Best Hotel To Stay In San Diego For Families

Best Hotels In La Jolla

Lodge at Torrey Pines

For a special stay, the elegant Lodge offers early California Craftsman style with expansive public spaces boasting fireplaces, overstuffed furniture, leather chairs, and views of the Pacific and Torrey Pines Golf Course. A poolside cabana and dinner with a view of the coast at A.R. Valentien would make a perfect romantic getaway.

11480 North Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, CA 92037

To book:ljshoreshotel.com

Best Western Plus Bayside Inn Downtown/gaslamp

Phone: 233-7500Fantastic location close to trolleys, shopping, restaurants, and attractions. Outdoor heated pool and spa is small but well kept. All guest rooms have private balcony plus microwaves and refrigerators. Start your day off right with complimentary buffet breakfast. Free shuttle to San Diego airport, trains, and cruise terminals.

Hilton San Diego Gaslamp Quarter

The Hilton brand of hotels has a longstanding reputation for providing only the best, and this remains very true for their Gaslamp Quarter location.

Book a suite with a great view, most of them have balconies overlooking the skyline, and youll get a range of amenities included in your stay free wi-fi, a kitchen in every unit, room service only a call away and a whole list of things to do in and around the Hilton.

Theres also a pool available at the Hilton, and theres a shallow side for younger swimmers.

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Best Hotel In The Heart Of Downtown: The Omni San Diego Hotel

Omni San Diego Hotel | Photo via Omni

Families give the Omni San Diego Hotel five stars in part for its location which just cant be beat. The hotel sits right next to Petco Park, home of the Padres, with an aerial walkway which allows guests to have direct, private access in to the ballpark.

Whats more, the Gaslamp Quarter is a block away, the Convention Center is across the street, and Seaport Village is a mile away, The New Childrens Museum is a half mile away, and the ferry to Coronado is a short 7-minute walk.

Baseball fans will be thrilled to watch the Padres play at Petco Park with a view from their room. The sunny skies of San Diego can be soaked in at the 6th floor heated pool, outdoor bar, and dining area. The Omni has it all: kid-friendly amenities (including the Omni Kids Crew, luxury accommodations, and one of the best locations in San Diego.

Omni La Costa Resort And Spa

Best for: Families of up to eight peopleLocation: Carlsbad

Omni La Costa Resort and Spa offers big families a number of solutions. In addition to connecting rooms, families in need of more space should consider their villas which are furnished like comfortable homes. Amenities include designer kitchens with Viking appliances, washer-dryers, gas fireplaces and more.

Families stay here because of the kids pool and splash pad and kids club. Its also a great San Diego hotel near LEGOLAND. See also my detailed guide to Omni La Costa Resort.

Connecting Rooms: King rooms can connect to double queen rooms in the Plaza, Signature and La Costa categories. These are not guaranteed to connect but are by request only.

Family Suites: These offer two bedrooms and a sitting area with a sofa bed .

Villas

• : These one- and two-bedroom options have kitchenettes, one king bedroom, and a bathroom per room in addition to a queen-sized living room sofa bed .
• One-, Two-, and Three-Bedroom Villas: These have a full kitchen, separate living rooms with queen-sized sofa beds, and dining areas for six people. Villas have king bedrooms though the three-bedroom has one double queen bedroom. There is a rarely available two-bedroom villa with a king bedroom and a double queen bedroom, however .

Reservations: I find that most people book sale rates through Omni or on Hotels.com.

Best for: Families of up to six peopleLocation: La Jolla

Three Bedroom Suite: Each bedroom has a queen bed .

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Best Area To Stay In San Diego Without A Car

San Diego has a pretty well-developed and connected public transport system.

From water taxis and the Coronado ferry to public trollies and routine buses, you have a lot of options on how to get around.

Therefore, if you cannot or do not want to get a car, you will still be able to enjoy all the different attractions and activities.

It is, however, very important that you are careful when choosing where to stay in San Diego without a car.

This is because not all neighborhoods have these convenient means and networks. To help you out, here are two of your best options for this need.

Beach Village At The Del

Best for: Families up to eight peopleLocation: Coronado

The most luxurious San Diego beachfront vacation is at Beach Village at The Del. Its the exclusive, private enclave in the Hotel del Coronado that offers an elevated experience and amenities only accessible to Beach Village guests.

The residential-style rooms and suites boast designer kitchens and decor up to three bedrooms. They have a wide variety of rooms and suites available for families with either partial ocean view or full ocean view, so here is the gist.

• Cottage Rooms: Heres a rare situation where double queen rooms will allow up to five people, thanks to a single sofa bed.
• Two Bedroom Suites: These come with one king bedroom and either another king bedroom or a double queen bedroom in addition to a sofa bed, full kitchen, living room, terraces, outdoor soaking tubs in some suites, marble bathrooms, and more.
• Three Bedroom Suites: These come with a king master bedroom, an additional king bedroom, and a double queen bedroom. Some have an additional three sofa sleepers.

You may also want to read why Beach Village is San Diegos most luxurious beach vacation. Cribs are complimentary and rollaway beds have a fee of $25/night.

