9 San Diego Resorts for Your End-of-Summer Staycation
by Aimee Della Bitta
The inevitable return to regularly scheduled programming is looming, but you can still get out of dodge for one last vacay before the early morning scramble of packing lunches and finding matching socks officially resumes! Whether you’re ready to splurge or looking for something budget-friendly, these end-of-summer staycation getaways are close to home and have all the fixings for an epic last hurrah to summer.
Town and Country
Nothing says staycation like a four-story-high waterslide coined "Twister" and margaritas served poolside. The nearly 70-year-old Mission Hills' hotel, Town and Country, got a new lease on life last year and emerged with a splash after an extensive remodel. It's not only home to the longest hotel waterslide in San Diego, but the kids' pool is perfect for smaller children who don't need the adrenaline rush. Their Classic Suites come equipped with Crosley record players and several vintage records (think Beach Boys and Buddy Holly) to instantly put the whole family in "holiday" mode.
ARLO, the destination restaurant in Mission Valley, is the perfect spot to relax after your pool or beach day. Feast on the scratch-made dishes inspired by regional flavors from both sides of the border, and whatever you do, order the wood-fired s'mores for dessert. It's a guaranteed family favorite.
Insider Tip: It's a pet-friendly resort so if you're booking last minute, bring Fido along. There's even a three-acre riverfront park on the property for picnicking, and dog walks.
LEGOLAND Hotel
LEGOLAND Hotel
Make this summer one to remember with a staycation at the LEGOLAND hotel. Your LEGO-loving kid will flip for themed rooms, including Ninjago, Pirates, Adventure and LEGO-Friends. Overnight packages come with all the perks including, 2-Day Hopper Tickets, free breakfast all day and early park access. Families can enjoy the pool, LEGO decor everywhere and fun activities like the in-room treasure hunt.
Bonus! Don't miss the newly opened THE LEGO® MOVIE™ WORLD and its three new rides.
Rancho Bernardo Inn offers several special rates and packages that make booking a stay here a must, like their Fall Sale offers 45% off your stay if you book by September 1. This sweet escape will make your staycation memorable and worthwhile. Your family will enjoy swimming, wandering the beautiful grounds, golf, movie night at the pool, lawn games, stargazing and the new falconry encounter program. This destination resort will help your fam relax and rejuvenate during the final dog days of summer.
Escape the 'burbs and staycation as urbanites at Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego. In addition to waterfront views and the hotel's top-shelf amenities, you'll have access to San Diego's best beaches, restaurants, and museums. Stay out late but never leave the hotel by hitting the Rooftop Cinema Club, the ultimate open-air film experience. They offer family-friendly flicks like The Parent Trap, High School Musical, Zootopia and more. Extra bonus, the cinema club is introducing a brand-new state-of-the-art LED screen in August, which will allow for daily all-ages matinees starting at 5 p.m.
The hotel also works directly with The New Children's Museum of San Diego to provide children with educational, interactive museum activities to enjoy without leaving the hotel, including preassembled, individually packaged “Think, Play, Grow” arts & crafts kits to continue their mission of stimulating imagination, creativity and critical thinking through inventive and engaging experiences with contemporary art. The kits are available at the hotel’s market or front desk for $9.99, with proceeds going directly to The New Children’s Museum.
Check out the hip North Park neighborhood with a stay at The Lafayette Hotel. This retro boutique hotel has a playful, historic vibe and families will love amenities such as bunk beds and chalkboard wall in the Suze Suite and the famed Weissmuller Olympic Pool. When you’re ready to explore, Balboa Park and the San Diego Zoo are a hop, skip and jump away. Plus save on your San Diego Zoo tickets with this hotel special running through the summer.
Channel Polynesian vibes in Pacific Beach at the Catamaran Resort Hotel. With tiki torches, lush landscaping and Mission Bay in the backyard, you'll all be in that vacation state-of-mind. This beachfront hotel is made for relaxing but also full-on fun with water sports, poolside entertainment and a daily exotic bird show. Ready to hit some bigger waves? The Pacific Ocean is right across the street and ready for boogie boarding, boardwalk bike rides and beach volleyball. Hotel guests will also enjoy movies on the bay lei-making, hula lessons and so many more summer-themed activities.
Skip the plane ride and soak in every last minute of summer break with a staycation at Loews Coronado Bay Resort. This tranquil property is located on a 15-acre peninsula with stunning views of San Diego. You'll feel like you've been transported to paradise right outside your backdoor with three pools, including one children's pool and one family pool. Special extras like chilled fruit, beach toys and a Pool Concierge also make vacation mode come easy. When you're ready for more fun, head to the beach, rent kayaks, sign up for surf lessons or hop aboard a sailboat for a relaxing sail from their private marina.
A stay at the West Inn and Suites in Carlsbad means that Fido can come too! Start your day with fantastic complimentary extras, like the free hot breakfast buffet. Don't forget to make time to check out the nearby beach or splash in the saltwater pool. The hotel is just a hop, skip and jump from LEGOLAND. And for the perfect ending to an already great day, check out the fresh cookies and milk reception at bedtime. Sweet dreams!
Tennis anyone? Book a staycation at Rancho Valencia, Southern California's only Relais & Châteaux property, and indulge in all the resort has to offer. Take on a friendly family competition with badminton, bocce ball, croquet, and pickleball or go on a complimentary bicycle ride together. Most impressive is the property’s award-winning five-star Junior Tennis Program - offering something for everyone from Little Twinklers (ages 4-6) all the way up to competitive players over age 12.
Upon check-in, kids will receive a welcome bag full of goodies and fun snacks for their arrival (chocolate chip cookies served with milk and their name written in syrup on the plate). Don't panic, it's not all about the kids, adults can relax with tranquil spa treatments and fitness classes or lounge poolside with a frosty Pony Margarita. The whole family will ohh and ahh as you watch hot air balloons float over the sky at sunset. End of summer magic!
