21 AAA Diamond-Designated Best Beach Resorts in the U.S.

Looking for a relaxing getaway at a beach destination? When searching top vacation spots in the U.S., consider booking a beach resort for an ultimate luxurious and rejuvenating experience.  

AAA issues hotels Diamond designations to ensure your experience is the best it can be. With our Diamond hotel designations, you can rest easy knowing that the place you’re staying meets exceptional standards of quality and cleanliness. Learn about our different Diamond levels below:

• Diamond Approved: Meets industry-leading standards of AAA inspections and is ideal for budget-friendly short stays.
• Three Diamond: Provides comprehensive amenities in style and comfort and is ideal for family travel.
• Four Diamond: Provides upscale style, amenities and service and is ideal for a romantic getaway.
• Five Diamond: Provides world-class luxury and amenities for a once-in-a-lifetime experience and is ideal for ultimate relaxation.

Journey from east to west across the U.S. to discover the best beach resorts with AAA Diamond designations.

1. Blockade Runner Beach Resort

Location: Wrightsville Beach, North Carolina

AAA Diamond Designation: Three Diamond

For an east coast resort, visit Wrightsville Beach in North Carolina which is a popular vacation destination for the entire family. Relax at Blockade Runner Beach Resort’s outdoor oceanfront pool and dine onsite at their restaurant.

Water-based amenities at this beach resort include:

• Onsite beach
• Pool
• Hot tub
• Cabanas
• Boat and dock rentals
• Surfing

Other amenities at this beach resort include:  

• Restaurant
• Spa
• Sauna
• Fishing
• Yoga 
• Summer recreation programs
• Fitness center
• Oceanfront lawn and garden
• Lawn games
• Kids club
• Firepits

2. Myrtle Beach Marriott Resort & Spa at Grande Dunes

Location: Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

AAA Diamond Designation: Three Diamond

Myrtle Beach is a popular family-friendly vacation destination, filled with fun activities for people of all ages. When looking for the best Myrtle Beach resorts look no further than Myrtle Beach Marriott Resort & Spa at Grande Dunes. This resort hotel has not only one but two pools — one outdoor and one heated indoor — plus two restaurants and rooms with either Juliet or walk-out balconies. 

Water-based amenities at this beach resort include:

• Onsite beach
• Two pools
• Hot tub
• Cabanas

Other amenities at this beach resort include:

• Two restaurants
• Spa
• Sauna
• Steam room
• Access to offsite golf and tennis facilities
• Summer recreation programs
• Fitness center
• Game room

3. The Westin Hilton Head Island Resort & Spa

Location: Hilton Head Island, South Carolina

AAA Diamond Designation: Four Diamond

Visit Hilton Head Island for an upscale experience at The Westin Hilton Head Island Resort & Spa. During your stay, use the heated outdoor pool, two restaurants and private patios connected to your room. 

Water-based amenities at this beach resort include:

• Onsite beach
• Pool
• Hot tub
• Cabanas
• Access to Shelter Cove and Marina to rent boats and fishing equipment

Other amenities at this beach resort include:

• Two restaurants
• Spa
• Sauna
• Steam room 
• Golf
• Tennis
• Pickleball
• Recreation programs
• Bicycle rentals
• Health club
• Gardens
• Kids club
• Onsite dog park

4. The Cloister

Location: Sea Island, Georgia

AAA Diamond Designation: Five Diamond

Experience world-class luxury in Sea Island, Georgia, when you stay at The Cloister. Perfect for a romantic getaway, you can explore five miles of private beach, relax in their large rooms, have fun in their outdoor or heated indoor pool and dine in four onsite restaurants. 

Water-based amenities at this luxury beach resort include:

• Onsite private beach
• Two pools
• Beach club with daybeds
• Hot tub
• Cabanas
• Boat dock
• Sailing
• Paddleboarding

Other amenities at this luxury beach resort include:

• Four restaurants
• Spa
• Fishing
• Golf 
• Tennis
• Pickleball
• Squash
• Bowling
• Recreation programs
• Fitness center
• Kids club
• Bicycle rentals
• Horseback riding
• Game room

5. The King and Prince Beach & Golf Resort

Location: St. Simons Island, Georgia

AAA Diamond Designation: Three Diamond

The resort hotel offers visitors to St. Simons Island, Georgia, historical charm in a seaside setting. The King and Prince Beach & Golf Resort has three outdoor pools and an oceanfront restaurant. 

Water-based amenities at this historic beach resort include:

• Onsite beach
• Three pools
• Hot tub
• Beach chair and umbrella rentals

Other amenities at this historic beach resort include:

• Restaurant
• Golf
• Tennis 
• In-season recreation programs
• Fitness center 
• Seasonal activities for kids
• Nearby bicycle rentals

6. Jekyll Island Club Resort

Location: Jekyll Island, Georgia

AAA Diamond Designation: Three Diamond

Another historic U.S. beach resort is in Jekyll Island, Georgia, providing visitors with a uniquely Southern Gilded Age experience. The Jekyll Island Club Resort has two outdoor pools and six restaurants with a variety of dining options. 

