A stay at one of the best San Diego hotels will make a huge impact on your Southern California vacation. These San Diego hotels and resorts cater to kids, but parents will love them, too! I'm a former 15-year former San Diego resident who returns often to America's Finest City. I have stayed at all of these properties and personally recommend each one for different reasons. Take a look at this curated list of kid-friendly San Diego hotels. Then choose the one that best meets your family's needs based on location, amenities, budget, and focus of your trip.
Table of Contents
1. Hotel del Coronado
Best Beach Hotel in San Diego County
If finding an incredible beach is your primary goal, then look no further than Hotel del Coronado on the Coronado Peninsula. The Del, as it's known to locals, is a tourist attraction in its own right.
This luxury hotel is renowned for its extravagant weekend brunch, high-end shops, and immaculate stretch of beach. Adding to the resort's glamorous vibe, many movies have been filmed here, most notably Some Like It Hot, starring Marilyn Monroe.
In summer, the resort offers family activities like Beach Bonfires and Movies on the Beach. During winter, visitors and guests alike can take a spin on the Del's outdoor ice skating rink.
This hotel was named one of the world's best beach hotels for kids, too! Reserve your room at Hotel del Coronado today.
2. San Diego Mission Bay Resort
Most Playful Hotel for Families
Active families will be happy as clams at San Diego Mission Bay Resort. A palm-lined, zero-entry pool beckons to guests. There's also a splash pool complete with a fountain for the resort's youngest guests.
Families enjoy dive-in movies, S'mores Nights with all the fixings around beach fire pits, and live bayside music on select nights. Guests can also borrow recreation equipment for volleyball, basketball, ping pong, cornhole, and tennis rackets for play at onsite courts. There's a giant chessboard for friendly competitions, too.
If that's not enough, then it's easy to rent bicycles, surreys, jet skis, boats, and more to explore Mission Bay from water or land. Personally, I prefer the garden rooms to the more expensive water view options. Try to nab one with its own firepit!
I may be a bit partial to this hotel because this is where my husband and I tied the knot. Then again, I think you'll agree San Diego Mission Bay Resort is a wondrous place to stay and play! Learn more and book your room via Hotels.com.
3. LEGOLAND Hotel and LEGOLAND Castle Hotel
Best Themed Hotels for Kids
Kids are the focus at LEGOLAND Hotel and LEGOLAND Castle Hotel in Carlsbad. Located just outside LEGOLAND California, these sister properties provide an immersive amusement park experience.
Choose from six colorfully themed rooms: Pirate, Kingdom, Adventure, Pirate, LEGO Friends, or Ninjago. A disco elevator, outdoor pool, and LEGO bricks galore will make children go gaga. In fact, LEGOLAND Hotel is so kid-friendly, it made our list of the best hotels for families in the USA.
These kid-friendly hotels in San Diego book up fast, especially during spring and summer peak seasons, so reserve your room at LEGOLAND Hotel and LEGOLAND Castle Hotel right away.
4. Paradise Point Resort & Spa
Best San Diego Hotel for Water Lovers
Located on the sandy shores of San Diego Bay, the Paradise Point Resort & Spa is all about water.
There’s plenty of splashy fun available for rental from the Paradise Point Marina. Enjoy the beauty of the bay via jet ski, sailboat, speed boat, or stand-up paddleboard. You can also book a waterski or wakeboarding adventure. Your family can even take a water taxi to visit nearby SeaWorld San Diego.
If pools are more your thing, then Paradise Point Resort boasts five swimming pools and Jacuzzis scattered throughout the 44-acre property.
Read my full review of this resort or book your stay at Paradise Point Resort & Spa.
5. West Inn & Suites
Best Suites Hotel for Kids and Pets
This surprisingly affordable hotel in Carlsbad makes a great pick for parents and pet owners. Fido and the kids are given a warm welcome at West Inn & Suites.
There’s also a complimentary full breakfast every morning. Keep kids content with a selection of board games to borrow. Each room comes equipped with a microwave and refrigerator and complimentary WiFi.
A free shuttle takes guests to LEGOLAND California, the Carlsbad Flower Fields, the beach, and anywhere else within a five-mile radius of the hotel.
Read my full review or book your stay at West Inn & Suites via Hotels.com now.
6. Catamaran Resort Hotel & Spa
Most Tropical San Diego Hotel for Families
The Catamaran Resort feels like a trip to Hawaii without a flight over the ocean. The resort boasts a Polynesian theme. Enjoy koi ponds and tropical landscape winding their way through the property. They even offer sunset luaus on the bay!
Located on Mission Bay, the beach right out front is absent of big Pacific Ocean waves. This makes it a fabulous choice for families with young children.
Read reviews of the Catamaran Resort and book your stay via Hotels.com.
7. Residence Inn San Diego/Gaslamp Quarter
Best Kid-Friendly Hotel in Downtown San Diego
If you want to stay downtown within walking distance of a plethora of restaurants and shops, then Residence Inn San Diego/Gaslamp Quarter is the place for your family. Expect suites with full kitchens, an outdoor grill for barbecues, a 24-hour in-lobby market, and an on-site fitness center. For a refreshing respite, take a dip in the rooftop pool with a view of the San Diego skyline.
Similar to other Residence Inn locations, this hotel offers budget-savers. Expect complimentary evening socials, free hot breakfasts, included Internet access, and discounts for longer stays. They’ll even go grocery shopping for you at no additional charge (besides payment for the groceries, of course).
Read reviews of Residence Inn San Dieg/Gaslamp Quarter on Hotels.com.
