Guide

Discover 9 Waterfront Historic Hotels

By Katherine Orr

From grand seaside resorts to elegant lakeside retreats, America’s historic waterfront hotels are treasured destinations where place, history, and enduring charm converge. The landmark hotels, resorts, and inns featured below were built where water shaped commerce, culture, and daily life. While each historic hotel is distinct in form and setting, all continue to offer meaningful connections between historic design, natural landscapes, and the timeless appeal of being by the water.

Learn more about these hotels and many more at Historic Hotels of America.

  2. Photo of the Island House Hotel, a four-story building with white shingled walls and a red roof. It stands behind a coastline and dock, which four boats are tied to.

    Island House Hotel on Mackinac Island, Michigan

    Located right across the street—car-free—from the Mackinac Island State Harbor, Island House Hotel boasts stunning waterfront views of Lake Huron. This historic hotel is the only one within the boundaries of Mackinac Island State Park and has welcomed guests to Mackinac Island's beautiful beachfront since 1852, making it the island's most historic lodgings.

    Learn More

  3. Photo of the Newport Beach Hotel, which includes two buildings. One is blue and four stories high. The other is also four stories high, but is red with a black and white roof. The buildings stand side by side and are surrounded by trees and coastlines.

    Newport Beach Hotel & Suites in Middletown, Rhode Island

    For generations, beachgoers have been drawn to the shoreline at Easton’s Beach, where Newport Beach Hotel & Suites has welcomed summer vacationers, seaside day trippers, and families seeking a classic New England coastal escape. A boon for boaters and maritime history buffs, The Sailing Museum & National Sailing Hall of Fame is just a ten minute drive from the hotel.

    Learn More

  4. Photo of the Condado Vanderbilt Hotel, a white building that is at least eleven stories high. It has a red roof and is situated along the coast of a beach. Palm trees and beach chairs surround the hotel.

    Condado Vanderbilt Hotel in San Juan, Puerto Rico

    Set along a dramatic Atlantic coastline just east of Old San Juan, this hotel was financed by Frederick William Vanderbilt and designed by the firm Warren and Whitmore at the dawn of the Roaring 20s. The hotel’s beach club offers guests access to the sandy shore with amenities including beachside food and drink service, fresh towels, and lounges.

    Learn More

  5. Photo of the National Hotel, a building that is at least 10 stories high and painted beige with gray and maroon detailing. The beach coast is within view, just behind the hotel.

    The National Hotel in Miami Beach, Florida

    The National Hotel offers visitors a serene oceanfront beach experience in the heart of Miami’s Art Deco Historic District. For guests who prefer a pool to sandy beaches, the hotel’s famous palm-lined infinity pool is the longest in South Florida and serves beautiful views of the Atlantic.

    Learn More

  6. Photo of the Don CeSar, a pink building with white moulding that is 9-10 stories high. It stands on a beach coast, and beach chairs, umbrellas, and palm trees surround the coastline near it.

    The Don CeSar in St. Pete Beach, Florida

    This legendary beachfront hotel overlooks the Gulf of Mexico and guests can enjoy lounging, swimming, kayaking, and paddle boarding along its private beach. Once favored by notable guests such as F. Scott Fitzgerald, Franklin D. Roosevelt, and Al Capone, The Don CeSar continues to offer an authentic connection to America’s grand resort era.

    Learn More

  7. Photo of a pagoda-type building with floor-to-ceiling windows at sunset. The beach is within view and a large tree stands on the left side of the photo.

    Grand Hotel Golf Resort & Spa in Point Clear, Alabama

    Overlooking the tranquil waters of Mobile Bay, Grand Hotel Golf Resort & Spa guests are invited to slow down and soak in sweeping bay views, gentle breezes, and unforgettable sunsets. From waterfront strolls out to Fleischer Pier to kayaking, fishing, and swimming, the resort offers a Gulf Coast experience centered on its connections to the water.

