San Diego is one of the most family-friendly cities 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 attractions and offers great things to do 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 San Diego Zoo, which has over 3,700 animals from 650 different species! San Diego’s family-oriented atmosphere is apparent in its hotels and resorts, 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!
Popular family-friendly attractions in San Diego
Belmont Park: Built almost a century ago, Belmont Park is still one of the best entertainment spots in the city. The park is dominated by the historic Giant Dipper Roller Coaster, which reaches a maximum speed of 48 miles (77.25 kilometers) per hour.
SeaWorld San Diego: SeaWorld is one of the star attractions of the city, but it’s not all about marine creatures. The rides at SeaWorld are amazing as well, and the dive coaster ‘Emperor’ is especially fun!
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 22, 2025.
1. Hotel del Coronado (from USD 743)
A range of dining options available, with some high-quality but expensive food and limited menu choices.
High prices for rooms, dining, and amenities, with additional charges for parking and resort fees.
Prime beachfront location on Coronado Island, close to restaurants, cafes, and stores.
Historical property with beachfront location, pools, and shopping options, though some areas are under renovation.
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 A Curio by Hilton
10.36 km (6.5 mi) from SeaWorld San Diego
2. Catamaran Resort Hotel and Spa (from USD 292)
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 and Spa
3.82 km (2.4 mi) from SeaWorld San Diego
3. 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
33.28 km (20.7 mi) from SeaWorld San Diego
4. Paradise Point Resort and Spa (from USD 288)
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
1.66 km (1.1 mi) from SeaWorld San Diego
5. Coronado Beach Resort (from USD 253)
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
10.23 km (6.4 mi) from SeaWorld San Diego
6. Four Points by Sheraton San Diego (from USD 167)
On-site restaurant available, but limited food options and no free breakfast
Reasonable pricing with spacious rooms and ample parking
Convenient location near highways and Snapdragon Stadium, but far from downtown and main attractions
In-room safe, microwave, refrigerator, fitness center, and pool, but hot tub needs maintenance
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
8.74 km (5.5 mi) from SeaWorld San Diego
7. Hilton San Diego Bayfront Hotel (from USD 232)
Limited and expensive dining options, disappointing room service, high prices for food and drinks.
High rates for a local 'staycation'. Hidden charges at checkout.
Perfect location near convention center, Gaslamp Quarter, and waterfront.
Clean rooms, responsive maintenance, text/chat feature, pool reservation process.
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
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
2.22 km (1.4 mi) from SeaWorld San Diego
9. Hilton La Jolla Torrey Pines (from USD 288)
Delicious complimentary breakfast, but limited dining options and pricey dinner
Expensive parking and resort fees, but great value with room and breakfast package
Scenic views of Torrey Pines Golf Course and close proximity to the beach
Beautiful pool area, convenient location near Torrey Pines Reserve and UCSD
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
15.38 km (9.6 mi) from SeaWorld San Diego
10. Holiday Inn Express and Suites La Jolla Beach Area (from USD 224)
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 This is a Proud Certified property where you can be extra sure of a welcoming stay.
8.67 km (5.4 mi) from SeaWorld San Diego
11. Hyatt Regency Mission Bay Spa and Marina (from USD 234)
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 Rd, Mission Bay / Point Loma Heights, San Diego (CA), United States, 92109-7805
1.32 km (0.9 mi) from SeaWorld San Diego
12. Kona Kai Resort and Spa (from USD 730)
Vessel Restaurant offers good food, poolside bar, Bali Hai restaurant nearby. Some service delays.
Resort charges and parking fees can add up. Some additional charges for amenities like water bottles.
Shelter Island location with marina view, close to downtown. Serene and tranquil atmosphere.
Marina view, firepits, pools, fitness center, private beach, cabana rental, wave runners, ping pong, spa.
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
13. DoubleTree by Hilton San Diego Del Mar (from USD 216)
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 This is a Proud Certified property where you can be extra sure of a welcoming stay.
19.11 km (11.9 mi) from SeaWorld San Diego
Family-friendly hotels in San Diego
Aside from the resorts above, San Diego also has some fantastic family-friendly hotels with amenities such as pools, play areas, family rooms, and more. Check them out below if you need some more options for your stay!
14. Staypineapple at Hotel Z (from USD 180)
Abundance of dining options within walking distance. Complimentary cookies and welcome drink.
Reasonable rates, especially for the Gaslamp Quarter area.
Conveniently situated near the convention center, restaurants, and nightlife.
Complimentary water bar, coffee, and bikes. Dog-friendly with thoughtful extras.
Besides having a funny name, Staypineapple offers family-friendly accommodation, including for pets. Your whole family will love this hotel: the rooms are comfortable, modern, and feature all of the amenities necessary to have a great stay. Every room has a private bathroom with bathrobes and slippers available, and some even have a mini bar and a microwave if someone gets the munchies in the middle of the night. The TVs have Netflix on so that’s one more reason to convince your children to share a room without throwing a tantrum. Staypineapple exists to ease all of your worries away!
Staypineapple, Hotel Z, Gaslamp San Diego This is a Proud Certified property where you can be extra sure of a welcoming stay.
8.68 km (5.4 mi) from SeaWorld San Diego
15. Kimpton Solamar Hotel (from USD 263)
Located close to San Diego’s effervescent Gaslamp Quarter, Kimpton Solamar Hotel is a modern hotel featuring a rooftop outdoor swimming pool and lounge. It is a fabulous option if you’re looking forward to a relaxing holiday in the company of your loved ones with a bit of fun. The hotel offers free wine every day and every morning there’s coffee and tea available too. The rooms are classy and elegant and include a minibar and an en-suite bathroom. There is a spa where you can receive a well-deserved beauty treatment and a restaurant where you can taste locally produced food. This is a more suitable option for a family with no children.
