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
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!
The Fun You’ll Experience at San Diego Zoo Nighttime Zoo
San Diego Zoo goes all out during the summer Nighttime Zoo event with extra live entertainment. Here’s what to expect and tips for structuring your visit.
Noah’s Ark Discount Tickets: How to Save Big on Water Park Family Fun!
Learn which Noah’s Ark discount tickets are best for your visit to the largest Wisconsin Dells water park from season passes, resident deals, to hotel packages.
Four Seasons Preferred Partner Explained: Booking Benefits, How It Works & FAQs
It’s a privilege to enhance your Four Seasons stay as a Preferred Partner advisor. I share how you can request rates and why it’s my favorite way to book.
Sheraton La Jolla Review: Who Stays at This Hotel & Why
Before you book your stay at Sheraton La Jolla, read my in-depth review to learn about the hotel and ensure it’s the best place for your trip.
Can You Buy San Diego Zoo Tickets at Costco?
Find out whether you can find tickets to San Diego Zoo through Costco and what some other alternatives are for saving money on this popular attraction.
Embassy Suites San Diego La Jolla Review: Who Stays Here & Why
Learn why people choose Embassy Suites La Jolla and what to expect at the hotel and in the surrounding area when you stay there.
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.