There is something undeniably magnetic about the water. I don’t know about you, but the moment I smell that crisp, salty air or hear the rhythmic lapping of waves against a dock, I feel my shoulders drop about two inches. As a mom, I’ve found that water has a magical effect on the whole family. The kids are endlessly entertained by passing boats and searching for crabs, and my husband and I can actually relax, knowing that the day’s “entertainment” is simply the world around us.
Travel, for me, is about finding those places that ground you—your “anchor,” if you will—while simultaneously inviting you to explore. Whether it’s the rugged, misty coast of the Pacific Northwest, the sun-drenched piers of California, or the storied, cobblestone charm of New England, staying by the water offers a unique blend of history, activity, and, let’s be honest, some of the best food you will ever eat.
I am so excited to share a few of my absolute favorite waterfront destinations with you. These aren’t just hotels; they are gateways to maritime culture, offering incredible access to the sea and the stories that float upon it. If you are looking to plan a trip that combines breath-taking views with a deep sense of place, you absolutely must consider these gems in San Francisco, Redondo Beach, Newport, and Seattle.
The Golden Gate Connection: San Francisco’s Embarcadero
San Francisco holds a special place in my heart. It is a city that feels both big and intimate and nowhere is that truer than along the Embarcadero. This bustling waterfront roadway is the lifeline of the city, offering spectacular views of the Bay Bridge and easy access to the ferries.
If you want to immerse yourself in the city’s vibrant energy while staying just a stone’s throw from the water, you have to check out the Harbor Court Hotel. Located right on the edge of the Financial District and the SoMa neighborhood, this hotel is a masterclass in boutique luxury with a side of edge. I love the history here—it used to be a YMCA, and it still retains a bit of that communal, energetic spirit, but with a significantly more sophisticated polish.
The rooms at Harbor Court are wonderful, often featuring sweeping views of the Bay Bridge. Imagine waking up, pulling back the curtains, and seeing that massive architectural marvel sparkling in the morning sun. It is a view that never gets old. For families, the location is unbeatable because you are literally steps away from the Ferry Building Marketplace. I cannot recommend a morning stroll here enough. You can grab fresh artisan bread, local cheeses, and some of the best coffee in the city, then sit on the docks and watch the ferries glide in and out. It’s a sensory experience that even toddlers enjoy.
Just a short walk away, also along the Embarcadero, is the Hotel Griffon. If Harbor Court is the cool, energetic cousin, Hotel Griffon is the elegant, classic aunt who always has a great story to tell. It has been recognized as one of the best hotels in San Francisco, and for good reason. It sits on the site of an old waterfront hotel from 1906, and you can feel that connection to the city’s maritime past in its architecture and European-inspired flair.
What I particularly love about Hotel Griffon is its commitment to sustainability—it’s a certified Green Business, which is something I think we’re all looking for more of in our travels these days. But let’s talk about the food, because you cannot stay here without visiting Perry’s on the Embarcadero. Located right inside the hotel, Perry’s is a San Francisco institution. It serves classic American comfort food that is perfect after a long day of exploring. I’m talking about a Cobb salad that ruins you for all other salads and burgers that are just juicy perfection. It’s loud, lively, and incredibly family-friendly.
Both of these properties position you perfectly to explore the piers. You can easily walk to the Exploratorium, which is hands-down one of the best science museums for kids I have ever visited, or hop on a historic streetcar to Fisherman’s Wharf if you want to see the sea lions at Pier 39.
SoCal Seaside Living: Redondo Beach
Heading south down the coast, the vibe shifts from the foggy romance of the Bay to the eternal summer of Southern California. Redondo Beach offers that quintessential laid-back California lifestyle, but without the chaotic crowds you might find in Santa Monica or Venice.
My top recommendation here is The Portofino Hotel & Marina. This place is genuinely unique because it is one of the few hotels that is actually on the ocean—not just across the street, but on a private peninsula jutting out into King Harbor. It feels like you are staying on a private island.
The nautical theme here is done so tastefully. The rooms feel airy and bright, mirroring the blues and whites of the ocean right outside your window. And speaking of windows, almost every room has a private balcony or patio. My favorite memory here is sitting on the balcony with a glass of wine in the evening, listening to the distinct barking of the California sea lions. It’s nature’s own soundtrack! The kids were absolutely fascinated by them.
