Beach Hotels in CA

My wife and I stayed at the Hotel Coronado for our anniversary. Its in San Diego. Its right on the beach. There are many shops and quaint stores within walking distance. Its an antique hotel with modern conveniences. We had a wonderful time. Its just off I-8.

Sea World is near by. The TV show, "Diners, Drive-ins and Dives" has featured several restaurants in the San Diego area.

Good luck to you and yours.

Hello,
I live in Southern California and there are two places that I can recommend. In the Oxnard/Ventura area, there is the Embassy Suites at Mandalay Beach. We've stayed there at least 6 times and absolutely love it. It's on the beach and there is a very nice and long board walk where you can rent bikes and bicycle surries right at the Embassy property. The pool and jacuzzis are fantastic. Very family oriented and the breakfast buffet included is great; they also have a good restaurant on site. If you have American Airlines or Hilton miles, you can use those to book it (that's what we do).
http://www.embassymandalay.com/

Just last weekend, we stayed in Laguna Beach; we live very near there and it was just an overnight getaway. Laguna Beach is a wonderful beach town with TONS of cute shops, all kinds of cool or family restaurants, etc. and the beaches are spectacular. We stayed at the Pacific Edge Hotel which is right on the beach. I mean, we were blown away when we walked into our hotel room because the balcony was literally right over the water it was insane!!! They have chairs/umbrellas set up on the beach below you and they also have a pool and ping pong area. You can park your car and literally walk everywhere which is really nice. Again, if you have American Airlines you can use those. We spend a lot of time in Laguna so if you need more info, just PM me and I can recommend restaurants and also which building to stay in on this property; one is much more quiet and private, etc. Just to note, this is an older property and they have made updates and are continuing to do so as it's under new ownership. For the price and location, you cannot beat it. There are certainly higher end properties in Laguna (Surf & Sand is one of them), but for being right on the beach and the price we will definitely be going back.

http://www.pacificedgehotel.com/

Surf and Sand in Laguana Beach

San Diego is about a 6 hour drive from AZ so it's really close. There are so many hotels and motels. Some fill up a year in advance though but google san diego beach hotels or motels and that should help you. You can also a little further north to La Jolla, Del Mar, Encinitas, Carlsbad and Oceanside too. If you go, consider the San Diego Coaster Train either north or south for a fun way to travel. Kids love it!

I have used sandiegobeachrentals.com and had great luck. The guy was super helpful and we got a great place to stay.

My first thought is the Queen Mary in Long Beach. You don't say what part of California. There are web sites for tourist areas I would look through them to find what you are looking for.