Reservations: You can book on Hilton, but you also have access to Virtuoso amenities here. Online booking isnt available for this resort, so youll need to send me your dates.

Best for: Families of up to eleven people in connecting rooms and suitesLocation: East Del Mar

Connecting Rooms

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Best Hotel Resort Passes For Kids In San Diego

What makes these so special for kids? How about water slides, zero entry, splash pads, beaches!, wading pools, movie nights and smores roasting?! Check out where to go below. And psstif you have a birthday coming up, these would make for a super special way to spend the day.

Here’s the full list of all 35 Hotels with Resort Passes in San Diego. Some of these may be closer to you, cheaper, or available. Kids just really need water anyway so theyll have fun splashing without all the extras.

All info & photos below come directly from the Resort Pass website to help make it easier for you to decide where you want to go. Info is correct as of my date of original publishing , but it may change so check directly with each location for current info.

Disclaimer: I’m a human. I make mistakes. Please use the information below as a general guide only and verify all info directly on Resort Pass or call the hotels directly. 🙂

• parking up to 8 hours

Tiki Cabana includes:Located at the family-friendly Tiki Pool.

• Day Passes for up to 8 people

• Semi-private shaded cabana with sofa seating, table, TV, and ceiling fan

• snack bucket with bottled water, soda, packaged snacks

Keep This List Of San Diego Hotels For Families

To remember these kid-friendly San Diego hotels for a future visit, simply save the image below to Pinterest. I hope youâll follow while youâre at it!

Have you stayed at any of these kid-friendly San Diego hotels? In the comments below, share your comments and questions about the best hotels in San Diego for families!

A Note from The Travel Mama: Over the years I have been hosted by some of these resorts. I have paid for personal stays at these San Diego hotels, too. I would never recommend a product or brand I did not truly enjoy myself. All opinions are mine, as always.

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Which Are The Best San Diego Resorts On The Water

On the water in San Diego typically means oceanfront, on Mission Bay, or on the San Diego Bay downtown.

Choosing the best resort is honestly a matter of taste and what amenities interest you. If you are only concerned about proximity to sand, your interests will be different from someone who loves watersports.

On Mission Bay, I like San Diego Mission Bay Resort and Catamaran Resort Hotel the best. On the Beach, Beach Village at The Del is my top pick. And, on San Diego Bay, I like InterContinental San Diego, which is on my list of best downtown San Diego hotels.

The Dana On Mission Bay

Why it made the list

Set around an Omega-shaped cove on Mission Bay, the Dana is the closest hotel to SeaWorld and offers a free shuttle to get you there. The sprawling property, which was built in the late & lsquo 60s, has plenty more to keep guests busy, including two outdoor pools, a restaurant, a private marina, and watersports rentals so you can play on the bay. Many recently refreshed rooms feature views of the Dana& rsquo s lush tropical landscaping or waterfront.

Set on Mission Bay, the Dana is the closest hotel to SeaWorl Read More

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Best Beach Front Hotel With Luxury: Hotel Del Coronado

Hotel Del Coronado | Photo via Pixbay

The iconic red peaked roofs rising from the white sandy beach of Coronado Island are a classic picture of luxury and family fun in San Diego. This hotel has gotten rave five star reviews from families on Trekaroo for its family-friendly amenities enhanced rich history and Victorian charm.

Coronado Beach has been rated one of the best beaches in Southern California! Kids will enjoy the beachfront location while mom and dad wont be able to get enough of the splendid views and their extensive spa services.

Hotel Dels kids program caters to children of all ages with biking, kayaking, sailing, surfing, and all manner of water sports to entertain and amuse. Babysitting can also be arranged through the hotel.

During the holiday season, families will love ice skating on the resorts beachfront rink. Choose from a variety of accommodations, including beachfront cottages and villas and enjoy this beautiful hotel.

The Inn At Rancho Santa Fe

Best for: Couples

On-site amenities: Farm-to-table dining, 24-hour fitness center, outdoor pool, spa

Pros: The vibe is laid-back, while still catering to a luxury crowd. Everything about staying here feels relaxing and refined and the spa is a draw in its own right.

Cons: Rancho Santa Fe is a charming suburb of San Diego, but you’ll still have to deal with traffic every time you want to go downtown.

Set on 21 landscaped acres outside of downtown San Diego, The Inn at Rancho Santa Fe, A Tribute Portfolio Resort & Spa, is an enticing option when you want to stay near San Diego, but not in the thick of it.

This calming escape is a member of Marriott Bonvoy and feels like a Mediterranean-inspired village with red-tiled roofs, mosaic details, Spanish-Californian architecture, and bubbling fountains. Swaying palms, leafy green trees, and tall cacti add color to the well-kept grounds.

Even starter Queen rooms are large with 325 square feet, sleek bathrooms, and peaceful terraces overlooking the hotel’s polished spaces. The design is rustic but contemporary, which creates a cozy, welcoming feel, especially if you upgrade to a room with a fireplace.

COVID-19 procedures are available here.

