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8 Best Resorts in San Diego

Located on the Pacific coast of California, San Diego, also known as “America’s Finest City,” is popular for its healthy dose of sunshine, breezy laid-back vibes, and family-friendly attractions. Both sunbathers and surfers alike are bound to find the year-round sunshine and pristine beaches appealing, while the famous San Diego Zoo and LEGOLAND attract families. Boasting numerous art galleries, art studios, and museums, San Diego also attracts travelers in search of diverse cultures. A stunning coastline lined with top dining and thriving nightlife, discover the top resorts in San Diego to soak in the city’s small-town vibes and world-class attractions.

Paradise Point Resort & Spa Nestled in the lush, tropical foliage
Credit: Nestled in the lush, tropical foliage by paradisepoint.com

Paradise Point Resort & Spa

A private island resort, Paradise Point Resort & Spa features lush gardens, tranquil lagoons, and one mile of beautiful sandy beach. With convenient access to all the top attractions and adjacent to SeaWorld, this 44-acre upscale property is ideal for exploring San Diego. But with a full-service spa, salon, modern fitness center, numerous dining options, and a plethora of recreational and water sports available, we’re not sure you’ll want to leave the resort. With a residential-type ambiance, guests will be greeted with stylish decor amidst the stunning island views. Spacious rooms, suites, and bungalows with a Balinese flair have modern amenities and open up to private patios where you can soak in some of the best views in the area.

Key Amenities:

  • One mile of sandy beach

  • Convenient location to SeaWorld

  • Full-service spa and salon

Hilton San Diego Resort & Spa Hilton San Diego Bayfront
Credit: Hilton San Diego Bayfront by hilton.com

Hilton San Diego Resort & Spa

Overlooking Mission Bay, the Hilton San Diego Resort & Spa is in a prime bay-front location with easy access to the nearby downtown attractions and airport. Boasting a Spanish mission-style ambiance mixed with lush tropical landscaping and towering palm trees, the light and airy hotel decor leads to rooms with casual elegance. Here guests will be welcomed to 300-thread count sheets, designer-quality furniture, and private balconies. Stroll through the romantic pathways of the property to discover cozy fire pits and volleyball courts overlooking the bay on an 18-acre park. The full-service spa, waterfront dining, and bayfront pool keep guests busy, while private poolside cabana rentals and a boutique and marketplace are just icing on the cake.

Key Amenities:

  • Spa with wellness focus

  • Bayfront pool with private cabanas

  • Pet-friendly rooms with private balconies

The Lodge at Torrey Pines The Lodge Torrey Pines
Credit: The Lodge Torrey Pines by lodgetorreypines.com

The Lodge at Torrey Pines

Perfect for travelers who like to spend their days hiking, golfing, or swimming, The Lodge at Torrey Pines is an AAA Five Diamond La Jolla property overlooking the world-renowned Torrey Pines Golf Course. With a state park on one side and pristine beaches on the other, guests are spoiled for choice with views. Boasting a rustic but romantic ambiance with fireplaces nestled in the hotel’s common areas, guests can also take advantage of the expansive spa and on-site pool and hot tub. Just a short drive to San Diego, the spacious rooms and suites here have hardwood furnishings, earthy decor, and nature views with complimentary luxury toiletries, light-up vanity mirrors, and plush robes. Spend your evenings dining on fresh farm-to-table cuisine at A.R. Valentien or sipping on craft beer at The Grill & Bar.

Key Amenities:

  • Golf course and ocean views

  • Full-service spa with healing treatments

  • Luxury granite and marble bathrooms with bathtubs

Bahia Resort Hotel Bahia Resort Hotel
Credit: Bahia Resort Hotel by Bahia Resort Hotel

Bahia Resort Hotel

Boasting breathtaking views, the Bahia Resort Hotel offers nature lovers a quiet, tranquil oasis. Ideal for a family vacation destination, the hotel’s pristine Mission Bay setting is perfect for taking advantage of the calm waters and sandy beach. In what feels like your own slice of paradise, the lush, palm-filled garden landscape and quiet cabana chairs offer guests a chance to truly relax and unwind. The hotel’s rooms boast beachfront and garden views, floor-to-ceiling windows, and private balconies to soak in the fresh ocean breeze. Rooms include complimentary signature toiletries, while suites boast a full kitchenette, dining area and workspace. Guests can spend their time strolling the beach, visiting the rescued seals at the nearby sanctuary, or taking a dip in the Olympic-sized pool.

