To better enjoy San Diego’s year-round sunshine, many travelers—especially families—factor in a hotel’s swimming pool when booking accommodations. They provide a nice place to unwind after a day at the beach or sightseeing, with a cocktail or pool toys in hand. This ultimate list of the best hotel pools in San Diego will help narrow your search for where to stay.

Thanks to our year-round temperate weather, these pools are outdoor pools. I’ve broken the selection into four different categories of swimming pools to cater to the vibrant yet diverse pool seekers visiting our corner of Southern California. Most San Diego hotel pools are of modest size (we’re known more for our beaches than our hotel pools), but some have water slides and epic views. Other pool decks are festive places to meet friends.

If there’s a clear way to book that will give you the best value, I’ve mentioned it. If not, there’s a link to check the best price across multiple travel sites. If day passes to these swimming pools are available, I’ve indicated this below.

Note from Katie: We independently choose all featured hotels. Booking methods mentioned are popular with our readers or ones we think offer the best value. If you book through select links, we may earn a commission and appreciate you supporting our business. Prices and amenities are subject to change. Our editorial guidelines.


Larger San Diego Hotel Pools

If you’re reading this to find the biggest hotel pools in San Diego, this is the section for you. These San Diego hotels rate highly for overall ambiance, relaxation, and poolside amenities.

It’s important to enjoy your time both in and out of the pool, after all.

1. Fairmont Grand Del Mar

Location: East Del Mar
Water slides: No
Adults-only pool: Yes
Day pass: ResortPass

A man and little girl jump into the main pool at Fairmont Grand Del Mar.
A sand play area awaits next to this pool (photo courtesy of Fairmont Grand Del Mar).

San Diego’s best luxury hotel, Fairmont Grand Del Mar, also has the best pool options. Guests enjoy four spectacular outdoor and heated pools. The main Resort Pool offers private cabanas with TVs, underwater music, poolside service (including towels), and a Pool Bar with drinks and a food menu.

The children’s pool with a wading area is also near a white sand area to play in. There is also a Jacuzzi and an adults-only pool that is perfect for relaxation after a spa treatment. The resort’s adults-only Signature Terrace rooms border this pool and have terraces that open up to it for easy access (I’ve stayed in these rooms and quite like their privacy and location).

If you’re searching for a luxury hotel with fantastic pools, this is my top pick, and families love it. This is also one of the only resorts in San Diego with an adults-only room section.

Reservations: I can book readers in with special Virtuoso amenities that include:

  • Upgrade at time of booking, subject to availability (excluding suites)
  • Daily breakfast for two guests per bedroom, served in Amaya or in-room dining (up to $70 per bedroom per day)
  • $100 USD equivalent Resort or Hotel credit utilized during stay (not combinable, not valid on room rate, no cash value if not redeemed in full)
  • Early check-in/late check-out, subject to availability
  • Complimentary Wi-Fi

When booking Fairmont on Virtuoso.com use only the number of adults traveling to get the correct rates. Kids may otherwise be priced as adults. We will add them after we follow up to collect your arrival details.

See also: Best Luxury San Diego Hotels


2. Omni La Costa Resort & Spa

Location: La Costa (Carlsbad)
Water slides: Yes (kids must be 48″ or taller to ride the two larger water slides and 42″ tall for the toddler slide)
Adult-only pool: Yes
Day pass: ResortPass

The Splash Landing waterslide and splash pad at the Omni La Costa pool for families.
Families book in for the water slides and splash pad (photo courtesy of Omni La Costa Resort).


In addition to a world-famous spa, Omni La Costa Resort is also well-known for its multiple pool areas. Adults have their own pool with a golf course view, poolside food, craft cocktails, and cabanas called Edge.

Splash Landing is the kids’ water play area with two 100′ water slides and a seasonal cafe area. Nearby, the Sandy Beach Family Pool is where kids can build sandcastles while parents chill in a cabana.

Poolside food and drink services at the family pool are seasonal. When unavailable, you can grab food and drinks from the Marketplace and bring them into the pool area.

The resort usually hosts evening Funtopia family pool parties with kid-friendly fare, s’ mores, poolside games, and other fun activities during summer. Then, there are villa pools and courtyard pools, and, of course, the spa even has its own quiet pool.

Note: Pool hours vary based on occupancy and season. Right now, you also need a reservation to use them. A reader I booked in recently reported that the family pool closed at 4 p.m. (that’s early) during the second week of April (still spring break for some).

Reservations: Omni runs a lot of sale rates so I would check direct first.

