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
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.
Recent Writing
Page 82 of 95
Las Vegas with kids is easy at Four Seasons Hotel Las Vegas because it’s luxurious and non-gaming. Here’s why else you and the kids will love it.
Get the recipe for Disneyland’s tasty gingerbread cookies (or shingles as they are referred to inside the theme park) and learn about other holiday treats!
Duty Free City offers luxury lifestyle services and shopping just a half mile from the U.S.-Mexico border. And, here is how you qualify for tax savings.
My expert guide to a fun day trip to Hotel del Coronado—no room key required. This plan is for day visitors only. For my review of rooms and overnight stays, please see my other guide.
Things to do in Beijing with kids span beyond visiting the Great Wall of China. See what else your kids will love in this city where ancient meets modern.
Grand Pacific Palisades Resort and Hotel provides home-like accommodations with resort amenities near LEGOLAND California. Here is our review.
Islands Fine Burgers and Drinks shares how they make their famous Hawaiian Burger with this recipe.
A review of Hotel Indigo Del Mar, a boutique hotel near the beach that is great for families, pets, and good value for money. What to know.
Macau’s cuisine is unlike any other place in China. Don’t leave without eating these foods ranging from egg tarts to the national dish.
