Being the only five-star hotel in this Californian coastal city, The Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon Bay, presiding over Three Rocks Beach, easily snaps the title of the best hotel in Half Moon Bay with an ocean view. The prestigious property is particularly appreciated by those looking for hotels on the beach, as it offers a direct pathway leading to the sands, allowing guests to dip their toes in the ocean in a matter of seconds. Many take the 30-minute journey from the ever-busy San Francisco Bay area to de-stress in a setting dominated by the sea, complemented by the luxurious service and amenities of this upscale hotel. If staying by the beach and enjoying an ocean view from the hotel grounds isn’t enough, guests are allowed to lodge in one of the fantastic oceanfront rooms and suites, each enriched by superior finishings, Pacific-facing balconies, romantic fireplaces, and even fire pits. When not staying indoors dressed in terry cloth robes, guests are invited to take the most out of the outdoor activities, which include surfing, tennis, and playing golf on two awarded golf courses, each with awe-inspiring ocean vistas. At The Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon Bay, exceptional views are also served in pairs; both restaurants, Navio and The Conservatory, feature large-sized windows portraying the Pacific and the Ocean Lawn. Weather permitting, the hotel’s ocean terrace is the perfect place to admire eye-popping sunsets while sampling delicacies from the raw bar, ranging from oysters to king crabs.

HOTEL VIEW: OCEAN, MOUNTAINS, GOLF COURSE

Address: One Miramontes Point Road, Half Moon Bay, CA 94019

Anyone looking for oceanfront hotels in Half Moon Bay will hardly ignore the Beach House Half Moon Bay, one of the best places to stay in a region proud to offer 25 miles of beaches to its visitors. The beach-luxurious boutique hotel offers well-appointed suites, most offering the ultimate perk: an extraordinary ocean view, which, in some cases, can be admired from the en-suite living room and fireplace area or a balcony or patio overlooking the bay. The hotel’s most stunning units, the beautifully-decorated Penthouse Ocean View suites, are located on the 3rd floor and reward guests with vistas that go beyond what words can describe. The Beach House Half Moon Bay is a stone’s throw away from Pillar Point Harbor Beach, and Mavericks Beach, which rings a bell to seasoned surfers from all over the world due to the colossal waves that break just offshore during the winter storms. For those who feel that riding 60 feet waves isn’t for them, the seven miles path that stretches along Half Moon Bay is ideal for cycling, jogging, rollerblading, or simply going on a romantic stroll along the coast. If these activities leave your stomach rumbling, grab a table at one of the many charming eateries in Half Moon Bay's historic Main Street; after a meal, making your way back to the hotel should be a breeze. When staying here, plan to visit the nearby Fitzgerald Marine Reserve, among Northern California’s coast highlights.

HOTEL VIEW: OCEAN, SANTA CRUZ MOUNTAINS, PILLAR POINT HARBOR

Address: 4100 North Cabrillo Way, Half Moon Bay, CA 94019

Does the idea of spending the weekend at a beachfront hotel in Half Moon Bay seduce you? Would checking into an intimate, small hotel with glorious ocean views suit the bill? If that sounds like the definition of what the best hotel would be for you, consider the Cypress Inn on Miramar Beach. For years, this was a secret well-kept by many Californians wishing to fall asleep listening to the crashing waves; today, the 18 well-appointed rooms hotel welcomes travelers from every latitude looking for sea and sun, as well as experiencing California’s laidback lifestyle. It goes without saying that, when staying here, getting hold of an ocean-view room, preferably with a balcony, elevates the experience to a new level; if you’re unsure what room to book, the Las Nubes (The Clouds) penthouse on the third floor is the hotel’s best suite. As for amenities, heated floors, fireplaces, and jetted bathtubs are standard for most rooms at the Cypress Inn on Miramar Beach. Regarding location, the hotel is positioned right at the northern tip of Half Moon Bay’s longest stretch of sand, which includes in the southerly direction Naples Beach, Half Moon Bay Beach, Venice Beach, Francis Beach, Poplar Beach, and Redondo Beach.

HOTEL VIEW: OCEAN

Address: 407 Mirada Road, Half Moon Bay, CA 94019

Due to its oceanfront position and high popularity among guests, we have to rate Oceano Hotel and Spa Half Moon Bay Harbor as one of the best hotels in Half Moon Bay, on Northern California’s coast. What is the recipe for providing unforgettable seascapes? Well, apart from beach-classic accommodations (we immediately think of the Grand Oceano King Suite) and a warm-hearted staff committed to making any stay remarkable, we’d say glorious ocean views. All those who have checked out from this lovely hotel agree unanimously that the scenic vistas, either of the ocean, marina, or the nearby mountains, have played an essential role in their lodging experience. Outside the hotel, guests are invited to explore Ross’ Cove but should be prepared to share the sand with the occasional sea lion; for those who seek adventure-packed ocean activities, local guides will be happy to take them offshore to interact with whales. The Oceano Hotel and Spa Half Moon Bay Harbor is surrounded by exciting restaurants, mainly specializing in seafood and fish. When the goal is to get away from it all and deep relaxation, the hotel’s spa is a worthy option, offering a wide range of treatments and massages.

HOTEL VIEW: OCEAN, MARINA, SANTA CRUZ MOUNTAINS

Address: 280 Capistrano Road, Half Moon Bay, CA 94019