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
See Hong Kong’s Pink Dolphins Before They Are Gone
The number of Hong Kong pink dolphins in the wild are dwindling because of pollution and other threats. Here’s how to see them before they’re gone.
Experience Eco-Tourism via Sea Turtle Releases in Mexico
Resort sponsored releases truly do boost sea turtle numbers. Here’s how it works.
A Private Longjing Tea Village Tour in Hangzhou
Learn why you (and the kids) will love a private tour of Hangzhou’s Mei Jia Wu longjing tea village.
Luxe With Kids at the Four Seasons Hotel Washington, DC
Learn why Four Seasons Hotel Washington, DC should be the base for your family vacation from kids amenities to an awesome Georgetown location.
Fun Things to Do with Dogs Around La Jolla
If my dog could type, here’s what would be on his list of favorite things to do with dogs around La Jolla from parks to shopping to restaurants.
Rentals for Residents and Visitors at Hotel del Coronado’s Del Beach
What you need to know about spending the day at Del Beach at Hotel del Coronado where rentals are available for day and overnight guests.
Review: Hyatt Regency Maui Resort & Spa in Kaanapali
Learn why Hyatt Regency Resort and Spa in Kaanapali Beach Resort is a luxury hotel your family will love.
Where to Find Bottomless Mimosas or Champagne in La Jolla
Liven up your weekend with brunch at these La Jolla restaurants offering bottomless mimosas and/or champagne.
Should You Book the Drums of the Pacific L.A. in Maui?
Despite having traveled to Hawaii on and off throughout my entire life, I hadn’t been to a luau until we were hosted at Drums of the Pacific, the luau on-site at Hyatt Regency Maui Spa and Resort in the gorgeous Kaanapali Beach Resort. I knew my 7-year-old would love it,…
5 Things to Do at Harvard University With Kids
Spend a half-day in Cambridge where there are plenty of things to do at Harvard University with younger kids. And, you’ve got to check out where we ate.
A Surprise Spa Birthday at Four Seasons Hotel Beijing
The spa at Four Seasons Hotel Beijing threw my daughter an epic surprise birthday party.
7 Things to Eat in Maui’s Kaanapali Beach Resort
Learn which dishes to eat at Maui’s Kaanapali Beach Resort restaurants and hotels. You won’t go hungry.
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