Best Kid-Friendly Hotels for a San Diego Family Vacation

Photo courtesy of Omni La Costa
Photo courtesy of Omni La Costa
10/13/18 - By Dana Zepeda

Whether you're driving down from Los Angeles or flying in from afar, a weekend in San Diego is the perfect getaway to find rest and relaxation all year long. The SoCal destination offers a wide array of family activities to keep everyone entertained, in between the requisite visits to Seaworld, Legoland, and the Safari Park. Here, we round up eight of our favorite spots to kick back and unwind in this picturesque beach town.

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1. Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego
1 Market Place
San Diego, 92101
619.232.1234
This waterfront resort is situated right in the heart of downtown San Diego, giving families close proximity to world class restaurants, panoramic city views, and two rooftop swimming pools. There's also a seasonal kids club available, as well as a basketball court, tennis court, shuffleboard court, and volleyball court. Each room also comes with its own mini fridge, perfect for stashing quick-and-easy snacks and drinks for the smallest members of your brood.

2. Loews Coronado Bay
4000 Coronado Bay Rd.
Coronado, 92116
619.424.4000
Situated just steps from the Pacific Ocean, this upscale chain hotel offers spacious suites, breathtaking views, kids' menus, plus loaner toys, DVDs, and games. Parents can also request a baby proofing kit at no extra charge, and every child receives a free welcome gift at the front desk upon arrival.

RELATED: Kids Free October in San Diego - Deals at the Zoo, Legoland, Seaworld, and More


Paddleboarding is a great add-on on Coronado Island. Photo courtesy of the Hotel del Coronado

3. Hotel del Coronado
1500 Orange Ave.
Coronado, 92118
619.435.6611
Bike, surf, or lounge poolside while unwinding at this world famous hotel on Coronado Island. Cribs, toddler beds, and baby proofing kits are all available upon request. Plus the entire family can delight in activities like Mermaid Fitness classes (yes, you wear a mermaid tail), paddle boarding, and a seasonal beachfront ice rink. There's even a kid-friendly activity center, which specializes in everything from mermaid and pirate camps to slime labs, available upon request. Families can also reserve a fire pit to roast s'mores on the beach at sunset, for an additional fee.

4. Fairmont Grand Del Mar
5300 Grand Del Mar Ct.
Coronado, 92118
619.435.6611
This five-star resort offers a children's dining program with discounts for kids accompanied by a paying adult, family tennis lessons, junior golf clinics, guided hikes, and family pools featuring underwater music. There's also a well appointed kids' club with video games, arts and crafts, and movies little ones can enjoy while Mom and Dad venture out on their own for dinner or sunset cocktails.


Surf's Up at the La Jolla Shores Hotel. Photo courtesy of the hotel

5. La Jolla Shores Hotel
8110 Camino Del Oro
La Jolla, 92037
855.923.8058
This affordable, family-owned hotel is situated steps from the beach and offers complimentary beach chairs, umbrellas, and towels. There's also a children's wading pool and poolside dining so you can enjoy the pool or Jacuzzi all day long. Parents appreciate the free shuttle to local attractions, a 100 percent smoke-free environment, as well as complimentary on-demand movies to host your own "family movie night" in your hotel room.

6. Legoland California Resort
1 Legoland Dr.
Carlsbad, California 92008
888.690.5346
This is the ultimate getaway for any Lego aficionado, thanks to its prime location next to Legoland San Diego. Not only do hotel guests enjoy early access to the park, but it's also home to a massive Lego play structure, themed hotel rooms, and an outdoor swimming pool with life-sized floating bricks. Also, check out the new royal-themed Legoland Castle Hotel just a few steps away.

Making a run for the 3 waterslides at the Omni La Costa. Photo by author

7. Omni La Costa Resort & Spa
2100 Costa Del Mar Rd.
Carlsbad,  92009
760.438 9111
This sprawling resort boasts five-star amenities for kids and parents alike, including eight swimming pools, three waterslides, a splash pad, video game lounge, free kids golf lessons, and nightly s'mores. You can also visit The Spa for mommy-and-me mani-pedis, sign up for a junior tennis clinic, or indulge in a well deserved date night while the kids make arts & crafts, enjoys nut-free snacks, and builds Legos at the on-site kids' club. Each child also receives a special welcome gift bag at check-in.​

8. Four Seasons Residence Club Aviara
7210 Blue Heron Place
Carlsbad, 92011
760.603.3700
Sign up for surf lessons, have a ping pong tournament, or take a dip in the children's pool where kids can be treated to poolside treats. This lavish property offers villas and spacious rooms to accommodate the entire family, with plenty of room to spare. Some of the rooms even offer a full kitchen, so you can prepare meals and snacks at your leisure rather than waiting for your food to arrive at one of the resort's two restaurants. Be sure to take advantage of the kids' club, which boasts a wide variety of board games, books, video games, arts and crafts, and movies to keep the kids entertained while Mom and Dad go out to explore the city.

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