The 12 Best Family Friendly Hotels in San Diego
San Diego is one of the most family-friendly destinations in the country, with mild weather, a famous zoo, several world-class theme parks, and 70 miles of stunning coastline with sandy beaches, crashing waves, and curiosity-stoking tidepools. When it comes to hotels, families have a lot of options, from Downtown high-rises with cool perks for the pint-size set to bayfront resorts within easy reach of SeaWorld.
Getting around San Diego without a car can be tricky, especially with kids in tow and a long list of attractions to visit. If you're traveling sans auto, consider staying Downtown close to public transit or at a beach or bayfront resort with enough amenities and activities to keep you happy without venturing out every day. With a car, you'll have easy access to all that the sprawling region has to offer. Click through hotel profiles for detailed info on location, parking, and more.
Now all that's left to do is tell your kids about your San Diego vacation plans. They're going to flip their lids!
Sheraton San Diego Hotel & Marina
Why it made the list
Set on Harbor Island, right on the water, the sprawling Sheraton San Diego Hotel & Marina has a lot to offer, including rooms with panoramic views of the city skyline and bay, three pools, on-site dining and drinking options, a spa, and a private marina with watersports rentals. The Port of San Diego runs a $3 waterfront shuttle servicing hotels and attractions along the bayfront, including the USS Midway Museum and Seaport Village.
Hyatt Regency Mission Bay Spa & Marina
Why it made the list
The Hyatt Regency Mission Bay has all the amenities you’d expect from a beach resort, including panoramic views, a spa, and a fabulous pool area replete with lagoons, waterslides, and a poolside bar (it's hands-down one of the best pool areas in San Diego). The hotel also has a private marina with jet ski, kayak, and sailboat rentals. A summer water taxi service to SeaWorld is another perk.
Holiday Inn Express–SeaWorld Area
Why it made the list
For families whose kids dream of dancing dolphins and the Shipwreck Rapids, this Holiday Express is just a 10-minute drive from SeaWorld. While it’s on the dated side, it’s easy on the wallet and gets the job done, and a pool and free parking are pluses. The hotel is also right by the freeway, offering easy access to other San Diego attractions like beaches and the San Diego Zoo.
La Jolla Shores Hotel
Why it made the list
Just steps from one of the best beaches in Southern California, the large La Jolla Shores Hotel has been a popular vacation destination for decades. The hotel staff puts out complimentary beach chairs, towels, and umbrellas for guests, and there are tons of activities at La Jolla Shores Beach, including surfing and snorkeling in 600-acre underwater eco-reserve just yards off the beach. You can even arrange a private beach BBQ for you and the kids.
Catamaran Resort Hotel
Why it made the list
On the shores of Mission Bay in Pacific Beach, the Polynesian-themed Catamaran Resort Hotel & Spa has the feel of a tropical getaway. Set on the beach of the bay, not far from the ocean, the Catamaran has plenty of sand, a big pool, and water sports rentals. The Catamaran also hosts luaus and a classic 74-foot sternwheeler, the Bahia Belle, provides complimentary family-hour cruises on the bay for guests.
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