If you can’t be out there, enjoying the view is certainly the next best thing.
Before I created Outsite, I use to travel all the way through California for meetings and conferences. Due to my love for the ocean, I always tried to find some beautiful spots with ocean views to sit down and work on my laptop. Most of them are in luxury hotel bars/restaurants where you will pay more than $3 at a Starbucks, but the view will be a little different and well worth it. Here are my top 10:
1. Ritz Cartlon Half Moon Bay
Photo: Ritz Carlton
You’ll probably pay well into the double digits for a glass of wine, but the majestic view is well worth it. If you’re lucky enough to have an in-person meeting, you can arrange to play golf together here too.
Aquatic at the Dream Inn (Santa Cruz)
Photo: Oyster
This is a beautiful space decorated with surfboards and photos of one of my heroes, Jack Oneill, the inventor of the wetsuit. I use to work there in between surf sessions at Steamer Lane. Try their hamburger while you work.
Treebones Resort (Big Sur)
Photo: GeoJaunt
Most people go to Big Sur to unplug, and I’m usually one of them. If you have to get even a little work done though, Treebones Resort is a great spot to do it. When you finish checking to-dos, you can climb into the human nest for a bit of relaxation.
Malibu Beach Inn
Photo: Booking.com
Treat yourself to this ultra luxurious hotel if you need to get some work done too. You can sip a cocktail while enjoying the view of the legendary pier, the sunset, and their high-speed wifi. In fact, it might be hard to leave when your work is done.
Loews Santa Monica
Photo: earthhome
If you need to work in Santa Monica, you could grab a day pass to WeWork… or you could head to the Loews for the day and enjoy the view of the pier and the surf instead. I know my vote, that’s for sure.
The Resort at Pelican Hill (Newport)
Photo: Pelican Hill
I’ll be honest: Newport Beach is not my favorite spot to catch waves but the Pelican Hill makes up for it. It also has a 36-hole golf course if you want to schedule another one of your meetings while staying and working here.
The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel (Dana Point)
Photo: Ritz Carlton
You might assume that you have to be a Ritz-Carlton hotel to be right on the beach, based on this list. Luckily, both properties are so amazing, it’s worth including them: The Laguna Niguel is like if you take the Ritz Carlon Halfmoon bay, add 10 degrees, and an ocean you can actually swim in.
Outsite (San Diego)
I could not write this without mentioning our brand new location in Encinitas. Our internet is one of the best on the list, and you don’t even need to shell out $250 per night to stay here.
La Valencia (La Jolla)
Photo: Expedia
By far my favorite spot in San Diego, located right on La Jolla. The bar boasts a fantastic terrace where they will leave you alone for a few hours provided you order one of their delicious cocktails. Or more than one; it’s up to you.
Las Rocas (Baja California)
Photo: Las Rocas
A lot of things are better on this side of the border. Tacos, margaritas, lobsters, un-crowded surf spots, and yes, the internet as well. You would pay twice as much for the same quality in California, meaning you can be productive and enjoy your free time a bit more too.
