21 Best San Francisco Hotels with Ocean Views in 2023 [w/ Map]

LOOKING FOR THE BEST SAN FRANCISCO HOTELS WITH OCEAN VIEWS?

Then you’re in the right place, and now is your chance to book the perfect hotel in San Francisco with an ocean view for an epic getaway to the city. 

We have visited the city countless times, so we’ve covered everything you need to know, from what room to book to what attractions are close to the hotel.

In this post, you will find the best ocean view hotels in San Francisco that are all conveniently located at various budgets, so you can book the best room for your trip.

Top 3 Picks: Hotels in San Francisco with Ocean Views

21 Best San Francisco Hotels with Ocean Views

1. Four Seasons Hotel San Francisco at Embarcadero

• ❤️ Best For: Visitors after a boutique hotel feel, 5-star service, and fantastic ocean views
• 🏨 Location: Embarcadero
• ⭐ Rating: 9.2/10
• ✅ VIEW ON BOOKING.COM

Four Seasons Hotel San Francisco at Embarcadero is relatively new and is already making its name as a go-to hotel in SF’s FiDi and Embarcadero areas with its elegant rooms and world-class service.

Four Seasons Embarcadero has multiple rooms with stunning bay views that stretch from the Golden Gate to the Bay Bridge. 

This hotel takes up the top 11 floors of the 48-story building, ensuring every room has great views. 

Location was great, the view from the room was amazing, and the hotel had a town car that took us to our dinner destinations.

-JOSEPH (READ MORE REVIEWS)

The best room options look out over the water and have a clear view of the Transamerica Building and the Coit Tower in the distance. 

Your San Francisco hotel with ocean view choices will depend on the room choice you select, including the “Bay View,” “Golden Gate view,” or “Bridge View”.

If you’re lucky to be here during the Fourth of July, New Year’s Eve, or an SF Giants game, expect some stunning fireworks you can enjoy viewing from your room.

2. 1 Hotel San Francisco

• ❤️ Best For: Families after the views of San Francisco Bay and Fisherman’s Wharf attractions
• 🏨 Location: Embarcadero
• ⭐ Rating: 8.8/10
• ✅ VIEW ON BOOKING.COM

1 Hotel San Francisco is one the best ocean view hotels in San Francisco.

Is it also one of the closest hotels to Embarcadero and is just steps away from the Ferry Building, where you can explore the gourmet shops and visit the farmers market.  

If you are up for an adventure, you can catch the ferry just across the street to visit Angel Island or the seaside town of Sausalito.

This 1 Hotel is one of the few waterfront hotels in San Francisco and is as close to the bay as you can get, with many rooms featuring views of the Bay Bridge.

The front desk and concierge were very accommodating and professional. The room was upscale and unique. The view was incredible, and the location was on the Embarcadero.

-ANNE (READ MORE REVIEWS)

Book the Panoramic Waterfront Suite, which features large picture windows that wrap around the room where you can enjoy the bay views from your bed. 

You can expect 5-star level service at this hotel, but the biggest surprise is an onsite restaurant serving excellent Mediterranean cuisine on a terrace overlooking the Ferry Building. 

This is a great option for those who want easy access to some of the city’s top attractions or for those who just want to stay in and enjoy the views.

3. Hyatt Regency San Francisco

• ❤️ Best For: Business trips with visits to touristy spots by the Piers, Union Square, and Fisherman’s Wharf
• 🏨 Location: Embarcadero
• ⭐ Rating: 8.6/10
• ✅ VIEW ON BOOKING.COM

Hyatt Regency San Francisco is perfectly situated less than a city block from the bay’s edge.

What makes this hotel a must-book are the rooms with a balcony where you can relax and enjoy some jaw-dropping views of the bay while enjoying some locally produced wine.

This 4-star hotel is within walking distance from shopping in Union Square and the iconic Ferry Building, where you can taste some of the best treats in the city, from gourmet ice cream to artisan sourdough.

