Beachfront San Diego Resorts You’ll Love
The Best Beachfront and Bayfront Resorts in San Diego for a Relaxing Getaway
San Diego is a dream destination for anyone looking to soak up the sun, enjoy ocean breezes, and relax by the water. It’s a destination that should be on every family’s travel bucket list.
I’m lucky enough to call this place home, but even still, I love doing a staycation at one of the many beautiful San Diego resorts. And when I have friends and family come into town, I love it when they choose to stay in one of the beautiful beachfront San Diego resorts so I can visit!
With its miles of pristine coastline and stunning bay-front views, San Diego is home to some incredible resorts that offer the perfect mix of luxury, relaxation, and adventure. Whether you want to wake up to the sound of crashing waves or enjoy a tranquil bay-front setting, these waterfront resorts in San Diego will make your stay unforgettable.
Check out my complete 5-day San Diego itinerary for even more ideas for your perfect San Diego getaway.
Best Beachfront Resorts in San Diego
Hotel del Coronado – One of the most popular beachfront San Diego resorts
Location: Coronado Island
A San Diego icon, the Hotel del Coronado is a must-visit for anyone looking for a blend of history, luxury, and beachfront relaxation. This Victorian-style resort sits right on the Coronado Beach, offering breathtaking ocean views, private beach cabanas, and a range of dining options, including the beachfront Sun Deck. Guests can enjoy a world-class spa, oceanfront pools, and activities like bonfires on the beach. It’s a great choice for anyone looking for a bit of old-world charm with modern amenities. But I must warn you, this hotel is very pricey.
Great for families? Yes! The Hotel del Coronado is a fantastic choice for families, offering kid-friendly activities, a beachfront ice skating rink in the winter, and family bonfires on the beach. The resort also has a kids’ club and plenty of dining options to suit all tastes. It’s also one of the best places to celebrate the 4th of July.
Pacific Terrace Hotel
Location: Pacific Beach
For those looking for a boutique beachfront experience, the Pacific Terrace Hotel in Pacific Beach is a fantastic option. This intimate, upscale resort offers spacious rooms with private balconies that overlook the ocean, a heated outdoor pool, and complimentary beach gear for guests. Located right along the boardwalk, it’s perfect for those who want to explore the lively Pacific Beach scene while still enjoying a peaceful retreat at the end of the day.
Great for families? Yes! The Pacific Terrace Hotel is family-friendly, with spacious rooms, a heated outdoor pool, and complimentary beach toys for kids. Its prime location on the boardwalk makes it easy for families to explore the beach and nearby attractions.
Tower23 Hotel
Location: Pacific Beach
If you’re after a modern and stylish beachfront escape, Tower23 Hotel is a great choice. This sleek and contemporary hotel sits just steps from the sand and offers an upscale yet relaxed vibe. The on-site restaurant, JRDN, serves up delicious coastal cuisine with stunning ocean views. Whether you’re watching the sunset from your private balcony or taking a morning stroll along the beach, Tower23 offers a chic, laid-back experience perfect for couples and friends.
Great for families? Not the best fit. While Tower23 Hotel is one of the best beachfront San Diego resorts, it’s more geared toward couples and adults looking for a modern, stylish retreat. There aren’t many kid-specific amenities, making it better suited for a romantic getaway or a trip with friends.
La Jolla Beach & Tennis Club
Location: La Jolla
For a more exclusive beachfront experience, La Jolla Beach & Tennis Club offers private beach access, making it one of the few resorts in San Diego where you can truly have the sand to yourself. This family-friendly resort includes tennis courts, a golf course, and spacious accommodations. It’s a great choice for those looking for a quiet and upscale stay right on the beach in La Jolla.
Great for families? Yes! La Jolla Beach & Tennis Club is a wonderful family-friendly resort, offering private beach access, spacious accommodations, and kid-friendly activities like beach games and tennis lessons. This beachfront San Diego hotel is great for families looking for a quiet and exclusive beachfront stay.
The Wayfarer San Diego
Location: Mission Beach
For a casual yet stylish beachfront stay, The Wayfarer San Diego is a fantastic option. Located right on the Mission Beach boardwalk, this recently renovated resort offers ocean-view rooms, beach cruiser rentals, and easy access to the lively Mission Beach scene. It’s perfect for travelers who want a fun, relaxed atmosphere while still enjoying the perks of a beachfront resort.