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Which Beach Hotels Have Surfing Lessons Nearby

No trip to San Diego is complete without learning to stand up on a surfboard. Many of the hotels on this list are conveniently located near surf schools. Look into the San Diego surf lessons near the following hotels: Hotel del Coronado, L Auberge Del Mar, La Jolla Shores Hotels, La Jolla Beach and Tennis Club, and Pacific Terrace Hotel.

Best Apartment Rental In Gaslamp Quarter: The Heart Of The City

Located in the heart of the Gaslamp Quarter. This is a 2nd Floor Expansive unit with lots of space. with 2 bedrooms and 1 bath, it is perfect for families or couples. It also comes with access to a parking space and is close to everything.

• Getting There
• The Gaslamp Quarter is in the middle of downtown San Diego and runs along 5th and 6th Avenue. Parking can be hard to find and is very expensive in the Gaslamp Quarter.
• All trolley lines service the Gaslamp Quarter. The stations are Gaslamp Station and Fifth Avenue Station.
• The Gaslamp Quarter is serviced by pedicabs, bicycle-powered rides that often have music playing out of a boom box. These are a fun way to get around downtown.

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Loews Coronado Bay Resort

Why it made the list

The gated beachfront property on a private peninsula features panoramic views of the bay and ocean. With a private 81-slip marina, a huge pool, a serene spa, sandy beaches, and lots of activities, including guest-only tours of the Living Coast Discovery Center, you might not want to leave the upscale resort. If you do, a complimentary shuttle bus makes it easy, delivering guests to Coronado attractions like the Hotel del Coronado and Coronado Beach.

Set on its own peninsula, the upscale Loews Coronado Bay Res Read More

Mission Valley: Town & Country San Diego

Find your fun at Town and Country Resort, a San Diego icon where mid-century cool and warm hospitality come to mingle. The focal point of the resort is the sprawling pool complex, featuring 3 pools, a hot tub and the new 4-story waterslide, “Twister”.

Note: Children must be at least 48 tall to ride Twister. No tubes, floatation devices, life jackets, mats, or floaties are allowed on the waterslide. No outside food and beverages allowed.

500 Hotel Cir N, San Diego, CA 92108

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Best Apartment Rental In Old Town: Cottage In The City

This 2BR 1Bath cottage is in the heart of all the excitement, history, heritage, and charm of Old Town San Diego, just far enough removed to be a quiet, secluded retreat. It is within walking distance of a ton of delicious restaurants, quaint and eclectic shopping, and Old Town State Historic Park.

• Getting There
• Old Town is located in the northern end of downtown San Diego between the I-5 and the I-8. Exit Pacific Highway from the I-5 and Taylor street from the I-8.
• Buses #8, #9, #10, #28, #35, #44, #88, and #105 service Old Town and go throughout most of San Diego. The Green Line trolley also passes through Old Town and stops at the Old Town Transit Center.Get more details about the bus routes on the SDMTS website, including live updates.
• Taxis frequent Old Town regularly but you will likely want to call one in advance.

Carlsbad: Park Hyatt Aviara Resort Golf Club & Spa

With spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean, the resort features a family pool with splash pad, adult pool, hot tubs, private cabanas, and a 15,000 square foot spa.

Note: No outside food and beverage and no coolers. Children under 42 inches are not permitted on the slide. Children under 48 inches tall must wear a hotel issued and approved Personal Floatation Device, available at the pool.

7100 Aviara Resort Drive, Carlsbad, California, USA, 92011

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Some Things To Keep In Mind When Booking A Resort Pass

• Some have height restrictions for waterslides and/or require a life jacket

• Some have bathrooms nearby and/or changing rooms, while some don’t

• Most have pool towels available for use, but bring your own if you want to wrap it around and sit on in for your drive home so you don’t get your seats wet )

• Some allow or don’t allow outside food & drinks or glass containers

• Some have a minimum spend amount, mostly for some cabana rentals

• Some have food/drink service available poolside, while others only have an on-site restaurant and some don’t even have a food service. Due to staffing issues from Covid, call the hotel directly to inquire if their food service is operating

• Some have different Covid polices re: masking and/or social distancing or same household groups

• Some are adult only

• Read the fine print and call the hotels directly if you have specific questions

*Pricing varies by day, season, etc. I’ve listed the starting costs per person which isn’t necessarily the price for your visit, fyi

La Jolla Beach And Tennis Club

The La Jolla Beach & Tennis Club is a great place to stay in San Diego with the kids, and its especially great because of its direct access right to the beach and proximity to nearby shopping complexes and restaurants.

Its a private beach area, which means that its generally quiet and perfect if you want to stay away from the business of most beaches and resorts.

The Beach & Tennis Club offers anundeniable form of luxury together with all the best comforts of a hotel stayincluding a heated pool, drinks by the beach and more great family activities including tennis, of course, but theres also an available golf course withclub hire for everyone else.

Rooms include obvious amenities like wi-fi and items like robes and towels included, but not all of the suites have an on-board kitchen.

Related:Best Family Resorts Near San Diego

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