From Baja to Hawaii, These Are Our Favorite Coastal Retreats

The Sunset Travel Awards celebrate the best in travel in the West, and this year we had another record-breaking number of entrants of the highest level across all categories. These seaside properties are the 2024 winners of the Where to Stay: Coastal Gems category . Check out the complete list of winners here . For our definitive and searchable travel directory to help you plan your next trip in the West, click here .

Best Coastal Gems

Four Seasons Resort Los Cabos at Costa Palmas

Courtesy of Four Seasons Resort Los Cabos at Costa Palmas

Situated on the Sea of Cortez with views of the Sierra de la Laguna Mountains, this beachfront property on Baja’s East Cape features multiple pools, a world-class golf course and fitness facility, a sprawling spa, and an outpost of Estiatorio Milos. The highlight, though, is the access to the quiet coastline, complete with every beach toy one could ever wish for, which comes complimentary with your stay.

Laguna Surf Lodge by SCP Hotels

Thomas J. Story

Perched atop Thalia Street’s gentle yet consistent break, the newly revamped Laguna Surf Lodge makes rising early for its signature dawn patrol experience a whole lot easier with calming essential oil diffusers, cozy Avocado mattresses, and nature’s ultimate sound machine: waves caressing the shore below. Load into the owners’ vintage Land Rover and head south to what’s undoubtedly SoCal’s vibiest surf spot at San Onofre for a guided session with surf pro Izzi Gomez. The morning begins with freshly roasted cowboy coffee and a meditation around the firepit and ends with a warm RinseKit shower and freshly made farmers’ market frittata.

The Lodge at Bodega Bay

Caitlin Atkinson

The Lodge at Bodega Bay offers tranquil ocean views and rustic elegance along the Sonoma Coast. With 83 guestrooms, guests enjoy cozy fireplaces, coastal trails, birding, whale-watching, and a heated pool. Dining options include Drakes Sonoma Coast and Fireside Lounge, focusing on locally sourced cuisine. The Lodge’s serene setting and sustainable practices make it a perfect retreat for relaxation and nature exploration .

The Royal Hawaiian

Courtesy of The Royal Hawaiian

Waikiki’s The Royal Hawaiian blends historic charm with modern luxury. Known as the “Pink Palace of the Pacific,” it offers oceanfront rooms, authentic Hawaiian cuisine, and award-winning spa treatments. The resort’s cultural programming ranges from the Ahaaina Luau to the Mai Tai Bar that carries on the Island’s mixology tradition. Combined with the resort’s iconic architecture and impeccable hospitality, it’s a textbook Hawaiian getaway.

The Ritz-Carlton O’ahu, Turtle Bay

Courtesy of 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 three of Jamie O’Brien’s 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.

Hotel Californian

Courtesy of Hotel Californian

Competition is tough when it comes to hotels situated on the Santa Barbara coastline that’s known as the American Riviera, but this Spanish-revival style hotel designed by Martyn Lawrence Bullard seamlessly blends history with imagination. After a day of traipsing around the Funk Zone or surfing SB’s breaks, unwind at Majorelle Spa or soak up views from the Tan Tan rooftop pool deck.

Casa Loma

Courtesy of Chris Mottalini

An iconic oceanfront property perched on Laguna Beach’s rocky cliffs above Main Beach reopened this summer with a breezy bohemian redesign that blends sandy neutrals, organic clay tones, and seaside greens, playing up its proximity to the sea. Laze in the sun with a book on your private terrace, or socialize with like-minded travelers in the outdoor pool and lounge before heading out on the town to explore the area’s many restaurants and galleries.

Estancia La Jolla

Courtesy of Estancia La Jolla Hotel & Spa

Having recently undergone a multi-million-dollar renovation, this rancho-style property located in North County San Diego has the feel of a hacienda, complete with adobe fireplaces and equestrian-inspired guest rooms. Indulge in a luxe spa treatment or wander the impressive botanical gardens and drink in the timeless California charm.

Orli La Jolla

Courtesy of Orli La Jolla

This historic 1910s-era residence designed by Irving Gill blends top-notch hotel amenities with the creature comforts of home. Each of the 13 uniquely designed rooms offers personalized touches you’d desire in a dreamy pied-à-terre, from lush greenery and hand-blown glass fixtures to Marshall Bluetooth speakers. Located near the Museum of Contemporary Art and steps from the beach, you can easily explore outside or indulge in the hotel’s daily happy hours and gourmet snacks for some downtime closer to home.

Le Petit Pali

Courtesy of Palisociety

This gem from Palisociety injects Carmel-by-the-Sea’s hospitality scene with bespoke charm and laid-back luxury. Just steps from the village and shoreline, guests savor complimentary Champagne breakfasts, hosted happy hours, and the hotel group’s signature Pawlisociety pet amenities for their four-legged friends. With Diptyque bath amenities and warm cookies at bedtime, Le Petit Pali offers up a new style of B&B where European flair meets California cool.

Kona Village

Courtesy of Kona Village, A Rosewood Resort

The legendary resort on the Big Island’s Kona Coast has finally opened after a multi-year renovation, and it’s a stunner. Situated on one of the most idyllic and picturesque coves, the low-slung resort is a super luxe antidote to cookie-cutter sprawl. Spanning 81 acres with just 150 guest hales, it’s as iconic as a Hawaiian hotel can get . With five restaurants, four beach-view pools, a full-service spa, a serious cultural education program, and an extensive aquatic center, it provides an immersive cultural experience at the highest level of sustainability and luxury.

Waimea Plantation Cottages

Courtesy of Waimea Plantation Cottages Resort

Set on 43 acres on the West side of Kauai, this resort featuring lovingly restored plantation-style cottages provides a serene escape by the sea. Guests can enjoy the oceanfront pool, hammocks, and nearby attractions like Waimea Canyon and Na Pali Coastline. The resort’s historic charm and lush landscaping are perfect for families and couples looking for a tranquil throwback retreat.

Timber Cove

Courtesy of Timber Cove Resort

Timber Cove on Sonoma’s rugged coast blends midcentury architecture with modern comforts in a rustic chic setting that oozes boho charm. Think vintage furnishings, Malm fireplaces, and epic views of the ocean. Guests can enjoy hiking trails, picnics, and amenities like local live music, a curated vinyl library, and turntables in every room. Guests and drive-by road trippers alike can take advantage of the coastal wine country cuisine and killer views from the restaurant Coast Kitchen.

Salishan Coastal Lodge by SCP Hotels

Courtesy of SCP Hotels

Oregon’s Coast Range is a place of unparalleled natural beauty, and SCP Hotels’ Salishan Coastal Lodge slots in seamlessly as a home base for adults and kids looking for eco adventure. Choose your own adventure, whether it be exploring the Aerial Park obstacle course, traversing the mountain bike tracks, or hiking and tidepooling. This Earth-Check certified sanctuary offers sound baths, meditations, farm-to-table dining, zero-waste initiatives, and coastal preservation efforts to help rejuvenate Oregon’s stunning landscapes. An Earth- and family-friendly escape .