cannon beach hotels

Redondo Beach, California – Redondo Beach differs from some of the other destinations on this list that are merely fortunate to be near a beach. In Redondo, the beach is the lifestyle. Surfing on Christmas and New Year ' s Day is not only common, it ' s a tradition, and you ' ll be hard - pressed to find a more vibrant and positive beachfront community. Redondo Beach is an especially good choice for surfers, swimmers, and beach volleyball enthusiasts as the game has become a bit of a local pastime with several high - profile tournaments. This is a high - cost city, however, so shop around for deals when making buying decisions.

Do: Swimming, beach volleyball, surfing, Jet Ski riding, body boarding, beach sports

Stay: For affordability in Redondo Beach hotels, consider Crowne Plaza Redondo Beach.

San Pedro, California – San Pedro is a coastal suburb in the massive Los Angeles metropolitan area, and while you can find charming enough beachfronts in San Pedro near the Port of Los Angeles, San Pedro is really just a waypoint to the illustrious Catalina Island. Like Tampa above, San Pedro is a place you stay to avoid the exorbitant prices of where you really want to be. Catalina Island offers brilliant cerulean ocean and a mercurial personality that is hard to rival anywhere on Earth. However, it is astoundingly popular, so don ' t expect to be alone. Tourists are restricted from a number of activities in several places, notably surfing, but the beauty and experience, not to mention the fun of the ferry ride over, make it worth a least one visit per lifetime.

Do: Lounging, sightseeing, swimming, picnicking

Stay: Among San Pedro, CA hotels, the Doubletree San Pedro is reasonable and offers a shuttle to the Catalina Ferry.

Santa Barbara, California – Santa Barbara is sometimes referred to as the " Riviera of the West ", and it ' s no wonder why. Although not far from the bustling surf beaches of Redondo and Dana Point geographically, Santa Barbara is light years away in attitude. The residents and tourists of Santa Barbara prefer a quieter, more epicurean lifestyle where the focus is as much on gourmet cuisine, high fashion, and supple luxury as it is fun in the sun. If your idea of beachfront paradise is lying back in a comfy chair with a good book in one hand and an effervescent cocktail in the, then Santa Barbara is the beach getaway destination for you.

Do: Lounging, boating, beachfront dining and drinking, tanning, and if you really look around, you just might find a nude beach or two

Stay: Among hotels in Santa Barbara, the Holiday Inn Santa Barbara hotel is a rewarding choice.