by Jane Leisteiner

The spectacular California coastline offers not only an abundance of sunbathing, surfing, beach picnics and moonlight walks, but up and down the seaside you’ll also find a bounty of great bed and breakfasts. Here are some of the top oceanfront bed and breakfasts in California.


Southern California’s Best Ocean Views

As you gaze out your window, a pier flanked by tall ships catches your eyes. This is the charming view at the Blue Lantern Inn. Located about an hour south of Los Angeles, this bed and breakfast offers one of the prime views in Southern California. Situated on a bluff overlooking the Dana Point Harbor, guests can enjoy the view from many of the rooms or just step outside and enjoy the coastline from a gazebo overlook that is just a few feet from the front entrance. Guest rooms include fireplaces and Jacuzzi tubs, and the amenities include a full breakfast and afternoon wine and hors d’oeuvres. The bed and breakfast is within walking distance of several popular restaurants and just a few minutes’ drive from Laguna Beach.

At the edge of historic Route 66, you’ll find Santa Monica and the Channel Road Inn. The historic Los Angeles-area bed and breakfast offers 14 guest rooms, with amenities ranging from jetted tubs to fireplaces to balconies. Some guest rooms offer a partial ocean view, and guests can easily walk the short block to the beach. In fact, a variety of shops, restaurant and the famed Santa Monica Boardwalk are within walking distance of the inn. Borrow the inn’s bicycles and enjoy the convenient access to 30 miles of coastal bike pathways.

Rugged Central Coastline, Romantic Bed and Breakfasts

The crash of the waves is a peaceful lullaby to guests at the Green Gables Inn in Pacific Grove. The historic Victorian is just steps from sea, and the ocean views from the inn are unforgettable. Several of the 11 guest rooms offer stunning sea views. Some rooms also include a fireplace or jetted tub. Guests are treated to a full breakfast and an afternoon wine and hors d’oeuvres service. The location is ideally close to all of the major attractions of the Monterey Peninsula. Cannery Row, the aquarium, Pebble Beach and plenty of shops and restaurants are nearby.

Guests at the Gosby House Inn, a meticulously restored Victorian, are just a few blocks from the ocean and only minutes from dozens of popular attractions. The inn features nearly two dozen guest rooms, with antiques and Victorian dcor. Several rooms offer a fireplace or canopy bed, and one has a view of the bay. Guests are treated to full breakfast and afternoon refreshments.

Enjoy Ocean Breezes at Northern California Bed and Breakfast

If you’re going to San Francisco, be sure to book a stay at the Seal Cove Inn. Less than 25 miles from the city, but worlds away and just a short walk from the beach, this romantic English Country bed and breakfast is a perfect spot to relax. Snuggle up next to the fireplace with a cup of tea and one of the inn’s freshly baked cookies, or stroll along a tree-lined path to a bluff overlooking the sea at Half Moon Bay.