With sunny weather almost year-round and kid-friendly beaches, San Diego is a dream family vacation destination. Many Southern California state parks, theme parks, and national parks are within driving distance. If you book one of these family friendly resorts in San Diego, the Pacific Ocean will be steps away.
Whether you have older kids or younger kids, these hotels offer something for the whole family. Luxury modern amenities and spacious rooms are a given. But these family friendly resorts in San Diego all have something extra special to make your beach trip one to remember. Here are my top picks!
Best San Diego Family Resorts on the Beach
1. La Jolla Beach & Tennis Club
- Maximum occupancy: 8 guests in a cottage
- Interconnecting rooms? Yes
Although it’s only a 15-minute drive north of the heart of San Diego, La Jolla Beach & Tennis Club feels worlds away. This four-star hotel boasts a private beach and a stunning coastal hiking path to the secluded La Jolla Cove. With calm waters, tide pools, and pelicans, the entire family will adore this beachfront location.
Active families can take advantage of the 12 championship tennis courts and the large outdoor pool. Children ages 4–10 will enjoy the Kids’ Club, featuring crafts and beach activities. But the real reason why you should stay at this San Diego resort is the comfortable, spacious rooms. Multi-bedroom suites, full kitchens, and an extra room for hanging out make it a great option for big families.
CLICK HERE TO SEE RATES AT LA JOLLA BEACH & TENNIS CLUB
2. The Seabird Ocean Resort
- Maximum occupancy: 8 guests in a suite
- Interconnecting rooms? No
While it’s located in Oceanside in North County San Diego, The Seabird Ocean Resort is in such a prime spot. It’s a short walk from the beautiful beaches of Strand Beach and Oceanside Pier. Theme parks and state parks, such as Guajome County Park and San Onofre State Beach, are a quick drive away. But once you check in, your family may not want to leave!
This is one of the best four-star kid-friendly hotels on the California coast. Younger kids can tie-dye and build sand castles at the Little Seabirds program. Parents can make the most of the beach butler service or the oceanfront pool with private cabanas. No one has to miss out on the spa, with kid and teen-friendly treatments.
With 226 units, the Seabird Ocean Resort offers a range of suite options for families of all sizes. Cityscape family rooms and studios fit up to eight guests and include kitchenettes. Recently refurbished with modern coastal furnishings, this is a great choice for a luxurious family stay.
CLICK HERE TO SEE RATES AT THE SEABIRD OCEAN RESORT
3. Mission Pacific Beach Resort
- Maximum occupancy: 8 guests in a suite
- Interconnecting rooms? No
Fly into San Diego Airport, grab the keys to your rental car, and head 40 miles north. Mission Pacific Beach Resort is one of the best hotels on the waterfront in the beautiful community of Oceanside. Plus, it’s minutes from theme parks like LEGOLAND California and San Diego Zoo Safari Park. For families visiting San Diego with little kids, the location is a no-brainer.
Luckily, this four-star resort is spectacular too. Guests have private beach access, Michelin-starred dining options, and mostly ocean-view rooms. Chill in a cabana next to the rooftop pool or take a nap in your spacious suite with beachy décor. One of their Victorian cottages appeared in Top Gun, which is now home to a cute little pie shop.
You can see why Travel + Leisure readers voted it the No. 1 resort in California and the contiguous U.S. in 2024!
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4. L’Auberge Del Mar
- Maximum occupancy: 6 guests in a suite
- Interconnecting rooms? Yes
Escape the city and drive up to the charming Del Mar Village, approximately a 30-minute drive north of San Diego. Torrey Pines State Reserve (one of the best hiking spots in San Diego), the Del Mar fairgrounds, and Sea Grove Park are on L’Auberge Del Mar‘s doorstep. Enjoy the cliffside views with a private path to the white sandy beach below.
L’Auberge Del Mar is a cozy resort with spacious, elegant one-bedroom suites. The whole gang can hang out in the separate living areas and balconies. Mix cocktails at the wet bar or head down to the tennis courts. Hit a few holes on the golf course and enjoy family-friendly programs such as movie nights.
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5. La Jolla Shores Hotel
- Maximum occupancy: 6 guests in a suite
- Interconnecting rooms? Yes
Check into this Spanish-style boutique hotel just a short drive from Torrey Pines State Beach. La Jolla Shores Hotel is a welcoming, three-star resort with direct access to the beach, the boardwalk, and Kellogg Park’s play areas. Take your older kids rollerblading and push your little kids on the swings.
Wake up to a garden or ocean view in any room that fits your family. Three connecting rooms for extended families? Done. Two parents and four kids in a cozy, calming suite with a kitchenette? No problem! 19 different rooms have kitchens. Splash in one of two kid-friendly pools and finish your day roasting s’mores on the hotel’s beach bonfires.
