North America

San Diego Hotels on the Beach | Sun-Kissed Stays in the Golden State

Head to the Californian sunshine for some rest and relaxation in one of these dreamy San Diego beach hotels.

Home to one of the longest coastlines in the country, California is famous for its year-round sunshine, its palm trees and, of course, its glittering sandy beaches. And when it comes to dream beach vacations, sunny San Diego knows how to deliver. Imagine cruising the turquoise-blue waters of the Pacific on a paddleboard or cycling past on a beach cruiser. Perhaps you’d like to spend the day building sandcastles, or watching the surfers from a front-row seat along a lively boardwalk.

After a day snorkelling or riding a Jet Ski next to marine life, you’ll be wanting a breezy, comfortable space to return to. Picture yourself accessing your hotel room through a tropical garden. You can stay on a private island or check into a Pacific Beach surf haven, where airy spaces draw on sea-foam greens and images of sailboats to put you in the maritime mood. You might end your day with an evening swim next to the glow of firepits by the pool’s edge, or with a sunset cocktail on your private balcony.

A San Diego Beach Hotel on a Private Island

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Set on its own private island, it’s hard to believe that Paradise Point Resort & Spa is only a few minutes’ drive from downtown San Diego. You’ll find this 462-room oasis filled with dreamy Balinese-style décor and lush, landscaped grounds. Those looking for romance should check out the Bayside Fireplace Suite—the sumptuous king-size bed calls for long, lazy mornings. If you’re after some extra space, book a bungalow by the bay or one inside tropical gardens.

Spend the day playing golf or beach volleyball before cooling off with a dip in one of five pools and lagoons. When hunger strikes, you can set sail on a culinary voyage over at Tidal. Expert chefs plate up exciting, fresh dishes like shiso verde Atlantic salmon with truffle edamame purée.

Paradise Point Resort & Spa

San Diego
8.4 Very good (5005 reviews)

A San Diego Hotel for Adventures on the Water

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With its postcard-worthy pools and on-site water sports rentals, Hyatt Regency Mission Bay Spa and Marina is the ideal beachside retreat. You’ll want to pay a visit to the Red Marlin Restaurant Bar and Terrace as soon as you arrive—picture tucking into fresh-caught seafood, like the prosciutto-wrapped halibut, as the Californian sun glints off nearby waves.

The contemporary coastal décor in any of the hotel’s 429 rooms has been designed to put you at ease. Choose the Marina View Corner Suite to enjoy the seaside sights from your private balcony, or relax in the light-filled living room in the Veranda Suite. Should the views inspire a day on the water, you can head out on a Jet Ski or aboard a fishing boat to watch for dolphins. If you’re after a more chilled-out vibe, head to the hotel’s Blue Marble Spa for a Swedish massage with organic sunflower oil.

Hyatt Regency Mission Bay Spa and Marina

San Diego
8.3 Very good (3625 reviews)

Casual Seaside Elegance on the Pacific Beach Boardwalk

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Just behind Pacific Beach’s iconic oceanfront boardwalk and a few minutes’ drive from major attractions like The San Diego Zoo and Legoland, Pacific Terrace Hotel is the spot to unwind while staying close to the action. Rooms here pay stylish homage to the hotel’s beachside location, from the breezy plantation-style window shutters to the palm tree tapestries that hang on the walls.

Let the ocean breeze greet you on your intimate balcony or patio, or start your trip off with a soak in your own private Jacuzzi in one of the suites. A heated outdoor pool, firepit tables, beach chairs and sun umbrellas mean all the ingredients for a dreamy beach day are at your fingertips. Don’t forget to make a pit stop at the poolside bar to replenish with a San Diego craft beer and some house-made chips and salsa!

Pacific Terrace Hotel

Top rated
San Diego
9.4 Excellent (2564 reviews)

A Family-friendly San Diego Hotel on the Beach

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Travellers in search of both solitude and kid-friendly accommodations will feel at peace at Kona Kai Resort and Spa. Situated on the aptly named Shelter Island, this pet-friendly resort has its own private beach, secluded cabanas and an adults-only pool and bar. The kids will be taken care of, too; there’s an all-ages pool and movie nights every Friday—popcorn included!

From the bright tropical hues of guestroom décor to the poolside tiki bar, you’ll find no shortage of beachy vibes here. Spend the afternoon floating around on a paddleboard, or visit the spa for a warm sand poultice. When night falls, glide up to the poolside bar for a refreshing sangria made with fresh seasonal fruits. The resort may be just a few kilometres from the airport, but you’ll feel like you’re a world away.

