The sound of crashing waves through an open window, the refreshing feel of an ocean breeze, and afternoons spent sunning on the sand—seaside escapes are tough to beat. And with 70 miles of inviting coastline and near-perfect weather year-round, San Diego boasts of some of the world’s best beach hotels. Whether you’re looking for a romantic retreat, nightlife fun, or a spot the whole family will enjoy, there’s a hotel to match your needs.
San Diego Hotels on the Beach for Families
Hotel del Coronado
Don’t let the resplendent Victorian architecture and iconic luxury fool you—Hotel del Coronado is great for kids of all ages. Set on 28 acres of Coronado Island beachfront that quite literally sparkles thanks to mica-specked sand, the Hotel Del offers a host of family-friendly activities. Think surf lessons from top instructors, a private cabana for lounging poolside, and nightly bonfires on the beach. On-site dining like the elegant seafood restaurant Serẽa, the casual Beach & Taco Shack, and Italian-inspired ENO Market & Pizzeria make it easy to mobilize the troops come mealtime.
La Jolla Beach and Tennis Club
Enjoy access to a private beach, a 9-hole pitch-and-putt golf course, 12 tennis courts, full-service spa, and more at La Jolla Beach and Tennis Club. Located on La Jolla Shores, families can choose from studios, cottages, and three-room suites to suit the size of their party. Activities include kayaking, paddle boarding, and snorkeling in the relatively calm water, as well as junior tennis and golf lessons. For an unforgettable experience, book a sunset beach party for up to 10 people, fully catered by the hotel with white-linen-covered tables on the sand.
Best Luxury Beach Hotels in San Diego
Alila Marea Beach Resort, Leucadia
Perched on dramatic seaside bluffs in the beach town of Leucadia, 28 miles north of the city proper, Alila Marea is one of San Diego County’s newest and most luxurious resorts. To ensure every guest has an exceptional view, each of the 130 rooms features floor-to-ceiling windows and private balconies that open to views of the ocean, the lagoon, or the hotel’s gardens. Make a reservation at VAGA Restaurant & Bar to sample global cuisine from chef Claudette Zepeda, a James Beard semifinalist and Top Chef alum.
L’Auberge Del Mar
Located in the heart of North County’s Del Mar, L’Auberge has been a luxury hotspot for more than 30 years. In 2021, the resort underwent an $11 million remodel, imbuing the property with a fresh coastal design. Head to the beach by way of a private footpath, take a dip in the ocean-view pool, enjoy spectacular seafood at Adelaide restaurant, and make sure to book a treatment or two at the world-renowned spa. Think Himalayan salt stone massages and facials featuring extracts from seaside flowers.
Most Romantic San Diego Beach Hotels
Scripps Inn, La Jolla
With just 14 rooms overlooking Whale Watch Point, Scripps Inn is the epitome of intimacy. Watch the sunset over the water from your private balcony and come nightfall, cozy up next to an in-room fireplace. The boutique hotel offers plenty of privacy and a convenient La Jolla Cove location. Visit Children’s Pool Beach to watch the baby seals test their fins along the rocky coastline. Book a special occasion dinner at Herringbone, George’s at the Cove, or Duke’s La Jolla—all within walking distance.
Paradise Point, San Diego
Escape to a private island right in the heart of San Diego. Located in Mission Bay, Paradise Point feels like a secluded tropical escape. Choose from cozy guest rooms, fireplace suites, and bay-view bungalows. The resort is home to five pools, including an adults-only option and a waterfall swimming area. Bonfire pits dot the guests-only beach, where you can watch outdoor movies while roasting s’mores. Relax with a couple’s massage at the lush garden spa—voted one of the best in the country by Condé Nast Traveler.
Best Beach Hotels in San Diego for Nightlife
Tower23 Hotel, San Diego
Located in Pacific Beach, the unofficial party capital of San Diego‘s coast, Tower23 Hotel offers a California-cool escape. Sleekly designed rooms deliver serenity with panoramic ocean views. Start the evening around the fire pit on the second-floor deck—time it right at sunset for a spectacular show. Then take a short walk or cab ride to one of the buzzy neighborhood haunts like Mavericks Beach Club (multi-level party complex), The Grass Skirt (Tiki-style speakeasy), or Flamingo Deck (beachy lounge with Instagram-worthy decor).
Bahia Resort Hotel, San Diego
Experience the fun of a Polynesian-style resort at Bahia Resort Hotel, located on a 14-acre peninsula in Mission Bay. Walk directly through your room’s sliding glass doors to the bay beachfront and snag one of the cabanas on the sand. Spend the afternoon poolside with a Paloma Slushy in hand from the on-site bar. For an unforgettable nightlife adventure, hop on the Bahia Belle After Dark: Every weekend night, the hotel’s Mississippi-style riverboat turns into an on-the-water dance party complete with a live DJ.
Best San Diego Beach Hotels for Travelers on a Budget
The Shoal La Jolla Beach
Get a premium location for a fraction of the price at The Shoal La Jolla Beach. This sweet little 44-room hotel is just a five-minute walk from La Jolla’s popular Windansea Beach. Borrow complimentary beach chairs and towels to spend the day on the sand. You can also relax around the fire pit or the heated outdoor pool and hot tub. If you’re on a budget—or even if you’re not—fish tacos are always a good idea. Find your favorite at nearby Rigoberto’s, Nautilus Tavern, and Verdes El Ranchero.
The Fin Hotel, Oceanside
Get a boutique hotel experience just a few blocks from the shore at The Fin Hotel. In San Diego County’s northernmost city, Oceanside, you can enjoy more space—and a slightly slower pace—plus a lower price tag. Hit the beach or take a stroll down Oceanside Pier, a stunning wooden structure built in 1888. For dinner, book a table at the on-site KNVS. Part immersive art gallery, part restaurant, the menu features Korean street food as well as creative dishes, inspired by magical realism from chef Michael Mitchem.
