Best San Diego Hotels Near Legoland and San Diego Zoo Safari Park

Big kids can drive the pontoon boats at the Lakehouse Resort in San Marcos. Photo by author

1. ​Lakehouse Resort — San Marcos, CA

Sure, you're here to visit a local giant theme park. But that doesn't mean you can't also have a relaxing vacation at a resort. My favorite is Lakehouse, which is right on a lake (obviously!) and is chock-full of activities for kids and parents alike, including all kinds of boats (pontoons, stand-up paddle boarding, kayaking, and more), beach cruisers, guitars you can borrow, a driving range, pickleball and tennis courts, pools, spas, firepits for s'mores, and more.

Inside Scoop: Don't forget to feed the ducks and keep an eye out for the gorgeous black swans; on our last visit we saw baby black swans and there is nothing cuter! Also, try to book a cabin; they are spacious, come with a full kitchen, and have their own s'mores pits! 

Legos are everywhere at the Legoland hotels, even at check-in! Photo courtesy of the hotel

2. Legoland Castle Hotel — Carlsbad, CA

The newer of the Legoland Hotels, I have to say, my kids adore this hotel even more than the original Legoland Hotel. The Castle Hotel is directly opposite the Legoland Resort Hotel and shares many of its best features, including the walk-straight-from-breakfast-into-the-park location. The hotel caters to parents with kids by keeping distances short, elevator rides entertaining, and opportunities to play everywhere you look.

Inside Scoop: We prefer this slightly to the OG Legoland Hotel, mostly because we prefer the pool area, and my kids are into sleeping in a castle. If your children like Pirates, Friends, or Ninjago, you might opt for the Legoland Hotel.

3. Grand Pacific Palisades — Carlsbad, CA

The Grand Pacific Palisades is also right next to Legoland, so it's no surprise that it offers a family-friendly resort experience. The pool area has cabanas and fire pits along with a stunning view of the ocean. Other amenities include a basketball court, playground, and a second pool area! 

Inside Scoop: The resort is just down the hill from The Flower Fields, a must-see attraction in Carlsbad, if you’re here in the spring. 

4. Beach Terrace — Carlsbad, CA

Hotels actually on the sand in Southern California are rare, and in Carlsbad, this is the only one. Plenty of fun for kids with the pool, firepits, a game library, beach toys, and surf ponchos. There are also in-room yoga kits for parents who want a little ocean zen while kids play. 

Inside Scoop: Book a room with an ocean-facing balcony for a gorgeous sunset view. This hotel is closest to Carlsbad Village, which is filled with great restaurants for families, including my kids' favorite dinner spot, GONZO Ramen, and our whole family's favorite breakfast place, Revolution Roasters, where you can get fabulous coffee, pastries, and toasts.

There are huge water slides and loads of splash pads and water activities at Omni La Costa Spa. Photo by author

5. Omni La Costa Spa — Carlsbad, CA

While you can’t walk to Legoland from the Omni La Costa Spa, there's so much to do you may not even want to leave the grounds anyway. The pool area includes splash landing pools with waterslides, garden pools, a villa pool (and hot tub), the spa courtyard pool, and an edge adult pool just for grownups. The resort has its own golf course and tennis courts along with activities like Zumba and yoga.

Inside Scoop: Perfect place if you're in need of a date night or grown up time after a day at Legoland. The Kidtopia Kids Club gives parents a rest, with a nursery that can watch kids six months to three years old for two hours at a time during the day. A night camp program is for kids over three years old that are potty trained, and is available for 4 hours on select evenings.

These are our best of the best near Legoland, but if you need more options, be sure to check out our list of all the best Carlsbad hotels near Legoland California!

Best Hotels in San Diego, La Jolla, and Coronado for Families

This is the view from your room and balcony at the La Jolla Cove Hotel & Suites. Photo courtesy of the hotel

6. La Jolla Cove Hotel & Suites — La Jolla, CA

I'm letting you in on our family secret here. We adore this reasonably-priced hotel with fabulously spacious suites perched right above the ocean in the La Jolla cove. There's no better location in town, and you can relax on your balcony over the ocean and wake to the sounds of the barking sea lions.

Inside Scoop: Though the recently renovated suites and rooms are gorgeous, save those for your anniversary getaway, and when you have the kids with you, book the Standard Rooms & Suites.

7. La Jolla Shores Hotel — La Jolla, CA

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. Select rooms have kitchenettes and many are ADA accessible. 

Inside Scoop: This is our pick for families who need to travel with pets! Not only are up to two dogs allowed in each room, but the restaurant has a Canine Menu!

8. Embassy Suites by Hilton — La Jolla, CA

The price is right, every room is a suite, and breakfast is included, and the location is central, making this hands-down our budget pick when traveling with kids.

Inside Scoop: Park on the street to really save money; overnight parking at the hotel is a bit pricey.

9. Hilton San Diego Bayfront — San Diego, CA

With a rooftop pool and children’s play area, the Hilton is ideal for families who want to be in the heart of downtown San Diego. Take advantage of perks like vouchers for rentals of bikes or kayaks and free transportation to Coronado island. Pets are welcome, too!

Inside Scoop: Best place to stay and walk to a Padres game at Petco.

The Hotel Del Coronado is famous in movies and among families! Photo courtesy of the hotel

10. Hotel Del Coronado — Coronado, CA

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.

Inside Scoop: This is the place to bring your little Wicked fan. Coronado was the winter home of L. Frank Baum, and according to lore, he lived at the hotel while he wrote The Wizard of Oz. The hotel inspired the details of the Emerald City and Baum also designed the hotel's crown chandeliers. This is also the hotel where Some Like It Hot was filmed, so Marilyn stayed here, too!

11. San Diego Mission Bay Resort — San Diego, CA

This hotel is great for families who want a resort-like experience with a private beach and family water sports, all for a pretty unresort-like price. The other bonus is that there are activities right at the resort for everyone in the family, including: spa treatments, pickleball and tennis courts, wake-boarding, sailing, and a great pool that's right by the beach. There are activities, too, like dive-in movies by the pool, nightly live music, and s'more making at the fire pits.

Inside Scoop: This is the family-friendly spot that's closest to SeaWorld and the San Diego Zoo, if those outings are on the list for your little animal lover.

12. Best Western Plus Island Palms Hotel & Marina — Shelter Island, San Diego, CA

While there aren't a ton of frills and extras at this hotel on Shelter Island, the property features amenities like barbecue facilities, a playground, a pool, and family suites. It's a great spot for a family looking to feel right at home, with a friendly and accommodating staff.

Inside Scoop: It's a great place for kids who love to watch the boats sail by or see aircraft carriers land. Rent bikes from the front desk and go fishing off the end of the pier.

13. The Catamaran Resort Hotel—San Diego, CA

The Catamaran is an island-themed hotel with a tropical atmosphere that's steps from the beach. It is a standout choice for families that are in town for more than a weekend; like if you're planning on using this as a base to visit several of the local theme parks and attractions as the family suites have kitchenettes that make it much cheaper (and easier) to feed the fam. There are loads of kid-friendly activities beyond the pool and beach, including a bird show, free arcade, kids club, arts & crafts, and lemonade and cookies at 3pm.

Inside Scoop: To keep this as a budget-friendly option, skip the hotel restaurants, which are tasty and pricey. When you book, ask for a room on a higher floor for great views. Finally, bring roller skates or a scooter to use on the boardwalk!

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