Ever get that feeling? The one where you just want to drop everything. Grab your keys, roll the windows down, and hit the open road.
California’s Pacific Coast Highway calls to the soul. It promises sun-drenched beaches and endless blue horizons.
It’s the classic American road trip dream.
But where do you stay? Little did you know, there’s a revolution happening along the coast. The classic motor lodge is back, and it’s cooler than ever.
We’re talking about lovingly restored gems from the 50s and 60s.
Places with kidney-shaped pools and neon signs that buzz with stories.
This is your guide to the best motels in California with 1950s-style pools. Get ready for a journey back in time, without breaking the bank.
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SoCal’s Mid-Century Gems
Our road trip begins in sunny Southern California. This region is a treasure trove of restored roadside retreats. Here you can find some of the best ocean view motels under $200.
The Pearl Hotel, San Diego
Tucked away in the Point Loma neighborhood, this renovated 1960s motel radiates mid-century cool. Its centerpiece is a stunning, oyster-shaped saltwater pool. It’s the social heart of the hotel.
But The Pearl is more than just a place to sleep. It’s a community hub. Every Wednesday, they host “Dive-In Movies.” You can float in the pool while watching a classic film on a giant screen.
The on-site restaurant, Ponyboy, is a favorite among locals. It serves coastal Californian fare in a stylish, open-air setting. This spot proves that a motel can be a destination in itself.
Inn at Sunset Cliffs, San Diego
Location is everything, and this inn has one of the best. It’s one of the few San Diego hotels truly on the Pacific Ocean.
Originally built in the 1950s, the property was updated in 2018. The design now blends its retro bones with a breezy, Santorini-inspired vibe.
The heated pool and courtyard offer a perfect spot to relax. You can listen to the waves crashing against the cliffs below.
Many rooms have panoramic 180-degree ocean views. Waking up here feels like you’re on the edge of the world. It’s an experience that bigger, inland hotels just can’t replicate.
The Tides, Laguna Beach
Laguna Beach has a unique, artistic soul. The Tides captures that spirit perfectly.
This motel offers “old Laguna charm” with a modern twist. It’s not trying to be a five-star resort. Instead, it provides a cozy, authentic home base for exploring the town.
The heated saltwater pool is a welcome retreat after a day of gallery hopping. An outdoor fireplace and gas grill invite you to relax and live like a local. It’s just a three-block walk to Main Beach.
You can easily explore the hidden coves and tide pools that make Laguna famous. Some rooms even have kitchenettes for a longer stay.
Cal Mar Hotel Suites, Santa Monica
Finding a peaceful escape in bustling Santa Monica can be tough. Yet, Cal Mar Hotel Suites feels like a secret garden.
This hotel has a genuine 1950s vibe. It’s built around a lush, plant-filled patio and a sparkling outdoor pool.
At night, the courtyard glows with soft light. It feels miles away from the city’s energy. But you’re still just a short walk from the iconic Santa Monica Beach and Pier.
The hotel offers suites with full kitchens. This makes it a great value in an expensive area. It’s a true urban oasis.
A Malibu Duo: The M Malibu & Hotel June
Just up the coast, two historic properties tell a story of Malibu’s evolution.
The M Malibu, once the 1947 Sea Esta Lodge, keeps its mid-century style alive. It offers a relaxing pool, a sundeck with ocean views, and simple, clean rooms. It’s an unpretentious slice of old-school Malibu.
Nearby, Hotel June occupies what was once the 1949 Malibu Riviera Motel. This spot has a legendary past. Bob Dylan reportedly wrote his album “Blood on the Tracks” in bungalow 13.
After a full renovation, it now blends its vintage roots with a relaxed, modern coastal vibe. Both motels offer a chance to stay in a piece of California history.
Central Coast Classics: Our Top Retro Design Motels in California
Driving north on Highway 1, the Central Coast unfolds. This region is famous for its dramatic cliffs and charming towns. It’s also home to some of the best retro design motels California has to offer.
