Which beach hotels have pools?

All the beach hotels on my list have pools except for Crystal Pier Hotel, which does not because it is located on a pier, and Tower23. We also have a list of the best hotel pools in San Diego that you can refer to, but hotels like Pacific Terrace Inn have beachfront pools that overlook the beach, while the Catamaran Hotel Resort and Spa has a pool next to a game room for kids.

Do any of these hotels offer bikes or beach equipment for guest use?

Yes, many of the San Diego hotels on the beach offer bike rentals (free or paid), such as the Catamaran Hotel Resort and Spa, The Wayfarer, and Tower23 Hotel. Pacific Terrace Hotel, Beach Terrace Inn, and the La Jolla Beach and Tennis Club, among others, offer complimentary beach chairs, umbrellas, and towels for guests.

Which beach hotels have surfing lessons nearby?

No trip to San Diego is complete without learning to stand up on a surfboard. Many of the hotels on this list are conveniently located near surf schools. Look into the San Diego surf lessons near the following hotels: Hotel del Coronado, L' Auberge Del Mar, La Jolla Shores Hotel, La Jolla Beach and Tennis Club, and Pacific Terrace Hotel.

Which best beach hotels have nearby watersport rentals?

When you’re looking for an adventure on the water, stay at La Jolla Beach and Tennis Club or La Jolla Shores Hotel, both of which offer easy access to watersport rentals and access to the San Diego-La Jolla Underwater Park . Mission Bay hotels like Catamaran Resort Hotel and Paradise Point also offer onsite watersport rentals for use on the bay.

Which beach hotels have free parking?

Most of our beachfront hotels charge for parking, but it's much easier to pay than to try to secure parking alone. La Jolla Beach and Tennis Club includes parking in its hotel fee. Bahia Resort Hotel also offers free parking for one car per room.

Do any of these hotels have free breakfast?

Yes! When we book you in as a Virtuoso or other VIP program guest, part of your inclusions at no extra cost to you, is a complimentary breakfast for two at: Hotel del Coronado Beach Village at The Del Shore House at The Del L'Auberge Del Mar Alila Marea Encinitas The Seabird Resort Mission Pacific Resort

Which San Diego beach hotels are near the airport?

The San Diego International Airport is not located along the beach, but Pacific Beach and Mission Beach are only about 7 miles away. For easier access to the tarmac from the beach, consider staying at hotels such as Pacific Terrace Hotel, Bahia Resort Hotel, or Paradise Point Resort and Spa. You can also refer to our list of best San Diego airport hotels .

Are there any beach hotels near the San Diego Zoo?

No beach is located near the San Diego Zoo, but Hotel del Coronado is roughly a 15-minute drive away, and we also have a list of best hotels near San Diego Zoo .

Which beach hotels in San Diego are good for families?

While most of the hotels on this list cater to families, some of my favorite family-friendly choices include Hotel del Coronado, Beach Village at The Del, Shore House at The Del, La Jolla Shores Hotel, La Jolla Beach and Tennis Club, Catamaran Resort Hotel and Spa, Bahia Resort Hotel, and The Seabird Resort. Refer to my guide to the top family-friendly hotels in San Diego for much more detailed information.

Which San Diego beach hotels have a private beach?

This is hotly debated as no beach in California is technically private. However, La Jolla Beach and Tennis Club has a private beach and Del Beach at Hotel del Coronado is considered private as well.

Which San Diego beach hotels have suites?

While nearly all of the hotels on this list offer suites of some sort, the most popular suites are the one- to three-bedroom designer suites and villas at Beach Village or Shore House at The Del, The Views Oceanfront and Ocean View Suites at Hotel del Coronado, the Bayfront (ground level) Suites at the Catamaran Resort Hotel and Spa, and any beachfront suite at La Jolla Beach and Tennis Club. Crystal Pier Hotel has two-bedroom cottages, which provide extra room as well. The Beach Cottages also offers apartments and condos, while Southern California Beach Club offers budget-friendly one- and two-bedroom accommodations.

What are the best places to stay in San Diego on the beach?

If you are looking for sheer luxury, you won't find better beachfront hotels than the historic Hotel del Coronado and its sister properties, Beach Village at The Del and Shore House at The Del, all on Coronado Island. If you are looking for less expensive properties with a lot to do, check out Cape Rey Carlsbad, Beach Terrace Inn, La Jolla Shores Hotel, or the Catamaran Resort Hotel and Spa.

Which San Diego motels are on the beach?

Choose a beachfront motel with fewer amenities if you want a less expensive beachfront experience. Some of the more highly rated properties you should consider include The Beach Cottages, Crystal Pier Hotel, and Pacific View Inn.

Which are the best San Diego resorts on the water?

