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
Four Seasons Hotel Mexico City Review: Why It’s a Favorite
When visiting Mexico City, this is why we always choose Four Seasons Hotel Mexico, D.F.
Lounge Report: American Airlines Admirals Club Mexico City
It’s not fancy but this Mexico City airport lounge will do. They’ll even give you a ride to the gate (which is far).
Three Easy Natural Christmas Decoration Ideas
Three ways to use natural Christmas decorations and why a real Christmas Tree is best, written with tips from The Nature Conservancy.
Restaurant Spotlight: The Taco Stand La Jolla
The Taco Stand restaurant in La Jolla, inspired by Tijuana taco stands, specializes in tacos, burritos, loaded fries, paletas and more.
9 Go City Los Angeles Pass Benefits for Sightseeing
One of the easiest ways to save money on Los Angeles attractions is by buying the Go Los Angeles pass. Learn more about this discount pass here.
Pacific Terrace Hotel San Diego Review & What to Expect
What you need to know about staying at Pacific Terrace Hotel San Diego, on the beach and boardwalk in Pacific Beach near casual restaurants, bars and shops.
The Landmark Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong
The Landmark Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong is among the top luxury hotels in the city with a very Central location steps from shopping, night life and culture.
How to Get From Hong Kong Airport to Your Hotel
Hong Kong Airport transportation options to Central, Kowloon, Disneyland and beyond explained. Choose depending on cost, personal preference, time of day.
Paradise Point Resort and Spa: What You Need to Know Before Booking
Paradise Point Resort and Spa is a San Diego family hotel. A Mission Bay location means water views and activities are highlights. Here’s what else to know.
The Peak Tram: What to Expect and How to Buy Tickets
Gone are the days of walking up to The Peak Tram Lower Terminus in Central Hong Kong and boarding shortly after purchasing a ticket. Today’s experience at The Peak Tram involves long queues if you don’t research how to skip them in advance. We’re talking hours-long waits to ride the…
How to Find a Legitimate Walt Disney World Tickets Discount
I share fact-checked places to get a Walt Disney World tickets discount through authorized sellers tell you how to select the right ticket.
What to Do in Los Angeles With Young Kids
Travel expert and LA resident Johnny Jet shares his favorite things to do in Los Angeles with kids.