You’ll struggle to find a better hotel than this! Amazing hotel with brilliant rooms! Location is perfect for accessing the piers for easy access around San Francisco.

-JORDAN (READ MORE REVIEWS)

The location also offers easy access to the F-line light rail trolly that will whisk you along the Embarcadero to top destinations, including Fishermans Wharf and Pier 39.

Few San Francisco hotels with ocean views offer this combination of a great location and rooms that overlook the bay from a private balcony.

4. Harbor Court Hotel

• ❤️ Best For: Couples and families planning to commute around San Francisco
• 🏨 Location: Embarcadero
• ⭐ Rating: 8.6/10
• ✅ VIEW ON BOOKING.COM

Harbor Court Hotel is located in the heart of the Embarcadero, about a 5-minute walk away from Embarcadero, and offers waterfront views of the Bay Bridge. 

Of the oceanfront hotels in San Francisco, the Harbor Court Hotel offers some great views from the rooms at lower prices than the competition.

The best location for walking around Embarcadero on the water with a beautiful bay view. Donuts and coffee in the morning are fun.

– MELANIE (READ MORE REVIEWS)

The Penthouse Suite has the best views of the San Francisco Bay, the Bay Bridge, and Treasure Island, making it a great option for a special getaway or a honeymoon. 

If the Penthouse isn’t in your price range, check out the Queen Room or King Room with Bay Views. The rooms are smaller, but the views still have the wow factor.

If you’re looking for San Francisco hotels on the waterfront that is in a great location, book your stay here.

5. Fairmont Heritage Place Ghirardelli Square

• ❤️ Best For: Families looking for a mix of full-service and apartment-living amenities
• 🏨 Location: Fisherman’s Wharf
• ⭐ Rating: 9.2/10
• ✅ VIEW ON BOOKING.COM

If you are looking for San Francisco hotels with water view for a special occasion, this Fairmont Heritage Place Ghirardelli Square offers apartment-style accommodations right in the heart of  Ghirardelli Square. 

The place has one, two, or three-bedroom apartments with views of the bay, Alcatraz, and the historic ships at the San Francisco Maritime Park.

If you’re visiting with kids, they’d probably go crazy with the elevator access to Ghirardelli Ice Cream and Chocolate Shop. Yup, you don’t need to go outside the building to get a sweet treat.

The place was beyond all my expectations. Everything was perfect or even better. If I come to San Francisco once again I will choose this place without even thinking!

-HUZOOLE (READ MORE REVIEWS)

The best part of this family-suite hotel is its location on Beach Street in Fishermans Wharf, which means you will have unparalleled access to the area’s top attractions.

You can buy Dungeness crab right from the fisherman and some sourdough bread from Boudin Bakery and cook up a feast in your room’s fully equipped kitchen.

You can also enjoy a meal on the water at one of the many historic restaurants, including Scoma’s, where you can eat a giant bowl of Cioppino or Clam Chowder. 

The Fairmont is known for its luxury accommodations, and this conveniently located branch delivers views that will be the star of your trip.

6. Argonaut Hotel

• ❤️ Best For: Couples or families who want to stay in Fisherman’s Wharf
• 🏨 Location: Fisherman’s Wharf
• ⭐ Rating: 8.7/10
• ✅ VIEW ON BOOKING.COM

The Argonaut Hotel offers great views of the Bay and the Golden Gate Bridge from many of the rooms and is also perfectly situated in the heart of Fisherman’s Wharf. 

All the rooms in the hotel feature a nautical theme and exposed brick that pays tribute to the history of this neighborhood.

The hotel is also close to the ferry going to Alcatraz Island and is a short walk from family-friendly attractions like the Exploratorium and the California Academy of Sciences. 

The location was perfect for what we wanted to see in San Francisco (Fisherman’s Wharf, Ghirardelli’s, Alcatraz). the staff were extremely friendly, helpful and professional, and the room was beautiful.

