San Diego All-Inclusive Resorts: There Aren’t Any So Check These Alternatives

It’s not uncommon for people to ask me about San Diego all-inclusive resorts. Many hotel lists out there mistakenly lead people to believe that we have them. Guess what? San Diego does not have all-inclusive resorts. There is not a single one. Trust me, I’m a local hotel expert, and I know.

I completely understand the allure of all-inclusive resorts. There is a sense of comfort that comes with knowing that incidentals are included. It enables travelers to achieve more cost certainty than one might with a stay where every meal or activity is billed a la carte.

I will give you some San Diego hotel alternatives to consider but let me clarify the all-inclusive concept here first.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is an All-Inclusive Resort?

An all-inclusive resort typically includes lodging, three meals per day, nonalcoholic drinks, most alcoholic drinks, and some activities. It is normal for premium activities like spa treatments and motorized water sports to have additional fees. If you’ve been to an all-inclusive Mexico or Caribbean resort, you are familiar with how they typically work.

Does San Diego Have All-Inclusive Resorts?

No. Per the definition above, San Diego does not have all-inclusive resorts. We have two luxury, adults-only, all-inclusive destination spas that offer a completely different type of stay than an all-inclusive vacation resort. I’ve mentioned them below.

What happens, though, is because people search for all-inclusive San Diego resorts, other lists and “experts” online define all-inclusive in San Diego as resorts that offer a nice roster of activities… that you pay for a la carte.

Well, that’s just a nice resort. Yes, we do have these.

Why Doesn’t San Diego Have All-Inclusive Food and Drink Resorts?

People visiting San Diego very rarely stay resort-bound. They’re here to visit our theme parks, famous beaches, museums, and to sightsee.

Some of our best food (hello, fish tacos) is also fairly inexpensive. Hence, the value proposition for both hotels and guests to bundle food, drinks, and activities together into a rate likely isn’t there.

If I Want Meals Included, What Are My Options?

You can book San Diego hotels with some food and drinks included at no extra cost to you. Part of this is done through my portfolio of hotels where you can add breakfast for two and other perks through Virtuoso, but there are other properties listed below that can offer value in other ways (without a wristband) so that you can control costs.

The several alternatives to San Diego all-inclusive resorts below provide what we’ll call a more-inclusive experience. If you book hotels using my links, I may be compensated.

La Jolla Beach and Tennis Club

Location: La Jolla

La Jolla Beach and Tennis Club is a family-owned, members-only club with 99 accommodations, many of which are on the beach. We’re talking about a few strides to the sand. You don’t have to be a member to check-in and it’s the type of place where generations of families return to every year.

Hotel guests have access to all club amenities and there is no resort fee. Some accommodations have kitchens which means that you can save some money by heading to a nearby market for meal and snack supplies. This is one of my favorite San Diego hotels on the beach and La Jolla Shores Beach is my favorite in town.

What’s Included:

• Free parking
• Free WiFi
• Beach chairs, umbrellas, and towels (with food and beverage service to the sand — a la carte but a rare treat in San Diego)
• Tennis (lessons are additional)
• Fitness center
• Onsite games like bocce ball, ping pong
• Gated playground (and another public beachside park with play equipment steps away)
• Inexpensive green fees ($7.50/adult and $6/ages 6–12) on the Par 3 pitch-and-putt course
• Summer kids’ club activities

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Rancho Valencia

Location: Rancho Santa Fe

The main reason why Rancho Valencia, one of my top San Diego luxury hotels, appears on this list is that guests may participate in a long roster of fitness activities as part of their rate.

It’s an all-suite property, so accommodations are quite large. It’s popular for staycations and wellness-centric vacations for travelers within driving distance who want to stay put on a nice resort to rejuvenate. It is also very family-friendly as kids love the onsite sports courts and games.

What’s Included:

• Multiple yoga classes per day in the resort yoga pavilion
• Daily morning orange juice delivery to your suite.
• Most pilates classes
• Spinning
• Guided walks
• Complimentary bicycles
• Access to pools and tennis
• Onsite basketball, badminton, bocce ball, croquet, ping pong, and other games

Virtuoso amenities include:

• Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability
• Daily full breakfast, for up to two in-room guests per bedroom (maximum $40 credit per person)
• $100 USD Resort/Hotel credit, (Not valid in Sheridan, the resort’s boutique. 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

*The desktop version of Virtuoso.com is where you’ll search rates and book online. To enable the desktop version from a mobile device, after clicking on a Virtuoso hotel link, scroll down to the navy blue section at the bottom of the web page and click “Full Site.”

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Pantai Inn

Location: La Jolla

A La Jolla boutique hotel, Pantai Inn is a popular choice because of the spacious studios and one- to three-bedroom accommodations and list of inclusions that aren’t typical.

It’s located across the street from the beach in between the Children’s Pool and La Jolla Cove, where our famous La Jolla seals and sea lions live and within a walk to the shops and restaurants in the Village area.

Pantai Inn does not charge a resort fee. Some accommodations offer kitchens, too.

What’s Included:

• Complimentary daily deluxe breakfast
• Complimentary parking
• Complimentary WiFi
• Complimentary coffee and tea served in the morning and afternoon

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The Dana on Mission Bay

Location: Mission Bay

Those looking for a wallet-friendly resort with multiple activities should take a look at The Dana on Mission Bay. The Dana does charge a resort fee of $32/night plus tax but it includes more than usual.

In addition, a water sports rental facility onsite rents wave runners, pedal boats, ski boats, kayaks, and more which makes this San Diego resort a great spot for active guests.

