The 15 best hotels in San Diego right now

The Lafayette Hotel, Swim Club & Bungalows is the kind of place that makes you wonder why you’d ever leave the property at all. A San Diego landmark since 1946—first as Imig Manor, then as the Hilton-owned Lafayette, and now lovingly restored by Consortium Holdings—it still hums with the Old Hollywood glamour that once drew Ava Gardner, Lucille Ball, and John Wayne. Today, it features a buzzy, Tarzan-designed pool; a moody Oaxacan restaurant; a retro 24-hour diner; a mahogany-paneled bowling alley; and a jazz club that feels pulled straight from the 1950s.

Guest rooms lean into lavish maximalism—clashing prints, custom lemur-and-etoile wallpaper, Diptyque toiletries, even personalized stationery. My ground-level poolside room made copping a sunrise lounger nice and easy, though the lively pool scene does get a little noisy. Thankfully, branded earplugs await on the nightstand, and quiet settles in once the pool closes at 9 p.m.

For those craving more serenity, rooms off the lobby offer a little distance from the action, but everywhere, small touches—curtains that hide the TV, throne-like patio chairs, black-and-white–tiled bathrooms—underscore the hotel’s playful commitment to style. And when hunger strikes, this place delivers: go for coffee or cocktails under the Lobby Bar’s Atlas statue; snack on banana bread pudding French toast at Beginner’s Diner; try the chili garlic shrimp tacos and mezcal at the cathedral-like Quixote; or grab a bite from the Pool Bar, Lou Lou’s Jungle Room, and the Gutter.

Oh, and the The Lafayette excels at entertainment. There’s obviously the iconic pool to lounge around in the daytime, but the Gutter’s analog game room—Skee-Ball, shuffleboard, billiards, and two rentable bowling lanes—is the place to be in the evening for some fun and, well, games.

Service is friendly and casual, operating mostly via text, and the surrounding neighborhood brims with dive bars, indie bookstores, vintage shops, standout restaurants, and nightlife. 

Time Out tip: Lou Lou’s Jungle Room hosts live music on a historic clamshell stage—it’s a fun way to escape to a bygone era for the evening. 

Address: 2223 El Cajon Blvd, San Diego, CA 92104
Price: Rooms start at $268 a night
Closest transport: Bus routes 10 and 15 at El Cajon Boulevard and Texas Street

Approached via a gated, tree-lined drive and fronted by a grand Romanesque fountain, the Fairmont Grand Del Mar rises like a pink-terracotta palace tucked into San Diego’s Carmel Valley. Its Mediterranean Revival architecture—think marble archways, wrought-iron flourishes, copper accents—channels architect Addison Mizner’s flair for blending Iberian, North African, and Venetian influences. And the scale is no joke: you’re handed a map at check-in to navigate the courtyards, fountains, and cypress-lined paths.

Inside, rooms and suites feel very indulgent and range from fireside king rooms with deep soaking tubs and rose-scented Le Labo toiletries to sprawling villas outfitted with kitchens, jacuzzis, and full outdoor dining setups. French doors open onto patios with fire pits, while adults-only rooms boast tiled terraces and direct access to the Relaxation Pool.

The dining spans from casual offerings to super elevated. Amaya serves up Californian takes on classics dishes—don’t miss the everything-seasoned brioche with a cloud of butter—while its patio looks onto a lawn framed by Moorish arches. The Lobby Bar, refreshed in 2024, mixes standout cocktails like the Blue Agave, and the crown jewel, Addison by William Bradley, offers a three-Michelin-star tasting menu for those who want to go all in. Beyond the restaurants, the resort has plenty of activities: multiple pools (including one shallow enough for toddlers), a Tom Fazio-designed golf course, racquet sports galore, archery, horseback riding, and a kids club with flexible booking. The spa is a destination of its own, with sound-bowl-infused treatments, a serene women’s lounge, and an adults-only pool where the only rule is true quiet.