Water-based amenities at this historic beach resort include:

• Onsite beach
• Two pools
• Beach Pavillion
• Ocean Club
• Beach chair and umbrella rentals in season

Other amenities at this historic beach resort include:

• Six restaurants
• Croquet lawn
• Fitness center with Peloton bikes
• Bicycle rentals
• Infused water station
• Nightly s’mores
• Champagne Sabering and Toast (Friday and Saturday only)
• EV charging stations

7. Shephard's Beach Resort

Location: Clearwater Beach, Florida

AAA Diamond Designation: Three Diamond

Heading into Florida, the Shephard’s Beach Resort in Clearwater Beach is a great place for both family fun and exciting nightlife. Enjoy the resort’s white sand beaches, pool with waterfall elements and onsite restaurants. 

Water-based amenities at this beach resort include:

• Onsite white sand beach
• Pool
• Hot tub
• Cabanas
• Jet ski rentals
• Discounts for boat cruises and tours

Other amenities at this beach resort include:

• Two restaurants
• Onsite nightclub
• Live music at the onsite beach bar
• Fitness center

8. JW Marriott Marco Island Beach Resort

Location: Marco Island, Florida

AAA Diamond Designation: Four Diamond

Continuing on with the best beach resorts in Florida, head to Marco Island to visit the JW Marriott Marco Island Beach Resort. Lounge in the heated outdoor pool and indulge in the resort’s five restaurants when you’re not relaxing on your room’s balcony or patio.  

The resort also offers an exclusive luxury escape for adults, which is called Paradise by Sirene. 

Water-based amenities at this luxury beach resort include:

• Onsite beach 
• Pool
• Hot tub
• Cabanas
• Boat rentals

Other amenities at this luxury beach resort include:

• Five restaurants
• Spa
• Sauna
• Steam room
• Golf
• Tennis
• Recreation programs
• Fitness center
• Health club
• Kids club
• Game room 

9. LaPlaya Beach & Golf Resort

Location: Naples, Florida

AAA Diamond Designation: Four Diamond

This boutique beach resort hotel in Naples, Florida, has rooms equipped with spacious balconies for relaxation wherever you are on the property. Enjoy the four outdoor pools and three restaurants throughout LaPlaya Beach & Golf Resort.

Water-based amenities at this beach resort include:

• Onsite beach
• Four pools
• Hot tub
• Cabanas
• Beach attendant service
• Beach organized activities
• Boat rentals

Other amenities at this beach resort include:

• Three restaurants
• Spa
• Golf
• Yoga
• In-season recreation programs
• Fitness center
• In-room Peloton Rentals
• Bicycle rentals
• Health club
• Nightly bonfires
• EV charging stations

10. Dorado Beach, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve

Location: San Juan, Puerto Rico

AAA Diamond Designation: Five Diamond

Embark on a world-class luxury beach vacation in San Juan, Puerto Rico, at Dorado Beach, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve. Step into paradise in the U.S. territory for true relaxation with a side of adventure. The luxury beach resort features two pools and five restaurants.

Water-based amenities at this luxury beach resort include:

• Onsite beach
• Two pools
• Onsite waterpark
• Hot tub
• Boat rentals
• Scuba diving
• Snorkeling

Other amenities at this luxury beach resort include:

• Five restaurants
• Spa
• Sauna
• Steam room
• Golf
• Tennis
• Recreation programs
• Fitness center
• Bicycle rentals
• Nature trails
• Health club
• Lawn games
• Playground
• Night walk
• Stargazing

11. The St. Regis Bahia Beach Resort Puerto Rico

Location: Rio Grande, Puerto Rico

AAA Diamond Designation: Five Diamond

Only a half hour outside of San Juan is Rio Grande, Puerto Rico, where you’ll find the luxurious St. Regis Bahia Beach Resort. Relax in the zero-entry seaside outdoor pool or dine in three onsite restaurants, including one poolside.

Water-based amenities at this luxury beach resort include:

• Onsite secluded beach
• Pool
• Hot tub
• Cabanas
• Boat rentals
• Snorkeling
• Inflatable water playground

Other amenities at this luxury beach resort include:

• Three restaurants
• Spa
• Sauna
• Steam room
• Fishing
• Golf
• Tennis
• Recreation programs
• Fitness center
• Bicycle rentals
• Nature trails
• Health club
• Lawn games
• Kids club
• Playground
• Champagne sabering (daily)
• Tropical iced tea (daily)
• S’mores (Wednesday and Saturday)
• Koi fish feeding (daily)

12. The Ritz-Carlton, St. Thomas

Location: Red Hook, U.S. Virgin Islands

AAA Diamond Designation: Four Diamond

Venture into another U.S. territory in the Virgin Islands when you visit The Ritz-Carlton, St. Thomas. The resort’s adult-only infinity edge pool, family pool with a waterslide and main Coconut Grove beach pool are luxury amenities for any beachside vacation. Also, the resort’s four restaurants embrace local elements and ingredients so you can explore the local cuisine.

