Donāt Travel FarāOcean Views, Craft Cocktails and Luxury Spa Treatments Are Just a Drive Away
Orange County. The OC. The home of reality television shows that changed lives (no? just us?) and an infinite amount of tourist traps that even some natives canāt resist. Itās the best place on earthāyes, weāre biased. So, when it comes to planning a getaway, why not stay local? We have the best beaches, boutique hotels, upscale eateries and cutest shopsāand itās all within an approximate 20-square-mile radius.Ā
Get ready to queue up that Natasha Bedingfield soundtrack and stare at the (not so) blank page before you to get some ideas of how to optimize your Orange County staycation! Weāll give you the inside scoop on where to stay, what to eat, who to take and how to spend your precious staycation time at some of the best hotels in Orange County.
The Inn at the Mission San Juan Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano
San Juan Capistrano is equal parts quaint and cowboy which makes it the ideal destination when your town aināt big enough for the both of you. Hosting an array of restaurants, activities and sightseeing pit stops, SJC is such a fun enclave to explore with its rich history and Wild West ways. Whether youāre grabbing goodies from The Ecology Center, exploring the all-new River Street Marketplace or lollygagging down Los Rios, this south OC town has it allāincluding incredible eats at Heritage BBQ, Mediterranean tapas spot Mayfield and the Spanish-inspired Ysidora.Ā
Visit the Ortega Equestrian Center for a trail ride, and opt for the Innās signature Equestrian Massage after at Spa at the Mission. This therapeutic sports massage, using natural olive oil and arnica, targets the main muscle structures involved in horseback riding and physical activities. The Inn at the Mission San Juan Capistrano is one of the best hotels in Orange County for relaxed luxury infused with local flavor and fun. Grab your girlfriends or significant other and get to staycationing!
Location: San Juan Capistrano
Surf & Sand Resort Laguna Beach
A timeless icon with a fresh new look, Surf & Sand Resort Laguna Beach has redefined beachfront luxury in Laguna Beach. Recent renovations have elevated everything from the oceanfront roomsāwith their soaking tubs and seamless indoor-outdoor flowāto the reimagined lobby, pool and spa. The upgraded Splashes Restaurant delivers a front-row seat to crashing waves and a standout menu of seasonal coastal cuisine. Whether youāre sipping wine on the Bella Vista Terrace or lounging poolside, this beachside resort delivers effortless romance and charm. It blends classic elegance with modern sophistication, making it one of Orange Countyās top staycation spots for scenic relaxation.
Balboa Bay Resort
Balboa Bay Resort is a Newport Beach staple situated between Pacific Coast Highway and the calm waters of the harbor. Another waterfront hotel in Orange County, this locally loved staycation destination is upscale without being ostentatious while still maintaining that classic Newport Beach nautical vibe. Guests can dine at hip haunt A+O Restaurant | Bar, which has a revolving menu featuring creative share plates and craft cocktails. With live music on select nights and fire pits to cozy up around, this is a spot where you can post up and people-watch while indulging in some good food and good vibes.Ā
Balboa Bay Resort is also super family-friendly if you feel like bringing the kiddos. You can rent an electric boat, paddleboards or kayaks directly through the hotel or just post up at the pool and enjoy their cabanas and cold bevs.
Location: Newport BeachĀ
Avenue of the Arts
Avenue of the Arts Costa Mesa puts the āfunā in funky with its regal, music-inspired decor. Guests can enjoy its proximity to premier entertainment destination Segerstrom Center for the Arts. This hotel has luxury suites and lakeside rooms plus plenty of special offerings to sweeten your stay like their Very Important Pup (VIP) Package that allows your furry friend to tag along and receive the same royal staycation treatment as you.Ā
If youāre in the mood to explore, South Coast Plaza is just minutes away for all your retail therapy needs. Feeling fancy? Catch an award-winning show at Segerstrom Center for the Artsāitās the perfect night out after shopping.