For active families, The Portofino is a dream. You are surrounded by water activities. You can rent cruiser bikes and ride along the strand, which stretches for miles along the beach. Or, you can get right on the water with paddleboards or kayaks in the harbor. It’s calm enough for beginners, which is great if you have younger children who want to try paddling for the first time.
When hunger strikes, you don’t even have to leave the property. BALEENkitchen is their on-site restaurant, and it is fantastic. The menu is heavy on fresh seafood (as it should be!), and the setting is elegant yet relaxed. I highly suggest asking for a table outside near the fire pits. Watching the sunset over the marina while dining on seared scallops or a fresh catch of the day is one of those travel moments that sticks with you forever.
Gilded Age Glamour and Island Breezes: Newport, Rhode Island
Now, let’s hop over to the East Coast. If you have never been to Newport, Rhode Island, you are in for a treat. It is a town where American history, incredible wealth, and deep maritime roots collide. It feels like stepping into a storybook, and the seafood—oh, the seafood—is legendary.
For a true resort experience that feels like a getaway within a getaway, you must look at the Newport Harbor Island Resort. This property is located on Goat Island, which is connected to downtown Newport by a causeway. This location gives you the best of both worlds: you are surrounded by water with 360-degree views of Narragansett Bay, yet you are just minutes from the hustle and bustle of Thames Street.
The resort recently underwent a significant reimagining, and it is stunning. The design is fresh and coastal—think natural textures, soft linens, and plenty of light. It feels very “New England summer” in the most sophisticated way. For families, the outdoor space is a lifesaver. There are sprawling lawns where kids can run and burn off energy, and outdoor pools that look out over the harbor.
One of the things I love about this resort is the sense of community it fosters. You can grab a drink at The Pineapple Club (the pineapple is the symbol of hospitality in Newport, which is a fun fact to share with the kids) and watch the sailboats drift by. It’s incredibly peaceful. And, of course, you have to try the lobster rolls. I think I ate three in one weekend last time we were there—no regrets!
The Spirit of the Pacific Northwest: Seattle
Finally, we head back west to the Emerald City. Seattle is a city defined by water, sandwiched between Puget Sound and Lake Washington. The maritime heritage here is gritty, real, and deeply connected to the soul of the city.
There is really only one choice if you want the ultimate waterfront experience in Seattle: The Edgewater. This hotel is legendary. It sits on Pier 67, literally built over the water. It is the only hotel in Seattle that can claim this. When I say you are on the water, I mean you can look out your window and see jellyfish floating by or ferries crossing the Sound.
The Edgewater has an incredibly cool history. It’s famously where The Beatles stayed during their 1964 tour—there’s even a photo of them fishing out of the window of their suite! The vibe today is “rustic-glam.” Think cozy stone fireplaces, antler chandeliers, and plush furniture that makes you want to curl up with a good book while the rain taps against the glass. It captures the Pacific Northwest aesthetic perfectly.
Dining at Six Seven Restaurant inside the hotel is a must. The views are panoramic, looking out toward the Olympic Mountains. The menu is a celebration of the region’s bounty. You have to try the cedar-plank salmon. It is smoky, tender, and exactly what you want to be eating in Seattle.
Location-wise, it is fantastic for families. You are just a short walk from the Olympic Sculpture Park in one direction and the famous Pike Place Market in the other. I love taking the kids to the market to watch the fishmongers throw the fish (it never gets old!) and to see the “Gum Wall“—which is gross, yes, but kids find it hilarious.
Being at The Edgewater feels like you are part of the harbor. You feel the tides change; you hear the gulls; you see the fog roll in and out. It is an immersive experience that really connects you to the natural beauty of Washington state.
Dropping Anchor
Whether you are looking for the historic cobblestones of Newport, the sun-soaked decks of Redondo Beach, the bustling piers of San Francisco, or the rock-n-roll history of Seattle, these hotels offer more than just a place to sleep. They offer a connection to the coast.
I have found that these trips—where the water is the backdrop for every breakfast, every walk, and every sunset—are the ones my family talks about for years. There is a simplicity to life on the water that allows you to slow down and truly appreciate the moment.
So, pack your deck shoes, bring your appetite for seafood, and get ready to make some wonderful memories. The coast is calling, and I promise, you are going to love answering it.
