Shutters on the Beach
Best for guests who want direct access to Santa Monica State Beach, a compact oceanfront location, and a refined beachside hotel experience.
Hotel comparison guide
Shutters on the Beach vs Terranea Resort
Shutters on the Beach is a 5-star oceanfront hotel in Santa Monica with beach access, a heated ocean-view pool, ONE Spa, and dining aimed at beach and family travelers. Terranea Resort is an expansive 5-star coastal resort on the Palos Verdes Peninsula with multiple restaurants, four outdoor pools and a full-service spa—best for travelers who want a large resort property and on-site recreation.
Updated
Terranea Resort
Best for travelers seeking a full-service resort with multiple pools, on-site activities and larger event spaces away from crowded city beaches.
Quick Verdict: Shutters on the Beach vs Terranea Resort
When Shutters on the Beach wins: choose Shutters if you want to be steps from Santa Monica Pier, a smaller hotel footprint with oceanfront rooms, and quick walkable access to Santa Monica dining, shopping and the bike path.
When Terranea Resort wins: choose Terranea if you prefer a big resort with many on-site amenities — multiple restaurants and bars, four outdoor pools, a golf course nearby, extensive activity options and a larger spa program.
Bottom line: pick Shutters for compact, beachfront Santa Monica access and a more intimate hotel; pick Terranea for a broader resort experience and more on-site recreation. Both are 5-star options aimed at different trip styles.
Shutters on the Beach vs Terranea Resort – At a Glance
| Category | Shutters on the Beach | Terranea Resort |
|---|---|---|
| Overall vibe | Boutique oceanfront hotel with a focused beach-and-dining program | Expansive coastal resort with many on-site activities and facilities |
| Location | Directly on Santa Monica State Beach, steps from Santa Monica Pier and shops | Rancho Palos Verdes bluff and shoreline, on-site coastal access and trails |
| Size (rooms) | 186 guest rooms and 12 suites across two buildings | 582 air-conditioned rooms (supplier listing) |
| Ages / audience | All ages welcome; family-friendly with connecting rooms | All ages welcome; not adults-only |
| Pools & beach | One heated ocean-view outdoor pool, whirlpool hot tub, cabanas | Four outdoor pools, children’s pool and multiple poolside bars; on-site coastal access |
| Restaurants & bars | Three venues: 1 Pico (signature), Coast Beach Café & Bar, The Living Room lounge | Five restaurants, a coffee shop/cafe, five bars/lounges and four poolside bars |
| Spa & wellness | ONE Spa with signature facials, Hammam treatment, rain/steam rooms and relaxation lounge; 24-hour fitness center | Full-service spa with multiple treatment rooms, fitness classes and on-site wellness offerings |
| Known for | Immediate beach access and proximity to Santa Monica Pier and bike path | Resort-scale amenities, coastal trails and a broad program of activities |
| Event space | About 8,632 sq ft of event space with multiple venues (ballrooms, terraces) | Conference space and meeting rooms with large banquet/ballroom options |
| Parking & transport notes | Overnight valet parking (published rate varies), airport shuttle available for a surcharge | Valet parking (surcharge) and limo/town car service available; preferred airport LAX |
Location: Santa Monica beachfront vs Palos Verdes coastline
Shutters on the Beach – Location
Shutters sits directly on Santa Monica State Beach with easy walking access to the Pier and nearby shops.
- Steps from the sand and about a 5-minute walk to Santa Monica Pier.
- Within walking distance of Third Street Promenade, Main Street and local boutiques.
- Good for visitors who want walkable restaurants, nightlife and easy public transit connections.
Choose Shutters for immediate beach access and a walkable Santa Monica neighborhood.
Terranea Resort – Location
Terranea occupies a coastal site on the Palos Verdes Peninsula with bluff-top trails and resort seclusion.
- On-site coastal access, bluff trails and proximity to Point Vicente landmarks.
- Set away from Santa Monica’s urban center—better for a resort-stay rhythm than walking into a town center.
- Preferred airport listed as LAX; several regional airports are within driving distance.
Choose Terranea for a resort retreat on the Palos Verdes coast rather than a city-beach neighborhood stay.
Rooms: compact beachfront rooms vs larger resort inventory
Shutters on the Beach – Rooms
Shutters offers a modest inventory of oceanfront and partial-ocean rooms with several suite options.
- 186 guest rooms and 12 suites across the Ocean House and Beach House.
- Oceanfront, ocean view and partial-ocean view room types, plus suites with sofa beds for families.
- Rooms are sized and configured for an intimate hotel footprint and immediate ocean views.
Shutters is best when you want fewer rooms and direct beach-facing accommodations.
Terranea Resort – Rooms
Terranea’s supplier listing shows a wide variety of room types across a large inventory.
- 582 air-conditioned rooms with many ocean-view, oceanfront, casita and bungalow options.
- Room names include Ocean View Casita King Room, Premier Ocean View Suite, Bungalow, 1 Bedroom and 2-Bedroom Bungalow.
- Large property with more room-type variety for families, groups and longer stays.
Terranea suits travelers who want a broad choice of room types and larger resort accommodations.
Dining & drinks: focused oceanfront dining vs many on-site outlets
Shutters on the Beach – Dining & drinks
Shutters concentrates dining around three venues with ocean views and a signature restaurant.
- 1 Pico is the signature oceanfront Italian restaurant (dinner and weekend brunch service).
- Coast Beach Café & Bar serves beachside all-day meals and a Sunset Hour; The Living Room is a lobby lounge.
- Restaurants welcome outside guests; reservations recommended for 1 Pico.