Location: Costa MesaĀ
Casa Loma Beach Hotel
Casa Loma Beach Hotel sits above Main Beach in Laguna, next to the stunning Heisler Park and endless ocean views. Following a $15 million renovation, the 70-room retreat blends Mediterranean style with California-cool design and breezy, coastal comfort. The earthy-toned lobby features sculptural art, while rooms include organic textures and ocean-view balconies for a peaceful escape. Start the morning with Canyon Coffee pour-overs, then unwind at the hotelās exclusive beach club during golden afternoon hours. Wrap up the day with Mediterranean bites and agave cocktails on the terraceālaid-back luxury at its finest. Itās the kind of place that feels like both a stylish escape and a true slice of Laguna soul.
Location: Laguna Beach
Hotel Joaquin
Laguna Beachās Hotel Joaquin is perfect for locals craving a staycation without dealing with dreaded 405 traffic or long drives. Just cruise up or down the coast, and youāre thereāready to spin a vinyl in the lobby and unwind. Start with one of their signature tequila flights, then settle in for private yoga, sound baths, and farm-fresh fare. This PCH hideaway is packed with wellness indulgences to help you fully relax and make the most of your escape. Walk down to the beach at sunset to fully take advantage of your staycay. Oh, and donāt miss out on the free breakfast at Saline Barāthe rawnola is ridiculous. We recommend leaving the kids at home. Treat yourself to a solo stay or a couples retreat at this chic Orange County hotel by the beach.
Location: Laguna Beach
PasƩa Hotel & Spa
PasĆ©a Hotel & Spa is one of those Orange County hotels thatās always buzzing. Located right next to outdoor lifestyle center Pacific City, PasĆ©a guests have access to the vast array of restaurants that are just a hop, skip and a stroll away, including the newly debuted on-site restaurant LoĢrea and rooftop oasis Treehouse on PCH.
āWhere the sun meets the seaā is PasĆ©aās slogan, and staycationers are able to take advantage of both with the hotelās epic pool situation and proximity to the beach. Itās also an amazing place to unwind by way of their Bali-inspired, award-winning Aarna Spa. We recommend the signature Aarna Ocean Devotion massage to really get you into prime staycation shape.
Location: Huntington Beach
Lido House
Lido House is a quintessential beachy boutique hotel right in the heart of Newport Beach with all the nautical nods and maritime charm. On-site coffee shop? Check. Rooftop bar? Check. Instagram-worthy design? Check! This Orange County hotel feels fresh, stylish, and impeccably maintainedāno outdated interiors, just clean design and modern charm. For larger parties or families, book one of the cottages. Each is designed by a local artist and full of personality. The pool sits at the heart of the property, perfect for catching rays and enjoying a poolside sip and snack.
Centrally located, the hotel makes it easy to explore the Balboa Peninsula by foot or bike. Stroll to Lido Marina Village or grab a complimentary bike and cruise the boardwalk like you did in your twenties.
Location: Newport Beach
The Ranch
Hidden away in a little Laguna Beach alcove is a staycation haven called The Ranch. This place is green and serene and hot during the day and cozy at night. Itās got it all. Walk to the beach while your partner plays nine holes, then meet at Harvestās fire pits for a happy hour date. This top Orange County resort is also perfect for a staycation with the girls and a fun, female-only getaway.
The Ranch offers live music, stargazing, bird watching, fitness classes, and restorative experiences that soothe the body and mind. Add in amazing food, creative cocktails, and itās a full sensory escape from the bustle of busy beach life. The sprawling property makes it feel like youāve traded the crowds for peaceful hillsāand youāll never want to leave.
Location: Laguna BeachĀ
VEA Newport Beach
One of Newport Beachās newer additions is super-sleek Fashion Island neighbor, VEA. This hotel is one of the hottest spots in town with its poolside lounge situation and sweeping views of the Newport Beach Country Club golf course all the way down to the oceanāyou can even spot Catalina on a clear day. Its coastal-cool vibe fits right into the OC scene, and the Berry Blanco cocktail at Edge Bar will start your staycation off strong. Walk across the way to Fashion Island for your shopping fix, and do a midday liquid lunch at local favorite R+D Kitchen. Donāt forget to make a reservation in advance at swanky hotspot JOEY for dinner or hit Ocean 48 for a sensational seafood dinner.