However, it’s the service that ties the whole experience together—staff escort you to the right elevator, help book spa appointments before you’ve even asked, offer bottled water at valet, and arrange nearby rides in the courtesy car. Surrounded by Los Peñasquitos Canyon Preserve and just a couple miles from beaches, shopping, and the Del Mar Racetrack, the Fairmont Grand Del Mar feels like its own luxurious little world.

Time Out tip: At Amaya, kids eat free or at steep discounts. 

Address: 5300 Grand Del Mar Ct, San Diego, CA 92130
Price per night: Starting from $450
Closest transport: San Diego International Airport is a 30 minute drive.

Step into the Grand Lobby and the Versailles-inspired extravagance is evident immediately: a sweeping staircase flanks an early Steinway, hundreds of shimmering chandeliers fill the ceiling, and crown molding has seemingly been applied to every available surface. However, beneath that 17th-century flourish lies a thoroughly comfortable stay— we’re talking sun-washed rooms with marble bathrooms, a surprisingly expansive wellness complex, and a prime location steps from theaters, the waterfront, and the city’s buzziest neighborhoods. It’s no wonder The Westgate Hotel has doubled as a set for One Battle After Another and welcomed everyone from Meryl Streep to former President Gerald Ford.

The guest rooms are classic but functional, with floor-to-ceiling windows that catch San Diego’s eternal sunshine and Premier-level views stretching to the Coronado Bridge and the bay. Suites have French doors, generous square footage, and in the case of the 1,800-square-foot Governor Suite, brocade sofas and antique lamps.

Downstairs, Bonne Vie Brasserie & Bar continues the aesthetic with soft lighting and French coastal–meets–California plates. Steak frites come with crispy edges and breakfasts range from almond-milk soaked oats to fluffy omelettes. Beyond the property, you’re a short walk away from Goldenchild’s cardamom buns, fresh-caught seafood at the Tuna Harbor Dockside market, and standout dinners at Animae or Callie.

Where The Westgate truly surprises is in its fitness and wellness offerings. The rooftop pool deck comes with striped umbrellas, fire pits, and a citrusy hard seltzer worth savoring before the sun dips behind downtown’s skyline. An outdoor jogging track, multiple gyms spanning three floors, a spin studio, sauna and steam rooms, and a full spa are all included, too.

As for the service here, staff strike a pleasant balance of friendly and unobtrusive, and with the Civic Center trolley stop around the corner, the city’s cultural venues, ballpark, nightlife, and family attractions are all within easy reach. 

Time Out tip: The hotel’s Afternoon Tea comes complete with harpist and is an elegant way to celebrate a special occasion.

Address: 1055 Second Avenue, San Diego, CA 92101
Price per night: Starting from $250
Closest transport: Civic Center trolley stop. San Diego International Airport is a 10-minute drive.

Built in 1888, the legendary Hotel del Coronado (nicknamed “The Del”) remains Coronado’s main attraction. It was famously the backdrop to Marilyn Monroe film Some Like it Hot, and as such, Monroe’s image and other pictures of numerous other famous guests line its halls.

Fresh on the heels of completing a $550 million resort-wide restoration project, The Del has officially entered a new era. There are now 938 guestrooms at this sprawling property that includes five different “neighborhoods,” which is how hotel staff refers to them, including the private, residential-style Shore House; beachfront cottages in a gated community at Beach Village; modern beachfront or poolside rooms with terraces around the hotel’s main pool at The Cabanas; contemporary rooms with front-row ocean views and balconies at The Views; and The Victorian historic building that’s now fully restored (and the hotel’s most popular photo backdrop). Each has different experiences and amenities available, but there’s no shortage of happenings at this destination hotel that welcomes many day visitors in addition to overnight guests.

There are several pool options throughout the property, including some that are exclusive to guests staying in certain neighborhoods or getting treatments at the spa. The Spa & Salon at The Del has a large selection of ocean-inspired treatments including a lomi lomi massage and body treatments like a seaweed wrap or body buff, in addition to facials, hair styling, and nail care.