Water-based amenities at this beach resort include:

• Onsite beach
• Three pools
• Hot tub
• Cabanas
• Beachfront gazebo
• Boat rentals
• Watersports
• Scuba diving
• Snorkeling

Other amenities at this beach resort include:

• Four restaurants
• Spa
• Steam room
• Tennis
• Yoga
• Recreation programs
• Fitness center
• Top golf swing suite
• Kids club

13. Perdido Beach Resort

Location: Orange Beach, Alabama

AAA Diamond Designation: Three Diamond

Back in the continental U.S., you can visit the Gulf Coast of Alabama and stay at Perdido Beach Resort in Orange Beach. Enjoy views of the Gulf from your room’s balcony, outdoor and indoor pools and five onsite restaurants. 

Water-based amenities at this beach resort include:

• Onsite beach
• Two pools
• Hot tub
• Boat rentals
• Aquatic adventure excursion service

Other amenities at this beach resort include:

• Five restaurants
• Fishing
• Yoga
• In-season recreation programs
• Fitness center
• Live music
• EV charging stations

14. The San Luis Resort, Spa & Conference Center

Location: Galveston, Texas

AAA Diamond Designation: Four Diamond

Gain a different perspective of the Gulf in Galveston, Texas, at The San Luis Resort, Spa & Conference Center. Lounge poolside while enjoying the tranquil beach scenery and dine at 10 unique onsite restaurants. 

Water-based amenities at this beach resort include:

• Onsite beach
• Pool
• Hot tub
• Cabanas

Other amenities at this beach resort include:

• Ten restaurants
• Spa
• Sauna
• Steam room
• Tennis
• Pickleball
• Yoga
• Summer recreation programs
• Fitness center
• Bicycle rentals
• Lawn games
• Arts and crafts
• Rainforest River Adventure Ride
• Mixology classes

15. Margaritaville Beach Resort

Location: South Padre Island, Texas

AAA Diamond Designation: Three Diamond

Take in views of the Gulf from your room’s balconies at the Margaritaville Beach Resort in South Padre Island, Texas. Enjoy two pools — including an outdoor heated pool — and two onsite restaurants during your stay.

Water-based amenities at this beach resort include:

• Onsite beach
• Two pools
• Hot tub
• Cabanas
• Snorkeling
• Jet skiing
• Dolphin tours

Other amenities at this resort include: 

• Two restaurants
• Spa
• Fishing
• Fitness center
• Horseback riding
• Sandcastle workshop

16. Waldorf Astoria Monarch Beach Resort & Club

Location: Dana Point, California

AAA Diamond Designation: Five Diamond

Explore the U.S. West Coast through the best beach resorts in California, including the Waldorf Astoria Monarch Beach Resort & Club in Dana Point. Experience world-class luxury throughout the resort, whether on your private balcony, in the three pools — including an adults-only spa lap pool— or dining at the seven gourmet onsite restaurants. 

Water-based amenities at this luxury beach resort include:

• Onsite private beach club
• Three pools
• Hot tub
• Cabanas
• Surfing 
• Boogie boarding
• Sprayground

Other amenities at this luxury beach resort include:

• Seven restaurants
• Spa
• Golf
• Tennis
• Yoga
• Fitness classes
• Fitness center
• Peloton bikes
• Bicycle rentals
• Hiking and running trails
• Lawn games

17. The Waterfront Beach Resort, A Hilton Hotel

Location: Huntington Beach, California

AAA Diamond Designation: Four Diamond

In Huntington Beach, California, stay at The Waterfront Beach Resort, A Hilton Hotel, for a Mediterranean-style experience. The resort offers two outdoor oceanfront pools — one equipped with two water slides — and a restaurant featuring coastal cuisine. 

Water-based amenities at this beach resort include:

• Onsite beach
• Two pools
• Hot tub
• Cabanas
• Water slides
• Beach wagon with chairs and umbrella

Other amenities at this beach resort include:

• Restaurant
• Spa
• Sauna
• Steam room
• Fitness center
• Lawn games
• EV charging stations

18. The Resort at Pelican Hill

Location: Newport Beach, California

AAA Diamond Designation: Five Diamond

Experience the Pacific Ocean in true luxury at The Resort at Pelican Hill in Newport Beach, California. There are two onsite restaurants, every room includes fireplaces and private terraces, and the resort’s unique Coliseum pool has a diameter of 136 feet.