Location: Newport Beach
JW Marriott Anaheim
Okay, weāve been sleeping on Anaheim, but weāre here to tell you that it is good for more than just Disney adventures. The happy-hour hit list? Brewery X, Anaheim Packing House and Strong Water. Sure, you could even swing by Medieval Times or Camelot Golfland after a few cocktails if you want to goof around a little, but this inland OC oasis is not getting the credit it deserves, and we are here to shout it from the top of the Matterhorn.Ā
If you do decide to staycation in the city that houses the āHappiest Place on Earth,ā look no further than the JW Marriott Anaheim. Itās sleek, modern and clean. And thereās not a costumed character in sight. Centrally located to all the Anaheim attractions, the JW is also a great spot to stay after catching an Angels game this spring.
Location: Anaheim
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This ultra-boutique hotel in Laguna Beach boasts just 12 guest rooms and includes a rooftop deck that likely gets some of the best sunset views in the city. This makes it our favorite choice for a family or group of couples looking to sit back, relax and enjoy the coastal lifestyle. Pop next door to Orange Inn in the morning for one of their iconic cinnamon rolls, and head across the street to sushi institution Seabutter for dinner. The accommodations themselves are light, bright and environmentally friendly, and staycationers are mere steps from the sand.
Location: Laguna BeachĀ
The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel
Located on the bluffs overlooking Salt Creek Beach in Dana Point is a hotel that has earned a top spot on our staycation destination directory. The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel combines old-school opulence with new-age amenities to offer a place that you, your kids and even your dog can put up their feet (or paws) for a weekend of swimming, sunning, spa-ing and soaking in 180-degree ocean views. Boasting two on-site eateries that offer some of the best scenery and salty air this side of town has to offer, The Ritz is your one-stop shop for a romantic rendezvous or solo staycation. Wake up with the Salt Creek surfers and whale watch from the comfort of your own hotel bed.
Dana Point has also gone through a full revival over the last decade. It now features several fun restaurants if you feel like venturing off the grounds of The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel.
Location: Dana Point
El Caminante Hotel
El Caminante Hotel offers a dreamy coastal getaway with Spanish hacienda charm, just steps from the sand in Capistrano Beach. With just 30 thoughtfully designed bungalows, this boutique stay feels intimate and transportiveālike a getaway without going far. Each bungalow features hand-painted tiles, a chiminea, and sweeping ocean views that make every moment feel extra special. The vibe is relaxed but refined, with a lobby bar serving craft cocktails, shareable bites, and wellness perks like sound baths. Electric bikes are available for exploring, or just unwind on your patio and watch the sunset in total peace. Whether in the luxe El Camino suite or a cozy bungalow, El Caminante makes every stay feel miles from everyday life.
Location: Capistrano Beach
Crystal Cove Cottages
The best-kept secret in Orange County might just be the Crystal Cove Cottages. Only they arenāt really a secret anymore and sell out in mere minutes when they become available to rent. These little coastal cottages are absolutely iconic. They are vintage Newport Beach with all the charm of an old-school beachfront abodeāonly with a priceless unobstructed view of the great Pacific. The standalone cottages are available for staycations, and they all individually have their own personality. Take Cottage 45, for example: this guy looks like an old beach snack shack (also aptly named the āsoda shackā) and has been around since 1935. Then thereās the Painterās Cottage, which looks like a place Nancy Meyers would base her next book on.
And besides soaking up the salty air and enjoying the sights and sounds of the sea, guests can also hang out and grab drinks at The Beachcomber Cafe, hike around Crystal Cove or split a creamy milkshake at Shake Shack. Affordable and fun, these livable sand castles are the perfect spot for a staycationājust remember to book in advance!
Location: Newport Coast
