Here’s Why You Should Spend the Holidays in SD

Looking to escape the winter blues? Sunny San Diego is the ultimate holiday destination in SoCal. Whether you’re looking to hit the beach or shop till you drop, San Diego has everything you need for a festive getaway or staycation. From wine tasting in Little Italy with friends to family-friendly holiday happenings, this beloved city has something for everyone looking to celebrate and get in the spirit of the season. That said, we’ve rounded up some of the best San Diego hotels so you’ll feel right at home during your holiday escape. 

@localemag D E C K /// the halls this holiday season in Oceanside! Heres how to have a festive day in one of our favorite beach towns! ☕️ Start Your Day at Camp Coffee ⁠ 🎁 Grab Lunch With Kids Eat Free Offer ⁠at @SeabirdresortCA ⁠ 🎅 Take a Boat Ride with Santa ⁠ 🛍️ Handle Your Holiday Shopping at the Makers Market ⁠ 🍹 Enjoy a Nightcap at The Rooftop Bar ⁠ ⁠ 🎥 by @Gennah & @Carmen ⭐️ Food & Travel Writer ⁠ ⁠ #localemagazine #localesd #theseabirdresort #theseabird #oceanside #destinationhotels #hyatt #kidseatfree #holidayhappenings ♬ Home For The Holidays – Pentatonix

The Seabird Resort

The Seabird Resort is decking the halls and pulling out all of the stops this holiday season. This new family-friendly resort in Oceanside is bringing the magic all December with its Jingle on the Beach program and several cheerful deals. The Seabird’s Kids Eat Free offer ensures that your little ones start the holidays on the right food with free breakfast or brunch at the property’s on-site restaurant, Piper, before enjoying all of the holiday happenings. The Savor the Season Dinner on Christmas Eve lets you enjoy a festive four-course menu that is $95 per person. Prefer to celebrate with brunch? Experience the All is Bright Brunch on Christmas Day and indulge in delicious favorites like apple-stuffed French toast for $45 per person ($28 for kids 5-12). Last but certainly not least, those ringing in the New Year at The Seabird can enjoy dinner at Piper for $89 and then head over to neighboring cocktail lounge The Shore Room to hear live music and sip on a craft cocktail for a midnight cheers!

Location: Oceanside

 

Mission Pacific Hotel

Get ready to “Sleigh The SZN” by booking a holiday escape at O’side’s stunning Mission Pacific Hotel. The property’s Save 30% offer is bookable through Dec. 31, giving guests the gift of 30% off a Sanctuary Studio. Sanctuary Studios boast 449 square feet of open-air living, providing guests with plush bedding and ocean views to set the scene. There is also a separate living area and a reading nook, allowing you to feel right at home during your vacation (or staycation). This limited-time holiday offer also includes a waived $42 resort fee, allowing you to celebrate steps from the sand at an amazing price. During the holiday season, Mission Pacific Hotel will be decked out in dazzling decor, and other festive features will include live DJs at The Rooftop Bar on Friday and Sunday and celebration-worthy cuisine. You can even celebrate New Years at The Rooftop Bar for a “Stop The Clock” party you won’t forget! Though the Save 30% offer must be booked by Dec. 31, stay dates extend all the way through the end 2023, so you have flexibility to pick the best time for you to visit.

Location: Oceanside

 

Rancho Valencia Resort & Spa

Rancho Valencia Resort & Spa is the ideal hotel for couples seeking a romantic getaway during the holidays. Situated on 45 magical acres, this elegant retreat is kicking off the season with a tree lighting ceremony on Dec. 5 from 6-8 p.m. Enjoy housemade hot cocoa and tasty treats while admiring the twinkling lights and faux snow. Those looking to take holiday cheer to the next level can opt for the Deck Your Casita With Holiday Cheer package. Upon arrival, guests will be greeted with holiday decor and decked out Christmas trees in their guestrooms.

Location: Rancho Santa Fe

 

Hotel del Coronado

Looking for an island escape without leaving SoCal? Between ice skating by the sea and holiday movies on the beach, Hotel del Coronado has it all to make this the most magical holiday season while staying oceanside. Kids can take photos with Santa for $25 per person or spend the afternoon decorating gingerbread houses, ensuring that there is fun for the whole family. From Dec. 17-24, guests can also reserve a fire pit for the Jingle Roast and enjoy holiday s’mores and other fireside goodies.

Location: Coronado

 

Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego

Go above and beyond this season by visiting the “Over the Top” Holiday Lounge pop-up at the Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego. The top of the hotel is undergoing a massive transformation that will bring a taste of the North Pole to Southern California. Enjoy the epic city views as you sip on holiday libations like the Classy Grinch or build your own Cozy Cabin Coco. The lounge will be open until Dec. 28, so be sure to plan your stay and snap your photo around the cozy hearth before then.

Location: Gaslamp Quarter

 

Pendry San Diego

Pendry San Diego is ready to get the holidays popping! Head to Nason’s Beer Hall to meet some tipsy elves and take in the festive decor while sipping on craft beers and Christmas cocktails. There will also be live entertainment, photos with Santa and the ultimate ugly Christmas sweater party on Dec. 16. Best of all, a portion of proceeds from Nason’s holiday-themed cocktails will be donated to the San Diego Food Bank. Pendry San Diego will also be serving a three-course dinner on Dec. 24 and 25 along with a five-course NYE dinner at Provisional and a confetti countdown at Fifth & Rose. 

Location: Gaslamp Quarter

Omni La Costa Resort & Spa

Get cozy in Carlsbad by celebrating the holidays at the Omni La Costa Resort & Spa. The resort will be decked out in festive poinsettias, and there will even be a Poinsettia Princess making her rounds and greeting guests throughout the season. On Dec. 18, guests can gather for a big breakfast party for the Poinsettias and Pancakes Brunch. Other holiday highlights include a S’mores and Snowfall celebration, where you can experience flurries of “snow” while sitting around a reserved fire pit with a gourmet s’mores platter. For a full list of holiday happenings, click here!

Location: Carlsbad