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  • Even more San Diego Resorts

Summary

  • San Diego is a popular vacation destination due to its stunning coastline, Mediterranean climate, and diverse range of activities and attractions.
  • The recommended resorts in San Diego offer luxurious amenities such as pools, fitness centers, on-site restaurants, and proximity to popular tourist spots.
  • From beachfront resorts to eco-friendly options, there is a wide variety of accommodations to suit different travelers' preferences and needs in San Diego.

San Diego is a popular vacation destination for many reasons. It has a stunning 70-mile coastline and year-round Mediterranean climate, which means it is warm and sunny most of the time, making it a great place to visit any time. The relaxed atmosphere of the city and the convenience and comfort of a resort makes for an ideal combination for any type of traveler. Whether you're seeking a romantic getaway, a family vacation, or a business trip, San Diego has the perfect resort to suit your needs. Be sure to check out our top 10 recommended resorts in the city for a memorable and enjoyable stay.

UPDATE: 2023/09/17 22:35 EST BY NICOLE HANSEN

Even more San Diego Resorts

Summer may be fading, but San Diego is always worth a visit. To help with those off-season vacation plans, we've added a few more highly-rated San Diego-area resorts, and updated information for the most current prices and links.

14 Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego

Mission Beach Boardwalk in San Diego
Photo by Sean Mullowney on Unsplash
Mission Beach Boardwalk in San Diego

Located both steps from the Seaport Village Marina and Gaslamp Quarter, the luxury Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego Hotel offers some of the best views in the city. At the hotel, guests can take advantage of the pool, valet parking, and on-site restaurant to simply enjoy their coastal stay. This Grand Hyatt location is also popular thanks to its proximity to a wide variety of activities and locations, including multiple San Diego museums, the San Diego Trolley Station, and art galleys. These nearby attractions, paired with the hotel's own comforts, quickly elevate this hotel as one of the best places to stay in San Diego.

13 Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina

San Diego Marina with Resorts in the Background
Photo by C.C. Francis on Unsplash
San Diego Marina with Resorts in the Background

For those hoping to enjoy the scenic San Diego ocean, staying at the Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina location may be the perfect accommodation. Overlooking the hotel's private marina, everything about this location and its amenities are designed to help guests feel close to the ocean. In addition to the exceptional views, snorkeling, and biking are both available right from the hotel.

Meanwhile, those hoping to relax at the hotel itself can take advantage of the outdoor pool, spa, and wellness center, and restaurant. On the surrounding streets, guests can enjoy being less than a five-minute walk from Spa Tiki, San Diego Chinese Historical Museum, and Westfield Horton Plaza.

12 Orli La Jolla

Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve, San Diego
Photo by Patrick Fore on Unsplash
Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve, San Diego

A mere six minutes from the beach, the Orli La Jolla resort is undoubtedly one of the best resorts in San Diego based on location alone. Thankfully, there are plenty of other reasons guests consistently book up this location. In addition to simple beach access, the Orli La Jolla is also less than 10 miles from San Diego's SeaWorld and Torrey Pines State Reserve.

At the resort itself, guests can enjoy boutique-style decor and rooftop balconies with scenic views of the city. As a travel-sustainable destination, Orli La Jolla is also a great choice for those looking for simple ways to be eco-friendly on their next vacation.

11 Kona Kai Resort & Spa, A Noble House Resort

San Diego coast, California.

Photo 71849935 © Leonardospencer | Dreamstime.com
San Diego coast, California.

There are a number of exceptional beaches in and around San Diego, California, but they frequently suffer from extreme crowding. Booking a resort with a private beach, such as the one alongside Kona Kai Resort & Spa, can be a great alternative to fighting the crowds of the public beaches.

For those who don't want to spend their entire vacation lounging in the sand, Kona Kai Resort & Spa also has an outdoor pool, fitness center, and on-site restaurant that offers meals throughout the day. Additionally, bike rentals and beach gear are both available to rent through the resort, making it simple to have a well-rounded, sunny San Diego vacation.

Related: From Beaches To Its Delicious Cuisine: Discover San Diego By Doing These Top 10 Things

10 Alila Marea Resort Encinitas

Sunset at La Jolla Cove, one of the best beaches in San Diego, California, USA
Shutterstock
Sunset at La Jolla Cove, one of the best beaches in San Diego, California, USA

The Alila Marea Beach Resort is located on a beautiful stretch of coastline in Southern California and offers one-of-a-kind panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean and Batiquitos Lagoon. The resort's design and activities are inspired by its location, and it is committed to preserving the natural beauty of the area. The resort's 130 rooms and suites are decorated with a blend of natural materials and modern amenities that showcase stunning coastal views.

9 Fairmont Grand Del Mar

Resort Chairs overlook the Del Mar Beach, California, USA
Photo by Cory Bjork on Unsplash
Resort Chairs overlook the Del Mar Beach, California, USA

Spread over 400 acres; The Fairmont Grand Del Mar is a luxurious five-star hotel located in San Diego, California. It offers a range of luxurious amenities, including an award-winning spa, a private 18-hole championship golf course designed by Tom Fazio, and multiple dining options ranging from gourmet to casual. The hotel has a range of onsite activities and is decorated in a luxurious Tuscan style. It provides comfortable accommodations for guests, including well-appointed guest rooms and suites with private balconies or terraces, marble bathrooms, and soaking tubs. The hotel also has a fitness center, wellness classes, and a children's program called the Explorer's Club.