For dining, head to one of The Del’s many eateries including the new Nobu Del Coronado for sushi and Japanese food; Veranda for upscale American food and a breakfast buffet; Serẽa for seafood and raw bar options; Sun Deck for sandwiches and salads; ENO for pizzas and takeaway items; Beach & Taco Shack for tacos on the sand; Babcock & Story for craft cocktails; and Sundaes for gelato and popsicles. There are also several specialty boutiques here to grab beachy souvenirs or gifts. 

Time Out tip: As a fair warning, if you don’t like the idea of tourists wandering the property taking in its Victorian charms and joining you on The Del’s private beach, this may not be the right hotel choice for you. 

Address: 1500 Orange Ave, Coronado, CA 92118
Price: Room rates begin at $314
Closest transport: San Diego International Airport, 18-minute drive

For a family-friendly resort, look no further than Omni La Costa Resort & Spa in Carlsbad—a sprawling 400-acre Spanish Mission-style property with more than 600 guestrooms, suites and villas—but don’t worry, golf cart rides are available on request.

The recently remodeled resort has everything you need to stay entertained—eight swimming pools (including an adults-only options), two manicured golf courses and a practice facility, an athletic club, two 100-foot water slides, tennis and pickleball courts, an onsite kids club, and fun programming held throughout the year (think live music, movie nights, ice cream carts, etc.). But back to that kids club—Little Sprouts welcomes little ones ages 6 months through 12 years old. Open year-round, they offer hands-on activities during the day, in addition to evening camps to give parents a date night opportunity.

During summer, check out Tiki Social, a poolside cocktail pop-up experience with tiki-style drinks. While kicking up your feet for a relaxing stay at Omni La Costa, you should carve out an entire day to spend at their luxury spa—the first-ever spa resort in the country—which is a beautiful indoor/outdoor oasis with waterfall showers, a private pool, reflexology path, and even a dedicated cafe. We are partial to their therapeutic massage treatments or their signature La Costa hydrafacial, but you really can’t go wrong here. Parents of teens should look into their spa summer camps that are designed for parents and teens to unwind and reconnect over spa treatments and bonding time.

At meal time, head to the upscale Bob’s Steak & Chop House for prime cuts that are served alongside glazed carrots and a choice of baked, smashed, or skillet-fried potatoes. At VUE restaurant you can take in incredible golf course views that extend beyond their patio. Hotel guests and locals alike flock here on holidays for a special meal with loved ones. 

Time Out tip: A day pass to Omni La Costa is one of the hottest tickets in town (quantities are limited) as they sell out quickly through ResortPass. That means you should probably nab a pool lounger early in the day to secure your spot at one of their fabulous pools. 

Address: 2100 Costa Del Mar Rd, Carlsbad, CA 92009
Price: Room rates start at $339
Closest transport: San Diego International Airport, 35-minute drive

Stay in the lap of luxury at Rancho Valencia Resort & Spa, a Mediterranean-inspired resort in the Relais & Châteaux portfolio that’s dropped into a secluded area of San Diego’s Rancho Santa Fe neighborhood.

All guestrooms are individual villa-style casitas that are scattered throughout 45 acres of gardens (including a culinary garden and chicken coop!), walking trails, and orange and olive groves. Each casita has a private terrace with a garden or spa patio, fireplace, soaking tub, and steam shower, and most casitas are about 1,000-square-feet, with options for a junior suite, or one- and two-bedroom suites.

Their spa, fitness and wellness programs are unparalleled (check out weekly crystal alchemy soundbaths!), with more than 100 complimentary fitness classes scheduled per week, some taking place in an indoor-outdoor yoga pavilion, Pilates studio, and spin room.

Racquet sports have an impressive presence here, spanning 15 tennis courts, four pickleball courts, and three new Padel courts. The resort pool, dubbed The Paddock, has a large cabana filled with games and crafts for the kids, plus inflatable pool toys, complimentary popcorn and ice cream, and a full menu of food and beverage offerings.

