Marriott has several world-famous coastal properties, but it also boasts hidden gems and freshly integrated brands across the U.S. that you might not have on your radar yet. Whether you're planning a multi-generational family road trip, a quiet island escape, or a high-end luxury retreat, this guide highlights a curated selection of properties where Marriott Bonvoy members can enjoy the sun.
Because Marriott has transitioned away from fixed award charts to dynamic pricing, award costs fluctuate based on seasonality and demand. However, using a Marriott Bonvoy-affiliated credit card for your stay can help you rack up extra points on every eligible dollar spent to fund your next getaway.
From old-timey luxury to tech-forward boutique stays, here are the best Marriott beach resorts in the U.S., categorized by travel style.
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Iconic and historic luxury splurges
1. Moana Surfrider, A Westin Resort & Spa, Waikiki Beach (Oahu, Hawaii)
Known as the "First Lady of Waikiki," this historic property delivers a beautifully nostalgic, old-timey luxury vibe that stands out in a sea of cookie-cutter modern resorts that continuously seem to dominate the rest of Hawaii. Positioned directly on the sands of Waikiki Beach, staying at the Moana Surfrider, A Westin Resort & Spa puts you in the center of Honolulu’s premier shopping and dining district.
- Don't miss: The morning breakfast buffet is stellar — make sure to pile your plate with the hotel's famous, tropical lilikoi (passionfruit) pancakes.
- Free (and active) activity: If you're feeling ambitious, you can walk directly from the hotel to the volcanic summit of Diamond Head. If you're less ambitious but still interested in hiking Diamond Head, catching a quick rideshare to the trailhead park entrance will give you a head start on the climb.
2. The Ritz-Carlton Bacara, Santa Barbara (California)
If you are looking for a West Coast splurge, this Mediterranean-inspired estate is it. Sprawling across 78 acres along the Gaviota Coast, the resort is intentionally removed from the busy, high-traffic corridors of downtown Santa Barbara to preserve a profound sense of quiet intimacy. You won't ever feel like you need to leave this secluded coastal sanctuary, which features tiered pools overlooking the Pacific, clay tennis courts and an expansive 42,000-square-foot spa.
It's best for travelers seeking a high-end, slow-paced luxury getaway where the focus is entirely on ocean breezes, fine wine and pristine coastal views.
3. The Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon Bay (California)
Perched dramatically on a cliffside overlooking the crashing waves of the Pacific, this resort is the ultimate weekend escape for San Franciscans looking to trade city fog for rugged coastal elegance. A stay here comes complete with outdoor fire pits, oceanfront golf courses and a resident bagpiper who plays at sunset.
🤓Nerdy Tip
Half Moon Bay is world-famous for its annual autumn Art & Pumpkin Festival. This hotel serves as the premier luxury base camp for checking out the giant pumpkin weigh-offs and local art vendors in October.4. The St. Regis Longboat Key Resort (Florida)
As a relatively new addition to Marriott's ultra-luxury footprint in Florida, this massive 18-acre barrier island resort brings grandeur to the Sarasota coastline. Stay here for the trademark St. Regis Butler service, as well as all that there is to do including a winding lazy river, a thermal spa sanctuary and a massive "Under the Sea" saltwater lagoon where guests can snorkel directly alongside tropical fish and resident rays.
Affordable beachfront gems
5. Sheraton Kauai Coconut Beach Resort (Kauai, Hawaii)
An absolute hidden gem on Kauai’s eastern coast, this property is perfect for travelers who want a calm, quiet island environment. Because it regularly sees room rates fall under $300 a night on off-peak dates, it can be an incredibly accessible value for Hawaii travel. It skips pretension to let Kauai’s raw, natural beauty take center stage.
- Resort perks: Marriott fills your day with authentic, hyper-local daily programming, including complimentary afternoon shave ice by the ocean-view pool, hula dancing and ukulele lessons.
- The luau: The resort hosts one of the finest, most moving luaus in the Hawaiian islands. It's one of the more authentic productions, where local family members perform together to create a true sense of ohana (family) as they share traditional Hawaiian hula and Polynesian story-dances.
6. Courtyard Oahu North Shore (Oahu, Hawaii)
Another budget-friendly option in Hawaii, this property is nestled on Oahu’s legendary, laid-back North Shore. The Courtyard Oahu North Shore sits directly adjacent to the Polynesian Cultural Center, meaning you can spend an evening experiencing their evening shows and luau, then stroll across the street straight to bed.
- The beach: While the hotel is technically situated just off the main road across from the water, it functions practically as a beachfront stay.
- The vibe: Unlike Waikiki, the beach here is remarkably quiet, undeveloped and pristine, ideal for catching a peaceful sunrise away from the tourist swarms.
7. Marriott Virginia Beach Oceanfront Resort (Virginia Beach, Virginia)
Situated on the scenic north end of the Virginia Beach boardwalk, this modern tower offers panoramic Atlantic views from almost every balconied guest room. We picked this hotel because it bridges the gap between family road-trip convenience and upscale design. It sits right next door to its iconic sister property, The Historic Cavalier Hotel, so check out the vibes over there but stay for yourself in this more modern property.
And while there, don't miss Orion's Roof, the chic rooftop sushi restaurant and cocktail lounge. Ideally, time your visit during sunset.
Urban beach escapes
8. citizenM Miami South Beach (Florida)
As a relatively new lifestyle brand fully integrated into the Marriott International portfolio, citizenM introduces a completely fresh concept to traditional beach programming. This hotel strips away unnecessary resort fluff to focus on high-tech, highly efficient "affordable luxury."
The hotel keeps costs low by cutting back on staff and room size, instead relying on tech and smart design to maintain comfort. For example, you check yourself in at automated touch-screen kiosks in 60 seconds. Everything in the room — from the mood lighting and window blinds to the TV and temperature — is controlled via an in-room smart tablet.
And while rooms are small, the lobby is big, intentionally designed as a social hub with co-working spaces and 24/7 food and beverage options at canteenM.
9. JW Marriott Marco Island Beach Resort (Marco Island, Florida)
For travelers who want a massive, all-encompassing urban resort experience on the beach, this sprawling Gulf Coast property features 12 restaurants, two championship golf courses and a world-class spa. It sits on three miles of pristine beach, offering a massive playground for family watersports and pool hopping. But for adults who prefer a quieter stay, look into upgrading to the Paradise by Sirene experience. This exclusive adults-only enclave grants you access to a private rooftop pool, dedicated beachfront seating, complimentary breakfast and personalized butler care.
How to boost your Marriott Bonvoy balance quickly
Amassing enough points to book an extended beachfront escape is easiest when you look beyond simple hotel stays. Consider leveraging these strategic avenues:
Co-branded credit cards: Carrying a Marriott hotel credit card from Chase or American Express can immediately jumpstart your balance with a substantial sign-up bonus, alongside giving you automatic elite status and annual Free Night Awards.
Flexible travel cards: If you prefer to keep your lodging choices open rather than staying strictly loyal to Marriott, choosing an all-purpose travel credit card allows you to earn high-rate points on daily spending, which you can later transfer directly to Marriott Bonvoy or use to wipe out travel purchases on your statement.
How to maximize your rewards
You want a travel credit card that prioritizes what’s important to you. Here are some of the best travel credit cards of 2026:
- Flexibility, point transfers and a large bonus: Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
- No annual fee: Wells Fargo Autograph® Card
- Flat-rate travel rewards: Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
- Bonus travel rewards and high-end perks: Chase Sapphire Reserve®
- Luxury perks: American Express Platinum Card®
- Business travelers: Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card
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