St Regis Monarch Beach Resort

Part of the none-more-swanky hotel chain, this Tuscan-inspired resort is an Orange County icon. Although it's not a beachfront property, the resort does afford picturesque views of the coastline, and even runs a shuttle to carry sunbathers to and from the sand. Still, you might not actually want to leave the property, with the on-site spa and salon, the 18-hole golf course and the three outdoor pools.