Looking for the best San Diego oceanfront resorts for families?
If so, you’ve come to the right place! This article details the 10 best oceanfront resorts in San Diego — with options for every budgets to help you plan an incredible beach vacation.
I live in Southern California and love the beach, so you can bet we have spent plenty of time checking out these oceanfront resorts in San Diego. I am excited to share this list with you!
San Diego is one of the most popular family vacation destinations in the United States. If you are looking for fun in the sun, nothing beats staying at an oceanfront hotel in San Diego. These amazing places to stay on the beach provide everything you need for the perfect getaway – stunning views, easy beach access, great restaurants, and endless activities on and off the water.
Top 3 Picks: Best San Diego Beach Resorts
If you are just looking for a quick list of the very best San Diego oceanfront resorts, I am here to help! Here are our Top 3 recommendations.
- The iconic Hotel del Coronado on Coronado Island is pricey, but it is the most luxurious and historic, with great restaurants and family-friendly beach activities
- The La Jolla Beach and Tennis Club is the only resort in San Diego with a private beach, offering complimentary use of chairs, beach towels, and umbrellas and food and beverage service while you lounge.
- Ocean Beach Hotel is the most budget-friendly option, with clean rooms, a nice patio, no resort fee, and easy access to the beach as well as local restaurants and shops
Keep reading for more details on these top three resorts in San Diego on the ocean, plus many more options to help you plan the perfect family beach vacation in 2024!
Best Oceanfront Hotels in San Diego
Here is a comprehensive list of the best San Diego oceanfront resorts and hotels that will leave your family steps away from the sand and waves. To make comparing hotels even easier, we’ve also listed each property’s notable amenities and where you’ll find it along the coast.
1. Hotel Del Coronado
Hotel Del Coronado At-A-Glance
- Location: Coronado Island
- Beautifully restored historic hotel on Coronado Island
- Numerous room types, suites, villas and cottages
- Sections include The Victorian, The Cabanas, The View, Beach Village, and Shore House at The Del
- Beach rentals and activities
- Multiple pools
- Pet-friendly
- On-site restaurants
The most iconic of all San Diego beach resorts, the Hotel Del Coronado arguably one of the most famous hotels in California. Built in 1888, this sprawling Victorian hotel has been luring visitors to the beach for more than a century. It has hosted numerous American presidents, foreign dignitaries, royalty, and celebrities, making it one of America’s most historic hotels.
In fact, the Hotel Del Coronado was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1977.
Even if you’re not staying there, visiting the Del is one of the most popular things to do in Coronado. It has the perfect location right on Coronado Beach, and it is a beautiful resort just to wander through and maybe grab an ice cream cone or craft cocktail. We love having dinner at this hotel and timing it so we can enjoy the sunset views while we eat.
Now a Hilton resort property, recent upgrades have included the addition of Beach Village, a modern beachfront cluster of villas and suites that offer kitchens, fire pits, and a private patio or terrace with glorious ocean views.
All hotel accommodations have been upgraded to include modern amenities. The hotel offers a number of outdoor pools, an award-winning full-service spa, surf lessons, family-friendly activities, live music, and seven waterfront dining options.
Hotel Information & Reservations
- Address: 1500 Orange Avenue, Coronado
- Phone: (619) 435-6611
► Check Rates & Availability for Hotel del Coronado
2. Tower 23 Hotel
Tower 23 Hotel At-A-Glance
- Location: Pacific Beach
- Modern, comfortable rooms and suites
- Rooms feature a balcony or patio with ocean view
- Signature oceanfront restaurant
- No fitness center or pool onsite
- Complimentary beach chairs for hotel guests
- Parking is included in the room rate
Located in Pacific Beach just a few miles north of downtown San Diego, Tower 23 Hotel is a modern, boutique hotel on the beach. Sporting world class ocean views, luxurious rooms, and just steps away from great dining and vibrant night spots, Tower 23 is one of the best beach hotels in San Diego.
Tower 23 derives its name from the lifeguard tower positioned nearby. It is a three-story, 45,000 square foot glass hotel featuring 44 rooms and suites, all with high-end amenities and ocean views. The entire hotel has a sleek and modern beach vibe, with minimalist design and a cool blue color palette that reflects the nearby ocean.