– SARA (READ MORE REVIEWS)

If you are up to exploring further, the hotel offers complimentary use of their cruiser bikes that you can ride to Pier 39 or Crissy Field.

After a day of exploring the city, the Argonaut has its onsite restaurant where you can enjoy its famous chowders and a pint of locally brewed Anchor Steam Ale. 

This is one of the hotels with ocean view in San Francisco that is also conveniently located near the top tourist attractions.

For a romantic stay in the city, book the One Bedroom King Suite, which also comes with your own hot tub in your room. 

7. Le Meridien San Francisco

• ❤️ Best For: tourists in town for business 
• 🏨 Location: Financial District
• ⭐ Rating: 8.3/10
• ✅ VIEW ON BOOKING.COM

The location of Le Meridien San Francisco is ideal for a business trip or a special getaway to the “city by the bay.” 

The hotel is located in the Financial District and is a short stroll to the Embarcadero to explore the Ferry Building and a 15-minute walk to shopping in Union Square. 

The Le Meridian also offers easy access to large portions of the city as cable car, light rail, and BART Train stations are just blocks away. 

The room was spacious and had a beautiful view of the bay. Close to the activities we went to during our stay.  

-MARIE (READ MORE REVIEWS)

Many of this high-rise hotel’s rooms offer views of the San Francisco skyline but book Le Meridien’s Suite with bay views for a special treat.

The room even has a private balcony where you can watch the fog roll into the bay over a cup of coffee or while enjoying a nightcap. 

Le Meridien has undergone multiple renovations throughout the years, but this hotel in San Francisco with ocean views always remains classy with contemporary design.

8. Intercontinental Hotel San Francisco, an IHG Hotel

• ❤️ Best For: Honeymoons, business trips, and family tours around downtown SF
• 🏨 Location: Embarcadero, SoMa area
• ⭐ Rating: 8.3/10
• ✅ VIEW ON BOOKING.COM

Like all other IHG Hotels, Intercontinental Hotel San Francisco offers big rooms with floor-to-ceiling windows with views of the bay.

Some rooms even feature large bathrooms with views from their picture windows, which you can enjoy while brushing your teeth.

While many rooms offer panoramic views of the city and rows of buildings, a few options, including the Premier King Room, and the One-Bedroom King Suite, have bay views. 

We loved the view from our room. The room was clean, and the bed was super comfortable. The indoor swimming pool is a great added value to the hotel.

-CECILE (READ MORE REVIEWS)

This is one of the best ocean view hotels in San Francisco and is super close to Moscone Convention Center, the Giants’ AT&T Park, and shopping at Union Square. 

This fairly new hotel features industry-leading service and offers all the amenities you need for an amazing stay in San Francisco.

9. Hotel Griffon

• ❤️ Best For: Tourists going on cruises, visitors on business trips, and families wanting to enjoy the heart of San Francisco
• 🏨 Location: Embarcadero
• ⭐ Rating: 8.3/10
• ✅ VIEW ON BOOKING.COM

Hotel Griffon is a landmark building located right across from the bay with roots dating back to 1906. 

The hotel has charming decor that offers a relaxed environment that embodies the historic nature of the hotel. 

Of the hotels with ocean views in San Francisco, the Hotel Griffon offers the best up-close view of the Bay Bridge from many of its rooms. 

The view! we had a 5th floor suite and the view was just to die for. I’d stay there again for the view alone!

– CHRISTINA (READ MORE REVIEWS)

You can also enjoy the view and the bay breezes from the dining room and the patio at Perry’s restaurant on the hotel’s ground floor. 

Hotel Griffon is located within walking distance from the Ferry Building Marketplace and Rincon park with its giant bow and arrow sculpture.

What we love best about this San Francisco hotel are the picture-perfect European-inspired rooms and the extra service, such as free transport in a town car to the Financial District. 