The Pony Room restaurant and bar attracts both hotel guests and nearby locals for “coastal ranch” cuisine with an eclectic menu of Baja street tacos; meat, seafood, and veggie entrees; and signature dishes like a baked-to-order focaccia, housemade guacamole, and handcut truffle fries. Each morning, fresh-squeezed orange juice is delivered to your casita with a newspaper, starting the day off on a bright note.

The Spa at Rancho Valencia is arguably the most sought-after spa in San Diego, a special oasis adorned with Talavera tiles spread across 1.5 acres with a lap pool, plunge pool circuit, sauna, and steam room. Treatment rooms have their own private patios, some containing soaking tubs, rain showers, or hydrotherapy circuits. The spa also has a dedicated salon with options for hair blowouts, a makeup bar, and nail services.

Time Out tip: Test drive a luxury Bentley during your resort stay for up to four hours per day, free of charge through the concierge. 

Address: 5921 Valencia Cir, Rancho Santa Fe, CA 92067
Price: Rates start at $800
Closest transport: San Diego International Airport, 35-minute drive

Fresh off a $22 million renovation to transform its 246 luxury villas, the Four Seasons Residence Club Aviara is a great place for families or large groups looking for private, residential-style accommodations with outdoor living space. The new, fully furnished, Spanish-style villas have kitchens or kitchenettes with appliances and dinnerware sets for those who prefer dining in—there’s even barbecue grills and firepits on property.

Designed with a coastal California style, the property has two recreational clubhouses that each have a pool and fitness center. There are designated children’s pools, plus the Aviara Kids Club is stocked with video games, books, board games, and arts & crafts for the younger set. Guestrooms include child-size bathrobes and toiletries especially for kids so they can share in the pampering.

All guests have access to a steam room, sauna, outdoor yoga pavilion, and tennis and pickleball courts, and some of the Four Seasons’ luxury amenities include a surf concierge, personal trainers, beach rentals, wellness classes, and babysitting services.

Head to Driftwood Spa to check out seasonal specials and spa pass deals like the Grapevine Glow treatment inspired by SoCal’s wine culture, which comes with a complimentary charcuterie board and glass of wine. Don’t miss the resort’s calendar of events filled with things like family movie nights, build your own s’mores, guided nature walks, wine and cocktail classes, and arts & crafts.

Seasons Restaurant is their modern American restaurant, open all day with an indoor-outdoor dining room soaked in natural light. Breakfast and brunch service entails egg dishes—think frittatas, Benedicts, and omelets—plus pancakes and French toast. During lunch, there’s salads, sandwiches, and a handful of entrees like fish tacos, and at dinner, mains include meat, seafood, and pasta dishes. For a more exclusive experience, book the chef’s table inside the kitchen for a five-course tasting menu, available only on Thursday evenings.

Time Out tip: Be sure to take advantage of luxury transportation while you’re here, thanks to the resort’s partnership with Lucid Motors electric vehicles. The cars are available for guest use, and there’s also a complimentary shuttle to help get you around the resort quickly.

Address: 7210 Blue Heron Pl, Carlsbad, CA 92011
Price: Room rates start at $332
Closest transport: San Diego International Airport, 35-minute drive

The Seabird Resort is located just steps from the sand and Oceanside Pier and across the street from its sister hotel Mission Pacific Beach Resort (the home of Michelin Star restaurant Valle, and also where the historic “Top Gun House” is located)—both Hyatt properties. You may remember seeing the hotels on Charity Lawson’s season of The Bachelorette when the TV show came to Oceanside.

These oceanfront resorts opened in 2021 with stylish decor that pays homage to the local surf culture. The Seabird has an expansive pool deck with cabanas and ocean views, a contemporary library where you can stretch out with a good book, Sunny’s Spa and Beauty Lounge for pampering, and rotating art exhibits that are an extension of the nearby Oceanside Museum of Art. One of the great benefits of staying here is their beach service—complimentary beach chairs and umbrellas are available right on the sand from The Beach Rambler.

