San Diego is a vacationer’s dream, so why not live it up with some local love on a family staycation this spring break? America’s Finest City offers everything from sunny beaches, stunning swimming pools and beautiful views to family-friendly amenities and comfy rooms where you can relax and unwind. Scroll down for the best places to stay and enjoy fun in the sun in San Diego!
La Jolla Shores Hotel
San Diego lifestyle is beachy. So enjoy the good life at La Jolla Shores beach. A parent's favorite with calm waves, shallow waters, tons of lifeguards and a beachside playground. La Jolla Shores Hotel (voted one of Fodor's 12 best family-friendly hotels) has a heated swimming pool, jacuzzi and a wading pool for little ones. Further, you'll find beach chairs, towels and beach accessories for your day in the sand. Want a beach BBQ? For a modest fee, it will be ready and waiting. Want to eat out? We recommend Duke's of La Jolla. Plus, the excellent service makes this a family-friendly hot spot in La Jolla.
Cost: from $229/night
8110 Camino Del Oro
La Jolla, CA 92037
855-923-8058
Online: ljshoreshotel.com
Omni San Diego Hotel
Take me out to the ballgame! A private walking bridge to Petco Park makes taking your little batters to the ballpark a home run. Even if your stay is off-season this hotel caters to kids with a pint-sized backpack filled with an activity book, crayons, binoculars and a small table game. Moreover, they'll delight in the cookies and milk served each night. Don your swimsuits for a swim in the pool and warm up in the hot tub. Eat on site at McCormick & Schmick's and workout in the gym. Location-wise, you can walk to explore The Headquarters and Seaport Village, the Gaslamp District or the New Children's Museum.
Cost: from $209/night
Omni San Diego Hotel
675 L St.
San Diego, CA 92101
619-231-6664
Online: omni.com/sandiego
Catamaran Resort Hotel and Spa
Go tropical minus the plane trip at this Polynesian-themed resort set on the shores of Mission Bay in Pacific Beach. From beach days and swimming pools to the work out room and whirlpools, there's plenty of ways to relax at this resort. Moreover, get a soothing spa massage. Little ones will enjoy the game room, kids club, water sports and free family hour cruise on the Bahia Belle. You'll feel far away from everything, yet so close to home!
Cost: from $199/night
3999 Mission Blvd.
Mission Bay, CA 92109
858-488-1081
Online: catamaranresort.com
Omni La Costa Resort & Spa
This is a paradise for parents and kids alike! Lounge by the pool while the kiddos stay active at Kidtopia. Even more, enjoy family activities like iPhone scavenger hunts, waterslide races and crafts. Also, there are special events like a radical reptile show or dive-in movies. Or if sports are your family's thing, there are tennis drills for grown-ups and golf lessons for the half-pints. When done, head to the spa or a delicious family dinner. Really, you can't go wrong here.
Cost: from $210 per night
2100 Costa Del Mar Rd.
Carlsbad, CA 92009
760-438-9111
Online: lacosta.com
Hyatt Regency Mission Bay Spa and Marina
A little guppy's paradise! With three heated pools and three waterslides (usually attended by a lifeguard), the Hyatt Regency Mission Bay makes a splash! Two waterslides are for half-pints 42 inches and taller. There's one smaller slide you can go down with your kiddo in tow. Even more, pay a little more to have your own cabana or when the kiddos are hungry order poolside or walk into the poolside restaurant, Splashes. At night there are fireplaces for s'mores and plenty of restaurants nearby to chow down. Check out our family guide.
Cost: from $219/night
1441 Quivira Rd.
San Diego, CA 92109
619-224-1234
Online: hyattmissionbay
Loews Coronado Bay Resort
Your staycation starts when you check-in at this resort by the sea. You're minutes from home, yet a world away. Sail or kayak from their private marina. All the more, head to the beach and find a concierge at your service. They provide umbrellas, chairs, beach toys, boogie boards and beach towels for your comfort and convenience. Finally, wind down the day at the cozy bayside fireplace.
Cost: from $168 per night
4000 Bay Rd.
Coronado, CA 92118
619-628-8870
Online: loewshotels.com
Best Western Plus Island Palms Hotel & Marina
Families rule at this non-smoking hotel with suites that sleep six and have a full kitchen. If your tribe is smaller, there are rooms with two double beds plus microwave and refrigerator. Also on tap: two tennis courts (with racquets to use), swim and relax in the two pools and hot tub or make use of their bikes and take a nice long ride with the whole crew. Further, it's easy eats ordering from the kid's menu at the restaurant.
Cost: from $110/night
2051 Shelter Island Dr.
San Diego, CA 92106
619-222-0561
Online: bestwesternislandpalms.com
LEGOLAND® Hotel
Calling all brick builders! Truly, the biggest sleepover of stuff dreams are made of. From the disco music in the elevators to the LEGO castle in the lobby and bricks everywhere to build with, staying here is a treat. Also, LEGOLAND's new Castle Hotel is open! Further, we grown-ups appreciate the in-room coffee, fridge filled with tea, juice and water (included in the room rate) and free LEGO gifts in the room for kiddo guests. At every turn in this wonderful hotel, you'll feel that you are indeed a special guest.
