Last Updated on July 31, 2025
As a place known for its beach lifestyle and surfer culture, there are a dozen cities in Orange County, CA where you can stay right on the Pacific Ocean. Naturally, all of these destinations have hotels, resorts and rentals, so where you choose to go depends on what you are looking for.
If you’re seeking luxury, head to Laguna Beach or Newport Beach. Those going on a cruise out of Long Beach should consider Seal Beach. If you’re aiming for a quintessential seaside town with one of the best shorelines in Southern Cal, Huntington Beach will be a perfect fit, and the Kimpton Shorebreak is an ideal place to stay.
The hotel is discreet in its location – on the upper floors of a low-rise building – with the only indication of its presence being a valet kiosk and a spacious entryway with a wide staircase and elevators leading to the lobby. Beach cruisers, boogie boards and surfboards are under the stairs and ready to use for an ocean adventure. Once guests arrive upstairs, they might think, as I did, that they’ve stepped into an elevated beach house.
A hardwood floor covers the entire space, from the hotel’s restaurant, Pacific Hideaway, to the inviting outdoor courtyard. Comfortable, neutral gray couches with overstuffed pillows provide a place for respite, while other chairs resemble a modern beach-chic aesthetic. There is also a long table with wavy edges, resembling modified driftwood, as well as foosball and Ping-Pong tables made of wood, and album covers adorning the walls.
Providing a seaside resort atmosphere is appropriate given that the Shorebreak is directly across Pacific Coast Highway to the wide sandy beach and the Huntington Beach Pier. Nearly all rooms offer a full or partial ocean view, some with balconies, taking in that prized salt air and the sound of the waves crashing.
Kimpton Shorebreak Accommodations
With one and two-bedroom suites along with king and queen rooms, guests will not lack for space at Kimpton Shorebreak. All accommodations share the same décor color scheme, featuring deep teal, black, and white accents, a carpet resembling moving waves, and complementary furniture, such as accent chairs. The suites feature separate living areas with sofa beds, making them ideal for families or small groups of friends. Larger units boast expansive patios that overlook the beach and the Pacific Ocean, featuring luxury patio furniture.
My king bed premium oceanfront room featured an extra-large bathroom with a deep soaking tub and a separate shower and a cloud-like mattress and bedding. I especially enjoyed Kimpton’s proprietary Atelier Bloem bath products, including the tiny jar of calming bath salts, which combine aromatherapy scents such as citrus and oolong tea.
Additional extras included in each room are a sound machine to promote relaxation and sleep, yoga mats, and an umbrella. To my delight, a record player with Neil Young’s “Harvest Moon” album was ready to play and there were other records I could borrow as well.
Hotel Amenities
Along with the bikes and boards, guests can also borrow towels, chaise lounges, and even toys to complete their beach experience.
Onsite eatery, Pacific Hideaway, serves Latin Asian fusion ‘food and drink inspired by the surf,’ and some of the more unique offerings are tuna tartare and ship to shore ceviche (an aguachile prepared with shrimp), blackened mahi mahi tacos, shrimp bucatini and steamed Prince Edward Island mussels. Another featured item at the restaurant is its craft cocktails, one of which is the daily extraordinary One Night Stand.
The hotel’s fitness center is extensive, featuring a comprehensive selection of free weights, kettlebells, and cardio equipment, including a Peloton bike, ellipticals, treadmills, and a rowing machine. Interestingly, there are no weight machines, but an all-in-one strength training apparatus is available. One unique aspect of the facilities is a 40-foot-long climbing wall. Unlike most walls, it’s not towering – approximately ten feet in height. Still, for those who love climbing, this is a welcome surprise.
Guests looking for an extra touch can request Nespresso coffee machines, Dyson hair dryers, and Micro Kickboard scooters for children. For adults, discounted in-room spa services are available through the hotel’s partner, Soothe. However, for an actual Southern California luxury beach trip, they can arrange an experience with resort-style seating and shelter that also includes a cooler stocked with cold drinks, picnic meals and a bonfire at night.
Kimpton’s Extras
Something I appreciate about Kimpton properties is their dedication to curating activities and services that would typically cost extra at other hotels. Sometimes they aim to bring those specific to the location, as Shorebreak has done with beach items, cruisers, boards, yoga mats, and a record library. Guests can recreate a summer memory every evening by making S’mores at the firepits around the courtyard, as well as find their zen through an instructor-led yoga class every Sunday morning. In the downstairs entryway, dramatic ocean-themed photography is on display.
However, at nearly all Kimpton hotels I’ve stayed at, there are some standard complimentary amenities. These include the “morning kickstarter,” complimentary coffee and tea from 6 am to 10 am – a great way to energize before exercise or breakfast. A social hour with wine and beer takes place between 5 pm and 6 pm. I attended this gathering with some of my group mates, and the wine served was a mid-range varietal, which was a pleasant surprise since I had expected something more inexpensive.
Furry family members are welcome without the usual deposit or fees, and enjoy access to professional pet sitting and walking services. There’s also a “plant pals” program, where live greenery adorns guests’ rooms during their stay.
Huntington Beach
Huntington Beach is on the northern shore of Orange County, midway between Seal Beach and Newport Beach. The major draw of staying here is in its nickname – surfing and, by extension, beachgoing. Yet, there are other reasons to stay in Surf City USA.
The place most synonymous with Orange County is Disneyland, along with its companion park, California Adventure, as well as Knott’s Berry Farm. While booking at Kimpton Shorebreak would involve driving to all of these nearby attractions (only 10-12 minutes away), the tradeoff is a having a home base just steps from the beach and not being in a small village of uniform hotels and motels.
Location is important especially when you’re in the heart of downtown and just two blocks from Main Street, offering a variety of shopping, dining, and beach activity options, including a pop-up market with items such as bags, footwear and clothing.
