Designers Reveal the Best Beachside Hotels in the U.S.

“Since I was born and raised in New Jersey, growing up, we spent each summer at the Jersey Shore. Those beaches still have my heart. Asbury Ocean Club is one of my favorites. It is right on the beach, so you have sweeping views of the water, which are transformative, and the furnishings and decor are a perfect mix of organic, beachy, and midcentury modern. The lobby and common areas are fun, eclectic, and inspiring. It is located in historic Asbury Park, which any Bruce Springsteen fan would appreciate!”

— Allison Handler, Founder of Allison Handler Design

“Shutters [on the Beach] blends the charm of a New England beach cottage with laid-back California cool. It sits directly on the sand in Santa Monica, and it's one of the few hotels with true beachfront access. It's so cozy with all the textures used throughout, which creates a feel of a sophisticated private beach home rather than a hotel.”

— Emily Del Bello, Principal of Emily Del Bello Interiors

“The [Four Seasons Hotel at The Surf Club] has the best restaurant overlooking the ocean. And with being on the beach in Miami, there are beautiful people everywhere, which makes for great people watching. I also love the decor and the marriage of classic and modern architecture with the use of The Surf Club's original structure.”

— Andrea Goldman, Founder of Andrea Goldman Design

“As a designer, I'm drawn to spaces that feel effortless yet refined, and The Surfrider Malibu captures that perfectly. Nestled right across from the iconic Surfrider Beach, the hotel blends California coastal charm with elevated design—think natural woods, whitewashed walls, and linen textures that mirror the sand and sea. The rooftop deck has some of the best ocean views in Malibu, and every detail, from the curated art to the custom furniture, feels intentional. It's a masterclass in understated luxury, and the visuals are absolutely stunning—sunlight-drenched rooms, beach bikes, and surfboards included.”

— Laura Lubin, Principal of Ellerslie Interiors

“The Resort at Pelican Hill sits on a spectacular 450-acre piece of the Pacific coastline in Newport Beach, California. Entering the estate is like transporting oneself into a glorious Tuscan retreat with stunning Palladian-style architecture. Replete with ancient olive trees, coastal pines, chaparral, and sage brush, red tile roofs terrace above a rolling golf course at the edge of the continent with sweeping vistas to infinity. A mosaic-clad coliseum pool in the round offers the perfect vantage point for taking in sunsets exceeding the imagination. This may not be the most gorgeous place in the world, but it is certainly one of them.”

— Mary Alice Palmer, Founder of Roam Interior Design