If you want a room facing the San Francisco bay, add a note when booking. Only the garden-view rooms are listed online, but the hotel offers suites and rooms with ocean views.

10. Cavallo Point

• ❤️ Best For: Anyone looking for a unique SF viewpoint and activities
• 🏨 Location: Sausalito
• ⭐ Rating: 9.1/10
• ✅ VIEW ON BOOKING.COM

You’ll feel like you’ve been transported to a different place when you book a room at the historic Cavallo Point. 

The property is situated inside Fort Baker, which is a former military base overlooking the Golden Gate Bridge. 

What used to be former officer housing is now a modern one-of-a-kind resort with luxurious amenities.  

Cavallo Point is just 8 miles from downtown San Francisco, but the biggest perk of a stay is that you can escape the busy and stressful city to this oasis of tranquility.

Best location in the San Francisco area and the beautiful scenery of the Golden Gate Bridge.

– SULTAN (READ MORE REVIEWS)

While the Cavallo Point isn’t technically one of the San Francisco waterfront hotels, it more than makes up for it with the best view of the Golden Gate from any hotel on this list.

The hotel’s location is ideal for nature lovers as it offers direct access to hiking on some of the best trails in the region to breathtaking views of the city.

After a day of exploring San Francisco, take some time to recharge with a complimentary yoga class, get a treatment at the in-house spa, or relax in the heated meditation pool.

You can also enjoy a glass of Napa wine by your in-room fireplace while enjoying the view of the bridge and the cityscape.

Ocean View Hotels in San Francisco

11. Fairmont San Francisco

• ❤️ Best For: Visitors looking for a picturesque stay but close to major SF attractions
• 🏨 Location: Nob Hill
• ⭐ Rating: 8.0/10
• ✅ VIEW ON BOOKING.COM

This Fairmont San Francisco is located atop Nob Hill, which offers a perfect combination of stunning views from many of the rooms and a location close to many of the city’s top attractions.

If you are fortunate enough to book the luxurious corner suite, you will be treated to panoramic views of the bay with the Transamerica building in the foreground. 

You can also book a room with a large balcony where you can lounge on the patio furniture while taking in the view and the ocean breezes.

Everything about the hotel is amazing. The staff, quality of food, rooms and open spaces.

– KAMALDEEP (READ MORE REVIEWS)

The Fairmont offers easy access to Union Square for shopping, North Beach for Italian dining, and Chinatown to snack on some dim sum or explore the shops.

This classic hotel also has the iconic Tonga Room tiki bar, which draws in crowds for its potent tropical drinks and Polynesian decor.

A stay at the Fairmont means receiving world-class service and hospitality so they can help you plan on visiting the top sites near the city such as Muir Woods and even Napa Valley.

This high-class hotel is a perfect place to stay for a special occasion such as a California Christmas holiday or a special treat that will create a lasting memory.

12. Hotel Zephyr San Francisco

• ❤️ Best For: Anyone who loves seafood and plans to spend time at the bustling Pier 39 and Alcatraz Island
• 🏨 Location: Fisherman’s Wharf
• ⭐ Rating: 8.3/10
• ✅ VIEW ON BOOKING.COM

We adore the Hotel Zephyr San Francisco for its modern and fun nautical-themed interior design and close proximity to two of the top tourist destinations in the city. 

The Zephyr is conveniently situated between Fishermans Wharf and Pier 39, where you can eat locally caught seafood and explore the shops until your hearts are content.

The best part is all this fun and tasty food is within minutes of the hotel’s front door.

Great location. Close to major attractions. Clean room. Nice view. Fun courtyard. Smores a plus.

-WADE (READ MORE REVIEWS)

If you need a break from the tourist activities, the hotel offers a large list of amenities to keep you and your family entertained, from an in-house restaurant and bar to S’mores kits for roasting by the fire pit.

To score a room with breathtaking views of the bay, book one of the bay view or waterfront options for a memorable experience.