Motel 6 Santa Barbara – Beach
Wait, a Motel 6 on this list? Absolutely. This isn’t just any Motel 6. It’s the very first one, opened in 1962.
The company has since given this historic location a fantastic retro makeover. It now has a fun, 60s-inspired vibe that honors its roots.
The rooms are bright, clean, and stylish. Some even have cute, retro-style mini-fridges. There’s an outdoor pool, and it’s just steps from East Beach.
This spot completely defies the brand’s budget reputation. It offers style, history, and an unbeatable location. It’s a top pick for finding ocean view motels under $200.
SeaCrest OceanFront Hotel, Pismo Beach
The SeaCrest opened in the 1960s as a classic crescent-shaped motel. It has kept its retro charm while adding modern, resort-style amenities. The hotel sits on a bluff overlooking the Pacific.
You can take a staircase directly down to the sand. The heated pool and three cliffside hot tubs are the real stars. They offer some of the best sunset views on the entire coast.
The rooms are bright and modern. The SeaCrest proves that a vintage motel can also be a chic and luxurious getaway.
Also Read: California, the King of Road Trips: 11 Scenic Drives You Must Take Once in Your Life
Castle Inn, Cambria
Many updated motels aim for a hip, adults-only crowd. Castle Inn, however, proudly welcomes families.
It was one of the first motels built on Cambria’s beautiful Moonstone Beach Drive. It has been fully renovated with modern comforts.
The heated pool has lovely ocean views. A large front lawn is perfect for a game of cornhole. There’s even a BBQ area for casual family dinners.
You can walk across the street to explore tide pools on the beach. Castle Inn offers a classic, family-friendly beach vacation with a touch of retro style.
Dream Inn, Santa Cruz
The Dream Inn is a Santa Cruz landmark. It’s the only beachfront hotel in town. Its location right on the historic Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk is unbeatable.
The hotel’s “retro-chic” design perfectly matches the fun, nostalgic vibe of its surroundings.
The beachfront pool deck is a fantastic place to soak up the sun. You can watch surfers ride the waves at Cowell Beach. Most rooms have private balconies with incredible views of Monterey Bay.
Staying here puts you at the heart of the action. It’s the quintessential Santa Cruz experience.
A Desert Detour: Pools Over Piers
Sometimes, the ultimate pool scene isn’t on the coast. For those who prioritize a perfect poolside vibe, a detour inland is a must.
The most iconic motels in California just be hiding in the desert. These two Palm Springs legends trade ocean views for unparalleled retro glamour.
Caliente Tropics Resort, Palm Springs
Welcome to a full-blown Tiki paradise. The Caliente Tropics Resort opened in 1964. It quickly became a hangout for stars like Elvis and the Rat Pack.
Today, it’s a pilgrimage site for Tiki culture enthusiasts from around the world.
The resort is built around an enormous 100,000-gallon swimming pool. A large, clover-shaped hot tub sits nearby. The grounds feature impressive, hand-carved Tikis.
The entire property feels like a trip to a Polynesian island in the 1960s. It’s a fun, vibrant, and totally unique experience.
Avalon Hotel & Bungalows, Palm Springs
This property was a playground for Hollywood stars in the 1930s. Today, its Spanish-style bungalows are spread across four acres of manicured gardens. Famed designer Kelly Wearstler updated the interiors with a chic, Hollywood Regency flair.
The hotel brilliantly caters to everyone with three distinct pools. The Regency Pool is a quiet, adults-only escape. The Chi Chi Pool is the social hub for cocktails and conversation.
And the Presidio Pool is perfect for families. The Avalon is a luxurious and historic desert hideaway.
Decide Your Next Road Trip
California’s coastline is dotted with style and adventure. These revitalized motor lodges offer more than just a place to rest. They are destinations in their own right.
They provide a unique way to experience the Golden State’s timeless appeal. So, pack your bags and hit the road.
Your search for the perfect motels in California with 1950s-style pools is officially over. Your next great memory is waiting for you by the water.