The Best Beach Hotels to Book in San Diego, California

From stunning beaches to hidden coves, San Diego is filled with coastal fun to be had
From stunning beaches to hidden coves, San Diego is filled with coastal fun to be had | Courtesy of Bahia Resort Hotel / Expedia
Andrea Schulte-Peevers

With near-perfect weather year-round, the 17mi (27km) drive along the San Diego coastline – from hidden coves to miles-long sandy stretches and wave-battered surfing beaches – is naturally among the city’s main attractions. When not spreading your towel in the sand, cycling along the boardwalk, hitting the waves on a surfboard, or watching the sunset cocktail in hand, you may wish to explore this southern California city’s other draws – such as the famous San Diego Zoo and the vibrant dining scene of the historic Gaslamp Quarter. But first, let us introduce you to some of the best San Diego beach hotels – bookable on Culture Trip.

Tower23 Hotel, for boutique digs overlooking Pacific Beach

Boutique Hotel

White bed with private balcony overlooking the ocean at Tower23 Hotel in San Diego
Courtesy of Tower23 Hotel / Booking.com
Whatever you’ve heard about California’s relaxed sophistication, Tower 23 epitomizes it. The only boutique San Diego beachfront hotel overlooks the wooden Crystal Pier, the bustling Pacific Beach – “PB” in local parlance – historic landmark. Watch the sun sink into the ocean from your balcony attached to stylishly minimalist rooms – complete with comfy teak beds draped in high-thread-count white linen. The locally acclaimed JRDN restaurant bar is perfect for winding down a sunny SoCal day with a chili mango margarita and a plate of ahi tuna nachos.

Bahia Resort Hotel, for Mission Bay views

Resort

The front beach, with umbrellas, sun loungers and palm trees, at Bahia Resort Hotel
Courtesy of Bahia Resort Hotel / Expedia
Generations of sun-and-sand-seeking families have flocked to this venerable San Diego beach hotel sprawled over its own 14-acre (5.6ha) peninsula in Mission Bay since 1953. While its proximity to popular Mission Beach and calm seas are still the top draws, activity-minded vacationers can get their kicks from the vast menu of water and land-based diversions – from beach bonfires and tennis to bay cruises on an old-timey Mississippi sternwheeler. Relive the day’s exploits while chilling on your balcony or patio, with dreamy views of the waterfront or tropical gardens.

Blue Sea Beach Hotel, for surfer chic near Pacific Beach

Hotel

The outdoor pool area with wall mural and oceanfront views at Blue Sea Beach Hotel in San Diego
Courtesy of Blue Sea Beach Hotel / Expedia

A lobby filled with cool designer furniture, knickknack-filled shelves and vintage video games delivers a playful welcome to guests of this charming San Diego beachfront hotel right on the 3mi (4.8km)-long Pacific Beach boardwalk. The horseshoe-shaped complex embraces an ocean-facing deck where you can chill in the heated pool and hot tub, overlooked by a hip wall-sized mural. Fall asleep to the crashing waves in surf-chic rooms – where yellow accent walls add a sunny touch and plump premium mattresses help you drift off to dreamland.

Ocean Park Inn, for contemporary cool in Pacific Beach

Hotel

The lounge area of a suite at Ocean Park Inn
Courtesy of Ocean Park Inn / Expedia

Smack bang in the heart of the Pacific Beach ‘hood, this family-owned San Diego beach hotel has a pedigree going back to 1967 but long ago traded its historic tiki looks for a contemporary-cool vibe. There’s plenty of elbow room in breezy rooms accented with surf photographs and industrial lamps – while the best ones have beach-facing balconies overlooking the iconic Crystal Pier. Only a glass façade separates the pool deck from the boardwalk and the stretch of sand. Pack light: beach towels and robes are free and there’s a laundry facility on-site.

The Dana on Mission Bay, for superb onsite dining

Resort, Luxury

Aerial view of the Dana on Mission Bay, surrounded by the harbor, lawn and palm trees
Courtesy of the Dana on Mission Bay / Expedia

From tots to old-timers, this lushly landscaped resort – with smart rooms and its own marina – makes everyone feel welcome, including dogs: ask for the “Dana for Dogs Arrival Kit”. Splash around in the two pools, hop on the free daily shuttle to SeaWorld or head out on the water by kayak, SUP, or waverunner. The lively poolside Firefly restaurant bar serves local microbrews, over 40 wines by the glass, seasonal cocktails and inventive plates featuring herbs and veg harvested in the on-site garden.

Samesun Ocean Beach, for wallet-friendly boutique digs

Hotel

The vibrant front entrance to Samesun Ocean Beach
Courtesy of Samesun Ocean Beach / Expedia

Not one for introverts, this upbeat hostel has you based within stumbling distance of happening bars, breweries, buskers and indie boutiques in Ocean Beach. The color-drenched façade and interiors channel the hip neighborhood’s “never-die” hippie flair – as do the ample communal areas with hammocks, wicker sofas and guitars for impromptu strumming sessions. Freshly renovated dorms and private rooms – some with sinks or attached bathrooms – feature plenty of space and small lockers. Freebies include linen, towels, Wi-Fi, breakfast and access to a well-equipped guest kitchen.