Great for families? Yes! The Wayfarer San Diego is a great option for families looking for a relaxed, fun beach experience. The resort offers direct access to the boardwalk, and kids will love the lively Mission Beach area, which includes nearby amusement park rides and beachside activities.
Best Bayfront Resorts in San Diego
Bahia Resort Hotel
Location: Mission Bay
For a bayfront resort with plenty of activities, Bahia Resort Hotel is a top pick. Located on Mission Bay, this tropical-themed resort offers a private beach, lush gardens, and a peaceful, family-friendly atmosphere. Guests can take advantage of complimentary paddleboards, boat cruises on the resort’s historic sternwheeler, and even a seal habitat. The Bahia is ideal for families and travelers looking to enjoy the water without the waves of the open ocean.
Great for families? Yes! Bahia Resort Hotel is one of the best beachfront San Diego resorts for families, offering a private bay beach, a kid-friendly pool, and free paddleboard rentals. The resort’s historic sternwheeler boat cruise and on-site seal habitat make it an especially fun stay for children.
Catamaran Resort Hotel and Spa
Location: Mission Bay
Just across from the Bahia Resort, the Catamaran Resort Hotel and Spa is another fantastic bayfront option. This Polynesian-inspired resort offers lush landscaping, koi ponds, and even exotic birds on the property. Guests can enjoy spa treatments, a private beach, and water activities like kayaking and paddleboarding. The Catamaran also has a beachfront restaurant, Oceana Coastal Kitchen, where you can enjoy fresh seafood with a view.
Great for families? Yes! Catamaran Resort Hotel and Spa is fantastic for families, featuring a private bayfront beach, water sports rentals, and a Polynesian-themed atmosphere. The lush gardens, koi ponds, and exotic bird show are great for kids, making it a unique and exciting family getaway.
Hyatt Regency Mission Bay Spa and Marina
Location: Mission Bay
For those seeking a luxurious bayfront stay, the Hyatt Regency Mission Bay Spa and Marina is an excellent choice. This resort features stunning views of the bay, a full-service marina, and three heated outdoor pools with waterslides. Guests can also enjoy a rejuvenating spa, waterfront dining at Red Marlin, and access to various water sports, including kayaking and jet skiing. With its blend of relaxation and adventure, the Hyatt Regency is perfect for both families and couples looking to enjoy the best of Mission Bay.
Great for families? Yes! Hyatt Regency Mission Bay Spa and Marina is an excellent choice for families, featuring three heated outdoor pools with waterslides, a full-service marina, and kid-friendly dining options. Families will love the access to water sports like kayaking and jet skiing, as well as the relaxed bay-front setting. And during the summer months, you might even be able to watch the Sea World fireworks from the resort.
Final Thoughts on the Best Beachfront San Diego Resorts
San Diego’s beachfront and bay-front resorts offer something for every type of traveler, whether you’re looking for luxury, family-friendly amenities, or a laid-back beach vibe. Whether you choose the historic charm of the Hotel del Coronado, the boutique elegance of Pacific Terrace, or the tranquil bayfront setting of Bahia Resort, your stay by the water in San Diego is sure to be unforgettable.
Make sure you check out my other San Diego resources to help plan an unforgettable getaway. I share which San Diego resorts have the best pools, a list of some fun, cheap things to do in San Diego, along with a list of the best family-friendly dining spots in San Diego. And be sure to check out my favorite restaurants in Old Town, San Diego — a must-visit spot in San Diego.
Ready to book your next beach getaway? Let us know which resort caught your eye! And consider visiting San Diego in the winter, when it’s less expensive and less crowded.
Note: Affiliate links on this page may earn me commission if used to make purchases. This doesn’t cost you a penny extra, and it helps to keep my website up and running for free.
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Jaime
Thanks for reading my post. My name is Jaime and I am a mom to three busy children. When we're not at the soccer and football fields, we try to get away as often as possible. I'm a teacher and my husband is a firefighter, so we mostly get away for long weekends or over the school breaks. I hope to inspire busy families to take time to recoup and relax while making memories on camping trips or cruise ships, or at the fancy resort pool--we love it all! Follow me on Instagram for real-time inspiration.
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