The fifteen best family hotels in San Diego County that I review below are vetted by me, clients, and readers for vacations and staycations. They are beachfront or near the beach and close to attractions. They do an excellent job of striking a balance between fun kids’ amenities and relaxation for parents.
Before you book kid-friendly hotels in San Diego, you’ll want to read this article in detail. There are things to know that only someone like me, who specializes in helping plan San Diego family vacations, can tell you.
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If there’s a clear way to book that will give you the best value, I’ve mentioned it. Through me, you have access to great perks at some of these hotels. At others, you can save more with San Diego vacation packages that bundle your stay with theme park tickets or even Hotels.com. If it makes sense to book directly, I’ve mentioned that, too.
Note from Katie: We independently choose all featured hotels. Booking methods mentioned are popular with our readers or ones we think offer the best value. If you book through select links, we may earn a commission and appreciate you supporting our business. Prices and amenities are subject to change. Our editorial guidelines.
See also: Guide: The Best Things to Do in San Diego with Kids
1. Fairmont Grand Del Mar
Neighborhood: Carmel Valley (East of Del Mar)Kids’ club: Yes. The Explorer’s Club offers half-day, full-day, and evening sessions for kids ages 5-12 year-round. It is free for two hours when parents book a spa treatment, whether you’re staying overnight or not.Hotel class: Luxury
Why go: Fairmont Grand Del Mar is the best hotel in San Diego for families in the five-star category. In fact, this kid-friendly San Diego luxury hotel is one where many stay put to enjoy the amenities. This is my top pick.
Its central location with easy access to the I-5 freeway makes exploring attractions like LEGOLAND California to the north and San Diego Zoo to the south a breeze.
Beach access: Reserve The Grand Beach Service in advance, which includes round-trip transportation to Del Mar’s 18th Street beach (fantastic). They’ll take you with chairs, towels, bottled water, and umbrellas. But if you want to drive yourself, you can take the beach gear with you at no extra cost.
Good to know: Guests receive twice-daily housekeeping, in-room bottled water, and coffee, free WiFi, daily newspaper. There is no self-parking, only valet parking.
There is not much to do within walking distance, so a rental car is advisable for sightseeing off the resort. I’ve never had anyone complain about this because the resort is so nice and fun for families.
Awards: #1 on TripAdvisor, AAA Four Diamonds, three Forbes five-stars each for Addison, the hotel, and spa. Addison has three Michelin stars.
Reservations: You have access to special Virtuoso amenities that add value to a stay and include:
See also: 10 Reasons Why Families Choose Fairmont Grand Del Mar
2. Hotel del Coronado
Neighborhood: CoronadoKids’ club: Yes. Ocean Explorers Club offers activities daily during peak season and on weekends during off-peak season for ages 5-12. Check the schedule for what’s on offer.Hotel class: Moderate-Luxury
Why go: The red roof of this historic San Diego hotel has become one of the city’s icons. The roster of Hollywood celebrities, U.S. Presidents, and other dignitaries who have stayed at Hotel del Coronado since its opening in 1888 is nothing short of impressive.
Of the San Diego family resorts on the beach, this is the best because it’s full-service, and Coronado Central Beach is considered one of America’s best beaches by the Travel Channel.
See also: 15 Things to Do at Hotel del Coronado
Beach access: Coronado beach is right in front of the hotel. It’s gorgeous.
Good to Know: This is a busy resort. Most of the time, the service is very good, and the guests are pleased. During peak seasons, it’s advisable to make spa and dining reservations (including breakfast during winter break) before arrival.
Restaurants and shops on Orange Avenue are within walking distance, and there is a ferry from downtown San Diego to Coronado Island on the other side of the island (a quick Uber or 30-minute walk from the hotel). There is also quite a bit to do during the holidays at Hotel del Coronado, from a fun seaside ice skating rink to other special programming.
