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If you’re looking to stay at an Orange County Beach Hotel, let me give you  a brief description of each beach town and  I’ll give you some hotel suggestions, as well.

First of all, there are six beautiful beach towns in Orange County.  From north to south, there’s Seal Beach, Huntington Beach, Newport Beach, Laguna Beach, Dana Point and lastly, San Clemente.

Seal beach has a broad beach and has a grassy area with a children’s play area.  Considered to be a quieter and smaller beach town. A few hotels and beach house rentals.

Huntington Beach is more lively with 8 miles of unbroken beach, with many hotels, restaurants and shops on Main Street. The Huntington Beach pier is one of the most popular piers in California. There’s also some high end hotels right by the beach.

 

Newport Beach has four beach areas which are the long, unbroken Newport/Balboa Beach, Corona del Mar Beach, smaller cove beach of Corona Beach and Crystal Cove State Beach. There are several piers with shopping and dining close. Small hotels by Newport Beach and other bigger hotels located more inland.

Laguna Beach is  considered the most beautiful, most pictureque beach city.  Has been compared to the French Riviera. There’s a large beach in the Downtown area.  There are also many small cove beaches as you go south. There’s shopping, dining and small hotels in town with art festivals throughout the year.

Dana Point is located just south of Laguna beach.   The beaches are a mix of city and state run beaches.  Close to Mission San Juan Capistrano. Plenty of quaint hotels overlooking the harbor.

San Clemente is the southernmost beach city in Orange County. This town became famous in the 1960’s. Richard Nixon’s Western White House is located here.  There are several beaches in San Clemente. There’s only a handful of hotels in this small beach city.  It’s a good overnight stop, if you’re on your way down to San Diego.

High-End Hotels

Hyatt Regency Huntington Hotel – Located right across the street from Huntington State Beach and Huntington Beach pier.  walking distance to restaurants, shops and the Huntington Beach Art Center.  Beautiful grounds with a Hawaiian feel.  Relaxing spa and some rooms have great ocean views.  All around superb service.  21500 Pacific Coast Hway, Huntington Beach 92648

Island Hotel Newport Beach – Located in Newport Beach and overlooking nearby Balboa Island, as well as, views of Lido and Catalina Islands.   All rooms have balconies or patios.  Some have beautiful views of the Pacific Ocean or the Newport Harbor. 690 Newport Center Dr, Newport Beach, 92660

The Ritz-Carlton Laguna Niguel – Located on a bluff overlooking the Pacific Ocean with the beach across the street. Close to Dana Point Harbor.  Has all the luxuries that Ritz Carltons are known for.  This one is at an exceptional location and is considered one of the best by Ritz Carlton. 1 Ritz Carlton Dr. Dana Point 92629

Surf and Sand Resort – This resort all have spectacular ocean views from the rooms and the beds are known to be super comfortable.  You won’t want to leave your room, but you really should, because the resort is located right across from of the pristine sands of Laguna Beach. Walking distance to shops and restaurants and bars in town. Excellent service, all around luxurious resort with a great location.  1555 South Coast Highway, Laguna Beach 92651

 

Mid Range Hotels

Hotel Laguna – This hotel has a private beach and most rooms have views of the Pacific Ocean. Restaurant onsite has a beautiful, as well.  All rooms have flatscreen TVs.  All guests recieve abreakfast voucher. Walking distance to all Laguna Beach attractions.  This hotel is a great bargain for what you get.  425 South Coast Highway, Laguna Beach  92651

Best Western Plus Newport Beach Inn – Located off Pacific Coast Highway with views of the Pacific Ocean. All rooms are modern and clean.  Daily breakfast is served including Belgian waffles, eggs and cereal. Free Wi-Fi and coffee makers in all rooms.  There’s a gym and a nice pool too. Minutes away from the beach.  6208 West Coast Highway, Newport Beach 92663

Crescent Bay Inn – Located minutes away from Crystal Cove, which is a gorgeous State Park with 3.2 miles of coastline in Newport Beach.  Walking distance to Laguna Beach attractions.  Microwaves and small refrigerators in all rooms. Free Wi-fi and free parking.  Great for small families. Very friendly service. 1435 North Coast Highway, Laguna Beach 92651

 

Budget Hotels

Pacific View Inn & Suites – This small motel is located close to both Sunset and Huntington Beach.  5 minute walk to Sunset Beach and close to the Huntington Beach Pier.  The Strand  and the beach is right across the street.  Flatscreen TVs, microwaves and refrigerators are in all rooms.  Free parking is always a plus, too.  16220 Pacific Coast Highway, Huntington Beach 92649

Little Inn By The Bay Newport Beach Hotel – Newly renovated, comfortable rooms with a friendly staff. Located close to the beach and Balboa Island just 3 miles away. Beach chairs and towels are providided by this quaint hotel.  2627 Newport Blvd, Newport Beach 92663

Seaside Laguna Inn & Suites – Very close to the main beach and a mile away from Downtown Laguna Beach. Upstairs rooms have gorgeous views of the Pacific Ocean, as well as Catalina Island.  Free coffee and pastries in the mornings.  Free Wi-Fi and free parking.  1661 South Coast Highway, Laguna Beach 92651