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
10 Fun Flagship Cruises in San Diego for Sightseeing on the Bay
Flagship Cruises in San Diego offer San Diego Bay tours for sightseeing, beer, Sunday brunch, and other more that are favorites of residents and tourists.
Ancient Zhujiajiao Water Town Day Trip from Shanghai
The ancient water town of Zhujiajiao makes a great day trip from Shanghai, China. Here is what it’s like in photos from street food to canals.
LEGOLAND Hotel in California: Review & What to Know
LEGOLAND Hotel offers families plenty of perks, including early access to the park, but here’s what you need to know in advance.
Disney Explorers Lodge at Hong Kong Disneyland: Review & Why It’s Our Favorite
Why Disney Explorers Lodge is now our favorite Hong Kong Disneyland hotel from its new rooms to excellent dining options.
3 Vacation Destinations for Movie Enthusiasts to Visit
What do London, Cannes and Mumbai have in common? They’ve been featured in popular movies and Air France can take you there.
Japan Airlines First Class Lounge at Tokyo Narita Airport
What it’s like inside the Japan Airlines First Class Lounge at Tokyo Narita airport and why we always stop in.
Tips for Visiting Ocean Park Hong Kong With Kids
Ocean Park Hong Kong is one of the best things to do in Hong Kong with kids. Here’s why we love it.
Four Seasons Hotel Singapore Review — Still One of Our Favorites
We’ve been repeat guests of Four Seasons Hotel Singapore over the last 15 years with kids and without. This is why.
6 San Diego Theme Parks & Amusement Parks: Insider Tips, Tickets & Discounts
A local’s guide to San Diego’s real theme parks, with tips on saving money, the best ages for each park, and when to visit.
Piatti La Jolla: A Favorite Italian Restaurant
Piatti La Jolla has been a reliable staple for Italian food in the La Jolla Shores neighborhood for decades. Here’s what it’s like and what to order.
The Notorious, Intriguing History of the Coronado Islands
My husband the history major has over time amassed a binder of articles and facts about the Coronado Islands and their checkered past, so I asked him to share a bit here.
What It’s Like to Fly in Singapore Airlines First Class Suites
Singapore Airlines first class suite, a gold standard for air travel with its leather seats, bed, privacy, fine dining and exquisite service. Here is what our flight was like.