On the water in San Diego typically means oceanfront, on Mission Bay, or on the San Diego Bay downtown. Choosing the best resort is honestly a matter of taste and what amenities interest you. If you are only concerned about proximity to sand, your interests will be different from someone who loves watersports. On Mission Bay, I like San Diego Mission Bay Resort and Catamaran Resort Hotel the best. On the beach, Beach Village at The Del and Shore House at The Del are my top picks. And, on San Diego Bay, I like InterContinental San Diego, which is on my list of best downtown San Diego hotels .

Which hotels in San Diego offer the best ocean view?

For the best ocean view, you'll generally want to book a San Diego hotel with a balcony for unobstructed vistas, a hotel close to the shoreline, or one on a high seaside cliff. Alila Marea Resort Encinitas on the bluffs above South Ponto Beach offers great views from all of its oceanside rooms. Most of the hotels on this list offer water views, so select your guest room or suite type accordingly.

Which Mission Bay hotels are on the beach?

Mission Bay hotels like Catamaran Resort Hotel and San Diego Mission Bay Resort are on a bay beach. The Pacific Ocean beach is a short walk from Bahia Resort Hotel and Catamaran Resort Hotel which also border Mission Bay.

Which Mission Beach hotels are on the beach?

Vacation rentals and other homes line the Mission Beach boardwalk. The only hotel classified as a Mission Beach property is the Bahia Resort Hotel, which is about two blocks away from the actual beach.

Which La Jolla hotels are on the beach?

La Jolla Shores Hotel and La Jolla Beach and Tennis Club are the only truly beachfront La Jolla hotels. They face stunning La Jolla Shores Beach. La Jolla Cove is in the Village of La Jolla, and the closest hotel to this beach is La Valencia, across the street.

20 Best San Diego Hotels On The Beach (2024) & Fun Oceanfront Resorts

San Diego hotels on the beach are among our most requested places to stay. They offer easy access to the sand and dramatic ocean views. Both can enhance a trip for any travel style or age.

But an oceanfront location alone isn’t enough to guarantee a perfect holiday. The hotels and resorts I’ve listed also have great amenities, helpful client reviews, and fun things to do within walking distance. You can spend an entire vacation without a car in one of these spots. Plus, avoiding our sometimes complicated beach parking is also a huge bonus.

I understand that choosing one perfect option across 70 miles of coastline is hard. My top picks below cover budget to luxury options. I’ll tell you why they may (or may not) be a fit for you.

Why This Hotel List Is Different

Unlike other online lists and reviews of San Diego beach hotels and resorts, this one is based on:

My personal experience.
Feedback from clients and readers.
Insight from VIP contacts that I have at most of these properties that I work with directly (and daily).

I live in San Diego, but I’ve also lived in a luxury hotel, so I know what a good stay should be like!

What to Know Before Booking Popular Beach Hotels in San Diego

Note the beach type

Note that there are two types of San Diego beaches — bay beaches and ocean beaches. Some bayside hotels are also walkable to the ocean beaches, which gives their guests the best of both worlds.

Quick price advice

San Diego beach hotels, at any level of luxury, will be more expensive during the holidays and beach season. In my opinion, if your budget allows, they’re worth it.

You’ll find better prices in the winter outside of holidays. Good rates can also apply during shoulder seasons, like September after Labor Day or January after winter break. We San Diego residents still use the beach (albeit a bit differently) during these months, and the views remain superb.

How we rank & booking guidance

My list of the best San Diego hotels on the beach is arranged in order of preference. Within each listing, you’ll find advice on how to book and tips based on feedback I’ve received from readers and guests and my personal experience.

You can access VIP perks through my affiliations at some of these properties, too. I typically refer you to hotels.com where I don’t have perks because there are usually some savings through them.

Favorite San Diego Beach Resorts by Features

I know why our clients choose (or don’t choose) certain beach resorts and hotels around town. Here’s a short list of popular picks.

Best overall resort: Hotel del Coronado
Best luxury: Beach Village at The Del
Best boutique hotel on the beach: Alila Marea Encinitas
Best value luxury option (meaning bang for your buck): The Seabird Ocean Resort
Best budget option: The Beach Cottages
Best La Jolla hotel on the beach: La Jolla Beach and Tennis Club
Best for couples: Alila Marea Encinitas or Mission Pacific
Most unique: Crystal Pier Hotel

1. Hotel del Coronado, Curio Collection by Hilton

Location: Coronado

Beach: Coronado Central Beach

Hotel Class: Moderate/Luxury

Red and white striped lounge chairs on the beach in front of Hotel Del Coronado.

Outdoor booth and table seating at Serea restaurant.

