The Best Family-Friendly Hotels to Book in San Diego, California

Lots of tiny footprints in the powdery sand provide a solid clue that the venerable “Del” is one of the most kid-friendly hotels in San Diego. Aside from the beach, fun frolicking stations at this full-service, Victorian-era resort include two swimming pools with water toys and a kids’ club where paint parties and slime labs keep little ones entertained. Their three-hour evening sessions allow parents to enjoy “just-us” time, a massage or a romantic dinner in one of the many hotel restaurants.

Part of the hipster North Park neighborhood, the stylishly retro Lafayette has enjoyed several brushes with Hollywood fame since opening in 1946. Scenes from Top Gun were filmed in the ballroom, and the Olympic-sized pool was designed by none other than Tarzan (aka gold-medal swimmer Johnny Weissmuller) himself. Not far from Balboa Park, the hotel offers lodging ranging from cheery poolside rooms and two-story bungalows to the kid-oriented Suze Suite with a bunk bed and chalkboard wall. The Hope 46 restaurant serves American classics with a contempo twist.

There are few false notes at this buzzy boutique hotel in the heart of the Gaslamp Quarter. The lobby with its coffered wood ceiling and massive chandeliers is the epitome of opulence, while the wood-paneled rooms and suites are decked out in a color scheme inspired by ocean and sand. With a rooftop pool and six trendy bars and restaurants, the Pendry is a perfect pad for party-minded parents who like to know their kids are just an elevator ride away.

With its crystal chandeliers, antique furniture and aura of timeless elegance, the Westgate is so fantastically French, you half-expect to spot the Eiffel Tower from your step-out balcony. After a day on the sightseeing track, retire to generously proportioned rooms that mix old-world sophistication with contemporary comforts and technology. It’s also a surprisingly kid-friendly hotel in San Diego, thanks in part to the fun rooftop pool. Grown-ups, meanwhile, can let off steam in the state-of-the-art fitness club or enjoy classic afternoon tea with pastries and champagne in the lavish lobby.

A Frisbee toss from sea and sand, this low-key surf-inspired hotel makes a handy base for a relaxed beach vacation and is considered one of best family hotels in San Diego. Learn to “hang 10” during summertime surfing lessons or hit the heated oceanfront pool if the Pacific is too chilly. The hotel’s fleet of beach cruisers makes getting around the lively Pacific Beach neighborhood a snap. Belmont Park, San Diego’s iconic amusement park with its Giant Dipper wooden roller coaster, is only a quick ride away.

SeaWorld is not far, but if you hear barking at this tropically inflected Mission Bay resort, it’s most likely the seals recuperating in its rescue pond. Boredom is banished from this sprawling compound that ranks as one of the most kid-friendly hotels in San Diego. Diversions are plentiful, from water sports and a playground with a rock wall to a classic game arcade and cruises on a vintage sternwheeler. A waveless private bay beach invites building sandcastles by day and bonfires at sunset.

Swaying palm trees, billowing bougainvillea, gushing waterfalls – this rambling tropical resort on a private island in Mission Bay is practically a mini-Hawaii right on the US mainland. Its privileged location is loaded with water-centric attractions, including a 1mi (1.6km) private beach, five pools and an aquatics center. These features, as well as the Kids’ Zone and other activities, make it one of the best family hotels in San Diego. The roomy bungalows with a patio and a separate bedroom are tailor-made for bunking with the kids.

This modern 30-story downtown property is anchored on its own well-manicured bayside park, offering easy access to bike and jogging paths. A footbridge links the hotel to the Gaslamp Quarter and Petco Park – handy if you’re in town to catch a ball game. Family-geared features range from a palm-tree lined saltwater pool with water slide to a free beach shuttle on the weekends. Fun feed stops include the self-serve frozen yogurt bar and a food truck serving burgers and tacos, along with sit-down options and room service.