San Diego is one of the most family-friendly cities in the world. Who else throws open their doors to kids, welcoming them to 100+ attractions such as SeaWorld, The San Diego Zoo, and LEGOLAND for FREE during the month of October? But, what are the best family hotels in San Diego?
Trekaroo families have weighed in on the places they love and we present the newly updated top picks to you. Explore these great kid friendly hotels in San Diego. In this sunny city, families will find world-class resorts and budget-friendly hotels where they can fully relax and enjoy all that San Diego has to offer. Here are our picks for the best kid-friendly hotels in San Diego.
Kid-Friendly Hotels in San Diego
Best Hotel in the Heart of Downtown: The Omni San Diego Hotel
Omni San Diego Hotel | Photo via Omni
Families give the Omni San Diego Hotel five stars in part for its location which just can’t be beat. The hotel sits right next to Petco Park, home of the Padres, with an aerial walkway which allows guests to have direct, private access in to the ballpark.
What’s more, the Gaslamp Quarter is a block away, the Convention Center is across the street, and Seaport Village is a mile away, The New Children’s Museum is a half mile away, and the ferry to Coronado is a short 7-minute walk.
Baseball fans will be thrilled to watch the Padres play at Petco Park with a view from their room. The sunny skies of San Diego can be soaked in at the 6th floor heated pool, outdoor bar, and dining area. The Omni has it all: kid-friendly amenities (including the Omni Kids Crew, luxury accommodations, and one of the best locations in San Diego.
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Best Luxury Hotel with Kid-Friendly Perks: Fairmont Grand Del Mar
Fairmont Grand Del Mar | photo via Fairmont
The Fairmont Grand Del Mar has received five stars from a Trekaroo, which only compliments their amazing designation frrom Forbes Travel Guide as one of the world’s six elite Triple Five-Star resorts.
Not too surprising are the kid-friendly perks found within this resort. When kids jump into the family pool they can hear the delightful sounds of music flowing through the water. Soak up the sun while enjoying poolside drinks and meals.
Visit the equestrian club and kids over seven can take a lesson or go on a trail ride through Los Peñasquitos Canyon Preserve. The Explorer’s Club welcomes kids ages 5-12 to play traditional and video games, make crafts, and participate in special activities. P
arents will enjoy the pampering of the world-class spa, the adventure of taking a guided nature hike, and delicious dining. No matter what activities you choose, kids will feel welcomed by friendly staff, spacious rooms, deep bathtubs, and luxurious accommodations.
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Best Value Without Compromise Hotel: Catamaran Resort and Spa
Catamaran Resort and Spa
The Catamaran Resort and Spa is located a short drive from SeaWorld (9 minutes) and the San Diego Zoo (15 minutes) on the north end of Mission Bay. Mission Bay itself is a treasure trove of water sports and outdoor fun.
The Catamaran offers accommodation and facilities that kids will love at affordable prices. With a beachfront location, this resort offers all sorts of water sports like sailing, surf lessons, and water-skiing for rent.
Kids will enjoy Catamaran Kids Club with arcade games, mad science camps, and lots of fun. In the evenings, enjoy a cruise on Bahia Belle, the Mississippi-style sternwheeler, on the waters of Mission Bay.
Believe it or not, rates start at $155/night.
Trekaroo Tip: Mission Bay is a holiday hotspot; stay here during the holidays and explore Christmas events for Families in San Diego
Best Beach Front Hotel with Luxury: Hotel Del Coronado
Hotel Del Coronado | Photo via Pixbay
The iconic red peaked roofs rising from the white sandy beach of Coronado Island are a classic picture of luxury and family fun in San Diego. This hotel has gotten rave five star reviews from families on Trekaroo for its family-friendly amenities enhanced rich history and Victorian charm.
Coronado Beach has been rated one of the best beaches in Southern California! Kids will enjoy the beachfront location while mom and dad won’t be able to get enough of the splendid views and their extensive spa services.
Hotel Del’s kids program caters to children of all ages with biking, kayaking, sailing, surfing, and all manner of water sports to entertain and amuse. Babysitting can also be arranged through the hotel.
During the holiday season, families will love ice skating on the resort’s beachfront rink. Choose from a variety of accommodations, including beachfront cottages and villas and enjoy this beautiful hotel.
Best Beachfront Hotel: La Jolla Shores Hotel
La Jolla Shores Hotel | Photo via La Jolla Shores Hotel
With the many long stretches of beautiful sandy beaches, craggy cliffs, and delicate tide pools of San Diego County, how can we choose just one beachfront hotel? La Jolla Shores Hotel boasts an incredible beachfront with calm waves and clean sand.
Borrow a chair and towel from the hotel and enjoy the day at the beach, exploring the nearby tide pools, or playing catch and climbing the playground at Kellogg Park.
Kayak and surf lessons can be taken by nearby outfitters. During the summer months, adventurous kids can even snorkel with the harmless leopard sharks which use La Jolla Cove as a nursery.
Make the most of the ocean and explore the best tide pools in San Diego.