    Learn More

  8. Photo of the Hotel del Coronado, which has white walls, a steeply pitched brick-red roof, and is surrounded by palm trees. The beach is within view, just beyond the hotel.

    Hotel del Coronado in San Diego, California

    Set along San Diego’s iconic Coronado Beach, Hotel del Coronado offers a classic Southern California seaside experience with wide stretches of golden sand just steps from the Victorian National Historic Landmark. Guests can spend the day lounging by the surf, biking along the shoreline, or enjoying gentle waves and ocean breezes under endless blue skies.

    Learn More

  9. Photo of the Hotel Casa del Mar. The brick building stands on the right side of the photo. A pool and accompanying pool chairs stand in front of the building, along with palm trees and potted plants. The beach is within view, just past the hotel and pool.

    Hotel Casa del Mar in Santa Monica, California

    Where Route 66 meets the beach at Santa Monica, travelers discover an elegant oceanfront escape that is sharing a Centennial this year with the historic Mother Road. Hotel Casa del Mar offers a retreat where guests can step outside to stroll along the sandy shoreline, watch surfers ride the Pacific, or relax with uninterrupted views of the ocean waves.

    Learn More

  10. Photo of Mauna Kea Beach Hotel, a contemporary building that is five stories high. It is painted gray with red detailing. It stands on a coastline and also has a pool, both of which are within view of the hotel. Red and white beach chairs and umbrellas are organized along the coastline.

    Mauna Kea Beach Hotel on Kohala Coast, Hawaii

    Located along a pristine crescent of white sand on the Kohala Coast, this Midcentury Modern icon offers guests front-row access to crystal-clear waters ideal for swimming, snorkeling, and paddleboarding. From spotting sea turtles offshore to enjoying sunrise and sunset views over the Pacific, the beachfront setting invites exploration as well as relaxation.

    Learn More

Katherine Orr is the director, marketing strategy and communications at Historic Hotels of America.

Discover 9 Waterfront Historic Hotels

10 Places
  1. 1
    Photo of the Island House Hotel, a four-story building with white shingled walls and a red roof. It stands behind a coastline and dock, which four boats are tied to.
    Photo of the Island House Hotel, a four-story building with white shingled walls and a red roof. It stands behind a coastline and dock, which four boats are tied to.

    Island House Hotel on Mackinac Island, Michigan

    Located right across the street—car-free—from the Mackinac Island State Harbor, Island House Hotel boasts stunning waterfront views of Lake Huron. This historic hotel is the only one within the boundaries of Mackinac Island State Park and has welcomed guests to Mackinac Island's beautiful beachfront since 1852, making it the island's most historic lodgings.
  2. 2
    Photo of the Newport Beach Hotel, which includes two buildings. One is blue and four stories high. The other is also four stories high, but is red with a black and white roof. The buildings stand side by side and are surrounded by trees and coastlines.
    Photo of the Newport Beach Hotel, which includes two buildings. One is blue and four stories high. The other is also four stories high, but is red with a black and white roof. The buildings stand side by side and are surrounded by trees and coastlines.

    Newport Beach Hotel & Suites in Middletown, Rhode Island

    For generations, beachgoers have been drawn to the shoreline at Easton’s Beach, where Newport Beach Hotel & Suites has welcomed summer vacationers, seaside day trippers, and families seeking a classic New England coastal escape. A boon for boaters and maritime history buffs, The Sailing Museum & National Sailing Hall of Fame is just a ten minute drive from the hotel.
  3. 3
    Photo of the Condado Vanderbilt Hotel, a white building that is at least eleven stories high. It has a red roof and is situated along the coast of a beach. Palm trees and beach chairs surround the hotel.
    Photo of the Condado Vanderbilt Hotel, a white building that is at least eleven stories high. It has a red roof and is situated along the coast of a beach. Palm trees and beach chairs surround the hotel.