13. Stanford Court Hotel

• ❤️ Best For: Those who plan to go on a San Francisco museum tour
• 🏨 Location: Nob Hill
• ⭐ Rating: 8.6/10
• ✅ VIEW ON BOOKING.COM

Stanford Court Hotel is a luxury hotel located in the historic upscale neighborhood of Nob Hill. 

The hotel is ideally located just three blocks from the high end stores in Union Square and just four blocks from the tasty dim sum houses and bakeries in Chinatown.

Because the hotel is perched on top of Nob Hill, some rooms feature spectacular views of the cityscape with the bay in the background.

Location is perfect, cable cars are outside to get to all the perfect places. The view from skyline room is great for watching the sun rise.

-JULIE (READ MORE REVIEWS)

After a long day of touring the city’s best museums, buy your favorite drink at the in-house cafe, then enjoy your ocean and city views in the comfort of your cozy room. 

For an added treat for fitness enthusiasts, you can get a workout in the modern gym with views of the Transamerica building. 

Book the Premier King Room with View if you wish to wake up with views of San Francisco Bay and cityscapes. 

14. Westin St. Francis

• ❤️ Best For: Visitors planning to spend time in Chinatown, Theater District, and downtown San Francisco attractions
• 🏨 Location: Union Square
• ⭐ Rating: 8.4/10
• ✅ VIEW ON BOOKING.COM

Westin St. Francis is one of the most popular hotels in downtown San Francisco because of its historic charm and unbeatable location in the heart of Union Square. 

This San Francisco hotel offers a class touch with its classic design that pays tribute to its historic past, with dark hardwood and leather seating contrasting the modern but comfortably appointed rooms.

The hotel also is home to the famous Clock Bar for excellently crafted cocktails, and the legendary Chateau Montelena winery from Napa has an in-house tasting room.

I loved the location! There was a cable car stop right in front of the hotel. Didn’t know so many presidents have stayed there.

-CINDY (READ MORE REVIEWS)

Since the Westin is located in Union Square, you will have easy access to shopping at the area’s high end boutiques, great local restaurants, and plenty of nightlife. 

If you hope to catch a shop in the Theater District, you’ll love that the hotel is just three minutes from the Curran and A.C.T. Geary Theater.

Book any Bay View Suites or Pacific Suite corner rooms for those obsessed with San Francisco ocean views.

15. Grand Hyatt San Francisco Union Square

• ❤️ Best For: Business trip around downtown SF
• 🏨 Location: Union Square
• ⭐ Rating: 8.4/10
• ✅ VIEW ON BOOKING.COM

Grand Hyatt San Francisco Union Square is ideal if you plan to explore Union Square, Chinatown, or Nob Hill. 

The hotel rooms are modernly appointed and feature warm tones that offer a comfortable environment to relax and take in the bay views through the large picture windows.

Getting to tourist destinations throughout the city is easy from the hotel as the Powell and Sutter Street cable car stop is one block away, and the BART station is only a ten-minute walk.

Comfortable room, clean and elegant hotel, great location for visiting San Francisco, nice view of San Francisco Bay from the room.

-RAZVAN (READ MORE REVIEWS)

Book the King Room with a Bay View for your private view of the bay and cityscape. 

You can always visit the 24-hour StayFit fitness center located on the hotel’s 35th floor, which boasts floor-to-ceiling windows with Instagram-worthy views of San Francisco.

16. Hotel Via

• ❤️ Best For: Families, couples watching San Francisco Giants at Oracle Park
• 🏨 Location:  South Beach
• ⭐ Rating: 8.6/10
• ✅ VIEW ON BOOKING.COM

Hotel Via is one of the go-to South Beach district hotels not only because it is situated across the street from the Home of the Giants baseball team at Oracle Park.

This hotel prides itself on being more than boutique, with sophisticated and modernly designed rooms that fit the vibe of the up-and-coming South Beach neighborhood.