Water-based amenities at this luxury beach resort include:

• Onsite beach
• Pool
• Hot tub
• Cabanas
• Access to Crystal Cove
• Beach umbrellas and chairs

Other amenities at this luxury beach resort include:

• Two restaurants
• Spa
• Sauna
• Steam room
• Golf
• In-season recreation programs
• Daily fresh-air fitness classes
• Fitness center
• Infused water
• Board games

19. The Westin Hapuna Beach Resort

Location: Kohala Coast, Hawaii

AAA Diamond Designation: Four Diamond

You can’t have luxury beach resorts in the U.S. without including Hawaii. Visit The Westin Hapuna Beach Resort in Kohala Coast and unwind in two pools — a family-friendly option and an adult-only infinity pool — and dine on local ingredients at three onsite restaurants. You can also book a table at the Big Island’s premier Lū‘au hosted onsite at the resort.

Water-based amenities at this beach resort include: 

• Onsite beach
• Two pools
• Hot tub
• Cabanas
• Boat rentals
• Snorkeling

Other amenities at this beach resort include:

• Three restaurants
• Spa
• Golf course designed by Arnold Palmer
• Recreation programs
• Fitness center
• Crossfit studio
• Lawn games
• Kids club

20. The Kahala Hotel & Resort

Location: Honolulu, Hawaii

AAA Diamond Designation: Four Diamond

Get a taste of Hawaiian culture at Honolulu’s Kahala Hotel & Resort. Here, you can relax and soak up the sun in the resort’s heated outdoor pool and indulge by dining at six onsite restaurants.

Water-based amenities at this beach resort include:

• Onsite white sand beach
• Pool
• Hot tub
• Cabanas
• Snorkeling
• Scuba diving
• Beach towel and furniture rentals
• Dolphin quest

Other amenities at this beach resort include:

• Six restaurants
• Spa
• Sauna
• Steam room
• Yoga
• Recreation programs
• Fitness classes
• Fitness center
• Bicycle rentals
• Jogging routes
• Health club
• Arts and crafts (Wednesdays)
• Hawaiian cultural classes (hula dancing, lei making, lauhala weaving, etc.)
• EV charging stations

21. Four Seasons Resort Oahu at Ko Olina

Location: Kapolei, Hawaii

AAA Diamond Designation: Four Diamond

Experience more of Hawaii at the Four Seasons Resort Oahu at Ko Olina in Kapolei. Here, you can relax in four pools — a family-friendly option, an adult-only infinity pool and other quiet options — and indulge at four onsite restaurants. 

Water-based amenities at this beach resort include:

• Onsite beach
• Four pools
• Hot tub 
• Cabanas
• Boat rentals
• Sailing
• Marina
• Snorkeling

Other amenities at this beach resort include:

• Four restaurants
• Spa
• Sauna
• Steam room
• Fishing
• Golf
• Tennis
• Recreation programs
• Fitness classes
• Health club
• Kids and teen clubs
• Art and cultural workshops
• Lei greeting and welcome drink upon arrival

Why Stay at Beach Resorts

One of the most popular ways to vacation is by visiting popular beach towns. When booking your accommodations, beach resorts should always be at the top of your list. Resorts on the beach often provide you with exclusive access to the sand, glistening pools, gourmet restaurants and activities galore — keeping you fully occupied for the entire duration of your stay. 

On-Site Amenities

The amenities offered at beach resorts are undoubtedly one of the top reasons to stay at one while on your trip. Before your stay, check which amenities the resort offers by looking at its website and see if they align with your expectations. 

For example, if you’re traveling for your honeymoon, you’ll want to book a beach resort with more adult-only areas. Similarly, if you’re going on a family vacation with kids, you’ll want to make sure there are plenty of activities that cater to their age. 

Best-in-Class Service

Another reason to stay at the best beach resorts in the U.S. is the best-in-class service you’ll experience throughout your luxury beach vacation. From concierge services to activity directors and more, resorts pride themselves on quality of service and creating a memorable experience for all guests. This makes beach resorts a perfect accommodation option while on a romantic getaway or for a milestone moment. 

What Makes an All-Inclusive Resort Different

Beyond a regular resort, you may also come across all-inclusive resorts in your search for the perfect stay for your needs. When looking at the best all-inclusive resorts, you’ll want to see what packages they have to offer. 

Packages will ultimately determine what you’re able to access during your stay. For example, some all-inclusive resorts will offer a separate package for alcoholic beverages that you can add on. Generally, all-inclusive resort packages will come with your room, dining and all onsite activities.

Why You Should Book Your Beach Resort Stay with AAA

Plan your next vacation today with AAA Travel. By booking the best beach resorts with your AAA Membership, you have peace of mind knowing you’re staying at the best of the best with AAA Diamond designations and exclusive discounts.