I have also written a very detailed guide to Hotel del Coronado that you must read. It addresses how to select rooms and much more. The historic Victorian Building rooms will be closed from January 2024 through spring 2025. And there are some renovations impacting rooms in The Cabanas building.
Awards: AAA Four Diamonds (2005-2019); Top 10 Best Hotels in San Diego, U.S. News & World Report, 2019; and many more.
Reservations: You have access to Virtuoso amenities through me that include the below:
Sign in or create a free Virtuoso account to see the discounted rate! When booking on Virtuoso.com use the number of adults traveling to get the correct rates. Kids may otherwise be priced as adults. We will add them after we follow up to collect your arrival details. If you see multiple rates for the same room type, choose the lowest rate. Check the status of ocean swimming in front of Coronado Lifeguard Tower as it changes. This is the testing station in front of Hotel del Coronado.
3. Beach Village at The Del
Neighborhood: CoronadoKids’ club: Yes. Guests also use Ocean Explorers Club at Hotel del Coronado. Hotel class: Luxury
Why go: You want the most luxurious beach vacation possible in San Diego County.
Plus, as the sister property to adjacent Hotel del Coronado, you’d have access to amenities on the main resort mentioned above, but main resort guests do not have access to Beach Village amenities. Only Beach Village guests can access the property’s pools. The 72 accommodations here are outfitted like designer residences and have recently been renovated.
Beach access: The beautiful Coronado beach is right in front of the hotel.
Good to know: Expect prices over $999/night plus resort fee and tax for a double queen villa room, the entry-level accommodations. Larger families can fit into these accommodations as the double queen Coastal View and Ocean View Villa Rooms have two queen beds and a queen sofa sleeper.
Reservations: The Virtuoso amenities you can book in with through me at Beach Village at The Del are the same as Hotel del Coronado. It is usually more advantageous than Hilton Honors rates if you will eat breakfast on the property.
4. Park Hyatt Aviara Resort & Spa
Neighborhood: Aviara (Carlsbad)Kids’ club: NoHotel class: Luxury
Why go: You want to base the family in a secluded San Diego luxury resort in North County with exquisite service, excellent golf, and an award-winning spa.
The resort offers suites and connecting guest rooms at reasonable prices. They’ve just finished renovating the guest rooms, swimming pools, lobby, and some dining. It’s gorgeous.
Beach access: The resort offers seasonal round-trip shuttle service to Moonlight Beach in Encinitas or Tamarack Beach in Carlsbad for a nominal charge.
Good to know: This incredibly beautiful part of Carlsbad is inland of the I-5 freeway, so you’ll need to drive to the beach. Park Hyatt Aviara usually has VERY reasonably-priced suites and can guarantee connecting rooms. Read our guide to Park Hyatt Aviara Resort. There are no rollaway beds.
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Awards: AAA Five Diamonds, Forbes Five Star
Reservations: I have access to Virtuoso amenities at Park Hyatt Aviara that will also earn you World of Hyatt points:
5. La Jolla Beach and Tennis Club
Neighborhood: La Jolla ShoresKids’ club: Seasonally in summer onlyHotel class: Moderate
Why go: You’d like a unique San Diego, CA, experience with access to one of the state’s few remaining private beaches. Or, you’re traveling with a large family or extended family. They have accommodations for up to eight guests in a room. La Jolla Beach and Tennis Club is an exclusive, members-only club with 99 guest rooms and suites, some of which are as close to the beach as you can get in San Diego.
This is one of the best hotels in San Diego for families because the experience is intimate and one that generations of families return for annually. It’s next door to the La Jolla Shores Hotel, and the La Jolla Shores shops and restaurants are a short walk away.
Beach access: Beachfront and about as close to the sand as a San Diego hotel can get.
Good to know: This property is incredibly popular for multigenerational trips. The buildings have an older appearance on the exterior, but accommodations have been recently refreshed on the interior. It is considered a three-star property but appeals to luxury travelers because of the private beach and intimate experience.