CLICK HERE TO SEE RATES AT LA JOLLA SHORES HOTEL
6. Hotel del Coronado
- Maximum occupancy: 6 guests in a suite
- Interconnecting rooms? Yes
Hotel del Coronado isn’t just any resort; it’s an institution. This Victorian-style resort opened in 1888 on Coronado Island. It sits on 28 oceanfront acres on Coronado Beach and is a short walk or shuttle from restaurants and shops.
This sprawling resort is a favorite place among movie fans for its appearance in Some Like it Hot (1959). But it’s a favorite for families, too! Kids aged 5–12 can hang out at the Ocean Explorers Kids Club and explore tide pools. Parents can check out the spa and parasailing, and the whole family will love the beach bonfires at night.
With over 750 rooms and five distinct accommodation styles, you’ll find the perfect fit for your family! There is the original Victorian hotel with classic, refurbished room-style options. Some are available with views, others are poolside with patios.
Beach Village and Shore House are hotels within the Hotel del Coronado. They offer luxury, multi-bedroom style residences for larger families. Think dedicated concierge, exclusive pools, and gourmet kitchens.
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7. Alila Marea Beach Resort
- Maximum occupancy: 4 guests in a room
- Interconnecting rooms? Yes
Switching gears, Alila Marea Beach Resort is one of the best adults-only San Diego resorts. It’s a great spot for a family reunion with family members over 18 who are booking a luxurious, blissful break. Its clifftop location above South Ponto Beach provides sweeping Pacific Ocean views.
Spa Alila features five wellness rooms offering treatments inspired by the native Kumeyaay people. Dine at VAGA, the highly-rated on-site restaurant. It’s run by a James Beard–nominated chef with seasonal Pacific-inspired dishes.
Many rooms include private balconies with fire pits, and larger Ponto and Grandview Suites exceed 1,100 square feet. Every suite is finished to a high standard with minimalist, clean lines. Request your suite to be connected to additional bedrooms to spend more quality time with loved ones.
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8. San Diego Mission Bay Resort
- Maximum occupancy: 8 guests in a suite
- Interconnecting rooms? Yes
Mission Bay is a prime location for some of the best San Diego hotels. San Diego Mission Bay Resort is no different. Not only is it a short drive from Balboa Park (one of our favorite places to visit in San Diego with teens) and Downtown San Diego, but it’s also surrounded by 18 acres of lush grassland. Oh, and of course, it’s right on the beach!
This huge resort occupies seven buildings with a range of beachy suites. Parents and kids alike can sign up for Camp Bayside’s family-friendly activities. Take your toddlers to the wading pool and older kids to the main pool’s water slides or water sports rental. There’s easy access to jet skis, paddleboards, and sailboats!
CLICK HERE TO SEE RATES AT SAN DIEGO MISSION BAY RESORT
9. Paradise Point Resort & Spa
- Maximum occupancy: 8 guests in a cottage
- Interconnecting rooms? Yes
Nestled on a private 44-acre island in Mission Bay, Paradise Point Resort & Spa is in an enviable location. Close to Mission Beach as well as Downtown San Diego, this four-star hotel is one of the best value bayfront resorts!
Let’s start with the endless list of amenities. There are 12 public fire pits, five heated pools, bike rentals, a golf course, tennis courts, and a full-service marina. On a rare rainy day, enjoy hours of family fun with their board games. Or, take a trip to the mall on Shelter Island.
Paradise Point’s rooms are tastefully nautical with fun tile prints, fireplaces, and private patios. With 462 bungalow-style rooms and cottages, there is every configuration of suite under the sun. Many offer sofa beds, kitchenettes, dining rooms, and wet bars for your convenience. It’s the perfect place for a multi-generational vacation.
CLICK HERE TO SEE RATES AT PARADISE POINT RESORT AND SPA
10. Bahia Resort Hotel
- Maximum occupancy: 6 guests in a suite
- Interconnecting rooms? Yes
Occupying a private 14-acre peninsula in Mission Bay, the Bahia Resort Hotel is surrounded by water. Families will be close to the beach as well as all of the best places in this neighborhood, like Belmont Park amusement park. It’s one of the largest resorts, yet much more secluded and peaceful than others.
Thanks to its unique location, all 314 rooms and suites overlook the bay or gardens. Every single unit has either a private balcony or patio, too. Comfortable, family-friendly suites have kitchenettes and sofa beds for the whole gang. Make the most of an on-site arcade and the Bahia Belle sightseeing cruises that sail from the hotel’s marina.
