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Pelican Hill Newport Beach, California
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Hotel comparison guide

Pelican Hill vs Surf & Sand Laguna Beach

Pelican Hill is a bluff-top, estate-like five-star resort near Crystal Cove with Villas, Bungalows, golf, and a Forbes Five-Star spa — a good read for travelers who want space, golf, and resort amenities. Surf & Sand Laguna Beach is a five-star beachfront hotel located directly on the sand in Laguna Beach — read this if you prioritize an oceanfront room and immediate beach access.

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Aerial view of Pelican Hill resort with pool, golf course and ocean at sunset.

Pelican Hill

Blufftop estate · Golf & Villas · Forbes Five-Star spa

Best for multigenerational stays, golfers, and guests who want villa-style space and resort grounds.

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Surf & Sand Laguna Beach, Laguna Beach, California

Surf & Sand Laguna Beach

Beachfront · Direct sand access · Ocean-view dining

Best for travelers who want to stay directly on the sand in Laguna Beach with immediate beach and surf access.

Quick Verdict: Pelican Hill vs Surf & Sand Laguna Beach

When Pelican Hill wins: choose Pelican Hill if you want expansive grounds, private Villas and Bungalows, on-site championship golf, and a large, highly rated spa — it’s better for families, groups, and golf-focused trips.

When Surf & Sand Laguna Beach wins: pick Surf & Sand when your priority is being steps from the ocean, having ocean-view dining and poolside service, and a compact property with a strong beachfront location in central Laguna Beach.

Bottom line: Pelican Hill is a resort campus offering space, golf, and resort amenities above the coast; Surf & Sand is a smaller, beachfront hotel ideal for beach-first stays. Choose based on whether you value on-sand convenience (Surf & Sand) or estate-scale amenities and villas (Pelican Hill).

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Pelican Hill vs Surf & Sand Laguna Beach – At a Glance

Side-by-side facts for Pelican Hill and Surf & Sand Laguna Beach
CategoryPelican HillSurf & Sand Laguna Beach
Overall vibeEstate-like, resort campus with golf and villa livingLuxury beachfront hotel focused on direct ocean access
LocationPerched above Crystal Cove State Park near Newport CoastOn the sand in Laguna Beach (Pearl District)
Size / rooms332 rooms total (128 Villas + 204 Bungalows)165 rooms
Ages / audienceAll ages; family-friendly with Camp Pelican and kids' programsAll ages (not adults-only)
Pools & beach accessThree outdoor pools (Coliseum, Bella Vista, Villa Pool) + shuttle to Crystal Cove beachOne outdoor pool, hot tub, and direct beach access with beach umbrellas and loungers
Restaurants & barsMultiple venues including Andrea (Italian), Pelican Grill, poolside dining, cafésOne main restaurant (Splashes) plus 2 bars/lounges and poolside bar
Spa & wellnessThe Spa at Pelican Hill (Forbes Five-Star), fitness classes and yogaFull-service spa, fitness center, yoga classes/instruction
Known forGolf facilities, villa accommodations, large circular Coliseum PoolStaying directly on the sand and oceanfront dining
Event & meeting spaceExtensive event venues and ballrooms (large capacities, up to ~500 guests)Conference space and 19 meeting rooms (about 21,961 sq ft / 2,040 m²)
Parking & transportComplimentary valet for Resort guests; complimentary beach shuttle to Crystal CoveValet parking available for a surcharge; preferred airport SNA

A Look Inside Pelican Hill

Pelican Hill: rooms & suitesRooms & suitesPelican Hill: pools & beachPools & beachPelican Hill: diningDiningPelican Hill: spa & wellnessSpa & wellness
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Location: Pelican Hill vs Surf & Sand Laguna Beach

Pelican Hill – Location

Pelican Hill sits on 504 coastal acres above Crystal Cove, near Newport Coast attractions.

  • Perched above Crystal Cove State Park with a complimentary beach drop-off service.
  • Close to Fashion Island, Corona del Mar, Balboa Island, and John Wayne Airport (about 9 miles).
  • Large property with internal transport options — not a walkable beachfront location.

Pick Pelican Hill when you want resort grounds, ocean views without being directly on the sand.

Surf & Sand Laguna Beach – Location

Surf & Sand is located directly on the sand in central Laguna Beach.

  • Address: 1555 S Coast Hwy, Laguna Beach, CA 92651.
  • Centrally located in Laguna Beach with easy access to local beaches, galleries, and restaurants.
  • Nearest major airport listed as John Wayne Airport (SNA).

Choose Surf & Sand when immediate beach access and central Laguna Beach location matter most.

Rooms: Villas & Bungalows vs Oceanfront studios and rooms

Pelican Hill – Rooms

Pelican Hill provides bungalow rooms and multi-bedroom Villas with private terraces.

  • Accommodation types include 204 Bungalows and 128 Villas (two- to four-bedroom options).
  • Villa reservations include breakfast at the Villa Clubhouse for covered guests.
  • Rooms emphasize private terraces and villa-style layouts for groups and families.

Pelican Hill works well for families or groups who need separate sleeping areas and villa amenities.

Surf & Sand Laguna Beach – Rooms

Surf & Sand offers oceanfront rooms and studios with large TVs and designer toiletries.

