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: to live in Del Mar as a student and then again as a young professional. My husband and I were also 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 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. Our approach shares a common thread of getting the most out of your experience regarding value for money and time.
Memberships
San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance
Birch Aquarium
SeaWorld San Diego
Disney Travel Agent
Virtuoso Family Community
Media Features
Parents Magazine
San Diego Magazine
Four Seasons Magazine
Alaska Airlines
USA Today
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
Your Quick Guide to San Diego Zoo Food Policy & What You Can Bring
Here’s a guide on the San Diego Zoo food policy, bag rules, pet restrictions, and camera tips. Know what’s allowed, and how to make the most of your visit!
18 Black Friday/Cyber Monday Deals on Travel, Hotels & Theme Parks
Black Friday/Cyber Monday travel deals in include theme parks, hotels, airfare, and gear savings. Many still TBD but we’re keeping track! We’ll update throughout the weekend.
How to See the San Diego Zoo Pandas: Tips, History & Tickets
Learn more about the San Diego Zoo panda program including why it’s important, why the pandas left, and how to see the pandas who just arrived.
San Diego Christmas Events & Holiday Activities in 2024: The Ultimate Guide
My local’s guide to Christmas in San Diego includes over 60 fun holiday activities like photos with Santa, tree lightings, ice skating, parades, and more.
15 Fun San Diego Halloween Events for Kids (2024)
Where families can safely go trick-or-treating, explore pumpkin patches, and attend fun Halloween events in San Diego.
Kids Free San Diego Offers: What to Expect in October 2024
Your guide to the annual Kids Free San Diego promotion where kids go, eat or stay free with a paying adult at nearly 50 attractions, tours, restaurants and hotels.
7 Best Luxury Resorts in Los Cabos: Swimmable Beaches and VIP Perks
Find luxury hotels in Los Cabos on swimmable beaches, an all-inclusive option, golf and more with our VIP perks.
Four Seasons Hotel Boston Review & How to Book VIP
We’ve stayed at both Four Seasons hotels in Boston. Here’s why you should choose this one (Boylston Street) and how to upgrade your stay.
Crosby Street Hotel Review: The Best in Soho NYC With VIP Benefits
See why Crosby Street Hotel is my favorite in NYC’s SoHo and how we can upgrade your stay. My review.
Getting to Coronado Island From San Diego: Airport Transfers, Directions, and Public Transportation
Directions for getting to Coronado Island by car, public transportation, airport transfers, and ferry to enjoy this popular beach town. And what to know about parking.
Can You Still Buy LEGOLAND Tickets at Costco?
Don’t stress if you can’t find LEGOLAND tickets at Costco. There are plenty of cheap alternatives we’ll show you.
La Jolla Museums: Explore Our Art, Local History, & Sea Life
Learn which museums in La Jolla we love from MCSAD La Jolla to Birch Aquarium and a few hidden gems with free walking tours and exhibits!
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.