Cost: from $185 per night
5885 The Crossings Dr.
Carlsbad, CA 92008
888-690-5346
Online: legoland-resort-hotel
West Inn and Suites
If you want to take the littles to Legoland and watch the bottom line too then this Carlsbad hotel offers many amenities. You can spread out in the family suites, watch a free movie, enjoy fresh cookies and milk (every night!). Even more, there's a shuttle to local spots like Legoland so you don't have to hassle with driving. Bring your swimsuit for the outdoor saltwater pool and enjoy a free full breakfast each morning. Another great perk: Fido's invited too!
Cost: from $145/night
4970 Avenida Encinas
Carlsbad, CA 92008
886-431-9378
Online: westinnandsuites.com
Rancho Bernardo Inn
Let your little explorer go glamping. Really, if you book the family fun package at this award-winning SoCal resort, the Inn will set-up an in-room tent complete with a s'mores packet. Plus, your little luxe camper gets a milk and cookies tray upon arrival and a free kid's breakfast in the morning. With the kids so happy, grown-ups can relax at the spa or play a round of golf.
Cost: family fun package, from $261 per night
17550 Bernardo Oaks Dr.
San Diego, CA 92128
858-675-8500
Online: ranchobernardoinn.com
Park Hyatt Aviara Resort
Young staycationers love having plenty to do and this resort has excitement to spare. Splish, splash in the family pool, then warm-up in the spacious spa. There's also tennis, golf and Camp Hyatt for half-pints. Further, there are five restaurants, including a Kid's Cafe and finer dining too. The attention to detail and customer service are resort perfect.
Cost: from $259 per night
7100 Aviara Resort Dr.
Carlsbad, CA 92011
760-448-1234
Online: aviara.park.hyatt.com
Pacific Terrace Hotel
Experience balcony ocean views with family-friendly service. In fact, they have beach chairs, boogie boards and sand toys for the whole clan. Along with the fact that everyone's within walking distance to the pool, the beach and downtown Pacific Beach. Get the s'mores kit to roast marshmallows by the open fire pit after taking a dip in the large jacuzzi.
Cost: from $249 per night
Pacific Beach
610 Diamond St.
San Diego, CA 92109
858-581-3500
Online: pacificterrace.com
Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina
This downtown waterfront escape is perfect for exploring San Diego. On one hand, you have Petco Park, the Gaslamp District and The New Children's Museum all within walking distance. Plus, the kids and adults get their own swimming pools. Even more, the view of the harbor is amazing for watching the ships and yachts. There's also a Starbucks and bar and grill that are good food and drink pit stops.
Cost: from $219 per night
333 West Harbor Dr.
San Diego, CA 92101
619-234-1500
Online: marriott-marquis.com
Carlsbad Seapointe Resort
This North County coastal escape is a gem. Just rent a one or two bedroom condo and leave your busy life behind (for a few days). Even though there's no restaurant on-site, you have a giant kitchen and BBQ spot outside. Still more, there's an ocean view, grown-up pool and spa and kiddie pool with splash pad. Additional activities include the kid's sandbox and miniature golf. Also, you just walk across the street to get to the beach. Carlsbad Village is a close drive with restaurants, shops and more.
Cost: one bedroom condos, from $161 per night; two bedroom condos, from $206 per night
6400 Surfside Lane
Carlsbad, CA 92008
760-603-1700
Online: carlsbadseapointe.com
Hotel Del Coronado
Just across the Coronado Bridge, you'll find this beautiful Victorian-style resort. In fact, from a (personal) beachside bonfire to bicycling along the boardwalk, there are activities galore. Little explorers love the Delventures Club with dino digs, mermaids and weird science. There's always plenty to do, the beach is beyond glorious and the service is grand. Moreover, you'll feel worlds away from the day-to-day.
Cost: rooms from $316 per night; bonfire experience, from $100 plus add-ons
1500 Orange Ave.
Coronado, CA
619-435-6611
Online: hoteldel.com
Fairmont Grand Del Mar
Luxury + fun activities = the perfect family vacation. Whether it's the Italian-inspired European villa atmosphere that gets you, or the kid's pool with underwater music and service at your fingertips, this stay is sure to rejuvenate you. Go on a group hike led by a nature guide, or plan a tennis lesson geared for the whole family. Also, the food is fabulous and the spa is wonderful too. Kiddos may ask to go to the Explorer's Club, while you (and your partner) get to enjoy a romantic dinner. Read about all of the Fairmont Grand Del Mar's awesome family- and kid-friendly amenities and special programming here.
Cost: from $469 per night
5300 Grand Del Mar Ct.
San Diego, CA 92130
866-305-1528
Online: fairmont.com/san-diego
-Nikki Walsh
featured image via Omni La Costa Resort & Spa
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