This oceanside beauty made quite the splash when she debuted in 1888 as the largest resort hotel in the world, and all these years later the "Del"—with her grand Victorian architecture and iconic red roof with gables and turrets—continues to dazzle. The National Historic Landmark features an opulent lobby, a full-service spa, a pool with cabanas, a kids' area, retail shops, and multiple drinking and dining options—the Sunday brunch in the magnificent Crown Room is a must. A major draw is the hotel's wide, white-sand beach, where guests can take surf lessons or roast s'mores around a bonfire. The hotel, which has hosted US Presidents, royalty, and Hollywood's biggest stars, offers a broad range of accommodations; if historical ambience is what you're looking for, opt for a room in the original Victorian Building rather than the more contemporary rooms in the seven-story Ocean Towers. During the holidays, the grounds are transformed into a sort of sunny winter wonderland with a palm tree-fringed ice skating rink with ocean views.