See also: The Best Kid-Friendly Hotels in San Diego


3. Park Hyatt Aviara Resort, Golf Club and Spa

Location: Aviara (Carlsbad)
Water slides: Yes
Adults-only pool: Yes
Day pass: ResortPass

Two small water slides at the Park Hyatt Aviara pool.
Water slide area in family pool section. (Photo courtesy of Park Hyatt Aviara)

Park Hyatt Aviara recently renovated its entire resort, including the outdoor swimming pools. New additions include a two-story water slide, splash pad, and zero-entry family pool.

The Water’s Edge poolside restaurant is only for hotel guests and serves delicious cocktails and food menu. Nearby hotel guests can enjoy the adults-only pool overlooking the scenic Batiquitos Lagoon.

Reservations: I can book you in with Virtuoso benefits that include:

  • Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability.
  • Daily full breakfast, for two guests per bedroom
  • $100 USD Resort credit to be utilized during stay (not combinable, not valid on room rate, no cash value if not redeemed in full)
  • Complimentary daily Aviara Spa access for two guests including sauna, whirlpool, steam room and indoor solarium lounge.
  • Locally-inspired culinary welcome amenity
  • Early check-in/late check-out, subject to availability
  • Complimentary Wi-Fi

When booking on Virtuoso.com use only the number of adults traveling to get the correct rates. Kids may otherwise be priced as adults. We will add them after we follow up to collect your arrival details.

I also have access to Hyatt Prive benefits here as well so when I receive your booking, I’ll compare rates to make sure that you have the best one.


4. Hyatt Regency Mission Bay Spa and Marina

Location: Mission Bay
Water slides: Yes (kids must be 48″ tall to ride)
Adults-only pool: No
Day pass: ResortPass

Two of the three pools and three water slides at Hyatt Regency Mission Bay Spa and Marina near SeaWorld San Diego.
Three is the most water slides at a San Diego hotel pool (photo courtesy of Hyatt Hotels and Resorts).

The Hyatt Regency Mission Bay Spa and Marina’s three lagoon-style pools are hailed as some of the best in town. A recreation team staffs them to help guests with towels, floats, poolside games, and sunblock.

The wavy shape gives the grounds a lot of character, spiced with comfortable lounge chairs perfect for relaxing. The evening light here captures an incredible ambiance, especially given the location right on Mission Bay. Prepare for brightly colored arrays spilling across the sky come evening time.

It’s one of the best hotel pools San Diego offers because it has the most water slides (three) and a separate children’s pool. Guests may reserve private pool cabanas.

Poolside service comes from the adjacent Pelican’s on the Bay pool bar with shared plates, local beer, wine, and cocktails. During the non-peak season, you’ll need to walk to the bar to order and pick up.

Reservations: While I do have Hyatt Prive benefits here to offer that outweigh any sale rates, I’m finding that people are opting for sale rates instead nearly 90% of the time, so I am directing people to Hotels.com.


5. Town and Country Resort

Location: Mission Valley
Water slides: Yes (kids must be 48″ tall to ride)
Adults-only pool: No (but the Regency pool is quieter)
Day pass: ResortPass

Kids love the “Twister” water slide (photo courtesy of Town and Country Resort).

Town and Country Resort in San Diego has reopened after a multi-million dollar renovation that emphasized its mid-century modern roots and created a large outdoor swimming pool complex.

Guests can enjoy a zero-entry pool, a children’s pool, and a four-story, 150′ “Twister” water slide. It’s currently the longest hotel water slide in San Diego.

You can relax in cabanas and day beds, especially if you book a poolside massage. Other offerings include poolside crafts for kids and dive-in movies.

Rest assured that those searching for poolside drinks and eats can order from a full pool menu delivered chairside.

Note: The water slide can have seasonal hours.


6. Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina

Location: Downtown San Diego
Water slides: No
Adults-only pool: No
Day pass: No

Aerial view of the Marriott Marquis San Diego hotel pool with docked boats in the background.
A nice downtown swimming pool — photo courtesy of Marriott Hotels and Resorts.

Another large, yet wavy-shaped pool awaits at the San Diego Marriott Marquis & Mariana. At the base level of this modern hotel, the large main outdoor pool weaves its way around the patio grounds surrounded by lounge chairs and easy access to the outdoor eatery, Tequila Bar and Grill, which is where you’ll grab your food and drinks.

This pool ends near a smaller free-form children’s outdoor pool. The downtown San Diego hotel also has a whirlpool, giving guests a perfect place to soak after a full day of sightseeing. It’s also not fancy, but it’s a nice bayside spot.

Reservations: Use the Marriott Bonvoy discount to book in.