Pick Shutters for a compact set of high-quality oceanfront dining options.
Terranea Resort – Dining & drinks
Terranea offers multiple restaurants and bars across the resort footprint.
- Five restaurants, a coffee shop/cafe, five bars/lounges and four poolside bars are listed.
- 24-hour room service is available at the resort.
- Dining options support both casual pool/beach meals and more formal restaurants.
Terranea works if you prefer a variety of on-site dining and casual poolside choices.
Pools & beach or signature amenity
Shutters on the Beach – Pools & beach or signature amenity
Shutters’ defining amenity is immediate beach access plus a single heated ocean-view pool and spa hot tub.
- Outdoor heated pool with Pacific Ocean views, whirlpool/hot tub, towel service and private cabanas.
- Pool seating is reserved for registered guests and is first-come, first-served.
- Complimentary beach yoga and seasonal bike rentals via the Beach Concierge extend the beachfront program.
Shutters pairs a single, well-located ocean-view pool with direct, public beach access.
Terranea Resort – Pools & beach or signature amenity
Terranea emphasizes on-site aquatic options with several pools and family-friendly water features.
- Four outdoor pools, a children’s pool, poolside bars and pool cabanas (surcharge for cabanas).
- Beach/coastal access and waterside activities (kayaking on site, snorkeling nearby, boat tours nearby).
- Complimentary area shuttle operates within 5 miles for getting to nearby attractions.
Terranea is the better pick when multiple pools and resort-scale pool programming matter.
Wellness & nightlife: spa programs and evening options
Shutters on the Beach – Wellness & nightlife
Shutters centers wellness around ONE Spa and beach-based fitness, with an intimate evening scene.
- ONE Spa open Tue–Sun with multiple treatment rooms, steam and rain rooms and signature facials/body treatments.
- 24-hour fitness center with Tonal, Peloton and Hydrow equipment; beach yoga classes on weekends.
- Evening options are concentrated: The Living Room offers cocktails and live music programming some nights.
Shutters connects a small full-service spa with local beach fitness and modest on-site evening entertainment.
Terranea Resort – Wellness & nightlife
Terranea offers a full-service spa plus a larger slate of on-site fitness classes and daytime activities.
- Full-service spa treatment rooms, fitness classes, Pilates and yoga offered on site.
- On-site activities include golf lessons, archery, miniature golf, and supervised children’s programs (surcharge).
- Evening nightlife is limited compared with an urban hotel—dining and bars are the primary after-dark options.
Terranea is stronger for a broader wellness and daytime-activity program; evenings focus on resort dining and bars.
Who Wins? Best Pick by Travel Style
Shutters on the Beach
Shutters — steps from Santa Monica State Beach and a short walk to the Pier and boardwalk.
Terranea Resort
Terranea — multiple pools, poolside bars and a wide range of on-site activities for families and groups.
Shutters on the Beach
Shutters — walk to Third Street Promenade, Main Street and nearby Santa Monica restaurants and shops.
Terranea Resort
Terranea — several restaurants, bars, spa, recreational programs and conference space on site.
Frequently asked questions
See all FAQs →Shutters on the Beach vs Terranea Resort: FAQs
Which hotel is better for a family with young children?
Both welcome children of all ages. Choose Shutters for easy beach access and a compact, walkable neighborhood; choose Terranea for more on-site kid-focused amenities and multiple pools.
Which hotel is more central for sightseeing in Los Angeles?
Shutters is in Santa Monica and within walking distance of the Pier, shopping and transit links; Terranea is farther south on Palos Verdes and better suited to a resort-focused stay.
Does Terranea have a golf course on site?
Terranea’s listing shows golfing on site and golf lessons available; do check with the resort for details and tee-time reservations.
Are both properties open to non-hotel guests for dining and spa services?
Yes. Shutters’ restaurants and ONE Spa accept outside guests (reservations recommended). Terranea also lists multiple restaurants and a full-service spa with public access; contact each property for availability.
More Shutters on the Beach Comparison Guides
Explore how Shutters on the Beach stacks up against other hotels nearby:
- Shutters on the Beach vs The Beverly Hills Hotel
- Shutters on the Beach vs The Beverly Hills Hotel Dorchester Collection
- Shutters on the Beach vs Beverly Wilshire, Beverly Hills, A Four Seasons Hotel
- Shutters on the Beach vs Waldorf Astoria Beverly Hills
- Shutters on the Beach vs The Peninsula Beverly Hills
- Shutters on the Beach vs Hotel Bel-Air Dorchester Collection
- Shutters on the Beach vs Casa Del Mar
- Shutters on the Beach vs The Maybourne Beverly Hills, Maybourne
- Shutters on the Beach vs Four Seasons Los Angeles at Beverly Hills
- Shutters on the Beach vs L'Ermitage Beverly Hills
- Shutters on the Beach vs The Ritz-Carlton, Los Angeles
- Shutters on the Beach vs The Ritz-Carlton, Marina del Rey
- Shutters on the Beach vs Fairmont Miramar Hotel
- Shutters on the Beach vs Santa Monica Proper Hotel
- Shutters on the Beach vs Regent Santa Monica Beach
- Shutters on the Beach vs Oceana Santa Monica, LXR Hotels & Resorts
- Shutters on the Beach vs Malibu Beach Inn
- Shutters on the Beach vs The London West Hollywood at Beverly Hills
- All Shutters on the Beach comparisons
Book your stay
Heated Ocean-View Pool & Beach Access
- Lowest rate guarantee
- Complimentary perks & upgrades
- 24/7 concierge