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.

Free parking means you're not stuck tracking down a spot.

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

Coastal style aplenty, ocean views, tech-y app-controlled lighting/temperature and massive flat screens in every room.

Hotel pool for when you feel like getting splashy.

Dreamy location, perched right on a bluff overlooking sand and surf.

Convenient OC home base, near Irvine Spectrum Center and Laguna Beach.

Complimentary breakfast kick-starts both your metabolism and your day.

Revamped property transformed from motel to Cali-casual digs.

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

Playful design mixes casual surfing-themed art with upscale touches.

Low-key home base, perfect for a road trip stopover or beach town getaway. (San Onofre = one of the world’s most epic surf spots.)

Hotel pool hits the spot when you need to cool off or swim it out.

Perfect beach-goer practicality right on the PCH. Capitalize on a Cappy's breakfast with a TidePoole's sandwich for lunch, both are flip-flop distance.

A 10-ish-min drive to the Irvine Spectrum Center, home to a dizzying number of dining options, shops, and even a Ferris wheel.

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

O.C. superfans rejoice — this spot is a quick drive from *that* Newport Beach. California, here we come.

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

Pop into the Panini Lounge for Happy Hour (5pm-7pm) or to catch the game on 55" HDTVs.

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

The vibe is sleek and chic yet warm and welcoming.

Unbeatable location just steps from Treasure Island Beach and Goff Cove makes it easy to unwind.

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

Those cookies though.

Cliffside locale means stunning scenery, and the beach & harbor are walkable (free cardio on the way back!).

Palm trees and pool: that’s all we need. Got ’em.

On the house loaner beach amenities, from towels to toys.

Free WiFi keeps us from getting the tech withdrawal shakes.

Located within walking distance of Doheny State Beach and Dana Point Harbor.

History buffs will heart the proximity to the Mission San Juan Capistrano ruins (walking distance!).