Wondering where to stay in Mission Bay San Diego?
With more than 4,235 acres of land and water, Mission Bay Park is the largest aquatic park of its kind in the country. Hotels on Mission Bay in San Diego offer all the amenities and views we love about San Diego oceanfront resorts, but on the bay instead of the ocean.
We’ve been coming to this slice of paradise for years, and I am excited to share everything I know about these Mission Bay hotels on the beach so that you can have a great San Diego family vacation, too.
Mission Bay San Diego Hotels
Here are the six best Mission Bay hotels on the beach for families. (Well actually, there are only six hotels on Mission Bay beachfront. If you see a higher number anywhere else, those hotels are either not on the water or on the ocean side in Mission Beach. This is a comprehensive guide to all the hotels on Mission Bay in San Diego!)
1. San Diego Mission Bay Resort
San Diego Mission Bay Resort At-A-Glance
- Beautiful, new guest rooms and décor throughout the resort
- Private beach on Mission Bay
- Beach bonfire and s’mores at night
- Fitness center
- Waterfront pool and kids’ wading pool
- Pet-friendly
- On-site restaurants
Formerly a Hilton brand property, the San Diego Mission Bay Resort has been fully transformed with brand new rooms, waterfront dining, onsite outdoor activities, a luxurious spa and beautiful waterfront swimming pool. If you are trying to figure out where to stay in Mission Bay San Day area, you really can’t go wrong with this waterfront hotel!
Most notable however, San Diego Mission Bay Resort offers direct beach access. The only beach of its kind in San Diego, enjoy volleyball, giant chess, bean bag toss, sandcastle building and bonfires in total seclusion along Mission Bay, all included with the resort fee. Umbrellas and beach chairs available to rent.
The onsite Action Sports offers everything from jet skis to stand up paddle boards, waterskiing to sailing, aqua cycles to pontoons. If you’d rather stay dry, The Sandbox rents bikes, surreys and beach cruisers for exploring the area. They also have sand toys for kids to enjoy on the beach.
There are four dining options at San Diego Mission Bay Resort, including a waterfront restaurant and live music every day on the Plaza Del Patio.
Hotel Information & Reservations
- 1775 East Mission Bay Drive, San Diego
- (877) 259-0010
► Check Rates & Availability for San Diego Mission Bay Resort
2. Hyatt Regency Mission Bay
Hyatt Regency Mission Bay At-A-Glance
- Onsite marina and water activities
- Hyatt Regency Mission Bay Spa and Salon
- Fitness center
- Pools and waterslides
- Complimentary yoga classes
- Pet-friendly
The Hyatt Regency Mission Bay features 438 rooms, including 134 suites, many with sweeping ocean views and views of Mission Bay from your balcony in the tower.
Hyatt Regency Mission Bay is located in the heart of Mission Bay on a 181-slip private marina. This prime location offers direct access to whale watching and fishing excursions, sailing, and other water activities like kayak and jet ski rentals. This is the perfect hotel to book if you are visiting San Diego for adventures on the water.
There is a water playground at the pool area, with multiple pools and water slides, a waterfront restaurant, spa, and numerous other resort activities.
Hotel Information & Reservations
- 1441 Quivira Road, San Diego
- (619) 224-1234
3. The Dana on Mission Bay
The Dana on Mission Bay At-A-Glance
- Free shuttle to SeaWorld San Diego
- Onsite marina and water activities
- Fitness center
- Two outdoor pools
- Private marina
- Pet-friendly
- On-site restaurant
The Dana on Mission Bay is located on the water and features lushly landscaped tropical gardens. A beautiful, winding waterfront path is perfect for morning jogs or a family bike ride.
The hotel has two distinct buildings – Marina Cove and Water’s Edge. All are situated among the resort’s 10 acres of tropical landscape and waterfront and offer a variety of room types.
We stayed in a room at Marina Cove, which is the older section (built in the 1960s) and although it has undergone numerous renovations, it is not nearly as nice as the newer section, Water’s Edge. The rooms at Marina Cove do not include balconies, so the only time you can really enjoy the view is when you’re walking to and from your room along the external corridor.
So, if you are going to stay at the Dana on Mission Bay, don’t cheap out like we did – spring for one of the nicer hotel rooms!
The resort hosts a myriad of activities throughout the week, including live music, lawn games, craft beer tasting, game night and a dive-in movie nightly during the summertime. There are two pools to choose from, one of which is an infinity pool.
Onsite rentals are available at the Dana Marina, including bikes, kayaks, jet skis, stand up paddle boards, pontoon boats and more.
The Firefly Eatery & Bar at The Dana is very nice. It overlooks the hotel’s Bayside Pool and Mission Bay beyond. It is a nice spot to relax with a meal or evening cocktail.
The Dana is the closest hotel to Sea World. You can walk there in less than 10 minutes, or take the free shuttle.
Hotel Information & Reservations
- 1710 West Mission Bay Drive, San Diego
- (619) 222-6440
4. Catamaran Resort Hotel and Spa
Catamaran Resort Hotel and Spa At-A-Glance
- Private beach
- Beachfront spa
- Polynesian décor
- Fitness center overlooking Mission Bay
- Heated outdoor pool and hot tub
- On-site restaurants
- Tropical bird room
- Pet friendly rooms
With swaying palm trees, paths lit by tiki torches, and the gentle shores of Mission Bay, the Catamaran Resort Hotel and Spa is a tropical hideaway in the SeaWorld area of San Diego’s Pacific Beach neighborhood.