6. The Lafayette Hotel Swim Club and Bungalows

Location: North Park
Water slide: No
Adults-only pool: No (but it has an adult vibe)
Day pass: Yes, through the hotel (might need to call)

The Weissmuller pool (photo courtesy of The Lafayette Hotel Swim Club and Bungalows)

Probably the hippest hotel on this list, The Lafayette’s 25-meter-long pool also has the most history tied to it. Former Tarzan and five-time gold medal winner Johnny Weissmuller designed the pool. This is why it’s called the Weissmuller Pool. Florence Chadwick also trained here for her record-breaking swim across the English Channel.

The hotel just reopened after a maximalist renovation with bold colors, patterns, and textures that will transport guests into another era. But circling back to the pool area, there’s a Pool Bar reminiscent of 1980s luxury along the Amalfi Coast, complete with Aperol spritzes and a food menu.

Always lively, the pool regularly hosts DJs, bands, events, and parties. You can also buy day passes to the pool through the hotel. Many of North Park’s amazing restaurants are nearby, too.


7. The Catamaran Resort Hotel and Spa

Location: Pacific Beach
Water slide: No
Adults-only pool: No
Day pass: No, but you can join the spa (usually a waiting list)

View over The Catamaran pool, one of the best pools in San Diego.
This pool is near the bay (photo courtesy of Catamaran Resort Hotel and Spa).

It’s not the fanciest or largest pool on this list, but it’s one I’m asked about a lot. A stay at Catamaran Resort Hotel and Spa includes access to a fun, medium-sized turquoise pool combined with seating and umbrellas to ward off the sun. Make sure to check the schedule to see when the pool bar and grill are operating because they have seasonal hours. There is also an adjacent game room.

Steps from this outdoor swimming pool, you’ll be able to frolic in the waters of Mission Bay. Here, you’ll find bayside lounge chairs, umbrellas in the sand, and water sports rentals that include paddleboarding or sailing. The ocean beach is only a short two-minute jaunt away.


Beachfront San Diego Hotel Pools

There’s no denying the appeal of San Diego’s 70-mile coastline. Still, there are beachfront San Diego hotel pools for times we want to alternate between the warm, temperature-controlled pool and splashing around in the Pacific Ocean.

If you’re looking to embrace both bodies of water, here are the best hotel pools that also give you easy access to the golden beaches of San Diego.

8. Hotel del Coronado

Location: Coronado
Water slides: No
Adults-only pool: Yes, but for spa guests only (technically, teens booking spa services can use it also)
Day pass: ResortPass

Main pool at Hotel del Coronado with Victorian building in the background.

To equally soak in the beauty of the Pacific Ocean while splashing around the pool, consider the four-star and historic Hotel del Coronado. Their large, rectangular Main Pool and whirlpool both have just been renovated. Private cabanas and lavish lounge chairs invite guests to spend hours relaxing. (It can get busy here during peak season.) Poolgoers also enjoy direct access to the Sun Deck restaurant.

The adults-only spa infinity pool overlooks the boardwalk. Every aspect of your stay at the Hotel del Coronado is only a minute from walking along the gorgeous Coronado beach.

Reservations: Book Hotel del Coronado with special perks through Virtuoso that include.

  • Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability
  • Daily breakfast credit of $45 per person, for up to two guests per bedroom, served in Serẽa restaurant (credit is non-cumulative, restrictions if applicable)
  • $100 USD Food & Beverage credit to be utilized during stay (not combinable, not valid on room rate, no cash value if not redeemed in full)
  • Early Check-In / Late Check-Out, subject to availability
  • Complimentary Wi-Fi

Sign in or create a free Virtuoso account to see the discounted rate! When booking on Virtuoso.com use the number of adults traveling to get the correct rates. Kids may otherwise be priced as adults. We will add them after we follow up to collect your arrival details. If you see multiple rates for the same room type, choose the lowest rate. Check the status of ocean swimming in front of Coronado Lifeguard Tower as it changes. This is the testing station in front of Hotel del Coronado.

Alternatively, the Hilton Honors discount is about the same price (though my Virtuoso benefits typically outweigh this discount).

Tip: I have also written a detailed guide to Hotel del Coronado that addresses selecting a room and much more.


9. Pacific Terrace Hotel

Location: Pacific Beach
Water slide: No
Adults-only pool: No
Day pass: No

Pacific Terrace has one of the best San Diego hotel pools
Sunsets from here are fantastic (photo courtesy of Pacific Terrace Hotel).

While a much smaller pool, the Pacific Terrace Hotel makes the list due to its incredible location along the Pacific Beach coastline. They do offer service that includes poolside margaritas and snacks.