8. La Jolla Beach & Tennis Club
Best Family Beach Party Hotel
A vacation at La Jolla Beach & Tennis Club will be long remembered. Its oceanfront suites open right onto the sandy shores of the Pacific Ocean.
Despite the luxury price tag, this hotel/private club isn’t all that fancy. La Jolla Beach & Tennis Club, however, has bragging rights no other property in San Diego County can claim. This hotel is home to the only oceanfront beach in San Diego where alcoholic beverages can legally be consumed. As a private beach, the local no-drinking-on-the-beach law does not apply.
You needn't be a big drinker to appreciate this detail, either. Each summer evening, this exclusive stretch of sand becomes the best family beach party in Southern California with bonfires galore.
Nab your spot at the beach party!
Save Money on Your San Diego Vacation
Want to save money on your San Diego family vacation? Of course, you do! Use discount code TravelMamas to get $10 off any two-night or longer Southern California package (hotel and two ticket minimum) when you book through Get Away Today. Also, find San Diego deals including attraction ticket discounts!
It's well worth investing in a Southern California CityPass for big savings on bundled attractions!
Lastly, it makes good sense to check Groupon for discounts on activities and restaurants in your destination, and San Diego is no exception. Take a peek at Groupon San Diego deals now.
Learn More about San Diego
Planning a trip to San Diego? Be sure to read our picks for the best San Diego restaurants for families and the top attractions for kids in San Diego!
No trip to San Diego would be complete without a visit to its world-famous zoo. Take a look at our tips and itinerary for visiting the San Diego Zoo with kids.
Many vacationers forego Birch Aquarium in favor of glitzier SeaWorld San Diego. But there are many reasons to visit this smaller, educational sea life attraction. Explore all the things to do at Birch Aquarium.
Want to explore more of California? Discover the best California with kids vacation spots.
Keep this List of San Diego Hotels for Families
To remember these kid-friendly San Diego hotels for a future visit, simply save the image below to Pinterest. I hope you’ll follow Travel Mamas on Pinterest while you’re at it!
Have you stayed at any of these kid-friendly San Diego hotels? In the comments below, share your comments and questions about the best hotels in San Diego for families!
A Note from The Travel Mama: Over the years I have been hosted by some of these resorts. I have paid for personal stays at these San Diego hotels, too. I would never recommend a product or brand I did not truly enjoy myself. All opinions are mine, as always.
About Colleen Lanin, The Travel Mama
Looks like there are lots of good times to be had in San Diego. Love that pirate room.
My kids went crazy for their themed room at the LEGOLAND Hotel. Such fun!
I’m bookmarking this! I’ve been trying to get a family trip together to San Diego, and hotels are always a huge priority for me.
I hope you have a wonderful time in San Diego!
I love the city of San Diego! We’ve talked about someday taking the family, so this will serve as a great guide!
I hope you can visit San Diego someday soon!
One of our family goals some day is to go to San Diego, especially to visit the San Diego Zoo and Sea World. This hotel guide will help in narrowing down a place that’s close to these and many other attractions.
San Diego really is such an amazing destination for families. Enjoy!
I was in San Diego a few years back, and this list definitely would have been handy to have. What a great list of hotels. Thank you for sharing.
Next time…! 😁
Awesome list of hotels! I live 5 hours from San Diego, love that place!
Lucky you! I lived in San Diego for 15 years and miss it!
Legoland Florida Resort looks a lot like the one in San Diego. We are actually staying there for the first time in a couple of weeks!
That’s because it IS in San Diego! This is a list of San Diego hotels! 😂
Wow…I am still aaawwwiing to the “Hotel de Coronado”! Who doesn’t want to try out ice-skating out in the open-sea? I certainly do.
The Del is such a gorgeous hotel and you’re right, everyone wants to ice skate by the ocean!
I have been to California so many times but somehow have not yet made it out to San Diego, I am definitely going to have to remedy that soon! I am a solo traveler with no kids, but most of my friends are traveling with family and always want to know about family friendly places to stay.
These hotels are great for solo/couples travel too! Hope you can make it to San Diego someday soon!
I like the pirate room at the Legoland Hotel. My son is about to outgrow such things, and I’m kicking myself for not going sooner.
It’s amazing how fast it goes by, isn’t it?! I hope you can squeeze in a LEGOLAND Hotel visit soon!
So many amazing options!! I am saving this for my next trip to San Diego!
Thanks for saving this story, Brianna! Have a great time in San Diego!
great list. San Diego is so much fun. the kids and i love it, we have been a few times. every time we find new things but we always have to go to blue water to eat.
So much to love about San Diego! I’m not sure if I’ve eaten at Blue Water — La Jolla, right?
We have an upcoming vacation for San Diego next month! I will definitely book the Catamaran Resort Hotel & Spa!
Good choice! The location is really fabulous and the grounds are super lush & pretty. Enjoy!
I heard San Diego is such a family city. I look forward to visiting one day.
It’s true! I’m so lucky that I got to live in San Diego for 15 years and raise my kids there when they were wee.
Wow! The West Inn & Suites is just perfect for my family. Happy to know that it’s pet-friendly since we usually travel with our furbabies. It is also nice to know that there’s a free shuttle to Legoland. Thank you for sharing this post. Very helpful.
Clarice – I’ve stayed there twice — once during a romantic getaway with my husband and once with the whole family. I hope you love it as much as we did!
Never been to San Diego but looks like a wonderful place to visit. These hotels look so great.
There’s so much to love about San Diego…including these hotels! 😁I hope you can visit someday soon!