    Condado Vanderbilt Hotel in San Juan, Puerto Rico

    Set along a dramatic Atlantic coastline just east of Old San Juan, this hotel was financed by Frederick William Vanderbilt and designed by the firm Warren and Whitmore at the dawn of the Roaring 20s. The hotel’s beach club offers guests access to the sandy shore with amenities including beachside food and drink service, fresh towels, and lounges.
  4. 4
    Photo of the National Hotel, a building that is at least 10 stories high and painted beige with gray and maroon detailing. The beach coast is within view, just behind the hotel.
    Photo of the National Hotel, a building that is at least 10 stories high and painted beige with gray and maroon detailing. The beach coast is within view, just behind the hotel.

    The National Hotel in Miami Beach, Florida

    The National Hotel offers visitors a serene oceanfront beach experience in the heart of Miami’s Art Deco Historic District. For guests who prefer a pool to sandy beaches, the hotel’s famous palm-lined infinity pool is the longest in South Florida and serves beautiful views of the Atlantic.
  5. 5
    Photo of the Don CeSar, a pink building with white moulding that is 9-10 stories high. It stands on a beach coast, and beach chairs, umbrellas, and palm trees surround the coastline near it.
    Photo of the Don CeSar, a pink building with white moulding that is 9-10 stories high. It stands on a beach coast, and beach chairs, umbrellas, and palm trees surround the coastline near it.

    The Don CeSar in St. Pete Beach, Florida

    This legendary beachfront hotel overlooks the Gulf of Mexico and guests can enjoy lounging, swimming, kayaking, and paddle boarding along its private beach. Once favored by notable guests such as F. Scott Fitzgerald, Franklin D. Roosevelt, and Al Capone, The Don CeSar continues to offer an authentic connection to America’s grand resort era.
  6. 6
    Photo of a pagoda-type building with floor-to-ceiling windows at sunset. The beach is within view and a large tree stands on the left side of the photo.
    Photo of a pagoda-type building with floor-to-ceiling windows at sunset. The beach is within view and a large tree stands on the left side of the photo.

    Grand Hotel Golf Resort & Spa in Point Clear, Alabama

    Overlooking the tranquil waters of Mobile Bay, Grand Hotel Golf Resort & Spa guests are invited to slow down and soak in sweeping bay views, gentle breezes, and unforgettable sunsets. From waterfront strolls out to Fleischer Pier to kayaking, fishing, and swimming, the resort offers a Gulf Coast experience centered on its connections to the water.
  7. 7
    Photo of the Hotel del Coronado, which has white walls, a steeply pitched brick-red roof, and is surrounded by palm trees. The beach is within view, just beyond the hotel.
    Photo of the Hotel del Coronado, which has white walls, a steeply pitched brick-red roof, and is surrounded by palm trees. The beach is within view, just beyond the hotel.

    Hotel del Coronado in San Diego, California

    Set along San Diego’s iconic Coronado Beach, Hotel del Coronado offers a classic Southern California seaside experience with wide stretches of golden sand just steps from the Victorian National Historic Landmark. Guests can spend the day lounging by the surf, biking along the shoreline, or enjoying gentle waves and ocean breezes under endless blue skies.
  8. 8
    Photo of the Hotel Casa del Mar. The brick building stands on the right side of the photo. A pool and accompanying pool chairs stand in front of the building, along with palm trees and potted plants. The beach is within view, just past the hotel and pool.
    Photo of the Hotel Casa del Mar. The brick building stands on the right side of the photo. A pool and accompanying pool chairs stand in front of the building, along with palm trees and potted plants. The beach is within view, just past the hotel and pool.