Most of The Seabird’s 226 rooms have full or at least partial ocean views, but the best ocean view is from the patio of the relaxation lounge inside Sunny’s Spa. The full-service spa has massages (there’s even a robot massage!), facials, body treatments, lymphatic and craniosacral therapies, hair and nail services, and IV therapy. For those who like to exercise while on vacation, take a morning yoga class offered inside the spa.

The hotel has three onsite restaurants and bars, including Piper, where you can get California coastal cuisine ranging from a bananas Foster French toast with candied walnuts at breakfast to handmade pappardelle bolognese at dinner. Poolside bar and restaurant The Shelter Club offers sandwiches, salads and bowls, while The Shore Room cocktail lounge has drinks and small bites with prime sunset views. Families should check out their Little Seabirds program offering things like daily crafts (complimentary for guests) and build-your-own stuffed animals.

Time Out tip: Guests at The Seabird have access to all the amenities at Mission Pacific Beach Resort next door (and vice versa), which means you can hang at their not-be-be-missed rooftop pool and bar on the sixth floor, which is one of the buzziest spots in Oceanside. 

Address: 101 Mission Ave, Oceanside, CA 92054
Price: Room rates start at $222 
Closest transport: San Diego International Airport, 45-minute drive or John Wayne Airport, 50-minute drive

For a slower-paced, luxury vacation with a touch of local history, look to The Inn at Rancho Santa Fe. Designed by famed architect Lilian Rice, The Inn opened in 1924 and is known for attracting some of Hollywood’s earliest stars like Bing Crosby and Charlie Chaplin. Spanish Revival architecture marks the 11-acre property filled with 83 guestrooms, cottages, bungalows, villages, and even two new private residences that were added during their $42 million restoration project in 2024.

The Inn sits at the center of Rancho Santa Fe’s bucolic, walkable downtown area, drawing in guests and locals alike with its white adobe walls, terracotta roofs, and peaceful courtyards shaded by olive trees. Nestled in the rolling hills that contain much of San Diego’s equestrian community, the Inn acts as a social hub for the community.

Lilian’s is their full-service restaurant with coastal California cuisine, served inside a newly renovated dining room as well as outside beneath striped umbrellas overlooking the front lawn. At their English-style pub Bing’s Bar, you’ll find wine, beer, cocktails, and light bites in a cozy yet upscale setting. There’s also a cafe onsite for coffee, pastries, and snacks from Erewhon.

The resort’s fitness center has complimentary workout classes, in addition to their four pickleball courts, heated saltwater pool, and jacuzzi. Their Mila Moursi Spa, named for the celebrity esthetician who’s a pioneer in dry contouring, offers spa, beauty, and wellness treatments, in addition to IV therapy, peptide and hormone therapies. The spa has a dry sauna, cold plunge therapy, private indoor/outdoor courtyard, and a cozy relaxation lounge.

Guestrooms at The Inn have upscale bathroom amenities including Dyson hair dryers, Toto bidet toilets, and Frette bathrobes in their marble bathrooms. Valet parking is offered at The Inn, but there’s also lots of free street parking available near the resort. 

Time Out tip: While there are many types of guestrooms here, we can never pass up a room with an indoor fireplace. Their Fireplace Bungalows have wood-burning fireplaces and clawfoot soaking tubs – perfect for a romantic getaway or idyllic retreat. 

Address: 5951 Linea Del Cielo, Rancho Santa Fe, CA 92067
Price: Rooms start at $499
Closest transport: San Diego International Airport, 30-minute drive

Kayakers and scuba divers flock to La Jolla Shores for good reason—to check out the San Diego-La Jolla Underwater Park, a 600-acre ecological reserve.

