San Diego is just about the most family-friendly city on the West Coast of the USA. It’s a gorgeous, sunny place with miles of beautiful beaches and palm trees. In addition to natural beauty, San Diego is rich in cultural activities and great places to visit for the whole family. There are tons of museums and exhibits that both kids and adults will find fascinating. The city is also famous for the San Diego Zoo, which has over 3,700 animals from 650 different species! San Diego’s family-oriented atmosphere is apparent in its hotels, which are designed with kids in mind. Take a look at our list of the top family resorts in San Diego, California, USA, and start planning your visit today!
We handpicked these listings carefully, considering (wherever possible) recent guest reviews, location, accommodation type, prices, availability of dates, decor, and access to family-friendly amenities and activities. The image galleries get refreshed with the latest updates regularly. They were last updated on April 07, 2024.
1. Hotel del Coronado (from USD 729)
High prices for rooms, dining, and amenities, with additional charges for parking and resort fees.
Historical property with beachfront location, pools, and shopping options, though some areas are under renovation.
Prime beachfront location on Coronado Island, close to restaurants, cafes, and stores.
A range of dining options available, with some high-quality but expensive food and limited menu choices.
Stay in a piece of San Diego’s history at the Hotel del Coronado. This enormous beach resort in San Diego for families dates back to 1888 and has beautiful Victorian architecture. Kids will love staying here and might even tell folks back at home that you stayed in a castle on your vacation! You’ll certainly all live like kings while at this resort. Along with its lavish rooms, outdoor pool, and beachside location, this luxury family resort in San Diego has tons of events and activities families will love. This is an especially great spot to visit around holidays when they schedule parties and festivals to mark the occasions — they even have an ice skating rink on the beach from November through New Year’s!
Hotel del Coronado, Curio Collection by Hilton
Address: 1500 Orange Avenue
10.34 km (6.5 mi) from SeaWorld San Diego
2. Rancho Bernardo Inn (from USD 530)
Bernardo Oaks Drive houses one of the most stunning resorts in San Diego, Rancho Bernardo Inn. The place has a kids club to keep your little ones entertained and is dog-friendly, so you won’t have to worry about leaving your pet at home. Two of the on-site restaurants at this family resort are Avant with an American buffet spread and Veranda Fireside Lounge & Restaurant, which serves Mediterranean cuisine. The resort is somewhat secluded and gives its guests total freedom to enjoy beautiful San Diego.
Rancho Bernardo Inn
Address: 17550 Bernardo Oaks Drive, Rancho Bernardo / Carmel Mountain, San Diego (CA), United States, 92128
33.28 km (20.7 mi) from SeaWorld San Diego
3. Catamaran Resort Hotel and Spa (from USD 279)
The Catamaran Resort Hotel and Spa is a great accommodation for families visiting San Diego! This beautiful resort in San Diego for families has a beachfront location that makes it easy for guests to go for a swim while being close to the room for forgotten beach towels, outfit changes, and mid-day naps. Even closer than the beach is the outdoor pool where kids can take a dip while parents relax on the lounge chairs. What really sets the Catamaran apart from other beachside hotels are the other kid-friendly activities on the property, as an interactive show with talking macaws, luaus with dancers twirling firey torches, and movie nights on the beach where they set up a projector right by the waves!
Catamaran Resort Hotel and Spa
Address: 3999 Mission Boulevard
3.77 km (2.4 mi) from SeaWorld San Diego
4. Paradise Point Resort and Spa (from USD 249)
This gorgeous resort hotel has a waterside location with lush palm trees that will make you feel like you are hiding away in a lagoon! Aside from its stunning appearance, Paradise Point Resort and Spa has seemingly endless amenities that make this a perfect place to stay with kids. Children will never get bored with all there is to do, like swim in all five of the pools on the property, each of which has a poolside grill. This San Diego family resort is also right next to the beach where they host bonfires — perfect for a desert s’more! With such stunning natural beauty surrounding the resort, be sure to build time into your schedule to go on one of the nature tours around the area.
Paradise Point Resort & Spa
Address: 1404 Vacation Road
1.48 km (1.0 mi) from SeaWorld San Diego
5. Coronado Beach Resort (from USD 261)
One of the biggest challenges on a family trip is squeezing all the kids and adults into a tiny hotel room. At the Coronado Beach Resort, guests can enjoy apartment accommodations with lots of space to relax! Each apartment comes with a kitchenette, living room with sofa bed, and TVs with DVD players. Families will also enjoy the roof deck overlooking Mission Bay and the barbecue facilities. Though there is no pool on site, guests are allowed to use a pool and basketball court nearby — or, you can simply walk four minutes to the beach!
