Katie Dillon
Travel Advisor & La Jolla Mom Owner
Favorite Place in San Diego
La Jolla Cove area
Favorite theme park
San Diego Zoo (Disneyland, a close second)
Favorite hotel
Four Seasons Hong Kong
Favorite Place in San Diego
La Jolla Cove area
Favorite theme park
San Diego Zoo (Disneyland, a close second)
Favorite hotel
Four Seasons Hong Kong
Hi, I’m Katie Dillon. I’ve lived in beautiful La Jolla, California, for a long time, dating back to when I was a student at UC San Diego.
I’ve left only a few times (once to live in Del Mar). My husband and I were expats in London and Hong Kong for seven years. My daughter was born in Hong Kong. We bought and renovated our house in La Jolla while overseas (I don’t recommend this) and then eventually moved in. Each of these moves has defined this site.
I started La Jolla Mom as a place to write about lifestyle and motherhood topics to keep my brain active. It ballooned into a travel business after I started to cover tips for flying with kids and reviewing hotels we stayed in.
Living in a hotel apartment in Hong Kong is not unusual, so that’s what we did, and we stayed a lot longer in the hotel than most people do. It just happened to be Four Seasons Hong Kong. I’m very loyal to the brand because of our over four years in that fabulous property. And, I know a lot about hotels.
Eventually, readers started asking me for advice on San Diego travel. I added tips and things to do — becoming a resource for visitors and locals. San Diego has four of the nation’s best theme parks, so people started asking me for ways to buy discounted tickets.
I partnered with aRes Travel in Pacific Beach, down the hill from my house, to offer people cheaper tickets. I also aligned myself with Cadence Travel in La Jolla (where I am in the top 20% of advisors for 2023 and 2022) to bring travelers VIP hotel perks in San Diego and beyond.
That’s how I wound up covering our three main topics: San Diego, theme parks, and hotels. I want you to get the most out of your trip—whether by saving on tickets, enjoying added hotel perks, or using our resources to self-plan—so you always feel your vacation or day out is worth your time and money.
Memberships
San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance
Birch Aquarium
SeaWorld San Diego
Virtuoso Family & Ultra Luxe Communities
Media Features
Parents Magazine
San Diego Magazine
NBC San Diego
Fun Facts
Mom to a rescued pitbull named Ruby.
Volleyball travel team parent.
Probably knows more about San Diego hotels than anyone out there.
Articles by Katie
Castle Park Discount Tickets: How to Save on Your Family Adventure
We stay up-to-date on the best ways to buy discounted admission to Castle Park so you don’t pay gate prices.
Discover & Go See Attractions for Free With Your San Diego Library Card
I’ll show you how to unlock one of San Diego’s best-kept secrets for affordable fun! Your free library card grants access to the Discover & Go program, offering free admission to amazing local spots.
Your Guide to Hassle-Free Parking at San Diego International Airport (SAN)
I’ll help you decide where to park at San Diego airport because you have multiple options depending on preferred location and price point.
Gilroy Gardens Discount Tickets: Your Guide to Savings and Fun
Our team specializes in helping people save money on theme park tickets. You will want buy cheaper Gilroy Gardens tickets in advance and we see several ways to do this.
Four Seasons Lanai Review: Insider Tips & How to Book VIP
I work closely with guest experiences at the Four Seasons Lanai so have some insider tips on what people like. I also know who stays here and why—and that you’ll want my VIP amenities.
The Ritz-Carlton Laguna Niguel Review: Best Rooms, VIP Perks & Insider Tips
What it’s like to stay at this popular luxury resort and how to book in with VIP amenities that add major value at no additional cost.
Pendry Newport Beach Review: Our Stay & How to Book VIP
This is why I like Pendry Newport Beach for when I need a luxury boutique hotel in Orange County.
Bahia Resort Hotel Review: A Value Retreat in San Diego’s Mission Bay
Why I like Bahia Resort Hotel for families wanting a central location and full-service resort at (usually) reasonable pricing for San Diego.
10 Ways to Celebrate Chinese/Lunar New Year in San Diego: Events & Fun Things to Do in 2025
San Diego is home to several significant Lunar New Year events that are worth attending for those who would like to celebrate Year of the Snake.
You’ve Booked a Flights to San Diego and a Hotel — Now What?
After booking your flights and hotel, tackle these TEN important things next to ensure flawless execution of your San Diego trip.
Hotel 50 Bowery NYC Review: Insider Tips & Your Access to Hyatt Prive Benefits
Hotel 50 Bowery in New York City’s Chinatown is a reasonably priced hidden gem you can book with our Hyatt Prive benefits. Learn how in my review.
San Diego Museum Month: Get Half-Off Admission in February 2025
Pick up a Museum Month pass at Macy’s to receive half-off admission to over 45 San Diego museums during February.
Ready for Your San Diego Adventure with Our Tips?
We’re passionate travellers and La Jolla residents on a mission to simplify your travel planning with expert tips and insider knowledge so you can make the most of your San Diego visit. We’ll email you once monthly with San Diego best travel tips and special promotions.