Humphreys Half Moon Inn, for tropical-themed accommodations on Shelter Island

Inn

The palm tree-lined riverfront view of Humphreys Half Moon Inn
Courtesy of Humphreys Half Moon Inn / Expedia

What’s 1.2mi (1.6km) long and a few hundred feet wide? Shelter Island: the enviable location of this upscale resort that injects a dose of Aloha spirit into SoCal. High-ceilinged rooms at this beloved San Diego beach hotel flaunt tropical sophistication accented by beamed wooden ceilings and plantation shutters. Entertainment is taken very seriously here – with happy hour, a nightly live music club and a summertime outdoor concert series that brings in international acts. Fun fact: Shelter Island is actually a built-up sandbank.

Paradise Point Resort and Spa, for a ton of luxe amenities

Resort, Spa Hotel

Aerial view of the outdoor lagoon-style pool area of Paradise Point Resort and Spa in San Diego
Courtesy of Paradise Point Resort and Spa / Expedia
Built by a Hollywood movie producer in the 1960s, this fantasy island resort in Mission Bay has more tricks and activities up its sleeve than most small towns. Tackle the 70ft (21m) tower for a birds-eye view of all that is on offer – including four restaurants, five pools, basketball and tennis courts, a top-notch spa and fitness center and a mile-long (1.6km) sandy beach. Bungalows sprinkled across villages radiate nautical sophistication – thanks to a crisp blue-and-white color scheme and spacious patios equipped with Adirondack chairs.

For more options, discover our guide to the best hotels in Chula Vista, San Diego, and book now on Culture Trip.

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1. Guatemala

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CentralAmerica

BEACHY BELIZE

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2. Belize

A quick trip not too far away for those seeking a relaxing mini break. You will have plenty of free time to relax but also some awesome activities to experience the rainforest and the caribbean sea.
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CentralAmerica

COLONIAL MEXICO

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5 days . Mini
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3. Mexico

An exciting mini trip exploring the lesser known colonial towns of central Mexico. This is hte perfect trip for someone with limited time off and still wants to turn on explorer mode and do something different.
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SouthAmerica

ADVENTUROUS ECUADOR

Adventurous Ecuador

8 days . Epic
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1. Ecuador

A remarkable 8 days adventure through the Andes and the Amazon rainforest. The best choice for adventure seekers wishing to visit the 2 most iconic areas of South America, in only 1 week and no flights.

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SouthAmerica

ANCIENT PERU

Ancient Peru

9 days . Epic
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2. Peru

An alternative itinerary to classic Peru, from Cusco to Arequipa. This itinerary is great combination of highlights Cusco and Machu Picchu with the lesser known Arequipa and Colca Canyon.
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Europe

SEDUCTIVE SOUTHERN ITALY

Seductive Southern Italy

10 days . Epic
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1. Italy

The ultimate Italian experience from the vibrant streets of Naples to the breathtaking sceneries of the Amalfi Coast followed by Matera and down to Puglia with its golden beaches, intense flavours and fascinating destinations.

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Europe

EDINBURGH AND THE SCOTTISH HIGHLANDS BY TRAIN

Edinburgh And The Scottish Highlands By Train

7 days . Culture
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2. Scotland

Embark on this great adventure starting from London all the way to Scotland with a true Scottish experience made of breathtaking sceneries, whisky tasting and ..lots of fun! Ideal for train lovers and explorers.
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Europe

COMPLETE PORTUGAL BY TRAIN

Complete Portugal By Train

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3. Portugal

A wonderful train journey around Portugal, from the romantic city of Porto to the Douro Valley, to the beautiful Aveiro all the way to Lisbon and Sintra. The perfect trip to train, culinary and culture lovers.
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Asia

SOULFUL SOUTH KOREA

Soulful South Korea

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1. South Korea

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Asia

THAILAND, CAMBODIA & VIETNAM

Thailand, Cambodia & Vietnam

11 days . Epic
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2. Thailand

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SECRETS OF SRI LANKA BY TRAIN

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10 days . Culture
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Africa

EPIC MOROCCO

Epic Morocco

11 days . Epic
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1. Morocco

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Africa

ULTIMATE EGYPT

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9 days . Epic
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2. Egypt

From Cairo to Aswan, this trip brings the land of the pharaohs to life. You'll visit the Pyramids, Valley of the Kings and Luxor Temple and cruise down the Nile in style. This is the perfect way to explore Egypt.
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Africa

IMMERSIVE KENYA

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Volcanic Iceland Epic Trip

meet our Local Insider

Hanna

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HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN A GUIDE?

2 years.

WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT YOUR JOB?

It's the personal contact, the personal experiences. I love meeting people from all over the world... I really like getting to know everyone and feeling like I'm traveling with a group of friends.

WHAT DESTINATION IS ON YOUR TRAVEL BUCKET-LIST?

I have so many places on my list, but I would really lobe to go to Africa. I consider myself an “adventure girl” and Africa feels like the ULTIMATE adventure!

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Every CULTURE TRIP Small-group adventure is led by a Local Insider just like Hanna.

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Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

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