Crown room event space at Hotel del Coronado

A yorkie dog sits on a maroon pillow bed that says "Del Dog"

A guest works on a laptop from a cabana at the Main Pool.

Cabana Ocean View Terrace Fire Pit Room view to the beach.

Why Go: You like historic hotels with a big roster of amenities. The red roof of this famous San Diego hotel is one of the city’s icons. The list of Hollywood celebrities, U.S. Presidents, royalty, and other dignitaries who have stayed at Hotel del Coronado since its opening in 1888 is nothing short of impressive.

Not only is it one of the best San Diego beachfront hotels, but it’s also located on one of the best San Diego beaches. Waves usually break gently on Coronado Central Beach, and San Diego tide pools reveal themselves at low tides. It’s perfect for a typical Southern California beach day.

You can learn how to surf steps from the hotel and admire crazy-ornate sandcastles built by the locally famous Sandcastle Man. A mineral in the sand called mica causes it to shimmer, and it’s particularly beautiful to see it glow in the shore break. Expansive, flat sand means it’s also possible to enjoy a lovely jog in the morning while picking sand dollars and other shells along the way. The list of benefits goes on.

You must understand the resort layout before booking because it has three sections: Hotel del Coronado (the main resort discussed in this section), Beach Village at The Del, and Shore House at The Del. The latter two are available to book as separate hotels, which is why they’re listed in separate sections below.

Beach Amenities:

Full-service Del Beach with luxury lounge chairs, umbrellas, half-moon cabanettes, and day beds for full-day rental
Chairside drink and food ordering at Del Beach (it’s the only place where alcoholic drinks are permitted on the beach here, FYI)
Stand-up paddleboard and surf lessons
Early morning yoga on the beach, paddleboard yoga, and outdoor beachside spinning classes
A beachside boardwalk in front of the hotel, perfect for riding bikes and surreys
Private beach bonfires with s’more roasting (reservations required)
Boogie board, surfboard, and skimboard rentals
Seasonal movie nights on the beach

Resort Amenities:

Fantastic waterfront dining across multiple restaurants
Water toys, cabanas, food and drink service at the main pool
Multiple shops to browse
Several beachfront dining and cocktail areas with amazing sunset views
San Diego’s best Sunday brunch in the Crown Room (temporarily paused)
Family portraits arranged through the Concierge
A full-service spa with an outdoor pool (under renovation)
Haunted happening and Ice House tours that share the resort’s history
Ocean Explorer’s kids’ club (dates and times vary by season)
A new Ocean Club lounge add-on
Read our list of favorite things to do in the resort

Good To Know

Before booking, please read my detailed guide and Hotel del Coronado review which addresses the differences between the rooms in each available building and much more.
A massive renovation has been in progress over the last several years and I keep that guide updated with what rooms and suites are impacted, if any.
The Victorian Building is closed until mid-2025. Guests continue to book in and have a great time.

The resort has over 750 rooms and can feel very busy during peak times as residents and tourists visit the shops and restaurants, too. Guests who are the happiest in residence here book in, knowing it can be busy. They want a great full-service beachfront resort with great food and aren’t fussy about being waited on hand and foot.

Restaurants and shops on Orange Avenue are within walking distance, and there is a ferry from downtown San Diego to Coronado (on the other side of the island, about a 30-minute walk). The hotel offers quite a bit to do during the holidays at Hotel del Coronado, from a seaside ice skating rink to other special programming.

Awards:

AAA Four Diamonds (2005-2021), Top Resorts in Southern California — Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Poll, 2018, Best Family Travel Award – Iconic Beach Resort, Good Housekeeping, 2023, and many more.

Hotel del Coronado Reservations

Virtuoso amenities I can secure for you (at no additional cost) 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

BOOK THE VIRTUOSO RATE

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.

More often than not, the Virtuoso rate I can secure for you is far more beneficial than anything else, but you can also check with Hilton.

2. Shore House at the Del, Curio Collection by Hilton

Location: Coronado

Beach: Coronado Central Beach

Hotel Class: Luxury

Shore House at The Del is part of Hotel del Coronado but is listed separately because it’s a resort within a resort. And, you book it separately.

A living room at Hotel del Coronado's Shore House

Lobby with seating and fire place inside Shore House

Bedroom interior with neutral colors at Shore House at Hotel del Coronado

A kitchen with dining table at Shore House

Why Go: You want newer, more contemporary residence-style accommodations at Hotel del Coronado. These coastal residences range between one and three bedrooms, including kitchens and living rooms separate from the bedroom. All residences have indoor fireplaces, while most have outdoor fireplaces.

Shore House is suitable for both long and short stays when visiting San Diego. It is popular with multigenerational family trips and families who want beach resorts with a little more space.