They also have two-bedroom accommodations for larger families. The beachfront rooms and suites are so close to the beach that you will hear the ocean at night, and the occasional BBQ smoke may waft into your room. Light sleepers may want to book rooms in the garden area.
Reservations: Powered by Hotels.com
6. La Jolla Shores Hotel
Neighborhood: La Jolla ShoresKids’ club: NoHotel class: Moderate
Why Go: You’d like to base the family in La Jolla at a fun beachfront San Diego family hotel that won’t break the bank. Here, La Jolla Shores Beach is one of the best for beach activities like learning how to surf, stand-up paddleboard, or kayaking La Jolla’s rare 600-acre underwater ecological reserve.
It is effortless to take the kids to the beach for an hour or two, rest a little bit in the room, and return to the sand again in the afternoon. We staycationed at La Jolla Shores Hotel a few years ago and loved it, but the rooms have all been refreshed since then.
Beach access: A small boardwalk separates the hotel from the beach. You can run back and forth from your room to the sand with ease.
Good to know: The outdoor swimming pool isn’t huge. It’s not a fancy hotel, but it’s family-owned and operated, which means that things like sandy bare feet are okay when going from beach to room. They want you to have a relaxed San Diego family vacation and not to sweat the small stuff.
The awesome shops and restaurants on Avenida de la Playa are a short walk away, including Piatti, the Cheese Shop, Surf Diva, and more. As the name implies, this great hotel is located in the La Jolla Shores neighborhood and not in the main village of La Jolla. It’s much quieter over here, and the beach is miles better for SoCal sunbathing and swimming — there’s something for nearly everyone to do.
See also: Guide to La Jolla Shores
Awards: TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence
Reservations: Powered by Hotels.com
7. Four Seasons Residence Club Aviara, North San Diego
Neighborhood: Aviara (Carlsbad)Kids’ club: No, but they do have a game room.Hotel class: Luxury
Why go: Villas at Four Seasons Residence Club Aviara, North San Diego, have full kitchens separate bedrooms, and living areas. They feel like a home away from home and are excellent for extended stays in addition to large families. Rooms have a sma
This Four Seasons in Southern California offers upscale touches present in sister properties worldwide and excellent service, which fans of the brand will appreciate. This is another top pick for kid-friendly hotels in San Diego County that earns a lot of repeat guests.
Beach access: Drive or take an Uber.
Good to know: The Park Hyatt Aviara is next door, so guests can enjoy dining there, too. Aviara is located inland from the beach, so a rental car is advised. I’ve only received positive feedback from guests at this hotel. It’s somewhat of a hidden gem, but people love it. They have a $40/night hotel fee that includes self-parking. There are no elevators so you may have to walk up stairs to your villa. Accessible accommodations are on the ground floor, and you park near your villa.
Reservations: I can book you in as a Four Seasons Preferred Partner guest (I lived in a Four Seasons hotel, stay in them regularly, have written for Four Seasons Magazine, and can tell you in detail about nearly every property in their portfolio.)
8. Omni La Costa Resort & Spa
Neighborhood: La Costa (South Carlsbad)Kids’ club: Yes. They have a nursery for kids ages 6 months-3 years old (two hours only). Kids ages 3 years and older (who are bathroom independent) may join for half-day, full-day, and evening programs year-round.Hotel class: Moderate
Why go: Omni La Costa Resort & Spa provides a well-rounded, kid-friendly San Diego family vacation spot because they do golf, spa, dining, and family activities extremely well. LEGOLAND California Resort is just minutes away by car, as is the beach. It’s a popular choice for family hotels in San Diego, CA, because of its awesome splash pad and swimming pools.
Beach access: Drive or take an Uber.
Good to know: It’s more of a four-star property. Many first-floor rooms have French doors that open to a nice patio. Signature rooms and La Costa suites are closest to the family pool (location can be requested but not guaranteed). La Costa rooms are a further walk to the lobby and family pool.