    Hotel Casa del Mar in Santa Monica, California

    Where Route 66 meets the beach at Santa Monica, travelers discover an elegant oceanfront escape that is sharing a Centennial this year with the historic Mother Road. Hotel Casa del Mar offers a retreat where guests can step outside to stroll along the sandy shoreline, watch surfers ride the Pacific, or relax with uninterrupted views of the ocean waves.
  9. 9
    Photo of Mauna Kea Beach Hotel, a contemporary building that is five stories high. It is painted gray with red detailing. It stands on a coastline and also has a pool, both of which are within view of the hotel. Red and white beach chairs and umbrellas are organized along the coastline.
    Photo of Mauna Kea Beach Hotel, a contemporary building that is five stories high. It is painted gray with red detailing. It stands on a coastline and also has a pool, both of which are within view of the hotel. Red and white beach chairs and umbrellas are organized along the coastline.

    Mauna Kea Beach Hotel on Kohala Coast, Hawaii

    Located along a pristine crescent of white sand on the Kohala Coast, this Midcentury Modern icon offers guests front-row access to crystal-clear waters ideal for swimming, snorkeling, and paddleboarding. From spotting sea turtles offshore to enjoying sunrise and sunset views over the Pacific, the beachfront setting invites exploration as well as relaxation.
  1. 1
    Photo of the Island House Hotel, a four-story building with white shingled walls and a red roof. It stands behind a coastline and dock, which four boats are tied to.
    Photo of the Island House Hotel, a four-story building with white shingled walls and a red roof. It stands behind a coastline and dock, which four boats are tied to.

    Island House Hotel on Mackinac Island, Michigan

    Located right across the street—car-free—from the Mackinac Island State Harbor, Island House Hotel boasts stunning waterfront views of Lake Huron. This historic hotel is the only one within the boundaries of Mackinac Island State Park and has welcomed guests to Mackinac Island's beautiful beachfront since 1852, making it the island's most historic lodgings.
  2. 2
    Photo of the Newport Beach Hotel, which includes two buildings. One is blue and four stories high. The other is also four stories high, but is red with a black and white roof. The buildings stand side by side and are surrounded by trees and coastlines.
    Photo of the Newport Beach Hotel, which includes two buildings. One is blue and four stories high. The other is also four stories high, but is red with a black and white roof. The buildings stand side by side and are surrounded by trees and coastlines.

    Newport Beach Hotel & Suites in Middletown, Rhode Island

    For generations, beachgoers have been drawn to the shoreline at Easton’s Beach, where Newport Beach Hotel & Suites has welcomed summer vacationers, seaside day trippers, and families seeking a classic New England coastal escape. A boon for boaters and maritime history buffs, The Sailing Museum & National Sailing Hall of Fame is just a ten minute drive from the hotel.
  3. 3
    Photo of the Condado Vanderbilt Hotel, a white building that is at least eleven stories high. It has a red roof and is situated along the coast of a beach. Palm trees and beach chairs surround the hotel.
    Photo of the Condado Vanderbilt Hotel, a white building that is at least eleven stories high. It has a red roof and is situated along the coast of a beach. Palm trees and beach chairs surround the hotel.

    Condado Vanderbilt Hotel in San Juan, Puerto Rico

    Set along a dramatic Atlantic coastline just east of Old San Juan, this hotel was financed by Frederick William Vanderbilt and designed by the firm Warren and Whitmore at the dawn of the Roaring 20s. The hotel’s beach club offers guests access to the sandy shore with amenities including beachside food and drink service, fresh towels, and lounges.
  4. 4
    Photo of the National Hotel, a building that is at least 10 stories high and painted beige with gray and maroon detailing. The beach coast is within view, just behind the hotel.
    Photo of the National Hotel, a building that is at least 10 stories high and painted beige with gray and maroon detailing. The beach coast is within view, just behind the hotel.

    The National Hotel in Miami Beach, Florida

    The National Hotel offers visitors a serene oceanfront beach experience in the heart of Miami’s Art Deco Historic District. For guests who prefer a pool to sandy beaches, the hotel’s famous palm-lined infinity pool is the longest in South Florida and serves beautiful views of the Atlantic.
  5. 5
    Photo of the Don CeSar, a pink building with white moulding that is 9-10 stories high. It stands on a beach coast, and beach chairs, umbrellas, and palm trees surround the coastline near it.
    Photo of the Don CeSar, a pink building with white moulding that is 9-10 stories high. It stands on a beach coast, and beach chairs, umbrellas, and palm trees surround the coastline near it.

