The Best Beach Hotels to Book in San Diego, California
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.
1. Tower23 Hotel, for boutique digs overlooking Pacific Beach
Boutique Hotel
2. Bahia Resort Hotel, for Mission Bay views
Resort
3. Blue Sea Beach Hotel, for surfer chic near Pacific Beach
Hotel
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.
5. The Dana on Mission Bay, for superb onsite dining
Resort, Luxury
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.
6. Samesun Ocean Beach, for wallet-friendly boutique digs
Hotel
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.
7. Humphreys Half Moon Inn, for tropical-themed accommodations on Shelter Island
Inn
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.
8. Paradise Point Resort and Spa, for a ton of luxe amenities
Resort, Spa Hotel
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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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.
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