I have written a detailed Omni La Costa Resort & Spa review that addresses selecting a room and other important details. Food and drink service at the family pool is seasonal, and the pools can close early during the off-peak season based on occupancy.
Awards: Golf Digest Editor’s Award (2019), Condé Nast Traveler – 15 Best Hotels in San Diego, 2018
Reservations: I find that most readers prefer to book using Omni sale rates or hotels.com or directly through Omni which runs a variety of sale rates.
9. Rancho Valencia Resort and Spa
Neighborhood: Rancho Santa FeKids’ club: NoHotel class: Luxury
Why go: You’d like a luxury family resort with a long list of activities where you can mostly stay put. Rancho Valencia is an all-suite property and a wellness destination due to its famous spa, fitness classes, and yoga pavilion. It’s also a Relais & Chateaux property, which means you can feel confident that the food is outstanding.
Beach access: It takes a bit less than 20 minutes to drive to the beach (depending on which beach you’re going to). The resort does not offer beach service, so you’ll need to drive. The nearby beach is Del Mar City beach.
Good to know: It’s about a 15-minute drive inland from the I-5 freeway to the resort. The swimming pools here are saline. It’s an all-suite property but some are one-room suites. If you need a fully separate bedroom from the living room, book the Palm Suite or higher.
Awards: #1 Relais & Chateau property in California, 2023 Conde Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards #1 Resort in California
Reservations: I have access to Virtuoso amenities at Rancho Valencia that include the below:
10. Catamaran Resort Hotel and Spa
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Neighborhood: Pacific BeachKids’ club: NoHotel class: Moderate
Why go: You’d like a casual San Diego family resort near the beach at a (usually) lower price point than most on this list. Catamaran Resort Hotel & Spa is located on a waveless bay beach, but it also just a few blocks away from the ocean beach in Pacific Beach. They offer the most activities of any Mission Bay resort. Plus, its Polynesian vibe makes you feel like you’re on a tropical getaway.
Good to know: Catamaran Resort guest rooms have recently been refreshed, but the building exteriors still have a dated look. Book Bayfront Rooms or Bayfront Suites on the ground floor for direct access to the beach. Bayfront Suites also have sofa beds in the living room and a choice of either a king or two double beds in the bedroom.
Awards: TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence
Reservations: The Catamaran Resort offers specials on its own website that are better than many offers online. You can also save with Hotels.com.
11. Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego
Neighborhood: Downtown San DiegoKids’ club: Yes. Camp Hyatt is seasonal and has summer hours.Hotel class: Moderate
Why go: You want one of the San Diego hotels for kids in downtown with water views and don’t mind the size. This hotel is huge, with over 1600 rooms spread over two towers.
However, it’s located on the San Diego Bay and within walking distance to some of San Diego’s best restaurants, attractions, the Gaslamp Quarter, USS Midway Museum, Seaport Village, San Diego Convention Center, and PETCO Park ballpark. Balboa Park and San Diego Zoo are also a short drive away.
Beach access: You’ll need to drive or take a ferry to Coronado beaches. Or, drive to La Jolla beaches. These two are the best San Diego beaches for families. If you plan to spend a lot of time at the beach, downtown isn’t the best spot.
Good to know: Again, Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego is large and a bit corporate due to its location right next to the San Diego Convention Center, but families love having so much to do within walking distance at this downtown hotel.
I’ve written a detailed Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego review that goes over the various room types and more. Guests should not expect personalized five-star service and amenities as the hotel is too big. The Club Lounge can be busy, but overall the hotel is a good choice for a family vacation.
Reservations: I can add Hyatt Prive benefits that include the below:
12. Bahia Resort Hotel
Neighborhood: Mission BayKids’ club: NoHotel class: Budget
Why go: Bahia Resort Hotel is voted one of the top 10 best value hotels in the nation and it’s easy to see why. The well-rounded San Diego family resort boasts a convenient Mission Bay location with easy access to water sports and beaches.