What’s Included:

• Complimentary daily shuttle service to SeaWorld San Diego (runs on a set schedule)
• 50% off of the buffet breakfast at Firefly Eatery & Bar (normal price is $30/adult)
• Dive-In Movies at the pool (weather permitting)
• Lawn games and board games
• Bicycle rentals for up to 4 hours
• $5 Drinks or half-off select bottles of wine during happy hour
• Two bottles of in-room water daily
• Complimentary WiFi
• Beach chair and umbrella rentals
• Complimentary printing at the business center

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The Lodge at Torrey Pines

Location: La Jolla

Those who want to go carless may want to consider The Lodge at Torrey Pines in La Jolla. Once you arrive, their cars take guests within a 5-mile radius on a first-come, first-serve basis.

This La Jolla boutique hotel is known as one of the best in the West and adjacent to Torrey Pines Golf Course with a nice pool. (My favorite rooms are the Palisades Rooms with an ocean horizon view.)

What’s Included:

• Complimentary concierge cars
• Complimentary WiFi
• Twice-daily guided nature walks at Torrey Pines State Nature Reserve
• Weekend yoga classes
• Use of spa facilities (steam room, inhalation room, dry sauna)
• Pool cabanas
• Golf clubs and balls to use on the putting green
• In-room coffee, tea, and bottled water
• Complimentary morning coffee and tea in the lobby
• Golf services team who can secure tee times at Torrey Pines and other courses around town with no markup.

Virtuoso Amenities:

• Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability
• Full breakfast daily in the restaurant for two guests per bedroom (up to 60.00 credit per day)
• USD 100 equivalent 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

*The desktop version of Virtuoso.com is where you’ll search rates and book online. To enable the desktop version from a mobile device, after clicking on a Virtuoso hotel link, scroll down to the navy blue section at the bottom of the web page and click “Full Site.”

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Fairmont Grand Del Mar

Location: East Del Mar

Another top San Diego luxury resort, Fairmont Grand Del Mar also offers quite a few activities that are included in the room rate and $49/night plus tax resort fee.

It’s popular for its quiet location on the Los Penasquitos Canyon Reserve, Forbes five-star spa, fantastic Main Pool, adults-only accommodations and pool, and seasonal activities for guests.

What’s Included:

• Complimentary self-parking
• Two hours of complimentary kids’ club usage with a spa treatment
• Courtesy transportation to/from the beach, Del Mar, La Jolla, and Solana Beach (with a reservation)
• Children ages 5 and under eat for free from the Amaya restaurant children’s menu or buffets when accompanied by a paying, registered adult guest
• Yoga and fitness classes
• Saturday nature walks in the Los Penasquitos Canyon Reserve
• Tennis and golf equipment to use on courts and on the driving range (subject to availability)

Virtuoso Amenities:

• Upgrade at time of booking, subject to availability (excluding suites)
• Daily continental breakfast for up to two guests per bedroom, served in Amaya or in-room dining (up to $70 per bedroom per day)
• $100 USD Activity credit per stay, valid for golf play, golf instruction, the Spa services, and/or Explorer’s Club fees to be utilized during stay (cannot be combined, not valid on room rate, no cash value if not redeemed in full – not valid towards retail or Haim Salon Services)
• Early check-in/late check-out, subject to availability
• Complimentary Wi-Fi

*You may need to be on the desktop version of Virtuoso.com to search rates and book online. To enable the desktop version of a hotel page from a mobile device, scroll down to the navy blue section at the bottom of the web page and click “Full Site.” When searching rates, do not input children ages 17 and under as they will be priced as adults. I’m notified when you book and will add them when I contact you about your reservation.

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Glorietta Bay Inn

Location: Coronado

Stay in Coronado at historic Glorietta Bay Inn, built in 1908 as the home of sugar baron John Spreckels. It’s just across the street from Hotel Del Coronado and the stunning Coronado beach, one of the best in the nation.

What’s Included:

• Complimentary deluxe continental breakfast for hotel guests
• Complimentary WiFi
• Daily Gingersnap cookies and lemonade from 3–5 p.m.
• Coffee, tea, water and apples in the lobby
• Beach chairs, towels and sand toys
• Mini putt course

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San Diego All-Inclusive Destination Spas

Most people searching for all-inclusive San Diego resorts are looking more for large leisure vacation resorts. Our destination spas are truly all-inclusive but they are designed for a completely different style of vacation than most people are looking for.

However, they are fantastic and worth mentioning.

Golden Door

Location: San Marcos

Golden Door is a luxury destination spa where guests pay one weekly rate that includes accommodations, select spa treatments, fitness classes, lectures, three meals per day. Choose men’s, women’s or coed weeks.

What’s Included Per Week:

• Round-trip airport transportation
• All meals and snacks
• All fitness classes
• A customized fitness program
• Up to four sessions with a personal trainer
• One in-room massage per day
• Two herbal wraps
• A manicure and pedicure
• 5 skincare sessions including 1 body treatment
• A deep conditioning or shampoo and finish

The all-inclusive rate is $9950 per week. Through me, you have access to some additional benefits. I’ll help you select a room and you’ll receive personal training products in addition to some full-sized bath products. Send me your dates.

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Cal-A-Vie

Location: Vista

Another luxury destination spa, Cal-A-Vie, is designed for adults seeking a wellness experience in an atmosphere modeled after a French village. Stays ranging from 3–7 days. They do offer a mom/teen week.

What’s Included:

• Accommodations
• Three meals per day
• Unlimited fitness classes
• Lectures and cooking demonstrations
• Some spa services (the number depends on your package)
• Round trip airport transportation

If you have questions about San Diego all-inclusive resort alternatives, feel free to leave a comment or send me an email.