7 Best Hotels in North County and Around, California

One of only four SoCal hotels directly on the sand, this former 1960s Best Western was remodeled in 2011 as a boutique inn with plantation shutters, luxurious linens, and open floor plans. Additional upgrades in 2018 keeps it contemporary with neutral tones, granite counters, and slate-tile bathrooms. Included in the small amenity fee are Wi-Fi, breakfast, bike rental, and beach equipment. Every room has an oceanfront terrace, except for rooms 30–35, which are slightly more affordable. The swimming pool and breakfast lounge are bonus spots for relaxation. For more space and privacy, request one of the four corner units. 

In 2021, Oceanside awakened with major redevelopment due in part to this beachfront boutique hotel across from the pier, which beckons young couples with perfect martinis, chill vibes, and sleek water-facing rooms. Built with thoughtful preservation, modern beautification, and an entrepreneurial spirit, this Hyatt property at the heart of the Mission Avenue Improvement Project joined with Oceanside Museum of Art to curate the artwork, and with Baja’s Chef Roberto Alcocer’s at the fine-dining Valle. To step up the energy, head to the Rooftop Bar, or simply catch some waves in front of the hotel. For spa services, head across the street to its sister property, The Seabird, and sign charges back to your room.

Just 40 steps from the sand, bring your kids (furry or not) to this delightful pet- and family-friendly hotel where the staff go out of their way to please guests. The property features 13 different room types—multibedroom villas, suites, and studios—that come equipped with full kitchens with stainless steel appliances, white wooden floors, distressed furniture, and hints of lime and turquoise. Families and friends of four should request No. 107, a precious two-bedroom unit with a wraparound porch, wainscoting ceiling, Dutch doors, and ocean views. Adirondack chairs frame a heated pool and Jacuzzi where you can listen to the crashing waves while you catch some rays. Guests have access to a fitness center, Weber grills, firepits, a laundry room, surfboards, beach gear, Starbucks coffee, and putting green. The gazebo with misters cools off a hot summer day, and the simple breakfast and healthy snacks make for happy bellies.

This chic Spanish colonial oasis on 400 tree-shaded acres has ample guest rooms, two golf courses, and is known for being family-friendly, with plenty of kids' activities (including a kids' club, a game room, eight swimming pools, three waterslides, and a water play zone). Guest rooms are in shades of brown and sand with oversize chairs and sofas, while public rooms feature open-beam ceilings and leather furnishings. Among the six dining options is Bob's Steak & Chop House serving fine wines and large cuts of prime steak, chops, and seafood. There is a large tennis center, a family entertainment area, a shopping complex, a wellness spa, and two PGA championship golf courses. Marketplace is convenient for those grab-and-go lunches to enjoy poolside.

The gorgeous, flower-decked 265-acre grounds draw a sophisticated clientele looking for a golf and spa getaway. Public areas throughout the resort are a collection of fountains, pools, and small sitting rooms, where Spanish mission–style sofas and fireplaces invite you to linger with a good book, and guest rooms hold platform beds tucked into corner upholstered banquettes, and great fairway or garden views are visible from private patios or balconies. A spa, complete with a saline pool, holds the ultimate treatment rooms: shuttered and heated garden casitas, where you can relax under the sun to the tune of moving water. Day passes ($75) are available to nonresort guests Monday–Thursday. The resort boasts the fine-dining venue, AVANT. Many guests select this property for the public 18-hole championship golf course that has hosted both PGA and LPGA events.

Offering a lovely hillside setting for an escape to the wine country, this B&B has additional lodging in the newer Spanish-style casitas at neighboring Bolero. Each room delights guests with old-world charm and modern amenities, while providing the perfect spot to unplug and watch the world—and hot-air balloons—go by. Most of the attractive, spacious rooms open to balconies, where one can take in sweeping views of vineyards and orchards. Complimentary perks include gourmet breakfast, daily wine, Wi-Fi, and a hot-tub terrace with panoramic views.

As the star of Oceanside’s renovation project, this oceanfront property is the epitome of coastal fresh with an inviting air reflective of a luxury beach house. Atypical of Hyatt properties, its styled exclusively for its location with a surfboard valet, a curated gallery of Oceanside art, and wave-scented aromatherapy throughout the hotel. Beyond the “living room” lobby sits Shoreroom bar with live music and sunset cocktails. The unpretentious staff will gladly arrange surf lessons, spa treatments, s’more kits, and dinner at Piper—the signature restaurant specializing in SoCal coastal cuisine. While all rooms are comparable, request one of the ocean view rooms with a balcony. Guests can charge services and amenities from sister property, Mission Pacific Hotel back to their room. While both hotels are on-point, Seabird caters more toward young families with its cheerful atmosphere and Shelter Club pool centering the property. Even if you don’t plan on staying here, book a treatment at Sunny's Spa, considered one of the best in San Diego.