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
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.
San Diego CityPASS vs Go City San Diego: How to Choose the Best Pass For You
I know which sightseeing passes our clients buy and why they choose them. Get our insider tips on whether to choose San Diego CityPASS or Go City San Diego Pass.
Get Six Flags Over Texas Discount Tickets With These Reliable Tips
Six Flags Over Texas discount tickets are easy to buy through authorized sellers so that you can visit this fun theme park on the cheap.
12 Festive Things to Do at San Diego Zoo’s Jungle Bells This Holiday Season
What to expect at Jungle Bells in 2024 from lights to performances to sweet treats spread throughout the lower part of San Diego Zoo starting in the late afternoon.
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.
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.