Coronado Beach Resort
Address: 1415 Orange Avenue
10.23 km (6.4 mi) from SeaWorld San Diego
6. Four Points by Sheraton San Diego (from USD 219)
Reasonable pricing with spacious rooms and ample parking
In-room safe, microwave, refrigerator, fitness center, and pool, but hot tub needs maintenance
Convenient location near highways and Snapdragon Stadium, but far from downtown and main attractions
On-site restaurant available, but limited food options and no free breakfast
The location of the Four Points by Sheraton San Diego make it the perfect base for a family visit to San Diego. The hotel is only 10 minutes away from downtown San Diego, where kids will love the vibrant atmosphere. Spend a day at Balboa Park, a huge space in the middle of the city full of museums, gardens, a carousel, and a puppet theater. Best of all, this is also the location of the world-famous San Diego Zoo!
Four Points by Sheraton San Diego
Address: 8110 Aero Drive
8.92 km (5.6 mi) from SeaWorld San Diego
7. Hilton San Diego Bayfront Hotel (from USD 234)
High rates for a local 'staycation'. Hidden charges at checkout.
Clean rooms, responsive maintenance, text/chat feature, pool reservation process.
Perfect location near convention center, Gaslamp Quarter, and waterfront.
Limited and expensive dining options, disappointing room service, high prices for food and drinks.
Hilton San Diego Bayfront Hotel has taken a prime spot in the city. The highly rated property offers family rooms with options of city views or bay views, all of which come with free access to Wi-Fi. The four-star accommodation is a short drive to San Diego Zoo and SeaWorld, which travelers with children may enjoy. If you’re more into a relaxed stay, take your family to the outdoor pool for a few laps and dine from the excellent buffet selection of the on-site restaurants.
Hilton San Diego Bayfront
Address: 1 Park Boulevard
9.28 km (5.8 mi) from SeaWorld San Diego
8. San Diego Mission Bay Resort (from USD 297)
Overlooking the idyllic Mission Bay is the newly renovated San Diego Mission Bay Resort. When you book the studio unit with a view of the bay, your door opens directly to the landscaped yard along the bay. This kid-friendly resort in San Diego is an ideal spot for the family to spend their day and have a low-key picnic. This family-friendly resort offers group activities such as boating and motorized or non-motorized water sports. Kid-friendly recreational facilities like kids club and kiddie pools are available on the premises.
San Diego Mission Bay Resort
Address: 1775 East Mission Bay Drive
2.22 km (1.4 mi) from SeaWorld San Diego
9. Hilton La Jolla Torrey Pines (from USD 355)
Expensive parking and resort fees, but great value with room and breakfast package
Beautiful pool area, convenient location near Torrey Pines Reserve and UCSD
Scenic views of Torrey Pines Golf Course and close proximity to the beach
Delicious complimentary breakfast, but limited dining options and pricey dinner
When thinking of vacationing in San Diego, it’s hard for La Jolla not to cross the mind. This seaside neighborhood is one of the prime locations in the city and is heavily sought by locals and tourists alike. Hilton La Jolla Torrey Pines provides a great accommodation in the area and overlooks the Pacific Ocean. The hotel is completely family-friendly, with large room offerings and child meal offerings. Not only is Hilton La Jolla suitable for family, you can bring your pets with you as well.
Hilton La Jolla Torrey Pines
Address: 10950 North Torrey Pines Road
15.38 km (9.6 mi) from SeaWorld San Diego
10. DoubleTree by Hilton San Diego Del Mar (from USD 243)
A more affordable option by the hotel giant Hilton is DoubleTree by Hilton San Diego Del Mar. Located just a short distance from Torrey Pines State Beach, the family-friendly resort has a shuttle service, a mini-market, a shared lounge area, and a gift shop. Apart from the Mosaic Restaurant & Bar, the on-site eatery, a child-friendly buffet is also available for your little one’s enjoyment. Guests are encouraged to use the outdoor swimming pool that is open all year round.
