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 evolved into a travel business after I began covering 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. (I’m a certified San Diego destination specialist by our tourism board.) 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 2024, 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
LEGOLAND California
San Diego Tourism Authority (Certified San Diego Destination Specialist)
Virtuoso Family & Ultra Luxe Communities
Certified Universal Studios Hollywood Specialist
Media Features
Parents Magazine
San Diego Magazine
NBC San Diego
Fun Facts
Mom to a rescued pitbull named Ruby.
Volleyball travel team parent.
Knows more about San Diego hotels than anyone out there.
Articles by Katie
St. Anthony Hotel San Antonio Review & How to Book VIP
After an unexpected visit, I found The St. Anthony to be a solid historic luxury hotel choice at a good price and with Marriott STARS VIP benefits.
The Marlton Hotel NYC Review: A Greenwich Village Gem + Our Perks
I finally stayed at The Marlton Hotel in Greenwich Village, checking in with the same VIP benefits I extend to clients: upgrades, late checkout, and daily credits. Here’s what the petite rooms, cozy lobby, and buzzing Chez Nous dining scene are really like.
San Diego Zoo Safari Park Paid Safaris (Tours): Are They Worth The Upgrade?
As a longtime Safari Park member, I love the free Africa Tram and feel that you don’t need a paid safari to have a great visit. But for families who want a deeper, more hands-on experience, our clients consistently say these tours are a highlight of their San Diego trip. Here’s what to know before you book.
Soho Grand Hotel NYC Review: My Stay in a SoHo Icon & How to Book with VIP Perks
The Soho Grand is a downtown icon, but is it the right fit for your NYC trip? My review breaks down the rooms, the scene, who this hotel is a fit for and how to book with valuable VIP privileges.
The Mercer Hotel NYC Review: My SoHo Loft Stay & How to Book VIP
I spent a week at The Mercer Hotel in NYC’s Soho. See what I liked and things you should know. Book through us to get our exclusive benefits like daily breakfast for two and hotel credits.
25 Best Free Things to Do in San Diego with Kids
A curated list of no-cost experiences locals enjoy and families of all travel styles include in their San Diego itineraries.
20 Best San Diego Sightseeing Tours for Kids & Teens
You won’t find endless tour options for families in San Diego—but the really fun ones? They’re all right here.
9 Best Coronado Island Hotels in San Diego Reviewed
I share the most popular Coronado Island hotels based on personal stays, reader and client feedback, and tips from our on-property contacts.
Four Seasons Resort Punta Mita Review: Insider’s Guide + Booking Advice
A firsthand guide to Four Seasons Punta Mita—where to stay, what to expect, and how to book with exclusive benefits through a trusted Four Seasons advisor.
Coronado Island with Kids: Detailed Stay & Play Family Planning Guide
I’m a San Diego mom and travel advisor who books families into Coronado Island hotels. I cover everything you need to know, including family-friendly beaches and activities, transportation, dining, and where to stay.
Choosing the Best LEGOLAND California Annual Pass: Gold vs. Platinum vs. Elite Compared
Is a LEGOLAND Annual Pass truly worth it for your family this year? In this insider guide, I crunch the numbers and compare crucial benefits – like parking and discounts – across all tiers so you can confidently choose the best value for your family.
Trade Up Your Trip: The Ultimate Guide to LEGOLAND California Minifigure Trading
Turn your LEGOLAND California trip into a fun scavenger hunt with minifigure trading! Swap your way to cool new LEGO characters. Our guide covers the rules, best trading spots, tips for families, and how to get started.