The Hotel Via also features a hip rooftop bar that overlooks the ballpark and features excellent cocktails and bar snacks.

We always stay at the Hotel Via when we visit San Francisco from the South Bay. It is so conveniently located next to the ballpark and the Embarcadero! Great location, staff, and rooftop bar!

-MARJORIE (READ MORE REVIEWS)

This modern boutique hotel in SF is strategically located near some great breweries, cocktail bars, and Michelin-starred restaurants.

San Francisco MoMa and the Moscone Center are also within walking distance from the hotel.

Book the Queen & King Rooms with Sea Views or splurge on the King Suite, which offers views of the bay, the cityscape, and the ballpark.

17. Parc 55 San Francisco – A Hilton Hotel

• ❤️ Best For: Easy access to public transportation
• 🏨 Location: Union Square
• ⭐ Rating: 8.2/10
• ✅ VIEW ON EXPEDIA.COM

Parc 55 San Francisco is in a prime location near Union Square and offers easy access to the BART train and cable car that will zip you to tourist destinations throughout the city. 

This Hilton Hotel offers classically appointed rooms that are one part cozy and one part elegant.

Although the hotel is close to countless great restaurants, you can stay in and dine at one of the two restaurants inside the property.

Great location for tourists! Cable cars and other public transportation were just around the corner! We went to the rooftop bar at the other property to enjoy the views of the city.

– KAREN (READ MORE REVIEWS)

The Cable 55 restaurant features classic American dishes, while the Michelin-starred Kin Khao offers modern takes on traditional Thai dishes.

For a special occasion, book the Bay View King Bed Suite for gorgeous views of San Francisco bay or the Sunset Suite if you want a private jacuzzi in your room.

18. Intercontinental Mark Hopkins San Francisco

• ❤️ Best For: Visitors looking for quiet nights, but near San Francisco attractions
• 🏨 Location: Nob Hill
• ⭐ Rating: 8.0/10
• ✅ VIEW ON BOOKING.COM

Intercontinental Mark Hopkins San Francisco is located in the upscale Nob Hill neighborhood and features some of the best views in the city. 

This historic hotel was first built in 1926 and sits caddy corner to the James C. Flood Mansion, Huntington Park, and the Grace Cathedral.

While many rooms feature incredible views stretching from the Transamerica Building to the Golden Gate, the best views are from the Top of the Mark.

I loved my room, so golden and lovely. The view is spectacular from every room and every corner of the hotel, including the outdoor front entrance. Bridge on one side, water on the other. You cannot beat that.

-JESSICA (READ MORE REVIEWS)

This high-class cocktail lounge offers 360-degree views from the 19th floor, where you can listen to live music while sipping on classic libations.

Not only are the views spectacular, but so is the location at the top of Nob Hill, which is just a short walk from top tourist destinations in the city.

The Mark Hopkins is a San Francisco institution and is a must-stay for anyone visiting San Francisco for the first time.

19. LUMA Hotel

• ❤️ Best For: Visitors looking for a stress-free vacation 
• 🏨 Location: Mission Bay
• ⭐ Rating: 9.1/10
• ✅ VIEW ON BOOKING.COM

The LUMA in San Francisco is an ultramodern hotel featuring sophisticated amenities targeted at young and hip travelers.

Even before you enter the building, you will be wowed by massive LED light displays that illuminate the front of the building.

For Bay Area sports fans, this hotel is conveniently located just across the 3rd street bridge from the home of the Giants baseball at Oracle Park and a nine-minute walk to the Chase Center for Warriors basketball.

Amazing hotel with an excellent location for walking to the Giants game. Amazing view of the Bay bridge and Oracle Park. The staff was friendly and helpful. The rooms were beautiful and clean.

-JODI (READ MORE REVIEWS)

Many rooms feature large picture windows, while others have large corner windows that stretch from floor to ceiling with views of the bay. 