DoubleTree by Hilton San Diego Del Mar
Address: 11915 El Camino Real
19.11 km (11.9 mi) from SeaWorld San Diego
11. Holiday Inn Express and Suites La Jolla Beach Area (from USD 192)
San Diego sure is filled with family resorts that fit all kinds of budgets If you’re more conscious about spending, why not book your stay at this modest property? Frugal travelers highly recommend it for a reason. It’s as straightforward as a resort can get. You can hang out with your family at the picnic area or by the pool, or you could walk a few minutes to reach Coast Boulevard Park Beach. Holiday Inn Express and Suites La Jolla Beach Area is proof that you don’t have to spend a lot just to have fun with your family. You just have to be resourceful!
Holiday Inn Express and Suites La Jolla - Windansea Beach, and IHG Hotel
Address: 6705 La Jolla Boulevard
8.67 km (5.4 mi) from SeaWorld San Diego
12. Hyatt Regency Mission Bay Spa and Marina (from USD 169)
There are so many details at the Hyatt Regency Mission Bay Spa and Marina that kids will be enchanted by! Whether it’s sliding down one of the waterparks at the three pools, eating in a restaurant with a huge fish tank in its center, or watching the sea lions bask in the sun at the docks, this is one of the best places to stay with kids in San Diego. It guarantees that your kids will make lasting memories. This is also a great hotel because of its attached marina. Hotel guests can rent out jet skis, sailboats, and kayaks for exploring the bay or even go on a whale-watching trip that leaves from the harbor! Level up your San Diego family vacation by staying at this property.
Hyatt Regency Mission Bay Spa and Marina
Address: 1441 Quivira Road
1.32 km (0.9 mi) from SeaWorld San Diego
13. Kona Kai Resort and Spa (from USD 179)
Resort charges and parking fees can add up. Some additional charges for amenities like water bottles.
Marina view, firepits, pools, fitness center, private beach, cabana rental, wave runners, ping pong, spa.
Shelter Island location with marina view, close to downtown. Serene and tranquil atmosphere.
Vessel Restaurant offers good food, poolside bar, Bali Hai restaurant nearby. Some service delays.
While it is priceless to travel with your children, it can also be challenging to find some alone time to experience the adult-friendly activities when the kids tag along. At the family-oriented Kona Kai Resort, the Concierge understands that adults need their space and can help guests find childcare! This leaves parents time to enjoy the adult pool and Paloma Bar or take a fitness class at the resort. However, the best times on vacation are spent together, whether it’s at the nightly beach bonfires, the Friday night poolside movie showings, or the Kids Korner, which is stocked with crafts, games, and giant Jenga!
Kona Kai Resort & Spa, a Noble House Resort
Address: 1551 Shelter Island Drive
6.19 km (3.9 mi) from SeaWorld San Diego
14. Crowne Plaza Hotel Mission Valley (from USD 160)
San Diego is known for its family-friendly attractions, and one of the most famous is SeaWorld! This theme park in San Diego features aquatic animals, rides, and shows. It is a must-see for any families visiting the city. The Crowne Plaza Hotel Mission Valley is one of the resorts on this list that is closest to Sea World, only three miles (four km) away. It’s easy to grab a quick breakfast at the hotel’s Kona Café on your way to the park, and still have time to return for a swim in the evening or dinner at the Island Restaurant.
Crowne Plaza Hotel Mission Valley, an IHG Hotel
Address: 2270 Hotel Circle North
4.01 km (2.5 mi) from SeaWorld San Diego
15. Ansei Postpartum Center (from USD 80)
Designed as a non-medical accommodation for expecting and postpartum families, the Ansei Postpartum Center also welcomes non-expecting guests who are looking for a comfortable accommodation in the area. Each room is designed in a relaxing way, with comfortable beds and string lights adding to the peaceful ambiance. The rooms all have TV, a mini-fridge, and a microwave to make them feel homier. The Ansei is designed with families in mind, so whether you are staying here after welcoming a newborn or just visiting the area with your kids, this resort is a great pick!
Ansei Postpartum Center
Address: 3969 Fourth Avenue 302
6.32 km (4.0 mi) from SeaWorld San Diego
A great place to make lasting memories
Your kids will never forget the vacations they go on. They’ll remember the big stuff, like visiting amusement parks and zoos, but also the little things, like hanging out as a family at the hotel and dining at the top seafood restaurants. Anyone of the resorts on this list would be an exciting and memorable place for your family’s visit to San Diego. The kids will love it, and adults will too!
Frequently asked questions about family resorts in San Diego, CA
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