The hotel offers a number of distinctive room types: sky pad, spirit pad, surf pad, sanctuary suite, serenity suite or sweet suite. A two-bedroom suite with living room is available by combining a Sweet Suite with a connecting Surf Pad.
For the best views, head outside to the Tower Deck for sweeping views of the beach and Crystal Pier. It is the perfect place to catch the sunset at night!
Hotel Information & Reservations
- Address: 423 Felspar Street, Pacific Beach
- Phone: (858) 295-7623
► Check Rates & Availability for Tower 23 Hotel
3. La Jolla Beach and Tennis Club
La Jolla Beach and Tennis Club At-A-Glance
- Location: La Jolla
- Private beachfront San Diego resort
- Food and beverage service on the sand
- Complimentary use of chairs, beach towels, and umbrellas
- Waterfront dining options
- Golf and tennis on-site
- Pool and fitness center
- No resort fee
- Free parking
The La Jolla Beach and Tennis Club is an upscale, family-friendly San Diego beach resort with direct access to a private beach, an outdoor pool, tennis courts, and many outdoor activities. This San Diego beachfront resort offers the perfect mix of recreation and relaxation with luxury suites, beachfront guest rooms and private cottages.
What sets La Jolla Beach and Tennis Club apart is the array of activities available. Lounge on the beach, enjoy swimming, kayaking, and surfing in the Pacific Ocean. There are tennis courts, a pool, oceanfront restaurants, beach barbecues and on-site golf course. There are also plenty of kid-friendly activities.
This sprawling San Diego oceanfront resort is a members-only club, but non-members are welcome to book a room. Relax in spacious accommodations with modern touches and a warm coastal vibe.
Since this resort has its own private beach, they offer food and drink service (including adult beverages!) right on under your colorful beach umbrella. This super convenient feature easily makes La Jolla Beach and Tennis Club one of the best resorts on the ocean in San Diego for families!
Hotel Information & Reservations
- Address: 2000 Spindrift Drive, La Jolla
- Phone: (858) 454-7126
► Check Rates & Availability for La Jolla Beach & Tennis Club
4. Pier South Resort
Pier South Resort At-A-Glance
- Location: Imperial Beach
- All suites hotel with ocean views and private balconies
- Rooftop terrace with fire pit offering stunning views of the coast
- Spa and fitness center
- Heated outdoor pool and hot tub overlooking the beach
- Onsite restaurant serving California cuisine
- Located 15 miles south of downtown on Imperial Beach, Pier South Resort is a modern, luxury beach resort in San Diego.
If you are a Marriott Bonvoy member like us, you’ll be happy to know Pier South Resort is part of the Autograph Collection, so you can earn or use points for your stay! It is the only Marriott beach resort in San Diego.
The hotel is comprised of 78 suites, each boasting a private balcony and tastefully decorated in light and airy hues. I love how there is a separate bedroom and living area, but the bedroom is on the hallway side of the room and we could hear people going by throughout the night.
There are lots of great restaurants within easy walking distance, or you can try the hotel’s Sea180 Coastal Tavern, which serves coastal cuisine alongside ocean views. The hotel also has a pool, rooftop terrace, spa and fitness center.
But the real star of Pier South Resort is the beach. The hotel sits right on the edge of the sand. Spend the day relaxing by the shore, or you can rent bicycles, kayaks, paddle boards and boogie boards for more fun options.
Hotel Information & Reservations
- Address: 800 Seacoast Drive, Imperial Beach
- Phone: (619) 621-5900
► Check Rates & Availability for Pier South Resort
5. Beach Terrace Inn
Beach Terrace Inn At-A-Glance
- Location: Carlsbad
- All suites hotel with ocean views and private balconies
- Rooftop terrace with fire pit offering stunning views of the coast
- Pool and beach valet service included with resort fee
- Spa and fitness center
- Pool and hot tub overlooking the beach
Quite literally terraced down the side of a coastal cliff, Beach Terrace Inn is one of the best San Diego beach resorts located right on the ocean!
