The Best Hotels to Book Near Belmont Park, San Diego

Bahia Resort Hotel stands out for its lush tropical gardens, miles of sandy beach and exceptional vistas over Mission Bay
Bahia Resort Hotel stands out for its lush tropical gardens, miles of sandy beach and exceptional vistas over Mission Bay | Courtesy of Bahia Resort Hotel / Expedia
Lynn Houghton

The Mission Bay area of San Diego is full of attractions, including the quintessential amusement park that is Belmont Park. Add this to the beaches on the bay and oceanfront – where the surf meets the sand – and you have a recipe for endless fun. For those wanting a relaxing bucket-and-spade type of California vacation, the allure of golden sand beaches such as Pacific Beach, Ocean Beach and South Mission Bay Beach is enthralling – book a hotel in Belmont Park nearby on Culture Trip.

1. The Pearl Hotel

Hotel

Outdoor pool in The Pearl Hotel with film projector
Courtesy of the Pearl Hotel / Expedia

The Pearl sits in an ideal location, not only a short distance from beaches but equally close to downtown. The property draws on the glamour of ’60s Palm Springs, marrying it with the groundbreaking design of ’70s Los Angeles and the relaxed ambience of San Diego’s Point Loma. There’s been a re-imagining of mid-century style that means the 23 guest rooms are contemporary in feel – in contrast to the 1960s architecture. Arrayed around the oyster-shaped pool with native plantings, everything flows into the on-site cocktail bar and Charles + Dinorah Restaurant.

2. Bahia Resort Hotel

Resort

Beach at Bahia Resort Hotel with palms and sea view
Courtesy of Bahia Resort Hotel / Expedia
On a 14-acre (6ha) peninsula in Mission Bay, the 313-room Bahia Resort sets itself apart from other properties with its lush tropical gardens, miles of sandy beach and exceptional vistas over the water. The changing colors of the sky as the sun sets over the Pacific form the perfect backdrop for a unique stay in one of its beachfront cottages, studios and large suites. On-site dining includes the Café Bahia, noted for its fresh flavors and international cuisine, and a spacious outdoor patio providing a superb location for bay views. The Tangier Bar whips up delicious cocktails, too.

3. Catamaran Resort Hotel

Resort, Hotel

Room with sea view and sofa at Catamaran Resort Hotel
Courtesy of Catamaran Resort Hotel / Expedia
This Polynesian-themed resort is just across the street from the ocean in San Diego’s Pacific Beach community, just 1.6mi (2.5km) from Belmont Park and 3mi (5km) from SeaWorld San Diego. Amenities include a relaxing pool, a rejuvenating hot tub that overlooks the bay and opportunities to paddleboard, bike or Segway. There is a casual elegance about the property, with palm trees, lush vegetation, tiki torches, koi ponds, waterfalls and tropical birds adding to the exotic display. Oceana Coastal Kitchen is the on-site upscale eatery offering fresh seafood and a cool ambience.

5. The Surfer Beach Hotel

Hotel

Room at The Surfer Beach Hotel with balcony and carpets
Courtesy of the Surfer Beach Hotel / Expedia

Another option in Pacific Beach near Belmont Park, this property is all about being just steps from the beach. This basic 53-room hotel has balconies for many of its guests and will even loan you beach gear such as surfboards and deck chairs. Not only do you have the proximity to surf and sand but also some of the greatest shopping and dining options of Pacific Beach – with restaurants like Chef Jun, Armonia Kitchen and Our Green Affair all popular choices with guests.

6. Paradise Point Resort and Spa

Resort, Spa Hotel

Outdoor pool at Paradise Point Resort & Spa with palms and loungers
Courtesy of Paradise Point Resort and Spa / Expedia
There are 44 acres (18ha) for guests to explore in Mission Bay, and this resort has a special secluded spot perfect for a family or couple’s break. With 1mi (1.6km) of sandy bayfront beach, the proximity to the water goes without saying, but there are also five swimming pools, beach bonfire pits and a marina that offers a whole raft of recreation options. The 462 bungalow-style rooms include 73 hotel suites. Five dining venues provide plenty of variety with an international choice of fresh cuisine. But it is the proximity to downtown San Diego, Old Town, Belmont Park and SeaWorld that’s a terrific bonus.

7. San Diego Mission Bay Resort

Resort

Loungers at San Diego Mission Bay Resort overlooking pool and palms
Courtesy of San Diego Mission Bay Resort / Expedia

Make this your home base for your beach holiday and you will not be disappointed. The poolside relaxation and water activities on this property are nearly endless, including being near the best beaches for surfing. Dining options are superb, including Covewood for dinner, Plaza del Sol for a cocktail, Mission Joe for coffee or a poolside treat at Solrisa. There’s a first-rate spa here, too, so if the sun and surf take their toll on your hair or body, come to this retreat for a luxurious treatment.

8. Tower 23 Hotel

Boutique Hotel

Terrace with plunge pool at Tower 23 Hotel with beach
Courtesy of Tower 23 Hotel / Expedia
There may only be 44 rooms at this bijou property in Pacific Beach, but there’s no shortage of opulence and luxury. This lifestyle boutique hotel is right on the beach, so close that it’s named for the adjacent lifeguard station. The stylish high-end guest rooms offer pristine ocean views and a chance to watch spellbinding sunsets over the water. Meanwhile, JRDN restaurant offers the opportunity to enjoy fresh cuisine just steps from the sand – be sure to try the chili mango margarita.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

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.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.

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