Best Hotel Near SeaWorld San Diego: Paradise Point Resort and Spa
Paradise Point Resort | photo via Paradise Point resort
Paradise Point Resort is situated on a small island in Mission Bay right across the water from SeaWorld. Families can stay in guest rooms, suites, or bungalows facing the pool, lagoon, gardens, or beachfront location.
Spend the day on the sand and toast s’mores by sunset. Other fun activities include renting bicycles, taking surfing lessons, sailing, tennis, or golf on the 18-hole putting course. These are just some of the amenities that make it one of the best family hotels in San Diego.
One of the best features of this hotel is the water taxi (nominal fee) that takes guests across the bay to the back entrance of SeaWorld. Spend the day with sea life and cruise “home” to the island of Paradise Point.
Best Hotel Near LEGOLAND: The LEGOLAND Hotel
LEGOLAND Hotel | Photo by Michelle McCoy
Even though this themed hotel is not made out of LEGOS (though kids wish it were), there is no shortage of LEGOS to be found inside.
While parents check in at the lobby, kids can be found digging through the LEGO “pool” starting their own constructions. A box of LEGOS is found in every room, and completing a fun scavenger hunt can open a treasure chest containing LEGO pieces to keep.
A treasure ship play area next to the lobby keeps kids engaged while parents can put their feet up and sip wine in the lounge. Each room is fully decked out in LEGO themes with pirates, knights, and adventurers.
Don’t head to LEGOLAND without reading about our best LEGOLAND tips first!
Bunk beds, flat screen TVs, and a “semi-suite” (no closed doors) layout is great with kids. Jump in the pool or enjoy a delicious dinner at Bricks Family Restaurant after a fun day at LEGOLAND.
With direct access to the front gate and exclusive early access to the park, this hotel is perfect for families visiting LEGOLAND.
For families who wish for a less immersed experience in the world of LEGOS but would still like to be within walking distance of the park, check out the Sheraton Carlsbad Resort & Spa, also highly rated by Trekaroo families.
Do you love a deal? Here are is our advice on scoring LEGOLAND discount tickets.
Best Hotel in Little Italy (and by the USS Midway): Hilton Garden Inn Downtown/Bayside
HIlton Garden Inn and Homewood Suites in San Diego | Photo via Hilton
Two hotels come together at Hilton San Diego’s Bayside Campus, the Hilton Garden Inn and Homewood Suites, giving families two great budget-friendly and flexible options for lodging near the USS Midway, harbor cruises, and the Maritime Museum.
Families can choose staycation amenities at the Homewood Suites side (with a full kitchen and included complimentary breakfast), or choose to get away from it all at the Hilton Garden Inn side, offering full room service, in-room perks & amenities.
Don’t miss a meal at the Pacific Standard Coastal Kitchen while staying on the property. The property is also brand new meaning even though you pay budget-friendly prices, you’ll enjoy luxury perks!
Best Hotel at the Marina: Sheraton San Diego Hotel and Marina
Sheraton San Diego Hotel & Marina | Photo via Sheraton
The Sheraton San Diego Hotel & Marina is made up of two towers sitting adjacent to the sparkling San Diego Bay, offering impressive views of the marina and bay from most hotel rooms. The hotel staff is especially friendly at this waterfront hotel which offers a wide variety of activities and opportunities to explore the area surrounding the marina.
During summer, families can enjoy the pool and play tennis, basketball, volleyball, croquet, mini golf, Frisbee golf, ladders, football toss or bean bag toss. Families looking to explore the surrounding area can rent a bicycle at the hotel and take it down the waterfront bike paths.
SD Adventures has a dock that connects to the hotel property and offers kayak, canoe, speedboat, jet ski, paddle board, and peddle boat rentals.
Best Budget Friendly Hotel: Old Town Inn
Old Town Inn | Photo via Old Town Inn
Families won’t find many better deals than the rates at Old Town Inn, boasting an excellent location, suite and kitchenette options, and complimentary Wi-Fi, parking, and breakfasts.
Trekaroo families like the close location to the airport, historic Old Town San Diego, and the San Diego trolley stop across the street. Nearby, explore kid-friendly Balboa Park (home to the zoo and a slew of great museums). .
Best Bay-Front Hotel: Loews Coronado Bay Resort
Loews Coronado Bay Resort | Photo via Loews
With impressive views of the Coronado Bay Bridge, San Diego’s downtown skyline, and easy access to both the bay and the world-famous Silver Strand Beach on Coronado, Loews Coronado Bay Resort offers families an impressive place to stay and plenty of kid-friendly perks to enjoy on property. It is definitely one of the best family hotels in San Diego.
Kids will love starting their stay with a scavenger hunt through the property, and the expansive pool deck (dive-in movies anyone?), basketball courts, tennis courts, ping pong, kids’ club, and game room will keep the whole family having fun. Mom and dad will love the ultra-luxe linens and rooms with a view. Breakfast is a snap with grab and go options (including Starbucks) or a relaxing meal at Market Cafe. Rent a sailboat or take a lesson onsite for the ultimate bay experience.
Look for the best prices on Family Friendly Hotels in San Diego
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Lead image by: Bigstock/pdb1
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