The front of the hotel is nondescript, tucked away on a quiet residential street in Carlsbad. But beyond the entrance is a gorgeous hotel with sweeping views and multiple levels of ocean view rooms, as well as a large pool deck and terraced gardens.
One of the only drawbacks of staying at the Beach Terrace Inn is that its a very long walk to the main part of town, so you’ll have to drive if you want to shop or go out to dinner. On the other hand, the beaches are typically less crowded in this area.
Originally constructed as an apartment building in the 1960s, the hotel rooms and suites are exceptionally large. They have been completely upgraded with modern, bright interiors. Most feature a balcony or private cabana on the pool deck.
Beach Terrace Inn features a private beach entrance and valet service to set you up with complimentary beach chairs, towels and umbrellas. Also free of charge is use of boogie boards and kids’ beach toys. (There’s a big bucket of them they can choose from!) Complimentary morning beach yoga is offered on Sundays.
Hotel Information & Reservations
- Address: 2775 Ocean Street, Carlsbad
- Phone: (760) 729-5951
► Check Rates & Availability for Beach Terrace Inn
6. The Wayfarer San Diego
The Wayfarer San Diego At-A-Glance
- Location: Pacific Beach
- Right on the boardwalk
- Private balconies
- Recently renovated hotel
- Outdoor pool and hot tub with ocean view
- Onsite cafe
Formerly called the Blue Sea Beach Hotel, The Wayfarer San Diego has been fully renovated to feature bright, modern chic hotel rooms. There are 126 rooms and oceanfront suites. The hotel has a small but nice pool, and plenty of outdoor seating for easy access to the pool as well as the beach.
All rooms at The Wayfarer feature a private balcony, microwave and coffee maker. It is a treat to be able to start your morning sipping coffee while enjoying a peaceful ocean view before the beach starts to get crowded!
Stop by the onsite Zephyr Café in the morning for a quick breakfast and cappuccino, and later in the day for cocktails, wine, frozen treats, and cervezas by the beach.
The Wayfarer’s Pacific Beach location puts it close to local attractions like SeaWorld San Diego and Belmont Park in Mission Beach. It is a great place to stay if you want to be central to everything and have easy access to the beach.
Hotel Information & Reservations
- Address: 707 Pacific Beach Drive, San Diego
- Phone: (858) 488-4700
► Check Rates & Availability for The Wayfarer
7. Cape Rey Carlsbad Beach
Cape Rey Carlsbad Beach At-A-Glance
- Location: Carlsbad
- San Diego beach resort overlooking South Carlsbad State Beach
- Modern craftsman-style rooms, many with ocean views
- Complimentary bike rentals
- Complimentary beach chairs and umbrellas
- Spa and fitness center
- Onsite restaurant serving California cuisine
- Pool and cabanas overlooking the ocean
Cape Rey is a Hilton beach resort in San Diego, located across the street from South Carlsbad State Beach. This craftsman-style hotel embraces a laid back Southern California lifestyle, with spacious, modern rooms and plenty of resort amenities.
Although Cape Rey Carlsbad is not located right on the sand, there are endless ocean views. The hotel’s expansive pool area overlooks the Pacific, as do many of the rooms and the hotel’s restaurant, Chandler’s Oceanfront Dining.
Ponto Beach is across the street, and Cape Rey offers complimentary beach packs with beach umbrellas, chairs and towels, as well as shuttle service to the shore (Memorial Day through Labor Day). These convenient amenities make Cape Rey one of the most enjoyable resorts in San Diego by the beach.
Hotel Information & Reservations
- Address: 1 Ponto Road, Carlsbad
- Phone: (760) 602-0800
► Check Rates & Availability for Cape Rey Carlsbad Beach Hotel
8. Scripps Inn La Jolla
Scripps Inn At-A-Glance
- Location: La Jolla
- Across the street from the beach
- Free boogie boards and beach toys available for guests to use
- Walking distance to restaurants and shops in La Jolla Village
- Friendly and helpful staff
- Big, beautifully decorated rooms
- Free continental breakfast
- Self-parking – a huge plus especially during the busy summer months!
- No pool
- No resort fee
Located just 15 minutes north of downtown San Diego and in the heart of La Jolla Village, Scripps Inn is steps from the beach, great restaurants, and other attractions. We loved being able to walk everywhere from the hotel when we stayed here recently.
