Omni La Costa Resort & Spa
The Omni La Costa Resort & Spa is a top choice for families visiting the San Diego area, and is even a popular hotel choice for the locals.
Their suites are large enough to be suited for a family of 5, or you can choose one of their smaller suite options all of them have a great view of the beach, and all of them include basic amenities like access to a kitchen, room service to-order, wi-fi throughout the rooms and a TV in every suite.
Its one of San Diegos most fun hotels for kids, as theres a separate play area for toddlers, a kids club for kids aged 12 and under, the option of activities like basketball or tennis at any of the on-site courts, a few great restaurants and a spa that caters to both kids and adults.
Theres also the option of several different pools, most kid-friendly.
Rancho Valencia Resort & Spa
Rancho Valencia Resort & Spa is one of the best places to stay in San Diego. The resort has beautiful Spanish-style architecture and offers a variety of amenities, including a golf course, tennis courts, and several restaurants.
The rooms are spacious and comfortable, and the staff is attentive and friendly. The resort is located in a convenient location, just minutes from downtown San Diego.
Overall, Rancho Valencia Resort & Spa is a great choice for those looking for a luxury experience in San Diego.
Best Luxury Hotel With Kid
Fairmont Grand Del Mar | photo via Fairmont
The Fairmont Grand Del Mar has received five stars from a Trekaroo, which only compliments their amazing designation frrom Forbes Travel Guide as one of the worlds six elite Triple Five-Star resorts.
Not too surprising are the kid-friendly perks found within this resort. When kids jump into the family pool they can hear the delightful sounds of music flowing through the water. Soak up the sun while enjoying poolside drinks and meals.
Visit the equestrian club and kids over seven can take a lesson or go on a trail ride through Los Peñasquitos Canyon Preserve. The Explorers Club welcomes kids ages 5-12 to play traditional and video games, make crafts, and participate in special activities. P
arents will enjoy the pampering of the world-class spa, the adventure of taking a guided nature hike, and delicious dining. No matter what activities you choose, kids will feel welcomed by friendly staff, spacious rooms, deep bathtubs, and luxurious accommodations.
Planning your San Diego family vacation? Here are the best things to do in San Diego with kids.
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Where Should A Family Stay In San Diego
There are three major factors that weigh into this decision that include:
When it comes to choosing San Diego family hotels, you will have to find the right balance between the three. The answer often isnt clear cut.
As you can see above, some of the best kid-friendly hotels in San Diego are not on the beach. Also, a lot of the most popular tourist attractions in San Diego are scattered widely around the county.
In general, if your plan is to hit most of the citys top attractions and go carless, look at downtown San Diego hotels .
If you want to stay right on the beach and maybe learn to surf without putting too much of a dent in your budget, then La Jolla Shores is a wonderful choice .
If you want a full-service resort on the beach, Hotel del Coronado and Beach Village at The Del are hands-down the way to go.
Families who prioritize luxury accommodations should check out Fairmont Grand Del Mar, one of the best hotels in San Diego and tops for family-friendly activities. Mission Bay resort hotels tend to provide the most value. Those in search of lower rates at larger resorts should look here.
Best Hotels In San Diego For Families With Waterfront Views
If youd prefer stunning views of the waterfront from your hotel, with the added security of not being directly on the beach, weve got you covered with some of the best San Diego family resorts. Some parents may prefer the relief of knowing kids dont have immediate access to the beach, but that its still within a short distance to enjoy together. If thats you, then this list is ideal for your upcoming trip to San Diego with kids!
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Old Town / Mission Valley Great Area For Sightseeing
Are you looking for a place to stay in San Diego that lets you savor the atmosphere of the past? If so, then the Old Town / Mission Valley area is the place for you to be.
Much of Old Town resembles a living history museum with plenty of graceful old architecture and museums.
People flock to the neighborhood to see sites like the Whaley House, alleged by many to be the most haunted house in America. Whether you believe in ghosts or not, youll be fascinated by the structures history.
It was not only a family home but also the citys first commercial theater, the county courthouse, a general store and much more.
Another major attraction is the Old Town San Diego State Historic Park. Within the confines of the park, visitors experience life as it was lived in the middle of the 19th century.
An historic plaza plus buildings such as La Casa de Estudillo, a Wells Fargo History Museum, the Old Town Theatre and much more await visitors.
Old Town also is a fabulous place to enjoy a bite to eat. Restaurants serving authentic Mexican cuisine abound, and this further is the best place to experience tequila.
Plenty of shopping experiences can be had here too whether youre looking for candy, want to try dipping your own candles or pick up some handcrafted trinkets.
Like Old Town, Mission Valley is justa few minutes from the San Diego International Airport.
Top 3 Recommendations For Where To Stay In San Diego
Looking for a specific place to stay? These are the best recommendations for places to stay in San Diego. The city is one of the best places to visit in the USA.
Whatever your budget there are plenty of different options to check out. Whether youre backpacking the USA or on a luxury vacay, Ive got you covered!