  • Room types include Oceanview King, Pool View King, and multiple oceanfront Premium Studio options.
  • Listing notes 165 air-conditioned rooms with minibars and 65-inch TVs.
  • Rooms provide immediate ocean views in many of the oceanfront categories.

Surf & Sand is the simpler choice for travelers who want ocean views and compact hotel rooms.

Dining & drinks: Multiple on-site venues vs Ocean-view dining

Pelican Hill – Dining & drinks

Pelican Hill has a wider range of on-site dining options across the estate.

  • Andrea (Italian) and Pelican Grill are signature restaurants with ocean/course views.
  • Casual poolside dining at Coliseum Pool & Grill plus cafés (Caffè 2, Bungalow Caffè).
  • Private dining and event-focused spaces available for larger groups.

Pelican Hill suits guests who want varied dining choices without leaving the resort.

Surf & Sand Laguna Beach – Dining & drinks

Surf & Sand highlights Splashes, offering ocean-view and alfresco dining.

  • Splashes serves local cuisine with ocean views and outdoor seating.
  • Room service is available during limited hours; poolside bar and two bars/lounges on site.
  • Breakfast available for a surcharge, cooked-to-order from 7:00 AM to 11:00 AM.

Surf & Sand is focused on beachfront dining and views rather than a wide culinary roster.

Pools & beach (signature amenity): Resort pools vs On-sand access

Pelican Hill – Pools & beach (signature amenity)

Pelican Hill features multiple pools, including the large Coliseum Pool and private Villa Pool.

  • Three outdoor pools: Coliseum Pool, Bella Vista, and Villa Pool (Villa guests only).
  • Coliseum Pool cited as the world’s largest circular pool; cabanas are available by reservation.
  • Complimentary beach shuttle to Crystal Cove provides beach chairs and umbrellas.

Pelican Hill offers varied pool settings plus easy access to Crystal Cove beach via shuttle.

Surf & Sand Laguna Beach – Pools & beach (signature amenity)

Surf & Sand places you right on the sand with one outdoor pool and a hot tub.

  • One outdoor pool and one hot tub for guest use.
  • Beach umbrellas, loungers, and beach towels are provided at the property.
  • Surfing, snorkeling, and swimming are available nearby; immediate beach access from the hotel.

Surf & Sand is best when the priority is stepping onto the beach moments after leaving your room.

Wellness & nightlife: Spa, fitness and evening options

Pelican Hill – Wellness & nightlife

Pelican Hill centers around The Spa at Pelican Hill with robust fitness and class offerings.

  • Forbes Five-Star Spa open daily with Roman-inspired spaces and signature treatments.
  • Complimentary Fresh Air Fitness classes (yoga, meditation) and a Villa Clubhouse Fitness Center.
  • Nightlife is low-key — lounges and bars, but the property focuses on relaxed evenings and dining.

Pelican Hill is stronger on spa and wellness programming than on late-night entertainment.

Surf & Sand Laguna Beach – Wellness & nightlife

Surf & Sand offers a full-service spa, fitness facilities, and beachside relaxation.

  • On-site full-service spa with massages, facials, and body treatments.
  • Fitness facilities and on-site yoga classes/instruction are available.
  • Evening options focus on ocean-view dining and bar seating rather than nightlife venues.

Surf & Sand covers spa and fitness needs in a beach-focused setting with evening dining views.

Who Wins? Best Pick by Travel Style

Best for golf & villa stays
Grand columned lobby rotunda with central plant at Pelican Hill.

Pelican Hill

Pelican Hill — championship golf, villa options, and wide resort grounds.

Best for beachfront convenience
Surf & Sand Laguna Beach, Laguna Beach, California

Surf & Sand Laguna Beach

Surf & Sand — rooms and dining right on the sand in Laguna Beach.

Best for spa-focused travelers
Tall decorated Christmas tree in the Pelican Hill lobby rotunda.

Pelican Hill

Pelican Hill — a Forbes Five-Star spa and broad wellness programming.

Best for compact beach breaks
Surf & Sand Laguna Beach, Laguna Beach, California

Surf & Sand Laguna Beach

Surf & Sand — smaller property footprint with immediate ocean access and poolside service.

Frequently asked questions

Pelican Hill vs Surf & Sand Laguna Beach: FAQs

See all FAQs →
Which property is better for families with kids?

Pelican Hill is more family-focused with Villas, Camp Pelican (ages 4–12), multiple pools, and kid-friendly activities. Surf & Sand welcomes families too but is a smaller beachfront hotel without the same villa or large kids’ program.

Which hotel has direct beach access?

Surf & Sand Laguna Beach sits on the sand with direct beach access. Pelican Hill is perched above the coast and provides a complimentary shuttle to Crystal Cove beach rather than direct on-site sand access.

Can I play golf at both properties?

Pelican Hill has on-site golf facilities, lessons, and a driving range. Surf & Sand does not list on-site golf; nearby public and private courses may be available but are not part of the hotel listing.

Which property has a larger spa?

Pelican Hill’s spa is Forbes Five-Star rated and is larger in scale and programming; Surf & Sand offers a full-service spa but not the same Forbes Five-Star designation.

More Pelican Hill Comparison Guides

Explore how Pelican Hill stacks up against other hotels nearby:

Pool cabana view with loungers and palm trees at Pelican Hill
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