Key Amenities:

  • Beachfront views and private balconies

  • Olympic-sized pool

  • Tropical gardens and beach lounges

Fairmont Grand Del Mar Fairmont Grand Del Mar
Credit: Fairmont Grand Del Mar by Fairmont Grand Del Mar

Fairmont Grand Del Mar

Inviting and warm, Fairmont Grand Del Mar is a luxury Mediterranean-inspired resort with impeccable service and amenities to match. A mix between a castle and a golf resort, Fairmont is a short drive from San Diego nestled in the Los Penasquitos Canyon. With a romantic ambiance, the hotel decor includes opulent stone fountains, cozy fireplaces, and patios adorned with chandeliers. Add a world-class luxury spa, four pools that are some of the coolest in the area, an 18-golf course, Equestrian Center and fine dining, and it’s easy to see why this property is consistently ranked among the top hotels in California. Guest rooms, suites, and villas come equipped with modern amenities, stunning views. With an upgrade, you might find yourself with a Jacuzzi, wine cellar, and attached garage.

Key Amenities:

  • Award-winning 18-hole golf course

  • Four heated pools

  • Five-star spa with custom organic products

Catamaran Resort Hotel and Spa Catamaran Resort Hotel and Spa
Credit: Catamaran Resort Hotel and Spa by Catamaran Resort Hotel and Spa

Catamaran Resort Hotel and Spa

A beachfront property with lush greenery, the Catamaran Resort Hotel and Spa is a Polynesian-themed resort nestled amongst the picturesque Mission Bay. Offering casual elegance amongst a decor filled with tiki torches, koi ponds, and waterfalls, the resort’s prime location is appealing to visitors, as its backyard is none other than the Pacific Ocean. Guests can choose how to spend their day, whether it’s sunbathing on the beach, getting a spa treatment, relaxing in the hot tub, or enjoying one of the many water and land activities available. Boasting rooms and suites, guests can soak up the ocean views from their private balcony before dining in one of the two on-site eateries that turn into a lively nightlife scene on the weekends.

Key Amenities:

  • Polynesian-themed beachfront resort

  • Beachfront spa with Asian healing traditions

  • Water sports and beach lounge

Marriott Coronado Island Resort & Spa Coronado Island Marriott Resort & Spa
Credit: Coronado Island Marriott Resort & Spa by Coronado Island Marriott Resort & Spa

Marriott Coronado Island Resort & Spa

Overlooking San Diego bay, the Marriott Coronado Island Resort & Spa is an upscale resort only 5 minutes from downtown San Diego. Popular amongst business travelers, its picturesque views can be appreciated by all. Spacious rooms and apartment-sized villas offer oversized bathtubs, down comforters, plush beds, and private balconies. The on-site restaurant serves up fresh seafood, while the in-house spa and three heated pools feel like a luxury, perfect for a vacation getaway centered around relaxation and rejuvenation. The tranquil beach area is perfect for those who want to explore the outdoors, with bike rentals and day trips easy and convenient.

Key Amenities:

  • Pet-friendly, apartment-sized villas

  • Three pools

  • Beach access

Hotel del Coronado Hotel del Coronado in San Diego
Credit: Hotel del Coronado in San Diego by hoteldel.com

Hotel del Coronado

Considered an iconic hotel, the Hotel del Coronado is charming and historic. Where luxury meets Southern California style, this hotel is perfect for a romantic vacation getaway. Open since 1888, this red-roofed beachfront oasis has been a favorite amongst a long list of US Presidents. With modern amenities in addition to an on-site spa, two pools, and a plethora of dining options that range from fine dining and a wine bar to a MooTime Creamery, guests are spoiled for choice when it comes to meals. Rooms are housed in Victorian buildings with a laid-back tropical decor, while kids will be particularly impressed with the hotel’s Kids Camp and onsite surf lessons.

Key Amenities:

  • Historic hotel with Victorian buildings

  • Two pools and beach access

  • Kids camp and on-site surf lessons

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