This Polynesian-themed resort features 310 suites, studios and hotel rooms, each with a balcony or patio offering views of San Diego’s Mission Bay or the lush gardens.
There are multiple restaurants on site at the Catamaran Resort. A highlight is their seafood buffet Sunday brunch at Oceana Coastal Kitchen, which – in addition to unlimited seafood – serves everything from quiche prime rib to brioche French toast (with a side of great views from their patio!)
Activities include a pool and whirlpool, spa, beach bonfires, a fitness center, water sports rentals, an arcade, and cruises on the Bahia Belle, a Victorian-style paddlewheel boat. A Beach Concierge is available to provide umbrellas, chairs, and towels, as well as refreshments including cocktails, beer, and food.
Hotel Information & Reservations
- 3999 Mission Boulevard, San Diego
- (858) 488-1081
► Check Rates & Availability for Catamaran Resort Hotel and Spa
5. Bahia Resort Hotel
The Bahia Resort Hotel At-A-Glance
- Tropical resort on Mission Bay’s beachfront
- Close to Mission Beach Boardwalk
- Fitness center
- Free video games in the arcade
- Complimentary beach chairs for hotel guests
- On-site restaurant
- Free parking
Featuring a waterfront setting and lush tropical gardens, the Bahia Resort Hotel sprawls across a 14-acre peninsula. This San Diego hotel has the perfect location; it is on Mission Bay but still easy walking distance to Mission Beach, the iconic Belmont Park, and the Pacific Ocean.
The hotel has 314 spacious rooms, including beach-front cottages, studios and tower rooms, and spacious bayside suites. Bayfront suites have direct beach access!
We stayed in one of the Bahia’s one-bedroom suites and it was nice to have the extra space, but I would recommend one of the cottages right on the Bahia’s secluded beach. I think the beachfront views and ambience of staying in a room where you can walk right out to the sand is worth the tradeoff.
The resort has an outdoor swimming pool, marina, game room, tennis courts and shuffle board. All guests receive complimentary use of cabana chairs on the beach, making this a truly relaxing and stress-free destination.
Resort activities include a pool and whirlpool, tennis, fitness center, live music, beach bonfires and cruises on the Bahia Belle paddlewheel boat. You can also rent sail boats, boogie boards, stand-up paddle boards, kayaks and more.
Hotel Information & Reservations
- 998 West Mission Bay Drive, San Diego
- (858) 488-0551
6. Paradise Point Resort
Paradise Point Resort At-A-Glance
- Tropical island resort
- Bungalow-style rooms
- Full-service marina
- Tennis and basketball courts
- 5 pools
- Private beach
- Beach bonfire and s’mores at night
- Fitness center and spa
- Five on-site restaurants
Paradise Point Resort & Spa is a tropical resort set on 44 acres on an island in Mission Bay. It features 462 bungalow-style rooms, including 73 hotel suites, all set amidst lush, tropical gardens and tranquil lagoons.
There are five swimming pools at Paradise Point Resort, including a beautiful waterfall pool, and of course a private beach on Mission Bay. There is also a mini golf course, lawn games fire pit, and a number of waterfront restaurants.
Or favorite part of Paradise Point is their marina. You can rent sailboats, speed boats, stand-up paddleboards, jet skis, kayaks and more to enjoy on Mission Bay.
As a private island, getting to the ocean is a little bit further than from the other hotels on Mission Bay, but only by a few minutes. You will need to drive there.
Hotel Information & Reservations
- 1404 Vacation Road, San Diego
- (858) 240-4913
Why We Love Mission Bay Hotels
The calmer waters of Mission Bay are perfect for families with young kids, or those who want easy access to water activities such as stand-up paddle boarding, jet skiing, and sailing. Mission Bay Park also has lovely trails for jogging, walking and biking. We visit often, and when we do we bring or rent bikes as my son loves to bike ride on the wide, twisty paths!
But hotels on Mission Bay come with the best of both worlds, because staying at one means you’ll be close to the ocean, too! Your family can enjoy both types of beach experiences.
Mission Bay and Mission Beach (sometimes confused with each other but two separate neighborhoods) are both in the same general area, with Mission Beach on the ocean side of the peninsula and Mission Bay facing the bay. You can walk to the ocean from some of these hotels on Mission Bay, while others are a bit too far.
In addition, Mission Bay is home to SeaWorld San Diego, and a short drive (10 minutes or less!) to many of San Diego’s other world-famous attractions, including the San Diego Zoo, Old Town, Coronado Island, Balboa Park, and downtown San Diego. Add to this Mission Bay’s convenient location near San Diego International Airport and you can’t go wrong.
In short, staying on Mission Bay is a fun and versatile way to make the most of your San Diego vacation.
Final Thoughts: Mission Bay Hotels on the Beach
If you are visiting San Diego (aka America’s finest city) and looking for an amazing waterfront resort that the whole family can enjoy, look no further than these Mission Bay San Diego hotels. They offer an array of features and activities that you just can’t find anywhere else.
Even though you’ll pay an amenity fee to stay at one of these fantastic Mission Bay hotels, unlike many resorts, you will definitely feel like you are getting your money’s worth.
Save These San Diego Mission Bay Hotels for Later!
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