For those hoping to hit the water with ease, La Jolla Shores Hotel is your best bet. They offer several beach amenities like beach chairs, umbrellas, and towels, plus tables and barbecues for a small fee. This no-frills hotel is one of only a few oceanfront properties in La Jolla, where tourists and locals alike go to see picturesque sea cliffs and seals & sea lions, and book ocean adventure tours. For a nice beach walk from the hotel, head to the palm tree-lined boardwalk that stretches up past Scripps Pier (about 2 miles north).

La Jolla Shores Hotel is a family-friendly, oceanfront property in a prime location close to both Kellogg Park—a seven-acre beach park with grass and picnic tables—and the main business district along Avenida de la Playa. The hotel has southwestern, hacienda-style architecture, with many of the rooms opening up to private balconies and lanais facing the ocean or a garden patio. There’s a heated pool and spa, children’s wading pool, and two tennis courts.

The hotel has 128 rooms—30 that are oceanfront, 37 with an ocean view, and the remainder overlooking the pool and courtyard area. Only 19 are equipped with a kitchen and the entire property only contains one suite.

President Gerald Ford once stayed at this hotel built in 1970, which is owned and operated by the La Jolla Beach & Tennis Club that also oversees the popular Marine Room restaurant. But if you don’t want to travel far for food, head to The Shores Restaurant on property for meat, seafood, and burger options at dinner, and specialties like eggs Benedict or chilaquiles verde at breakfast—served with incredible views overlooking the Pacific. A laidback getaway here promises plenty of sand, surf, and sunsets.

Time Out tip: Request a room on the third floor for the best views, in addition to cathedral ceilings framed by wood beams. 

Address: 8110 Camino Del Oro, La Jolla, CA 92037
Price: Room rates start at $218
Closest transport: San Diego International Airport, 18-minute drive

Tucked away in the hills of Carlsbad, Park Hyatt Aviara is a golf lover’s dream (and where many LPGA pros have competed), with an 18-hole course designed by Arnold Palmer.

Overlooking the tranquil Batiquitos Lagoon, this 250-acre property is a nice break from the city’s hustle and bustle, with 327 guestrooms (including 43 suites) that were recently redesigned and contain lux pillow-top beds. Families in particular will appreciate the dual-king rooms with double the sleep capacity. There’s a family pool, water slides, and an adults-only pool, plus six tennis courts, and a 24-hour fitness center.

But the crown jewel is their new Miraval Life in Balance Spa Aviara, the only Miraval spa located outside of a resort. On the wellness menu there are therapeutic massages, scrubs, wraps, peels, energy healing, eastern-inspired treatments, skincare, and nail services, among others. Fitness class offerings include aerial yoga, barre, Pilates, HIIT classes, bungee fitness, meditation, and more. If you want to go all out, let the spa team curate a three- or five-day itinerary for you that encompasses spa treatments, fitness classes, meals, classes, and leisure time—see sample itineraries online. We recommend joining one of their guided hikes around the lagoon that’s a 3.4-mile loop suitable for all levels.

Once you’ve worked up an appetite, head to one of their two main restaurants: Ponto Lago, a Baja-inspired eatery with several raw seafood options, and celebrity chef Richard Blais’ Ember & Rye steakhouse located inside the golf clubhouse on the 18th green. Ember & Rye has dry-aged steaks, seafood dishes, and a creative cocktail menu with concoctions like the “not too” old fashioned with wagyu fat-washed rye, maple syrup, and black walnut bitters. Note that Park Hyatt Aviara only offers valet parking with no option for street or self-parking, so try to take advantage of the free hotel shuttle while on property. 

Time Out tip: The resort is home to Topgolf Swing Suites, an indoor virtual golf experience that’s ideal for groups to practice their golf swing while noshing on food and bevs. 

Address: 7100 Aviara Resort Drive, Carlsbad, CA 92011
Price: Room rates start at $421
Closest transport: San Diego International Airport, 35-minute drive

It’s all about location at Loews Coronado Bay Resort. Situated on a private, 15-acre peninsula along Coronado’s Silver Strand, Loews has panoramic views of both the ocean and bay. Each of their 440 rooms and 40 suites has a balcony or patio that opens up for guests to take in a front-row water view.