Kona Kai Resort & Spa

San Diego
8.3 Very good (1917 reviews)

Parklands and Sailboats at this Beachfront San Diego Hotel

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With 18 acres of parkland to explore, there’s plenty to keep everyone busy at Hilton San Diego Resort & Spa. Sink into the pod chairs at Acque California Bistro, the on-site waterfront restaurant, to start the day off with a fueling dish like the Dungeness crab benedict. From there, take to the sea on a Jet Ski or paddleboard, or let the kids splash around in the children’s pool. Waterskiing, wakeboarding and sailboating options all make for the ultimate beach day.

If you’re looking to relax, you’re in the right place. Settle into a designer armchair or the luxury linens in your cushy guestroom while hot water fills your personal whirlpool tub. When night falls, kick back at Fresco’s Bar and Grill or The Olive Lounge, then make your way to the pool for an evening dip as the sun sets. End the night with intimate drinks around the private firepit on your own extended patio.

Hilton San Diego Resort & Spa

Top rated
San Diego
8.8 Excellent (392 reviews)

Rooftop Romance by the Fire at a Luxury Beach Hotel

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Practically sharing space with the Pacific Ocean, Tower23 Hotel
is neatly tucked between La Jolla and downtown San Diego. Inside, polished wood furniture combines with cloud-like bedding to invite guests into a luxuriously relaxing stay. Take a quiet moment with your partner on your private balcony overlooking the sea, or order up a bottle of wine to share in your own Jacuzzi tub.

For ultra indulgence, arrange a sea-inspired spa treatment, like the Still Water Swedish massage for two, right in your room. Afterwards, slip into your swimsuit and head to the beach for some sunbathing—it’s just steps away. Dinner is made easy at on-site JRDN, with fresh sushi dishes like the Ocean Blvd—a seared albacore and spicy crab roll with sweet chilli ponzu. Stay on to watch the evening’s colour-changing lights dial up the restaurant’s vibe from California casual to West Coast hip. After dinner, you can cozy up around one of the crackling firepits at the rooftop lounge to toast the night in the company of an unforgettable sunset.

Tower23 Hotel

Top rated
San Diego
9.4 Excellent (2246 reviews)

A Surfer’s Paradise at This San Diego Beach Hotel

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Located right on the sandy shores of Pacific Beach, Blue Sea Beach Hotel
is the dream of every aspiring or veteran wave junkie. From the surf-themed wall art to the vibrantly coloured couch cushions, the stylish décor is meant to energize. Here in surfer’s paradise, you can go body surfing, take a lesson from a seasoned pro or watch the waves roll in from the beachfront pool.

When you feel the need to switch from surf to turf, you can grab a beach cruiser and hit the boardwalk. Too tired from the waves to bike? The hotel’s beachfront spot means many of the rooms come with their very own private view of the Pacific, so you can take in the scenery with your feet up. When hunger calls, hit up Lahaina’s Beach House to get your fill of burgers, tacos and ocean views—otherwise known as surfing fuel.

The Wayfarer San Diego

Top rated
San Diego
9.0 Excellent (2360 reviews)

Relaxation and Adventure in San Diego's La Jolla Cove

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A boutique hotel with a cozy restaurant serving local fare, The Grande Colonial is a choice that’s both casual and comfy. You’ll find this newly renovated, 93-room charmer just a block from the protected La Jolla Cove. Keep your eyes peeled for sea lions! If you want to get a closer look at the marine life, ask the hotel concierge about booking a snorkelling tour. Kelp forests, bright orange garibaldi and even sea turtles are some of the wonders you can spot when you go exploring here.

At the end of the day, wash the sea salt from your skin under your personal rainfall shower. For your farm-to-table fix, you can order up plates of artisanal cheeses and locally-caught seafood at Nine-Ten Restaurant. The down comforter back in your room will be waiting as soon as you’re ready to turn in—there will be plenty more beach fun to be had in the morning.

The Grande Colonial

Top rated
La Jolla
9.4 Excellent (2201 reviews)

A Tropical Garden Paradise and Spa Near the Sea

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Conveniently located between the seaside villages of La Jolla and Del Mar is Estancia La Jolla Hotel & Spa. This serene hacienda-style retreat is surrounded by 10 acres and is just a 20-minute walk from Black’s Beach.

Set your bags down in an airy, light-filled Deluxe Room, or unwind on your garden-view balcony in an Estate Room. In the morning, meander up to Adobe El Restaurante for a breakfast dish as vibrant as the flower paths below, like bright green avocado toast paired with a seasonal berry bowl. After breakfast, you can spend some time lounging in a cabana before slipping into the saltwater pool. Alternatively, set your sights on the sparkling surf at nearby La Jolla Shores Beach (complimentary shuttle available)—you might just be lucky enough to see a pod of dolphins leap from the waves.

Estancia La Jolla Hotel & Spa

La Jolla
8.2 Very good (459 reviews)