Hotel rooms are comfortable and the staff is friendly. Bahia shares some amenities with sister property The Catamaran Resort (mentioned above), and they do earn quite a few repeat guests.
Beach access: It’s about a while also being about a 10-minute walk to Belmont Park and Mission Beach.
Good to know: The resort just finished some property and room enhancements and is one of the excellent San Diego resorts for families on a budget.
Reservations: You can check Hotels.com for pricing.
13. Hyatt Regency Mission Bay Spa and Marina
Neighborhood: Mission BayKids club: NoHotel class: Moderate
Why go: You would like a well-priced family-friendly hotel with water slides, beach access, and the ability to earn or redeem World of Hyatt points. Hyatt Regency Mission Bay Spa and Marina rooms have been recently refreshed, and there are water views from many.
Beach access: It takes about 20 minutes to walk to Belmont Park and Mission Beach.
Good to know: It’s our top pick for hotels near SeaWorld San Diego because while it’s still a 20-minute walk, you can walk. There isn’t a bay beach or a Regency Club here. The rooms in The Tower have the best view. Height restrictions apply for the water slides.
Reservations: I can offer extra benefits at this property through Hyatt Prive:
14. Loews Coronado Bay Resort
Neighborhood: CoronadoKids’ club: Yes, but it’s offsite at the Crown Cove Aquatic Center and available on certain datesHotel class: Moderate
Why go: You want to stay at a family Coronado resort near Silver Strand State Beach with water sports onsite. You don’t mind driving to outside restaurants, or you want a fun resort San Diego family vacation or staycation that you don’t have to leave.
Loews Coronado Bay Resort is located on its own San Diego Bay peninsula about 4 miles south of the main Coronado business district. The resort is designed so that guests can experience the best of San Diego without leaving.
Beach access: Silver Strand State Beach (gorgeous) is about a 5-10 minute walk from the resort, where they have seasonal complimentary umbrellas and chairs for hotel guests. A hotel cart shuttles guests to and from the beach at regular intervals. NOTE: This beach has been closed on and off due to bacterial levels. Check sdbeachinfo.com for its current status.
Good to know: Many families choose this kid-friendly hotel in San Diego because it’s in Coronado and at a lower price point than Hotel del Coronado.
Reservations: Loews online usually has the best packages and rates but I find that with this hotel also people tend to choose Hotels.com.
15. LEGOLAND Hotel and LEGOLAND Castle Hotel
Neighborhood: CarlsbadKids’ club: NoCategory: Moderate
Why go: You want to please the LEGO enthusiast in your life by immersing him or her in a land of Minifigures and colorful bricks. You don’t mind that it’s a little (a lot, in some places) chaotic. I’ve put both LEGOLAND hotels together here because which you check-in to depends on the theme your kids prefer (and availability). They are both right next to the theme park entrance.
Beach access: You will need to drive to the beach.
Good to know: LEGOLAND Hotel and LEGOLAND Castle Hotel are more of a win for kids than for parents. I would recommend no more than a night or two at the most. It’s a little overwhelming on the senses for travelers who aren’t used to hotels overflowing with kids and all of the sounds that come with that. But it is a fun, kid-friendly getaway. Don’t forget that the resort is made up of the theme park, water parks, and SEA LIFE Aquarium, so there is a lot to do here.
Reservations: Most people book directly through LEGOLAND California.
Kid-Friendly Hotels in San Diego on a Map
This illustrated map will give you a rough idea where these hotels and resorts are located across San Diego County relative to popular kid-friendly tourist attractions like the San Diego Zoo, La Jolla seals, and others.
You may download a letter-sized printable version of this map here.
FAQs About the Best Family Hotels in San Diego
I spend a good chunk of my days talking to families about where to stay in San Diego with kids. These are the questions that I am asked the most.
Source: https://t-tees.com
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