San Diego is one of those great places that truly does check all your boxes for a family vacation. Ideal weather all twelve months? Absolutely! Amazing beaches, great activities, and plenty of outdoor activities to do? You bet!
I’ve been there numerous times with my crew—kids and strollers full to bursting—and I can entirely state that this location is incredibly relaxed and actually quite beautiful as well. But here’s the catch: where you stay can completely make or break your vacation. I mean, a vacation for your family is only as relaxed as your hotel allows for it to be.
I’ve compiled this list of top family hotels in San Diego—completely from my personal experience, some research, and talking with fellow traveling parents. You’re either planning your first trip or you’re an old pro San Diego traveler who just wants to mix it up, but either way, these hotels offer just the right combination of relaxation, excellent locations, and kids’ activities.
From beach resorts to downtown hotels, here are my top 10 family hotel choices in “America’s Finest City.”
1. Hotel del Coronado – Isn’t that a classic, though?
Hidden on the iconic Coronado Island, Hotel del Coronado is this awesome historic beachfront resort that completely combines luxury and family-friendliness. It’s got these Victorian-style buildings and incredible ocean views, and it’s totally a place where you create incredible memories.
Families love it because:
- Direct beach access
- Large family gatherings
- Seasonal kid-focused activities like beach games and bonfires
My Experience
I still smile when I remember my kids enjoying themselves in the waves while we relaxed sipping margaritas around the firepit. The beachy atmosphere is just wonderful.
2. Paradise Point Resort & Spa – You know, like an actual island paradise!
Located on a private island in Mission Bay, Paradise Point feels like a mini vacation within your vacation. Surrounded by tropical gardens and lagoons, this resort is made for family fun.
Families love it because:
- Five pools, including a sandy-bottom one
- Kayaking, paddleboarding, and jet skiing.
- Bungalows with fully-equipped or sort-of-equipped kitchens.
My Experience
Take a bike and ride around the perimeter trail. It’s a lot of fun to see the island that way, and there are plenty of great places for family photos.
3. LEGOLAND California Hotel – Ideal for those little builders!
If your children are under 12, you have to check out LEGOLAND’s Hotel in Carlsbad. It’s absolutely fantastic with all those LEGO-themed elevators and rooms, and additionally, it is really near the entrance of the park!
Families love it because:
- Great themed rooms, bunk beds, and treasure hunts!
- Early park access
- On-site dining with kid-friendly menus and entertainment
My Experience
My children absolutely freaked out over the LEGO bricks in the room and that dragon-themed elevator. It’s a dream world for young builders!
4. Omni La Costa Resort & Spa – A Family Retreat
There’s this upscale resort in Carlsbad’s hills that’s really classy but not snooty whatsoever—it’s perfect for families wanting to relax and have some fun all at once.
Families love it because:
- Kidtopia Club and those holiday camps
- Splash Landing possesses a pool with slides
- Parent-friendly spa and golf course
My Experience
While all the kids were completely enthralled at tie-dying their T-shirts, my spouse and I slipped away for an infrequent lunch at the spa café without the kids. A true win-win!
5. Hilton San Diego Bayfront – Urban Family Fun
Within a five-minute walk from the Gaslamp Quarter and from Petco Park, this hip hotel is ideal for families who need to be in the midst of everything without sacrificing comfort.
Families love it because:
- Splash Zone pool with fun water things
- Poolside movie nights
- It’s really near Seaport Village, the USS Midway, and the ferries
My Experience
Don’t miss the views from the top floors—they’re breathtaking at sunset.
6. The Valencia Hotel – Such a great location in La Jolla!
This adorable pink Mediterranean-themed hotel is completely Instagram perfect and an excellent choice for families. You’re just a brief walk from La Jolla Cove, where kids can play among seals and sea lions!
Families love it because:
- Pet-friendly, so bring your furry friends
- Spacious rooms and suites for families
- Walkable to the beach, shops, and cafes
My Experience
Watching sea lions sunbathe while eating gelato nearby—pure vacation bliss.
7. Catamaran Resort Hotel and Spa – An incredible tropical paradise!
This resort is completely Polynesia-like, right on Mission Bay and very close to the beach, like an ideal South Pacific vacation spot in Southern California.
Families love it because:
- Peaceful beach perfect for young kids
- Watersports rentals on site
- Cool summer evenings filled with luaus and beach bonfires
My Experience
What we love is paddleboarding at sunset and then stopping for ice cream on the bayfront patio.
8. Marriott Coronado Island Resort & Spa – Island Comfort
If you want a relaxing experience in Coronado, the Marriott is an excellent option. You have some nice bay views and it’s very close to the ferry landing and the beach.
Families love it because:
- Suites with their own living rooms and balconies
- Outdoor pools and bike rentals, man!
- The bay-side walking paths are stroller-friendly
My Experience
Part of the fun of traveling downtown San Diego is taking the ferry—ideally while spotting some dolphins along the way.
9. Bahia Resort Hotel – That San Diego feel you’re searching for!
The Bahia is a laid-back Mission Bay resort that has this fantastic retro feel and lots of personality. It’s not fancy or anything, but it’s highly child-friendly and budget-friendly as well.
Families love it because:
- Free bay cruises on their old-school steamboat
- A secluded beach with calm waters for swimming
- Kitchenette rooms are ideal for a longer stay
My Experience
The relaxed atmosphere made it really easy to just relax. No worrying about getting the kids to be silent or about always cleaning up!
10. Pacific Terrace Hotel – A sweet beachfront location at Pacific Beach!
If you’re an ocean-front loving family, Pacific Terrace is a good option. It’s laid-back, located on the casual north end of Pacific Beach, and you have great ocean views directly in front and very convenient beach access.
Families love it because:
- Steps from the sand with boogie boards and beach chairs provided
- An outdoor heated pool overlooking the ocean
- Large rooms and family packages available
My Experience
Watching the sunset from our balcony while the kids played in the sand below—doesn’t get much better.
Final Thoughts: Planning the perfect family vacation begins with an ideal hotel!
There isn’t any formula for family vacations, and that’s what’s awesome about San Diego. You could catch some waves at Pacific Beach, tour LEGOLAND for the kids, or just absorb some history and atmosphere in Coronado, and then you’ll have a hotel here that fits your group just right.
I’ve scoped out everything from trendy themed resorts to high-end beachfront hotels in this city, and I have to say, every vacation was different in its own way. Some hotels absolutely rocked with their nutty kids’ amenities; others provided that relaxed break we never knew we needed.
Regardless of your style of traveling or your budget, San Diego has some fantastic family-friendly hotels that will completely simplify your trip, make it much cooler, and full of those “remember when.” moments!
Pick up your bags, step into the minivan (or board a flight), and get ready for some serious family fun—San Diego style!