In addition to their onsite pickleball courts, the resort also has a private marina where you can rent motor boats, electric Duffy boats (great for novice boat drivers), jet skis, kayaks, and more. Their beach amenities include loungers, towels, boogie boards, and toys, plus golf cart shuttles if you don’t want to make the five-minute walk over to Silver Strand State Beach. A different shuttle also runs between the hotel and downtown Coronado for guests who want to explore Orange Avenue’s business district for shopping and dining.

Loews has several dining options throughout the resort, including SoCal-style cuisine at Crown Landing, La Cantina poolside Mexican restaurant, and Silver Strand Exchange coffee shop. Since the hotel is a bit secluded from the bustle of Coronado’s main thoroughfare, this is a great place to stay if you’re planning to spend most of your time parked on the property.

This family-friendly resort has programming throughout the year especially for kids (think outdoor movies, arts & crafts, and poolside entertainment), plus heated swimming pools designated especially for families and kids. They even have side-by-side spa treatments for kids and their parents at Sea Spa. Be sure to visit the front desk to borrow board games, children’s books or kites, and inquire about their baby amenities like Pack  and Plays, baby tubs, and bottle warmers. No need to leave your fur babies at home when visiting Loews, as they are a pet-friendly resort (limit two per room, additional fee) that’ll even supply treats for your pooch.

Time Out tip: If you feel like being active, head over to Silver Strand Boulevard for a walk, run, or bike ride along one of San Diego’s most scenic (paved) walking paths that stretches about 10 miles between Coronado and Imperial Beach. 

Address: 4000 Coronado Bay Rd, Coronado, CA 92118
Price: Nightly rates start at $339
Closest transport: San Diego International Airport, 22-minute drive

As the largest hotel ever built on the west coast, Gaylord Pacific Resort & Convention Center is a sight to behold. The 36-acre waterfront Marriott property in Chula Vista has 1,600 guestrooms and 89 suites, plus a 4.25-acre outdoor waterpark, 12 dining options, and a massive convention center for meetings and events.

The hotel lobby is a high, glass atrium filled with water features and natural light. Overlooking San Diego Bay, the hotel has several indoor-outdoor spaces and sits across from Chula Vista Bayside Park and Chula Vista Harbor, with great water views and flat walking trails. The waterpark contains several pools and is a great time for all ages, containing a wave pool, water slides, lazy river, kids pool, Whirlpools, and two restaurant and bar options—there’s also plenty of cabanas and lounge chairs. You can spend an entire day here and not run out of water recreations.

There are also tons of restaurant options that make it easy to never leave the resort. There’s Old Hickory Steakhouse for dry-aged steaks, Treo Kitchen for local seafood and other California cuisine, Taiyo for sushi, Sunny’s for Baja-style tacos, plus a sports bar (with a 75-foot screen!), cocktail bar, coffee shop, and even a hidden speakeasy bar, among others.

The fully-stocked fitness center is open 24/7, but guests can also take advantage of complimentary bike rentals to explore the waterfront on wheels. At Relâche Spa, guests can book massages and skincare treatments, plus hair, nail, and waxing services. In-suite massages are also available if you want to be pampered from the comfort of your own room.

Self-parking at the hotel is available in a large, adjacent parking structure so if you don’t want to haul your belongings very far, we recommend dropping stuff off in the lobby beforehand or utilizing valet. 

Time Out tip: Not a hotel guest but still want to check out the Gaylord Pacific’s awesome waterpark? Purchase a pool pass (available online through ResortPass) or spa + pool pass (available for purchase at Relâche Spa) to take advantage of the resort’s amenities for the day at a very reasonable price point. 

Address: 1000 H St, Chula Vista, CA 91910
Price: Rates start at $480 
Closest transport: San Diego International Airport, 16-minute drive

Families who like having plenty of options for things to do on their vacation should head to San Diego Mission Bay Resort. As its name implies, the hotel overlooks Mission Bay in a central location close to Interstate 5. It’s within walking distance of some of the city’s best public playgrounds at Tecolote Shores, where families like to go for picnics, parties, and playtime.