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Most Playful Hotel For Families
Active families will be happy as clams at San Diego Mission Bay Resort. A palm-lined, zero-entry pool beckons to guests. There’s also a splash pool complete with a fountain for the resort’s youngest guests.
Families enjoy dive-in movies, S’mores Nights with all the fixings around beach fire pits, and live bayside music on select nights. Guests can also borrow recreation equipment for volleyball, basketball, ping pong, cornhole, and tennis rackets for play at onsite courts. There’s a giant chessboard for friendly competitions, too.
If that’s not enough, then it’s easy to rent bicycles, surreys, jet skis, boats, and more to explore Mission Bay from water or land. Personally, I prefer the garden rooms to the more expensive water view options. Try to nab one with its own firepit!
I may be a bit partial to this hotel because this is where my husband and I tied the knot. Then again, I think you’ll agree San Diego Mission Bay Resort is a wondrous place to stay and play! Learn more and book your room via Hotels.com.
San Diego Mission Bay Resort
For a kid-friendly location, it’s hard to beat the San Diego Mission May Resort. This sprawling resort overlooks an 18-acre palm-studded park and a sandy beach on Mission Bay. It’s also less than a mile from SeaWorld and a short drive from all the family-friendly attractions at Balboa Park and downtown.
Basketball, volleyball, tennis, bocce ball, windsurfing, sailing, and paddleboarding are just some of the sports on offer here for active families, and you can also rent Jet Skis, aqua cycles, and Segways.
If you need a little down time from all these fun activities, Spa Brezza offers luxurious body treatments and salon services.
The seasonal Kids Kamp will keep kids busy for hours with arts and crafts, sandcastle building, and games. The Sandbox has bike rentals and beach toys, and other fun family-friendly activities include s’mores and dive-in movie nights at the sprawling palm-shaded pool. Babysitting services and children’s menus are also available.
The freshly renovated rooms vary in size and layout, but some studios come with private patios and fire pits. Pets are also welcome to join in the fun.
Address: 1775 East Mission Bay Drive, San Diego, California
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Where To Stay In Downtown
Tolerant and liberal, Hillcrest may not have any trolley stops, but it is still well located in the city and makes for a convenient place to stay.
Many northern entrances and paths leading into Balboa Park are located in the southern portion of this district, making it very easy to get to the numerous cultural exhibits and attractions of the park including the top-notch San Diego Zoo.
This area of San Diego is very walkable, with numerous cafes, shops, and restaurants dotted around. Hotels may not be rife in this area, but there are a few mid-range B& Bs to choose from, as well as hostels, which are great for those on a budget who want to meet other travelers.
Hillcrest is famous for its yearly pre-Pride block party, which it hosts on Friday night before the march itself on Saturday, which begins in Hillcrest.
Homewood Suites San Diego Airport
Homewood Suites is located right near the San Diego Airport, and that also means that its close to a lot of other great things to see.
Breakfast can be opted-in for, and theres a great kid-friendly hotel pool at the middle of the suites.
Theres no club for kids part of the HomewoodSuites, but everything that your kids might want to see are justt a few minutes away by shuttle or taxi.
Amenities are just enough to take the pressure off, and includes laundry and cleaning services, wi-fi and a TV and kitchen to every room.
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Here Is The List Of 15 Resorts In San Diego For Family
Coronado9.7 kms from city centre
8.5
4 star resort with 84 room options
$ 160 onwards
Coronado4.2 kms from city centre
5 star resort with 11 room options
$ 893 onwards
La Jolla22.1 kms from city centre
7.9
4 star resort with 18 room options
$ 128 onwards
Mission Bay8.5 kms from city centre
8.0
4 star hotel with 12 room options
$ 208 onwards
Mission Bay11.9 kms from city centre
7.5
4 star hotel with 6 room options
$ 161 onwards
Mission Bay10.2 kms from city centre
7.9
Hotel with 7 room options
$ 176 onwards
Coronado2.4 kms from city centre
8.2
4 star resort with 9 room options
$ 191 onwards
Mission Bay9.6 kms from city centre
8.3
4 star resort with 19 room options
$ 226 onwards
Mission Bay9.1 kms from city centre
8.1
Hotel with 13 room options
$ 151 onwards
Coronado4.1 kms from city centre
7.1
5 star resort with 45 room options
$ 290 onwards
30.5 kms from city centre
7.8
Resort with 11 room options
$ 142 onwards
Del Mar 28.9 kms from city centre
7.8
4 star resort with 10 room options
$ 468 onwards
Where To Stay In Pacific Beach
- midrange
- Tower 23 Hotel Tower 23 Hotel boasts stylish, minimalist rooms with wooden beds and plenty of whitewashed walls and white linen for a calm, relaxing experience. Situated adjacent to the beach itself, as well as near all the shopping, eating and drinking options in the surrounding streets, this 4-star hotel is an excellent place to base yourself if you want to be close to the sand but also handy to civilization. Theres also an on-site steakhouse, perfect for filling up after a day of exploration.
