s Reception held Thursday from 5:30-6:30 is a great way to get a feel for this space.
Pool and beach guests are served by the pool staff who deliver drinks, light bites, and coastal favorites right to your lounger. Weekends bring a Scoops & Sundaes hour on the pool deck – a hit among kids and adults alike.
The 8-room Aquaterra spa offers a full menu of spa services as well as yoga classes, a fitness room, and a sound bath experience on Friday and Saturday evenings. Check the program in your guest room for the special events and programming available during your stay. There are some unique offerings you won’t want to miss!
For Luxury Lovers
Surf & Sand is ideal for romantic getaways and travelers seeking a traditional luxury experience. The various amenities and well-thought-out programming create a scenario where you never really have to leave the property. However, if you wish to, having an on-site concierge who can help with reservations during the busy summer season is a plus.
A number of families with young children were visiting while we were there. All were well-behaved and seemed to really enjoy the pool and some of the special activities geared toward kids (sandcastle building, an arts & crafts morning, etc.).
The hotel operations director mentioned to us that the resort is a very popular weekend getaway destination for couples and families from other parts of Southern California. In fact, we were surprised to learn that a majority of guests are from the Sunshine State.
Surf Lodge & Surf & Sand: Head‑to‑Head
| Surf Lodge by SPC | Surf & Sand Laguna | |
| Location | Very good. Close to town, on trolley line. | Good. On trolley line, a bit longer walk to town. |
| Beach Access | Excellent. | Good. May be inaccessible at high tide. |
| Rooms | Rooms 501-506 have not been updated. Other rooms are decorated in a modern, Cali surf-chic style. Check descriptions carefully or call when booking. Note: As a wellness retreat, most rooms do not have televisions or in-room coffee makers. | Updated and well-appointed rooms with walk-in showers. Amenities include Nespresso machines, minibars, TVs, etc. Classic contemporary style. Nightly turndown service and daily housekeeping. |
| View | Both view and non-view rooms are available. Some ocean-view rooms come with shared balcony space. | All rooms have ocean views and balconies. |
| Amenities | Minimal. Pool, hot tub, small coffee/water station, and wine/snack shop; valet parking only ($38/night). | Extensive. Pool, hot tub, spa, restaurant, bars, convenience market, shops, conference space, programming, concierge, valet ($75/night). |
| Price | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Value | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Best For | Laid-back adventurers Couples Families | Luxury travelers Romantic getaways Families |
So, Which is Better?
Our experience at Surf Lodge wasn’t what we expected, although I must give them kudos for how quickly and effortlessly they offered to refund our money. Our situation could have been avoided with clarifying language on their website.
At nearly half the cost of Surf & Sand, I would certainly consider Surf Lodge on a future trip. While it has fewer amenities, we were there largely for the views and sound of surf. On those points, it delivers in spades. The proposed addition of a restaurant will further enhance the property.
Surf & Sand is a best-in-class experience, albeit one that comes at a cost. The rooms and property are gorgeous and well-maintained. Spa availability and thoughtful programming add to the full-service, luxury experience. The staff at Surf & Sand also exceed expectations. We had the sense that everyone working there was invested in creating a memorable experience.
I’d love to stay here again! Because of the cost, I’d certainly encourage it as an iPrefer reward stay or as part of an AmEx travel deal if you have those options available.
Practical Tips for Booking
Best Time to Visit
July & August in Laguna Beach bring great weather and lots of activities. That also translates into higher hotel prices. To get the best rates, book well in advance. Unless you are traveling to attend a specific event like Pageant of the Masters, consider booking during the spring or fall shoulder seasons.
June, while mild, can bring the June Gloom and overcast skies. The winter months can be great for bargain hunters. The cooler days are great for walking/hiking. Festive holiday decorations adorn the downtown area in December, while January and February bring the greatest rain chances.
Parking & Transportation
Valet parking is available at both properties at an additional cost. Surf & Sand offers airport transfers from John Wayne Airport and LAX at an additional cost.
To get around town, I recommend either walking or taking the Laguna Trolley. The trolley is free; however, operating hours and trip frequency vary by season.
Loyalty Programs and Perks
Surf Lodge is a member of the SCP Hotel Group, a West Coast-based hotel chain. They do not currently offer a loyalty program. Seasonal and limited-time offers are found on their website and often include discounts for stays of 2 or more consecutive nights.
Surf & Sand is a member of the iPrefer Hotels reward program. As a member of this program, you may be able to book a reward stay using points. You may also enjoy minor perks like early check-in or free Wifi.
Bookings at Surf & Sand are offered on the American Express Fine Hotels & Resorts website. If you hold an AmEx Platinum card, booking through this option provides you with a $300 statement credit and the following benefits:
- $100 credit towards eligible on-property charges
- Room upgrade upon arrival, when available
- 12 pm check-in, when available
- Guaranteed 4 pm check-out
- Complimentary Wifi
- Daily breakfast for two
NOTE: A minimum 2-night stay is required.
I hope you’ve enjoyed this review of two of the most popular Laguna Beach oceanfront properties! If you know someone planning a trip to Southern California, please send them this post.
If you need ideas for how to spend your time in Laguna, check out this 3-4 day Laguna Beach itinerary. For another great hotel stay, check out the Jefferson Hotel in Richmond, Virginia!
Until next time…