Perched along the waterfront, the resort has an incredible 4,000-square-foot pool area that often has live music and includes a separate wading pool for little ones. In total, there are 357 guestrooms including 65 studios, five one-bedroom suites, and three two-story suites.

The resort is home to Spa Brezza that has a dry sauna and hot tub, six pickleball courts, and a fully equipped fitness center with Peloton bikes.

Dining options include their signature indoor-outdoor restaurant Covewood with meat, seafood, pasta, and veggie dishes on the menu; Plaza de Sol for happy hour bites and sips; Solrisa for poolside tacos; and Mission Joe coffee shop for breakfast staples.

Their rotating calendar of resort programs include scavenger hunts, beachside bonfires and s’mores, movies by the pool, game nights, and yoga on the beach. Surprise the kids with a pop-up tent in your room that hotel staff can set up ahead of time for $35 per night. Even your dogs, who are welcome here, will approve of this special hangout area in the room.

When you’re ready to hit the sand, be sure to take advantage of the complimentary beach chairs and umbrellas available to resort guests. If you want to get out on the water, head to Action Sports Rentals directly behind the resort to rent a powerboat, Duffy, jet ski, paddleboard, kayak, sailboat, or electric-powered catamaran. They also have bicycles, beach cruisers, and surreys that allow young kids to ride up front. 

Time Out tip: Make your stay extra sweet with the resort’s Sugarfina Sweet Package that entails in-room amenities like Sugarfina gourmet candy, a bath bomb, Candyland board game, a book on the history of candy, and special room decor. It makes for a fun surprise add-on for special occasions like bachelorette parties or birthdays. 

Address: 1775 E Mission Bay Dr., San Diego, CA 92109
Price: Room prices start at $196
Closest transport: San Diego International Airport, 12-minute drive

Stay in the center of it all at Hilton San Diego Bayfront, which has a pedestrian bridge that crosses over Harbor Drive, easily connecting you to the Gaslamp Quarter, Petco Park, and San Diego Convention Center. It’s also the closest and most convenient hotel to The Rady Shell at Jacobs Park, San Diego’s beloved outdoor concert venue, and a short distance from the Coronado Bridge for those planning to hop over to the island.

The pool is hard to beat, situated along the boardwalk, with palm trees lining the edge and gorgeous views of the bay. There’s also a kids pool, two hot tubs, and plenty of lounge seating. At sunset, you’ll want to head to one of their outdoor firepits overlooking the bay.

Kids and dogs alike will have fun at the nearby Bayfront Park, a large grassy area and walking path dotted with public art, and parents will be thrilled to learn that kids ages 10 and under eat free here, with purchase of an adult entree.

The hotel has 1,190 rooms and suites, many with views of the bay and downtown skyline. It’s also home to two beehives on the roof level that provide honey used by the culinary team.

Hudson & Nash is the hotel’s all-day restaurant, serving pancakes, omelets, and egg Benedicts in the morning; salads and sandwiches for lunch; and meat, seafood, and pasta dishes at dinner. Odysea is their waterfront lounge offering light bites and cocktails, including a few barrel-aged options like an old fashioned and Manhattan. On the hotel’s ground floor, there are some additional food options including Starbucks and Sweet Things frozen yogurt.

At eforea Spa you’ll find massages, facials, body treatments, and nail services. The fitness facility has cardio, strength, and balance equipment available. Hotel programming changes seasonally, but guests can check the calendar for happenings like cocktail making classes.

Time Out tip: Your resort fee includes a $15 daily food & beverage credit, one-hour bike or kayak rental, reusable water bottle, and free transportation to and from Coronado on the Hilton’s beach bus.

Address: 1 Park Blvd, San Diego, CA 92101
Price: Room rates start at $159
Closest transport: San Diego International Airport, 12-minute drive