The Waterfront Beach Resort, a Hilton Hotel is a full-service oceanfront resort at 21100 Pacific Coast Hwy, Huntington Beach, CA 92648, directly across Pacific Coast Highway from Huntington City Beach in the downtown Huntington Beach area. Opened in 1990 and enlarged with the Twin Dolphin Tower in 2016, this contemporary two-tower hotel draws beachgoing families, couples, and conference travelers for its sand-facing location, resort pools, rooftop cocktails, and easy access to the pier and Main Street.
What to Expect at The Waterfront Beach Resort, a Hilton Hotel
The resort’s 437 rooms and suites are divided between the original Waterfront Tower and the newer Twin Dolphin Tower. Categories range from city-view and ocean-view king or two-queen rooms to larger suites, with many accommodations offering furnished balconies or patios. The visual focus is the Pacific: cross the highway to reach the broad public beach, then return to a landscaped resort compound with palm-lined pool decks, fire features, cabanas, hot tubs, and water slides at the Driftwood Beach Club.
Dining is designed around the coast rather than formal fine dining. Henry’s Coastal Cuisine handles breakfast and dinner with California-inspired plates, while Offshore 9 Rooftop Lounge on the ninth floor pairs Pacific views with cocktails and shareable dishes. The Dock Bar provides a casual poolside setting. Room service and outlet schedules can vary by season and private events, so check the official resort website before planning a particular meal or sunset drink.
- Driftwood Beach Club: Resort pool complex with two outdoor pools, water slides, hot tubs, shaded seating, cabanas, and fire-pit areas.
- Offshore 9 Rooftop Lounge: Ninth-floor bar and lounge with wide views over Huntington Beach, the pier, and the Pacific.
- Henry’s Coastal Cuisine: On-site restaurant for coastal California breakfast and dinner in a polished but relaxed dining room.
- Twin Dolphin Tower: The 2016 expansion added contemporary guest rooms and suites, many oriented toward ocean or pool views.
- Beachfront position: Huntington City Beach is immediately opposite the resort, with the Huntington Beach Pier about a 10- to 15-minute walk away.
The Waterfront Beach Resort, a Hilton Hotel at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Address | 21100 Pacific Coast Hwy, Huntington Beach, CA 92648 |
| Neighborhood / Area | Downtown Huntington Beach, opposite Huntington City Beach |
| Operating Hours | Hotel guest services operate 24 hours daily; restaurant, rooftop lounge, pool, and slide hours vary by day and season. |
| Admission / Price Range | $$$; paid overnight accommodation, with room rates, resort fees, and parking charges varying by date. |
| Recommended Visit Duration | Two to three nights for beach time, pool use, and downtown exploration |
| Nearest Transit / Parking | OCTA Route 1 runs along Pacific Coast Highway; paid on-site self-parking and valet options are available. |
| Official Website & Phone | Hilton Waterfront Beach Resort & +1 714-845-8000 |
Visiting Tips, Getting There & Nearby Pairings
For a quieter pool experience, claim a chair shortly after the pool deck opens; weekends, school holidays, and summer afternoons are the busiest periods. Reserve a cabana and rooftop table ahead for peak dates, particularly if sunset is the goal. Check-in is generally from 4 pm and check-out is generally by 11 am. Drivers should arrange parking with the hotel before arrival, while car-free guests can use OCTA Route 1 along Pacific Coast Highway and walk the final stretch with care at the highway crossing.
Accessible guest rooms and elevators support step-free circulation through the hotel’s principal accommodation floors and public areas; request a specific accessible room configuration when booking. The pool deck is substantially easier to navigate than the soft public beach, where a beach wheelchair may be useful. Pair a stay with the Huntington Beach Pier and Main Street’s shops and restaurants, each roughly 10 to 15 minutes on foot, or walk south toward the shops and dining at Pacific City. Huntington Beach State Beach begins a short distance south along the coast.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the hotel hours and when is the best time to arrive?
The hotel reception operates around the clock, while dining, pool, and water-slide schedules change seasonally. Arrive early on a weekday for the calmest pool deck, and reserve Offshore 9 in advance for a weekend sunset.
How much does a stay cost, and do I need reservations?
This is a $$$ beachfront resort, with nightly rates varying significantly by season, room type, and demand; resort fees and parking charges may apply. Book rooms in advance for summer, holiday weekends, and major events, and make dining reservations when a specific rooftop time matters.
How long should I stay at The Waterfront Beach Resort?
Two nights gives enough time for a beach day, the pools, and an evening on Main Street. Stay three nights if you want unhurried pool time plus walks to the pier, Pacific City, and Huntington Beach State Beach.
Is the resort suitable for families and guests with mobility needs?
Families benefit from two pools, water slides, larger two-queen rooms, and immediate beach access across the highway. Accessible rooms and elevator-served hotel areas are available, but contact the resort directly to secure the required room features and discuss pool or beach access needs.
When planning your Huntington Beach travel guide or browsing verified hotels in Huntington Beach, pair this stop with standout local spots including Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve, Ola Mexican Kitchen, Longboard Restaurant & Pub, and Paséa Hotel & Spa (0.2 km away).