With a prime view of the boardwalk’s action, this heated pool is ideal for the traveler looking to blend scenic views with an afternoon poolside. This is a highly-rated San Diego beachfront hotel and recipient of AAA Four Diamonds.


10. La Valencia Hotel

Location: La Jolla
Water slides: No
Adults-only pool: No

The outdoor pool at La Valencia Hotel overlooking the Pacific Ocean.
Swim in the heart of La Jolla (photo courtesy of La Valencia Hotel).

Just steps from La Jolla Cove beach, La Valencia Hotel‘s saltwater rectangular pool blends lavish lounge seating with old-world charm while catering the whole experience around ocean views. You’ll enjoy poolside food and drink service, Coola suncare products, and a lovely day in my community’s sunshine.

This boutique hotel is the Village of La Jolla’s most luxurious hotel. The prime location on Prospect Street is within walking distance of San Diego’s best restaurants and shopping.


Bayside Hotels with Pools

San Diego celebrates an abundance of bodies of water. In addition to our endless coastline, we also enjoy beautiful and dynamic bays cutting in along the shore. This list includes options both alongside Mission Bay as well as San Diego Bay.

11. Hilton San Diego Bayfront

Location: Downtown San Diego
Water slide: Yes (small one)
Adults-only pool: No
Day pass: No

View across the Hilton San Diego Bayfront pool surrounded by palm trees.
Enjoy swaying palm trees and bay views from this best San Diego hotel pool (photo courtesy of Hilton Hotels and Resorts).

The Hilton San Diego Bayfront gives you somewhat of a luxe Miami Beach feel with its bayside pool. Here, they take you almost to the water’s edge. You can look across the San Diego Bay with unparalleled views extending to Point Loma through the patio’s glass wall. The experience mirrors that of an infinity pool.

It’s a heated saltwater pool. This is also one of the best venues near the Gaslamp Quarter to enjoy the sunset. The pool isn’t huge, but the layout and atmosphere make up for what the pool may lack in size. There is also a kids’ water play area with a small slide.

Reservations: The Hilton Honors rates are nearly always best for booking Hilton properties like this, as they also have a price guarantee.


12. Sheraton San Diego Hotel and Marina

Location: Harbor Island (across the Street from the San Diego Airport)
Water slide: No
Adults-only pool: No
Day pass: ResortPass

The outdoor swimming pool at Sheraton San Diego Hotel and Marina.

This pool is on the list for people who need a hotel near the airport and would like a pool. Guests may watch yachts meander through the harbor and enjoy water views from the Sheraton San Diego Hotel and Marina pool.

While a smaller and simple pool, it gives you enough room to splash about. It is the largest San Diego airport hotel with the most amenities, including a spa and free shuttle service to the airport.

Reservations: Use the Marriott Bonvoy member discount to save. It’s free to join.


13. San Diego Mission Bay Resort

Location: Mission Bay
Water slide: No
Adults-only pool: No
Day pass: ResortPass

A couple holding hands walks into the swimming pool on a sunny day.
It’s a fun pool by the bay (photo courtesy of San Diego Mission Bay Resort).

Following the trend of pools wrapping around the patio, the San Diego Mission Bay Resort (a Noble House enjoys a wavy pool enclosed in a sea of palm trees. Between the trees, you can see Mission Bay peeking through, as well as the boardwalk calling for guests to go for an evening walk.

The large pool deck also offers fire pits with seating, a small kids’ pool, and a Jacuzzi for guests to enjoy. Occasionally, the resort hosts poolside movies with complimentary popcorn.

I’m thrilled by the hotel’s renovation, which mostly included the rooms, making them lighter and brighter (book the ones with the fire pits), and the vibe is more upbeat. San Diego Mission Bay Resort used to be the Hilton San Diego Resort & Spa.

Reservations: If you are staying one or two nights, the Noble House VIP Package I can book you in with is best. Alternatively, check AAA offers. It includes:

  • $25 Resort credit for one night stays and $50 resort credit for two night or longer stays
  • Upgrade at the time of check-in (subject to availability)
  • Waived resort fee
  • Welcome amenity

14. Paradise Point Resort and Spa

Location: Mission Bay
Water slide: No
Adults-only pool: Yes
Day pass: ResortPass
Note: This property is transitioning to a Margaritaville resort in 2024

best pools san diego

Paradise Point Resort & Spa is located on its own 44-acre private island, so there is quite a bit to do here, including a swim in one of the five pools.

The pools are all a bit different. Of course, there’s one, especially for adults, and a larger family pool with poolside food and drink service. The lagoon pool has nearby fire pits for roasting s’ mores. You can also swim in a pool accented by waterfalls or choose the meadow pool.