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11. Catamaran Resort Hotel
- Maximum occupancy: 6 guests in a suite
- Interconnecting rooms? Yes
The Catamaran Resort Hotel is a fun, island-themed option for families in the Mission Beach area. Think Koi ponds, tropical gardens, waterfalls flowing into whirlpools, and even a Polynesian-themed dining area. Seasonal sunset luaus and parrot shows add to the fun! If your kids love animals, check out SeaWorld San Diego and the San Diego Zoo. Both are just a few minutes’ drive away.
This is, without a doubt, one of the best family friendly resorts in San Diego for water activities. Their partnership with Action Sport Rentals means you have access to kayaks, paddleboards, surfboards, and lessons. For the rare cold days in San Diego, Catamaran Resort has a heated outdoor pool.
Spacious studio rooms and suites sleep up to six guests with eye-catching, tropical décor. Some suites even include direct access to Mission Beach and the boardwalk. Kitchenettes, separate living rooms, and patios make this a great place for families to stay.
CLICK HERE TO SEE RATES AT CATAMARAN RESORT HOTEL
12. The Wayfarer
- Maximum occupancy: 6 guests in a suite
- Interconnecting rooms? No
Just because it’s a beachfront resort, that doesn’t mean you’re far from the city’s attractions. The Wayfarer is in an ideal location for easy access to Petco Park and Old Town San Diego. It’s also directly in the center of Mission Bay and Pacific Beach, so you get the best of both! Take advantage of the free parking lot to explore the area.
The Wayfarer is a fun, four-star hotel offering complimentary bike rentals for exploring the boardwalk. Take seasonal surf lessons and splash in the heated, ocean-view pool. Many of the bright, surf-themed rooms have private patios and a dining nook. All have wet bars and modern amenities. Their casual on-site dining options are perfect for families with little kids.
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13. Loews Coronado Bay Resort
- Maximum occupancy: 8 guests in a suite
- Interconnecting rooms? Yes
Boasting luxury and a ton of amenities, Loews Coronado Bay Resort is absolutely one of the best beach resorts for families. Perched on a 15-acre private peninsula, enjoy views of the San Diego Skyline and the Bay. You’re just a shuttle ride away from Downtown Coronado, Coronado Central Beach, and Silver Strand State Beach.
Younger kids will adore the Loews Little Legends program, and parents will love the Little Adventurers Kids menus at the resort’s dining outlets. Rent a boat from the full-service marina for a family day out, have the resort set you up for a day at the beach, or splash in one of three heated pools. Pickleball is available seasonally from April through August, so families looking for a fun way to burn energy can head to the courts. There are multiple dining venues, a 24/7 fitness center, a spa … Need I go on?!
Every one of the 440 rooms and 37 suites features a private balcony or patio. Families can choose from a range of room setups and can request cribs, childproofing kits, and much more. Every room is bright, modern, and cozy with stunning views.
CLICK HERE TO SEE RATES AT LOEWS CORONADO BAY RESORT
14. Pacific Terrace Hotel
- Maximum occupancy: 4 guests in a room
- Interconnecting rooms? No
This funky four-star hotel is surrounded by palm trees overlooking one of the best San Diego Beaches, Pacific Beach. With plenty of lifeguards and things to do, it really is the perfect family beach! It’s a short walk to the beach down the steps from the hotel. Belmont Park and Mission Bay are also minutes away.
The Pacific Terrace Hotel has a Caribbean feel. Ornate, light wood furniture, shutters, and tropical prints. At this compact 73-room resort, all guests are given extra special attention. Borrow anything from bikes, beach gear, and boogie boards for free. Ideal for families arriving by plane! Take a bike ride along Pacific Beach Boardwalk as the sun sets, or cuddle up next to the fire pits.
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15. Ocean Park Inn
- Maximum occupancy: 4 guests in a room
- Interconnecting rooms? No
At Ocean Park Inn, your family can stay in both an urban and beachfront property. It’s located on one of San Diego’s best beaches, Pacific Beach. Guests can enjoy direct access to the boardwalk and onto the soft sand. Shops and casual family-friendly restaurants are just a short walk away.
Soak in the heated pool or hot tub while gazing at the peaceful ocean. Borrow bicycles to ride along the coastal path, and make sure you visit the concierge. Ocean Park Inn hooks up its guests with discounted SeaWorld and San Diego Zoo tickets.
This more modestly-sized resort (71 rooms) spoils its guests with a balcony or patio with every unit. Rooms and suites have a mid-century minimalist aesthetic with pops of color, and many have kitchenettes. This resort also offers the rarest of amenities, a free breakfast.
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Book the Best Beach Resorts in San Diego for Families
Build sandcastles and make memories at one of our favorite San Diego beach resorts for a family vacation. Learn to surf with your kids on Mission Beach. Visit some of the best attractions in the world, like the San Diego Zoo. Roast marshmallows while watching an epic sunset and wake up to calm sea views. Your perfect family getaway in San Diego awaits!