Margaritaville Hotel San Diego Gaslamp Quarter This is a Proud Certified property where you can be extra sure of a welcoming stay.
8.77 km (5.5 mi) from SeaWorld San Diego
16. Pendry San Diego (from USD 406)
Pendry San Diego is a lovely option for a family with or without children. This hotel features an outdoor pool and views of the city, as well as a spa centre, a hot tub and a bar. The rooms are very comfortable and functional, perfect for relaxing after a day of exploring. They all include a flat-screen TV and an en-suite bathroom with toiletries and bathrobes available. This hotel is great for a luxurious stay in San Diego.
Pendry San Diego
8.75 km (5.5 mi) from SeaWorld San Diego
17. The US Grant (from USD 207)
The US Grant is an exceptional hotel perfect for your luxury-loving family. This elegant historic hotel is located minutes from San Diego’s most popular attractions so you’ll be close to everything you can’t miss. There’s a fitness centre where you can work out after having a delicious meal at the hotel’s restaurant, a massage service you can ask for whenever you feel like, and an impressive banquet you can’t be too shy to try. If all of this wasn’t already enough, the rooms are incredible and have the kind of quality you’ll always look for in your next hotel.
THE US GRANT, a Luxury Collection Hotel, San Diego
8.11 km (5.1 mi) from SeaWorld San Diego
18. Courtyard by Marriott San Diego Downtown (from USD 190)
Variety of nearby eateries, but breakfast not included and onsite dining options can be pricey
Reasonable pricing for downtown location, but valet parking is expensive
Excellent downtown location within walking distance to restaurants, bars, and attractions
Beautiful historic building with spacious and clean rooms, friendly and helpful staff
This hotel is a great value-for-money option for a family on a budget who want to have a lovely stay in San Diego. Located in a historic building in the Gaslamp Quarter, Courtyard hotel offers bright, modern rooms with a refrigerator, a microwave and a coffee maker. There’s a restaurant on site, as well as a Starbucks, a snack shop and a fitness centre. Pretty impressive for a 3-star hotel, right?
Courtyard by Marriott San Diego Downtown This is a Proud Certified property where you can be extra sure of a welcoming stay.
8.25 km (5.2 mi) from SeaWorld San Diego
19. Kimpton Hotel Palomar San Diego (from USD 225)
Tasty breakfast with fresh berries, great cafe and bar options, but disappointing room service breakfast; excellent 5-course tasting menu at The Desmond.
High parking and amenity fees, but good value for spacious, modern rooms.
Centrally located in downtown San Diego, close to tram and attractions, but surrounded by homeless population.
Complimentary coffee, wine, and yoga classes; clean pool area with bar and restaurant; free bicycles for guests.
This luxurious hotel features a rooftop pool and bar and is one of the chicest hotels in San Diego. It also happens to be very family-friendly so there’s no reason to hesitate! The rooms are modern and comfortable and include a big flat-screen TV, an iPod docking station and free newspapers, as well as an en-suite bathroom with bathrobes and a rainforest shower head. How great does this hotel sound for your family holiday?
Alma San Diego Downtown, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel This is a Proud Certified property where you can be extra sure of a welcoming stay.
8.2 km (5.1 mi) from SeaWorld San Diego
20. The Westgate Hotel (from USD 258)
If your family is composed of adults only who love their classy rooms, this is the hotel you should all stay in. The Westgate Hotel features spectacular views of downtown San Diego, a rooftop outdoor pool, a full-service spa, a gym and a restaurant. The rooms are decorated with handmade European furniture and include all the modern amenities. You can enjoy live piano performances at the hotel’s bar or drink an afternoon tea at the sound of a harp. Fancy!
The Westgate Hotel This is a Proud Certified property where you can be extra sure of a welcoming stay.
8.06 km (5.1 mi) from SeaWorld San Diego
21. The Bristol Hotel (from USD 151)
The Bristol Hotel is a lovely choice for any kind of family. This boutique-style hotel offers rooms with seating areas and coffee machines, as well as a work desk, spa bathrobes and an en-suite bathroom. There’s a bar on-site where you can enjoy a drink with your loved ones and then head to the centre of San Diego, which you’ll be able to reach in just five minutes. Nice, isn’t it?
The Bristol Hotel San Diego
7.93 km (5.0 mi) from SeaWorld San Diego
22. Hard Rock Hotel San Diego (from USD 280)
Which teenager wouldn’t want to stay at this hotel? In fact, why would anyone not want to stay at a Hard Rock hotel? If you’re travelling with your teenage son or daughter, this is the hotel they’ll want to stay at and probably the one you won’t resist either. This music themed hotel has an amazing rooftop pool, a full-service spa and a sushi bar. You can borrow a free guitar during your stay and get free music downloads to add a nice soundtrack to your visit to San Diego. There is no way your kids will let you book another hotel if you can afford this one!
Hard Rock Hotel San Diego
8.87 km (5.6 mi) from SeaWorld San Diego
23. The Westin San Diego (from USD 284)
The Westin San Diego is another great value-for-money choice if you’re on a budget but still want every single member of your family to feel happy and comfortable during their stay. This hotel offers a free shuttle service to/from San Diego International Airport, which is fantastic if you’re travelling by plane. There’s a restaurant on-site as well and the hotel features an outdoor swimming pool, a hot tub, a gym and a massage service. The rooms are furnished with cosy beds and modern amenities and include Starbucks coffee. Truly, the price-quality ratio is on point!
The Westin San Diego Bayview This is a Proud Certified property where you can be extra sure of a welcoming stay.
7.69 km (4.8 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, such as visiting amusement parks and zoos, but also the little things, such as hanging out as a family at the hotel/resort. Any of the properties on this list would be an exciting and memorable place for your family in 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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