15. Kona Kai Resort & Spa, A Noble House Resort

Location: Shelter Island
Water slide: No
Adults-only pool: Yes
Day pass: ResortPass

The main pool overlooks a boat-filled marina on the bay
Pretty marina views and a poolside bar (photo courtesy of Kona Kai Resort).

For a colorful, chic, and modern hotel with a swimming pool adjacent to the San Diego Bay, the Kona Kai is the place for you. This small, long family pool gives you a front seat to the path where boats navigate to their pier.

Comfortable lounge chairs lining the pool and Jacuzzi make for a relaxing poolside experience. Cabanas that seat up to eight people are available for rental here and at the adults-only pool. Both pools offer poolside food and drink service.

If you’re looking for extra leisure, take advantage of the massages and sauna available at their spa. They have a private bay beach nearby for sunbathing and playing but not for swimming.


Rooftop Pools in San Diego

The appeal of a pool isn’t limited to little ones splashing around or views of the Pacific Ocean. Many of our San Diego hotel pools take advantage of our cityscape through rooftop pools. These create nice options for both family-friendly vacations and girlfriends enjoying a bottle of wine together.

I’ve included a mix of hotel pools both on top floors as well as ones that are elevated enough above street level to provide urban fun. Each hotel pool gives you the ability to enjoy captivating city views while lounging at a classy San Diego hotel pool.

16. Pendry San Diego

Location: Downtown San Diego
Water slide: No
Adults-only pool: No, but it is more of an adult scene on weekends and during the summer

san diego hotels with pools
This is a happening pool deck (photo courtesy of Pendry San Diego).

The rooftop pool at Pendry San Diego provides the perfect mix of a chic experience with an old-school touch. This elongated pool with gorgeous seating, including cabanas, overlooks the hub of the Gaslamp Quarter.

Luxurious lounge chairs with brightly colored striped umbrellas add to the festive ambiance of this San Diego pool experience. The Pool House at Pendry San Diego also serves cocktails and bites to poolside guests. And, you should take a look at their Pool Suite that, of course, opens directly up to the pool. They spoil my guests, which I love.

Note that on weekends during the summer, the pool has more of an adult vibe, with guests ordering bottle service and the like.

Reservations: Virtuoso amenities that I can secure for you at no additional cost include:

  • Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability
  • Breakfast credit at Provisional Restaurant or In-Room Dining for two guests per bedroom daily ($30 maximum per person, per day)
  • $100 USD Resort or Hotel credit to be utilized during stay (not combinable, not valid on room rate, no cash value if not redeemed in full)
  • Early check-in/late check-out, subject to availability
  • Complimentary Wi-Fi

Learn more in my Pendry San Diego Review.


17. Hard Rock Hotel San Diego

Location: Downtown San Diego
Water slide: No
Adults-only pool: No, but this is more of an adult pool scene on most days

Hard Rock Hotel San Diego pool party vibes from a huge shaded cabana with a TV.
How fun does this look (photo courtesy of Hard Rock San Diego).

This long, narrow rooftop pool gets you closer to the star-filled skies as the Hard Rock Hotel San Diego takes the experience to the roof. Also embedded into the core of the Gaslamp Quarter, the true appeal starts after dusk when the city views filled with lights brighten the skyline.

Continuing the Hard Rock Hotel San Diego’s sleek, modern feel, the pool deck showcases a contemporary experience with cabana lounging. Take advantage of The Rock Spa, which provides various treatments that can be performed within a poolside cabana.

Hard Rock San Diego is known for its pool parties. Check the schedule for the weekly SUNBURN event in spring and summer which is free for hotel guests. Of course, bottle service is available.


What Are the Best San Diego Hotels With Indoor Pools?

As you can see above, the best hotel pools in San Diego are all outdoors. We live in a climate where outdoor swimming pools in San Diego can operate year-round without issues. This means only a handful of San Diego hotels have indoor pools. In fact, I actually only know of three in the County:

None of these pools will blow your mind, but I want to list them here for your reference. Indoor pools can be important to guests, no matter the weather.

What do you think is the best hotel pool in San Diego?

Planning a trip soon? Make sure to look at what to pack for San Diego.

Katie Dillon is the managing editor of La Jolla Mom. She helps readers plan San Diego vacations through her hotel expertise (that stems from living in a Four Seasons hotel) and local connections. Readers have access to exclusive discounts on theme park tickets (like Disneyland and San Diego Zoo) and perks at luxury hotels worldwide through her. She also shares insider tips for visiting major cities worldwide, like Hong Kong, London, Paris, and Shanghai, that her family has either lived in or visits regularly (or both).

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