If the views from the room are not enough, book a table on the patio at their 17th-floor restaurant Cavaña for craft cocktails and Latin American-inspired share plates.

20. Holiday Inn Golden Gateway, an IHG Hotel

• ❤️ Best For: Those looking for budget hotels with a good location
• 🏨 Location: Polk Gulch 
• ⭐ Rating: 8.4/10
• ✅ VIEW ON EXPEDIA.COM

The Holiday Inn Golden Gateway is centrally located in San Francisco right off Van Ness Ave., which offers easy access to all the city’s top attractions.

There is even a cable car stop right outside the hotel that will connect you with destinations ranging from the Ferry Building to Fishermans Wharf. 

If you are looking for a budget-friendly hotel with great views and comfortable accommodations, this is a great choice for your visit.  

Convenient location, easy parking access. Friendly staff.

-SHAWNA (READ MORE REVIEWS)

Located close to Lombard Street, you’ll be pleasantly surprised that everything here is conveniently close to restaurants, landmarks, grocery, shopping districts, and public transit. 

The hotel has the usual amenities list, but they have a large pool terrace with a lounge for relaxing on a sunny day.

Make sure to book the Premier corner room, which features wall-to-wall windows with spectacular views of the city and the bay.

21. Hotel Caza Fisherman’s Wharf

• ❤️ Best For: Laidback vacation by the Fisherman’s Wharf
• 🏨 Location: Fisherman’s Wharf
• ⭐ Rating: 8.4/10
• ✅ VIEW ON BOOKING.COM

Caza Fisherman’s Wharf is a charming retro hotel located just blocks from Fisherman’s wharf. 

The hotel is packed with thoughtful amenities ranging from a hip cocktail bar to a game room for the kids.

They even have a great outdoor pool area that is primed for those days when the sun breaks through the San Francisco fog. 

I love the location, very close to the fishermen’s wharf everything we wanted to do. The staff was all very friendly and helpful.

-KIM (READ MORE REVIEWS)

The best part is you can enjoy the views of the bay and Alcatraz island right from your room if you book the partial bay two queen or a single king.

If a great location is one of your priorities, the hotel is just one block from the heart of Fisherman’s Wharf and is only a ten-minute walk to Pier 39 along the Embarcadero.

San Francisco Oceanfront Hotels Map

FAQs: San Francisco Waterfront Hotels

What is the difference between ocean view and beach view?

The difference between an ocean view and a beach view is as simple as whether the view features a strip of beach. 

If the view is only of the open ocean or the bay, it will be called an ocean view. If the view contains a stretch of beach, it can be called an ocean or beach view, as both would be correct. 

The only exception is when the beach is part of a lake, not the ocean.

Is an ocean view same as ocean front?

No, ocean view means that there is a view that contains the ocean, while ocean front signifies that the place is right next to the ocean.

An ocean view hotel can be a good distance from the ocean and still offer ocean views from the room, but that same hotel could not claim to be oceanfront as they are too far away.

An oceanfront hotel may be adjacent to the water but not offer ocean views from the rooms.

What hotel in San Francisco has the best view?

The San Francisco hotel with the best views is the Mark Hopkins, situated on the top of Nob Hill. 

Many rooms feature breathtaking San Francisco views stretching from the Golden Gate Bridge to the South Bay.

The hotel also has a classy cocktail lounge called the Top of the Mark that has 360 degree views of the city. 

Wrap-Up: San Francisco Hotels with Ocean View

Now that you have seen all the amazing San Francisco hotels with ocean views, all you have to do is pick your favorite and book your trip.

If you’re still undecided, our top choice for the best San Francisco hotel with ocean view is the Four Seasons Hotel with its stunning views, amazing location and highly rated reviews.

Before you know it, you will be snacking on Dungeness crab at Fisherman’s Wharf or going for a walk across the Golden Gate Bridge.

So, what are you waiting for? Book your room and start packing for your trip to the “city by the bay.”