Story and photos by Julie Diebolt Price (unless otherwise indicated)
Sun ‘n Sands Inn
Sun ‘n Sands Inn
1102 Pacific Coast Highway, Huntington Beach, CA
Conveniently located just across the street from the sand and ocean of Huntington Beach, Sun ‘n Sands Inn is an affordable beach stay when you are in the Southland.
Located just steps away from the Huntington Beach Bike Trail, Sun ‘n Sands offers many amenities. Enjoy the ease of hopping on a bicycle or a surfboard, picking up a fishing pole to try your luck with surf fishing, or purchasing some tantalizing take-out food to enjoy while relaxing on the beach.
The Waterfront Beach Resort
The Waterfront Beach Resort, a Hilton Hotel
21100 Pacific Coast Highway, Huntington Beach, CA
The Waterfront Hilton is an elegant and popular resort directly across from the world-famous surfing beach in Surf City.
From the stunning lobby staircase (the perfect setting for brides and grooms) to the fire pits on the roof with a spectacular panorama view of Orange County, this is resort living at its best.
Fine dining, playing in the surf, or sightseeing are all exciting options here. Close to three airports and Catalina Island, you can make the Waterfront Hilton your base and explore north towards Los Angeles, south towards San Diego, and inland for a mountain experience. Take a short boat ride 26 miles across the sea to spend the day exploring Catalina Island and return to sumptuous lodging in the evening.
Paséa Hotel & Spa
Paséa Hotel & Spa
21080 CA-1, Huntington Beach, CA
Are you looking for sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean? Or, will you settle for a partial ocean view and spectacular views of Surf City? Perhaps you prefer a balcony with an unobstructed 180-degree ocean view. Or, what about stunning views of Huntington Beach and the ocean in spacious studio accommodations? Not to be left out, the Penthouse Suites will give you the ultimate experience at the Paséa Hotel & Spa. Amenities in all the accommodations include luxury bath products and exclusive hooded sweatshirt robes and flip-flops.
When you live in Paradise (Southern California) as I do, the Locals Staycation is a particularly attractive package at Paséa. Discounted room rates, waived resort and valet parking fees, possible room upgrades, a Café credit, as well as early check-in and late check-out make this appealing.
If you don’t want to leave your room with a view, the in-room fitness channel provides a series of 15-minute workout videos. From High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) to yoga sessions, you will be inspired to stay active while you are away from home.
Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort & Marina
Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort & Marina
1131 Back Bay Drive, Newport Beach, CA
Are you road-tripping this year? If beach glamping is your style, a sandy beachfront spot is waiting for you at Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort. With 372 RV camping sites on the Back Bay in Newport Beach, a hydrotherapy pool and spa, a fitness center, a poolside clubhouse, as well as on-site laundry, this luxury RV experience will undoubtedly fit your style. The resort won Orange County’s Best Times OC Readers’ Choice award in 2019.
Newport Dunes is not off the grid because it has wireless Internet, full hookups, and a courtyard with beach access. There are lots of wildlife species that you can observe up close on the hiking trails. The trails are easily accessible and mostly flat terrain.
Close to shopping and entertainment venues, it’s easy to see why this might be the perfect location for your road trip escape to luxury.
Anaheim Harbor RV Park
Anaheim Harbor RV Park
1009 S. Harbor Blvd., Anaheim, CA
If Disneyland is your destination in your RV, Anaheim Harbor RV Park is the most convenient choice. Within walking distance of Disneyland Resort, the accommodations include long- and short-term stays for RVs and travel trailers. They even have two tent camping sites. Some of the sites have a grassy area and picnic tables.
A small pool, outdoor patio with grills, a clubhouse, a putting green, laundry room, and other amenities make Anaheim Harbor RV Park quite pleasant.
If you prefer transportation to Disneyland, a shuttle service will take you there. The service also offers transportation on a regular schedule to other attractions in the area like Crystal Cathedral, Angels Stadium, the Anaheim Convention Center, Honda Center, and The Outlets at Orange for shopping.
Anaheim Harbor RV Park has been at the same location for 30 years, has an excellent reputation for customer service, and maintains the property well.
Orangeland RV Park
Orangeland RV Park
1600 W. Struck Avenue, Orange, CA
Family owned and operated since 1972, Orangeland RV Park, is the highest-rated RV park in Anaheim. The amiable staff is committed to high standards, and diligently maintains the property. This family-owned business treats employees and guests as members of the family.
Orangeland, built on the site of an orange grove, still has many producing citrus trees where guests are encouraged to pick and eat the fruit when it is in season.
Only four miles away from Disneyland Resort, Orangeland is also close to Angel Stadium, Honda Center, Old Towne Orange, and many other Southern California attractions.
Amenities at the RV Park include wide, premium pull-thru RV sites, a large heated pool and spa, free Wi-Fi, Cable TV, and full hookups. A well-stocked convenience store with necessities like quality ice cream and Disney merchandise, laundry facilities, exercise room, mini-golf, shuffleboard, a secured playground, and a BBQ picnic area might keep you on the property for your entire stay.