Directly across the street from the sun and surf of Doheny State Beach.

An easy 1-min jaunt to the sand, and less than a mile from downtown. Also: a 5-min drive to the Laguna Beach Art Museum.

Starbucks aficionados will be relieved to know they can get their fix right onsite at The Bistro.

Home to one of the world’s best surf breaks, with staffers to escort you to the best waves.

Relaxed, modern SoCal style feels like your own private beach town apartment.

Right off the 5, surrounded by a bevy of shops and restaurants and only a 15-min walk from the beach.

Local artist murals bump up the SoCal vibe.

Spanish style and red tile set the vacay tone, in case the beachfront location wasn't enough for ya.

An escape of a resort, built in the '40s in the Mission style and once serving as an artist colony. Let your creativity thrive.

Microwaves and mini-fridges keep leftovers from going to waste.

Perfectly situated within walking distance of shops, eats and the sands.

Leisure-chic style’s trendy without being in-your-face about it.

John Wayne – the airport, not the cowboy-actor – is right across the 405 freeway. This means that the beach isn’t far away either.

Basic neutral palette rocks the occasional bold blue accent wall or a pop of sunny yellow just to keep things interesting.

Freebie shuttle is the way to go – and not just to/from the airport. It’ll zip you around anywhere within a 5-mile radius.

Just 2 short miles to the Cali beaches – 4 to Newport Pier. Go early and make a day of it.

Hotel pool for when you feel like getting splashy.

Nails the breezy-beachy thing, from the Spanish-style architecture to ocean-view decks.

Originally opened as ‘The Airporter’ (for obvious reasons) way back in 1969. And still going strong today.

If you slept any closer to the beach, you’d wake up with sand in your hair. Trust us, these beds are way better.

Unassuming hideaway in posh Newport Beach, plus free house bikes for wheeling around town.

Historic digs steps from the beach, shops, restaurants and entertainment.

Rooms take ya back to the romantic Victorian era (without forgoing mod cons like oversized marble showers, WiFi + gas fireplaces).

The vibe is sleek and chic yet warm and welcoming.

Directly across the street from the sun and surf of Doheny State Beach.

One of the first homes ever built in San Clemente, so obviously there's tonnnns of 20s-era flair throughout.

Sophisticated modern hotel in the heart of O.C., the garden setting on a man-made lake adds to the peaceful vibe.

Throwback motel digs with a Spanish vibe, complete with outdoor pool (in case you don’t have time to zip over to the beach).

The name says it all – the beach is just across the road, and you’re only 2 miles from Dana Point.

Get your nom on at the generous – and free – hot breakfast buffet.

Steps(!) from(!) the beach(!), with chairs, umbrellas and towels ready to roll.