This charming 14-room hotel is situated high above the Pacific Ocean along the cliffs in La Jolla. A favorite spot for both family getaways and romantic hideaways, Scripps Inn offers stunning ocean views, gentle sea breezes and the sounds of the surf below.
The hotel is literally right across the street from the shore. The views are stunning, but you have to step outside to see them. I wish the rooms had balconies or windows facing the beach, but that was not a dealbreaker for us when we stayed.
Scripps Inn La Jolla is perched on Whale Watch Point, making it a perfect vantage point to watch for migrating whales if you happen to visit during the winter season.
Hotel Information & Reservations
- Address: 555 Coast Boulevard South, La Jolla
- Phone: (855) 816-5595
► Check Rates & Availability for Scripps Inn
9. L’Auberge Del Mar
L’Auberge Del Mar Hotel At-A-Glance
- Location: Del Mar
- Easy beach access
- Onsite bar and restaurant
- Use of complimentary beach bikes
- A nice sized outdoor pool and hot tub
- Spacious, comfortable rooms
- Large bathrooms
- A short walk to shop and restaurants in Del Mar
- World class spa
- Tennis courts
Seeped in sophistication, L’Auberge Del Mar is a boutique hotel located in the heart of Del Mar. This San Diego beach hotel is reminiscent of a private, coastal estate with beach-inspired rooms and beautiful decor.
The hotel has 121 guest rooms and suites, each featuring elegant furnishings, marble bathrooms, and private balconies or patios with garden, village or coastal views. Rooms are decorated with a beach casual, upscale design, and some rooms have fireplaces.
With a focus on healthy living, the hotel also features the 5,000 square foot full-service spa – Spa L’Auberge – plus a fitness center, two tennis courts, and a pool. The hotel is located on a hill, but has a lovely walking path down to the beach.
Hotel Information & Reservations
- Address: 1540 Camino Del Mar, Del Mar
- Phone: (858) 358-6246
► Check Rates & Availability for L’Auberge Del Mar
10. Ocean Beach Hotel
Ocean Beach Hotel At-A-Glance
- Location: Ocean Beach
- Rooms include a microwave and refrigerator
- Upper level terraces to take in the view
- No pool
- Walking distance to shops and restaurants
- Pet-friendly rooms available
- No resort fee
- Free parking
Ocean Beach Hotel is an older beachfront hotel in the Ocean Beach neighborhood of San Diego. It offers clean and updated rooms and all the perks of being on the beach. Although this is a budget-friendly option, you’ll still receive the great service you’d expect to find at a more expensive resort. Note however, do you have to cross the road to get to the sand.
Ocean Beach Hotel is among closest San Diego beach resorts to downtown San Diego, the San Diego International Airport, Mission Bay and all of the city’s famous attractions. It is also within walking distance to great restaurants and shops in Ocean Beach, as well as the pier.
Rooms are set around a central courtyard, and some offer ocean views. All rooms come with a refrigerator and microwave, which is are family-friendly amenities. Parking is free, too!
► Be sure to also check out these Hotels on Mission Bay in San Diego.
Hotel Information & Reservations
- Address: 5080 Newport Avenue, Ocean Beach
- Phone: (619) 223-7191
► Check Rates & Availability for Ocean Beach Hotel
Final Thoughts: San Diego Oceanfront Resorts
With 70 miles of coastline stretching from Mexico to Orange County, San Diego is home to some of the world’s most beautiful beaches. Throw in its year-round sunshine, warm climate, and amazing sunsets, and who wouldn’t want to stay at one of these beachfront San Diego hotels?
Sure, you’ll pay a premium for those ocean views, but if you’ve got the budget (and yes, there are some great ways to save money!) there are many oceanfront resorts in San Diego for your family to experience.
San Diego beach resorts provide major conveniences, such as eliminating the need to hunt for beach parking and the ability to pop in and out of your room between beach time and fun activities at the resort.
If I could live on the beach, I would. But alas, the occasional family vacation at the shore is the closest I will come. That’s okay! San Diego has so many fantastic beach resorts there is always somewhere new to try.
Save These San Diego Beach Resorts for Later!
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