Hotel Advice near beach for family within 1 hour of LAX

Question

We are staying a week in CA starting out in LA then to Disneyland for 2 days and would like to end the last 4 days at a coastal hotel near the beach within 1 hour of LAX (we fly out of LAX). My kids are between 10yo and 16yo. This is our first time in CA so we could use all the recommendations you can provide on a nice family hotel (under $500/night) to end our trip at the beaches/pier/etc.

Thank you so much!

Answer

For a family-friendly coastal hotel within about an hour of LAX, you have several great options that balance beach access, family amenities, and convenience for your departing flight. Since your kids are 10 and 16, look for properties that have pools, easy beach access, and nearby activities such as piers, boardwalks, and casual dining.

Recommended Areas:

Santa Monica: Vibrant beach town with the iconic pier, bike paths, and plenty of restaurants. Close to LAX (around 25–30 minutes depending on traffic).
Manhattan Beach: Slightly quieter than Santa Monica, excellent family beaches, and a lovely pier with restaurants. LAX is about 15 minutes away.
Hermosa Beach / Redondo Beach: Family-friendly, with a laid-back vibe, piers, bike paths, and casual dining. Easy access to LAX (20–30 minutes).

Hotel Recommendations under $500/night:

Loews Santa Monica Beach Hotel: Directly on the beach, family-friendly, pool, easy access to the pier and promenade.
Shore Hotel, Santa Monica: Eco-friendly, modern, steps from the beach, great for walking along the boardwalk, and family rooms available.
Shade Hotel Manhattan Beach: Small boutique hotel, rooftop pool, walking distance to the pier, nice for families looking for a quieter environment.
Sea View Inn, Hermosa Beach: Budget-friendly, very close to the sand, simple family accommodations, easy access to pier and restaurants.
Redondo Beach Hotel / Portofino Hotel & Marina: Pool, beach access, family-friendly, marina views, near casual dining and shops.

Tips for a family beach stay:

Book early for coastal hotels as they fill up quickly, especially in summer.
Consider hotels with kitchenettes or family suites to make breakfast and snacks convenient.
Check if the hotel has bike rentals or beach equipment, which can make the stay more enjoyable for kids.
Parking can be expensive; look for hotels with included or nearby parking.
Santa Monica is livelier with lots to do, Manhattan/Hermosa/Redondo Beach are calmer but still offer piers, shopping, and dining.

Overall, Santa Monica is ideal if you want a classic LA beach experience with piers, amusement rides, and shopping. Manhattan or Hermosa Beach gives a more relaxed vibe with the same proximity to LAX and is slightly quieter for family evenings. Any of these hotels will give you convenient access to the beach, evening strolls on the pier, and a fun way to end your California trip.

Hotel Advice near beach for family within 1 hour of LAX

More California (CA) Travel Questions

The attractions mentioned in this question

Popular Destinations

Popular Travel Questions