Credit: Fairmont Grand Del Mar
Credit: Fairmont Grand Del Mar

8 Family-Friendly Resorts in San Diego for Summer Vacation

Splash, Play and Stay at These Kid-Friendly Retreats on the Coast

Summer break is around the corner, which means it’s time to plan a family vacation so you and the fam can bask in the sun, sea and sand of San Diego’s best family-friendly resorts. Spend your days splashing in the salty waves or pool and exploring some of the city’s charming neighborhoods, then head back to relax in your suite. Whether you’re searching for a magical escape, breathtaking vista, luxury accommodations, endless activities or award-winning cuisine, these San Diego resorts offer an enchanting escape for your entire family. Here are eight of our favorite family-friendly hotels to consider for your summer adventure! Family-Friendly Resorts San Diego

 

The Cassara Carlsbad

For those in search of a family-friendly getaway where you can swim, play, eat, explore and relax, check in to The Cassara Carlsbad! Here, you’ll discover everything from cozy firepits and rooms with coastline views to poolside cabanas and a splash pad for the kiddos! This coastal retreat is even home to an activity center for the kids and offers a courtesy shuttle to The Crossings Carlsbad, where you can tee off on an 18-hole championship golf course. The Cassara Carlsbad is also conveniently located near the stunning seasonal Carlsbad Flower Fields, The Carlsbad Premium Outlets and LEGOLAND.Ā 

Credit: Jordan Toves Models: Jennifer Yasment + Josh Duhon / Brand Talent

After a day of adventuring, sit down to a meal at the chic Cassara Carlsbad Kitchen & Bar, where you and your fam can nibble on Mediterranean-inspired bites made with locally and regionally sourced ingredients. And families who don’t feel like going out at night can end the day by cooking dinner together at one of the resort’s outdoor grills or roasting s’mores around one of the firepits. Soak in everything Carlsbad has to offer at this stunning resort by the sea!

Location: Carlsbad

Family-Friendly Resorts San Diego

Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego

Credit: Manchester Grand Hyatt

Create unforgettable summer memories at the Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego! This luxury resort hotel downtown places guests in the heart of San Diego and is located close to nearby attractions like Seaport Village. Standing 40 stories high, you might get a view of the city or the bay depending on your room. Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego has a Rooftop Cinema Club, seven different dining outlets, a rooftop swimming pool, comfortable and spacious rooms, striking views of the bay, a 24-hour StayFit fitness center and more!

Location: Downtown

 

Lakehouse Hotel & Resort

Credit: The Lakehouse Team

Searching for a change of scenery? Pack your bags and head to Lakehouse Hotel & Resort in San Marcos! This lakefront hotel features a full-service marina with all the water activities you (and your kiddos) can imagine. Hop on a pontoon boat for the afternoon or cruise the lake in an electric Duffy boat. You can even rent paddle boards, kayaks, water trikes and pedal boats! And when you’re not out on the lake, you and your family can enjoy the comfort of a two-bedroom lakeside cottage, which features a full-sized kitchenette with a built-in bar, a private porch, a fire pit, plenty of living space and stunning lake views. Ditch the summer beach crowds and make yourselves at home for the weekend at Lakehouse Hotel & Resort!

Location: San Marcos

 

Paradise Point Resort & Spa

Paradise Point has everything you need to keep everyone in your family entertained. Enjoy waterfront dining at Tidal, cocktails at Barefoot Bar & Grill and access to firepits, five pools, marina views of Mission Bay and tennis and basketball courts. Paradise Point also offers pet-friendly accommodations, so you don’t have to leave your furry friend at home. The resort’s amenities, recreational activities, roomy suites and scenic location make it a wonderful spot to create family memories that you’ll look back on for years to come.Ā 

Location: Mission Bay

 

Fairmont Grand Del Mar

Credit: Fairmont Grand Del Mar

Kids will love the Explorer’s Club at Fairmont Grand Del Mar as well as its kid-friendly pools with underwater music and a special sand area to build their own sandcastles. This Del Mar resort offers a variety of amenities for people of all ages, including an award-winning golf course, five-star spa, fitness classes, heated pools, tennis and pickleball courts and hiking trails—not to mention on-site, Michelin-starred restaurant Addison. When everyone is all tuckered out after some fun in the sun, escape to your 1,500-square-foot Palazzo Suite that features a fireplace, dining table, kitchenette, deep European-style soaking tub and two expanded terraces.

Location: Del Mar

Family-Friendly Resorts San Diego

Catamaran Resort Hotel and Spa

Credit: Catamaran Resort & Spa

The Catamaran Resort Hotel and Spa transports guests to a tropical oasis with a waterfall, koi pond and lush greenery. On top of the tropical motif, your family will treasure the Catamaran’s impressive list of summer resort activities, such as beach bonfires to roast s’mores, self-guided scavenger hunts, scheduled bird shows with talking macaws and beach games like corn hole, frisbee, football, spike ball. Dine at Oceana Coastal Kitchen for a delightful waterfront meal, Moray’s outdoor lounge for a cocktail or Lava Java for that morning coffee to start your day of fun. You and your family will love the natural beauty and abundance of things to do at this waterfront resort!

Location: Mission Bay

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Hotel Del Coronado

Credit: Hotel del Coronado, Curio Collection by Hilton

This San Diego oceanfront icon has been welcoming guests since 1888. You might recognize Hotel Del Coronado’s signature red-roofed Victorian turret from the film ā€œSome Like It Hot,ā€ starring Marilyn Monroe. The historic beach resort and hotel epitomizes the California lifestyle. During summertime you can enjoy its surf camps, beach daybeds, bonfires with s’mores, movies on the beach and other activities. From pizza and seafood to gelato, Hotel Del Coronado is home to a range of restaurants for your crew to enjoy. When it comes to an action-packed adventure exploring Coronado with your family, ā€œHotel Delā€ has you covered!

Location: Coronado Island

Family-Friendly Resorts San Diego

San Diego Mission Bay Resort

Credit: San Diego Mission Bay Resort

Discover beachfront bliss and easy resort living at San Diego Mission Bay Resort. The wading pool is perfect for little ones, and the sandy beach is ideal for castle building. Traveling with tiny humans? The resort partners with BabyQuip for baby gear rentals. It also offers Camp Bayside—complete with on-staff babysitters—so you can sneak in some adult time.

Soak in the waterfront pool views or challenge the fam to a friendly game of bean bag toss, badminton, or volleyball. As the sun dips low, beach bonfires light up the vibe. Need a break? Book a spa treatment and let your stress melt away. After a full day of fun, grab a lounge chair and soak up the Mission Bay glow. When hunger hits, Covewood serves up satisfying meals with serious flavor. Craving something light and social? Sip cocktails and share apps at Plaza Del Sol.

Location: Mission Bay

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Carmen Varner is a North County San Diego-based writer and social media manager. She writes about food, beverage, lifestyle, and travel. You can find her tending to her patio garden, sipping on Earl Grey tea, or looking up a fun place to visit.

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