8 Rancho Bernardo Inn

Golf course
Soheb Zaidi on Unsplash
Golf course

Rancho Bernardo Inn offers a more modern and upscale experience than the traditional bed and breakfast, with amenities and services that are more akin to those found at a resort. This luxurious resort features an 18-hole championship golf course, a full-service spa, and four on-site dining options. Situated on 45 acres of gardens and olive groves in Rancho Santa Fe, this all-suite resort is the only Relais & Chateaux property in Southern California.

7 Hotel del Coronado

Hotel del Coronado, San Diego
Shutterstock
Hotel del Coronado, San Diego

One of the most iconic and highly photographed hotels in San Diego is Hotel del Coronado. The 28-acre resort has a long history of hosting Celebrities, presidents, and dignitaries since its opening in 1888. Located adjacent to the beautiful Coronado Central Beach, this classic waterfront resort offers the perfect beachfront experience and has received numerous awards, including AAA Four Diamonds and Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice awards. The pet-friendly hotel is conveniently located and can be reached from the baggage claim area of San Diego's airport in about 20 minutes.

RELATED: Here Are The Most Beautiful Beaches In San Diego

6 The Lodge at Torrey Pines

Flat Rock Point in Torrey Pines State Beach Park, La Jolla, San Diego, California, USA
Photo by Raquel Baranow licensed under C BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Common
Flat Rock Point in Torrey Pines State Beach Park, La Jolla, San Diego, California, USA

In La Jolla, a city known for its stunning scenery and excellent snorkeling, the five-star Lodge at Torrey Pines sits atop the cliffs at Torrey Pines State Beach, featuring early 1900s Craftsmen-style architecture and suites ranging up to 2,500 square feet, with stunning ocean views, that contributes to its AAA Five Diamond rating. The posh and comfortable accommodations, including family rooms and babysitting options, are accompanied by excellent service from doormen dressed in Scottish kilts. The all-inclusive boutique hotel sits adjacent to the Torrey Pines Golf Course with great views of the fairways.

5 The US Grant

Gaslamp Quarter district at twilight in San Diego, California
Shutterstock
Gaslamp Quarter district at twilight in San Diego, California

This historic downtown hotel in the Gaslamp Quarter was built at the turn of the 19th Century by Ulysses S. Grant Jr. to honor his presidential father. Since then, it’s hosted 14 presidents, and its central downtown location makes getting around San Diego easy. The interior of The US Grant is elegantly decorated, with grand chandeliers and marble floors. The guest rooms are spacious and well-appointed, with comfortable beds and modern amenities. The hotel also has a variety of dining options, including a fine dining restaurant, a casual café, and a bar.

4 Pendry San Diego

The Gaslamp Quarter sign in San Diego
Bernard Gagnon via Wikimedia Commons/CC BY-SA 3.0
The Gaslamp Quarter sign in San Diego

This is another Gaslamp Quarter hotel that makes for a more modern experience. The Pendry San Diego has become a favorite since its opening in 2017, blending modern and traditional styling. It features six restaurants and bars, a rooftop pool, is pet-friendly, and an easy walk to PETCO Park, adding to its allure. The guest rooms and suites are spacious and feature tartan chairs and warm blue wall accents, floor-to-ceiling windows with city views, and super comfy beds. The classically designed bathrooms are a highlight, and suites offer separate bedrooms and sitting areas. The hotel is pet-friendly and has a rooftop swimming pool with private cabana options, as well as a restaurant, a spa with a full range of treatments, a fitness center, a sauna, and a hot tub.

3 Paradise Point Resort and Spa

Aerial view of Coronado Island, San Diego
Deposit Photos: f8grapher
Aerial view of Coronado Island, San Diego

The Paradise Point Resort & Spa is a tropical oasis located on Mission Bay, near SeaWorld in San Diego. Set on 44 acres of lush gardens and tranquil lagoons, the resort boasts one mile of sandy beaches and a range of comfortable California bungalow-style rooms and suites. The rooms and suites are regularly updated, and all have patios. Some of the rooms have fireplaces and/or whirlpool tubs. The resort offers plenty of opportunities for relaxation and recreation, with five swimming pools, beach bonfire pits, and watercraft rentals available. There are also five dining venues to choose from, and the resort is home to one of the top spas in the country.

RELATED: Rejuvenate At These 10 Unique California Spa & Wellness Resorts

2 Shore House at The Del, Curio Collection by Hilton

Cuyamaca State Park, San Diego
Photo by israel palacio on Unsplash
Cuyamaca State Park, San Diego

From beach yoga to discounts to local attractions, a stay at the Shore House at The Del is all about immersing oneself in the local atmosphere. The accommodations in the resort feature one to three bedrooms, and each comes with either an ocean, landmark, or bay view. Even the outdoor pool has exceptional ocean views without having to fit the public beach crowds.

The Shore House at The Del is also considered one of the best resorts in San Diego, thanks to its luxury spa center and pet-friendly room options. The fitness center and resort restaurants further elevate this location and ensure that guests can have a complete San Diego vacation without ever leaving the hotel.

1 Loews Coronado Bay Resort and Spa

Coronado Bay at Night
Photo by JD Castro on Unsplash
Resorts create a striking skyline on Coronado island near San Diego, California.

The Loews Coronado Bay Resort and Spa is a luxurious hotel located on the most exclusive coastline in the country, offering a romantic and elegant getaway for families and business travelers alike. The resort offers a range of amenities and activities, including dive-in movies, herb garden tours, and marshmallow roasts on the beach. The hotel is also conveniently located near a range of cultural and tourist attractions in San Diego, making it an ideal choice for travelers.