The Best Hotels to Book in Dana Point, California

Waldorf Astoria Monarch Beach Resort and Club exudes laid-back Southern Californian luxury
Waldorf Astoria Monarch Beach Resort and Club exudes laid-back Southern Californian luxury | Courtesy of Waldorf Astoria Monarch Beach Resort and Club / Booking.com
Molly O'Brien

Dana Point is quintessential Southern California. In fact, it claims to be the birthplace of the US surf industry. This Orange County city is just south of Laguna Beach and offers endless outdoor activities – including bustling beaches, trails, marinas, dolphin and whale watching tours and numerous fabulous surf spots. Here are some of the best hotels in Dana Point, California – bookable on Culture Trip.

1. Waldorf Astoria Monarch Beach Resort and Club, for beach lovers

Resort

Several armchairs and sofas in social area with a fireplace and sea views at the Waldorf Astoria Monarch Beach Resort and Club
Courtesy of Waldorf Astoria Monarch Beach Resort and Club / Expedia

The Waldorf Astoria Monarch Beach Resort and Club exudes a feeling of laid-back Southern Californian luxury. It’s perched on 175 acres (71ha) of space, atop a seaside bluff with views of the water below – there’s even a private beach. Dine at one of the numerous on-site restaurants, spend time relaxing in spacious guest rooms or suites, lounge at the pool or get a treatment at the spa.

2. Laguna Cliffs Marriott Resort and Spa, for coastal chic

Resort, Chain Hotel

Room at Laguna Cliffs Marriott Resort and Spa
Courtesy of Laguna Cliffs Marriott Resort and Spa / Expedia

The 378-room Laguna Cliffs Marriott Resort and Spa sits in a central location close to Doheny State Beach and Dana Point Harbor. The style is beach-chic, with views of the Pacific Ocean and a casually sophisticated feel in the restaurants, rooms, pool and full-service spa. Many of the rooms feature balconies – perfect for taking in a sea-view sunrise or sunset. Rooms are furnished with sturdy hardwood floors, rain showers and widescreen TVs.

3. The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel, for ocean-inspired spa treatments

Hotel

Living space with long sofa, two armchairs and a TV at the Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel; waterfront terrace just outside
Courtesy of the Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel / Expedia

The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel is perched upon a bluff overlooking the sea. Here, guests can enjoy a state-of-the-art golf course, walk along a selection of winding beach-bound paths or use the on-site concierge to plan customized eco-adventures. On-site restaurants RAYA and 180blũ are great choices for ocean-view dining and cocktails. There’s also a spa that offers a selection of massages, facials and body treatments integrating ocean elements such as sea salt and algae.

5. Best Western Plus Marina Shores Hotel, for central convenience

Hotel

Room at Best Western Plus Marina Shores Hotel
Courtesy of Best Western Plus Marina Shores Hotel / Booking.com

The Marina Shores Hotel is just a few blocks away from Doheny State Beach and a short distance from Dana Point Harbor. This three-story, 87-room hotel offers several room and suite types. The king whirlpool suites give you extra relaxation space, a king-size bed and Roman-style whirlpool tub. Every room or suite here includes a refrigerator, in-room coffee and a phone line with two data ports.

6. Riviera Shores Resort, for the ideal location

Resort

Room at Riviera Shores Resort
Courtesy of Riviera Shores Resort / Booking.com

Riviera Shores Resort on Capistrano Beach is perfectly perched between the rolling hills and the striking coastline of Southern California and offers spacious accommodations with a partial kitchen, an outdoor barbecue and two TVs. You’ll also find two swimming pools, hot tubs and a fitness center on-site. The welcoming atmosphere of Capistrano Beach and the range of recreational adventures on offer make this a pleasant escape from the city.

7. Capistrano SurfSide Inn, for beachfront activities

Hotel

Room at Capistrano SurfSide Inn
Courtesy of Capistrano SurfSide Inn / Booking.com

At Capistrano Surfside Inn, each guest room features its own full kitchen and balcony with a barbecue grill. It’s within walking distance of Doheny State Beach and only minutes from Dana Point Harbor. The property also offers bicycles and boogie boards for rent, as well as a selection of videos to check out and relax with in your room after a day of outdoor adventures.

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