    The Don CeSar in St. Pete Beach, Florida

    This legendary beachfront hotel overlooks the Gulf of Mexico and guests can enjoy lounging, swimming, kayaking, and paddle boarding along its private beach. Once favored by notable guests such as F. Scott Fitzgerald, Franklin D. Roosevelt, and Al Capone, The Don CeSar continues to offer an authentic connection to America’s grand resort era.
  6. 6
    Photo of a pagoda-type building with floor-to-ceiling windows at sunset. The beach is within view and a large tree stands on the left side of the photo.
    Photo of a pagoda-type building with floor-to-ceiling windows at sunset. The beach is within view and a large tree stands on the left side of the photo.

    Grand Hotel Golf Resort & Spa in Point Clear, Alabama

    Overlooking the tranquil waters of Mobile Bay, Grand Hotel Golf Resort & Spa guests are invited to slow down and soak in sweeping bay views, gentle breezes, and unforgettable sunsets. From waterfront strolls out to Fleischer Pier to kayaking, fishing, and swimming, the resort offers a Gulf Coast experience centered on its connections to the water.
  7. 7
    Photo of the Hotel del Coronado, which has white walls, a steeply pitched brick-red roof, and is surrounded by palm trees. The beach is within view, just beyond the hotel.
    Photo of the Hotel del Coronado, which has white walls, a steeply pitched brick-red roof, and is surrounded by palm trees. The beach is within view, just beyond the hotel.

    Hotel del Coronado in San Diego, California

    Set along San Diego’s iconic Coronado Beach, Hotel del Coronado offers a classic Southern California seaside experience with wide stretches of golden sand just steps from the Victorian National Historic Landmark. Guests can spend the day lounging by the surf, biking along the shoreline, or enjoying gentle waves and ocean breezes under endless blue skies.
  8. 8
    Photo of the Hotel Casa del Mar. The brick building stands on the right side of the photo. A pool and accompanying pool chairs stand in front of the building, along with palm trees and potted plants. The beach is within view, just past the hotel and pool.
    Photo of the Hotel Casa del Mar. The brick building stands on the right side of the photo. A pool and accompanying pool chairs stand in front of the building, along with palm trees and potted plants. The beach is within view, just past the hotel and pool.

    Hotel Casa del Mar in Santa Monica, California

    Where Route 66 meets the beach at Santa Monica, travelers discover an elegant oceanfront escape that is sharing a Centennial this year with the historic Mother Road. Hotel Casa del Mar offers a retreat where guests can step outside to stroll along the sandy shoreline, watch surfers ride the Pacific, or relax with uninterrupted views of the ocean waves.
  9. 9
    Photo of Mauna Kea Beach Hotel, a contemporary building that is five stories high. It is painted gray with red detailing. It stands on a coastline and also has a pool, both of which are within view of the hotel. Red and white beach chairs and umbrellas are organized along the coastline.
    Photo of Mauna Kea Beach Hotel, a contemporary building that is five stories high. It is painted gray with red detailing. It stands on a coastline and also has a pool, both of which are within view of the hotel. Red and white beach chairs and umbrellas are organized along the coastline.

    Mauna Kea Beach Hotel on Kohala Coast, Hawaii

    Located along a pristine crescent of white sand on the Kohala Coast, this Midcentury Modern icon offers guests front-row access to crystal-clear waters ideal for swimming, snorkeling, and paddleboarding. From spotting sea turtles offshore to enjoying sunrise and sunset views over the Pacific, the beachfront setting invites exploration as well as relaxation.

Travel with us on an epic trip along Historic Route 66, and help preserve an iconic piece of Americana.

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