- Surfer Beach Hotel A low-key hotel that features clean, modern rooms, Surfer Beach Hotel is fittingly located on the beachfront. Those who love the sun, sea, and sand or most importantly, the surf should definitely think about staying here. Good for those on a budget, the affordable rooms are bolstered by the free hot drinks in the lobby, as well as that fantastic location. You can stroll a few minutes from here to find a number of restaurants and bars.
budget
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Save Money On Your San Diego Vacation
Want to save money on your San Diego family vacation? Of course, you do! Use discount code TravelMamas to get $10 off any two-night or longer Southern California package when you book through Get Away Today. Also, find San Diego deals including attraction ticket discounts!
It’s well worth investing in a Southern California CityPass for big savings on bundled attractions!
Lastly, it makes good sense to check Groupon for discounts on activities and restaurants in your destination, and San Diego is no exception. Take a peek at Groupon San Diego deals now.
Best Hotel At The Marina: Sheraton San Diego Hotel And Marina
Sheraton San Diego Hotel & Marina | Photo via Sheraton
The Sheraton San Diego Hotel & Marina is made up of two towers sitting adjacent to the sparkling San Diego Bay, offering impressive views of the marina and bay from most hotel rooms. The hotel staff is especially friendly at this waterfront hotel which offers a wide variety of activities and opportunities to explore the area surrounding the marina.
During summer, families can enjoy the pool and play tennis, basketball, volleyball, croquet, mini golf, Frisbee golf, ladders, football toss or bean bag toss. Families looking to explore the surrounding area can rent a bicycle at the hotel and take it down the waterfront bike paths.
SD Adventures has a dock that connects to the hotel property and offers kayak, canoe, speedboat, jet ski, paddle board, and peddle boat rentals.
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Best Location In San Diego Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best area to stay in San Diego for sightseeing?
Downtown San Diego is the best place to stay in the city for a first visit or sightseeing, in general. In Downtown, youll find attractions like the San Diego Zoo and the gorgeous Balboa Park. This area also has the best transport connections.But, if you want to visit SeaWorld, you should stay in Mission Beach.
What is the best area to stay in San Diego with kids?
If youre traveling to San Diego with kids, it may be in your best interest to stay near SeaWorld. By remaining close to the park, youll enjoy early shows and spend less time and money on public transport.Downtown is also a good place to stay in San Diego for family trips because it is close to the zoo.
Whats the best area to stay in San Diego near the beach?
If you wonder where to stay near the beach in San Diego, look no further than La Jolla. The beach in La Jolla is beautiful, and the area is still close to most of the citys attractions.For a couples getaway, you could try staying in the stunning and romantic Coronado.
Whats the best area to stay in San Diego to visit SeaWorld?
SeaWorld is in Mission Bay, so thats the part of San Diego where you should stay to visit the park. Mission Bay has many accommodation options very close to SeaWorld.
What is the best location in San Diego for nightlife?Where to stay in San Diego without a car?What is the best area in San Diego for LGBT travelers?
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Things To See And Do In Downtown
- Climb to the top of the Hyatt and enjoy spectacular sights as you sip delicious cocktails.
- Enjoy great cocktails in an urbane setting at The Noble Experiment.
- Choose from a wide selection of local and international beers at Monkey Paw Pub & Brewery.
- Sip cocktails at Prohibition San Diego, a super-secret speakeasy.
- Down a pint at the Dubliner, an authentic Irish pub in the heart of San Diego.
- Have a drink and enjoy the atmosphere at Cuban Cigar Factory.
- Dance the night away at the Onyx Room.
My missus travels with all her clothes in ziplock bags: dont be like my missus. UP YOUR PACKING GAME!
Packing cubes for the globetrotters and compression sacks for the real adventurers these babies are a travellers best kept secret. They organise yo packing and minimise its volume too so you can pack MORE.
Or, yknow you can stick to ziplock bags.
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Best Western San Diego/miramar Hotel
Have you got movie buff family members to entertain, specifically of the Tom Cruise variety? Well, a stay at the Best Western San Diego/Miramar Hotel will put you right in the center of Tom Cruises seminal 1986 outing, Top Gun, with a number of recognizable filming locations found in the surrounding neighborhood.
Cruise may not have graced the hotel itself, unfortunately, but he certainly set foot in the nearby Marine Corps Air Station Miramar and performed karaoke at the Miramar Officers Club, both found within a short distance from this Miramar Hotel.
Whether youre here for the pilgrimage or not, the Best Western San Diego will certainly provide you with enough comforts to make your stay memorable. Namely, inviting king beds, flat-screen TVs, and a free breakfast each morning of your stay.
If you dont fancy staying at the Legoland Castle Hotel, but still want to delight your kids with some theme park action, the Best Western San Diego is a mere half-hour drive from the Dragon Coaster and other thrilling rides.