The Best Hotels to Book Near Cabrillo National Monument, San Diego

On Shelter Island, Kona Kai Resort & Spa has one of California’s only privately owned beaches, guaranteeing a horde-free holiday on the shores of the Pacific. The property is Polynesian-inspired, with dashes of tropical color in tangerine terrace plant pots and azure low tables. The complimentary bikes are popular – grab one early to explore this salt-breezy outcrop, or throw in the towel and commit to doing nothing except laze in a rental cabana by the adults-only Paloma Pool Bar. Keep the pace leisurely with seafood at Vessel Restaurant and Bar, and sunset s’mores on the sand by the nightly bonfires.

The midcentury-modern design is the main draw here, with marine-inspired decor and art. Handcrafted tiles, funky contemporary furniture and oversize showers make rooms very attractive, along with views of the bay and San Diego’s skyline. Fill up at the all-day Westerly Public House on sustainably minded, Cali-Aussie-inspired dishes – such as mushroom toasties or hot-and-peppery peri-peri chicken. The bar here is made from surfboards, showcasing local beer as well as Australian wine – while its coffee spot serves pick-me-ups using produce from local roasting partner Dark Horse Coffee.

With tropical-infused rooms reminiscent of faraway islands – slatted blinds, dark wood furnishings – this lush waterfront inn has the added advantage of proximity to Old Town San Diego, Harbor Island and Sunset Cliffs. The spectacular coastal backdrop is trance-inducing – you only need to set your alarm clock for happy hour at the on-site Humphreys SoCAL Dining & Music. Here, the latest talent performs at the annual summer-concert series, Humphreys Concerts by the Bay, or year-round at the Backstage LIVE Music Club. San Diego enjoys endless summer weather – so head out and explore the island on one of the hotel’s bikes, returning to flop beside the outdoor pool.

Decoratively, this is the dream place in which to relax and switch off: bright-white rooms are offset by calm, coastal-blue furnishings and plantation shutters. The quiet setting helps, too – this is Coronado Island, and you’re just a block from the world-famous beach. The breezy secluded garden transports you to the Mediterranean, all wrought-iron gates and archways, travertine flooring, olive and citrus trees and bright bougainvillea. So lie back, laze and graze – infused olive oils, fresh baguettes and wine are among the highlights at Hotel Marisol’s weekly Friday Wine Down, in the relaxing courtyard.

Warm desert shades, handmade timber furnishings and vintage art on bedroom walls – all blend to create a hip, retro minimalism at this intimate midcentury property in Point Loma. It’s also built for comfort, with indulgent Parachute-brand bedding, organic bath products and a tranquil color scheme of taupes and white. You’ll be tempted to hang around in your own private space – but make sure you hit the oyster-shaped pool, known for its “dive-in” movies, and the restaurant, Charles + Dinorah. Here, vacationers and local residents mingle over bottles of Californian pinot noir, Wagyu carpaccio and pan-fried halibut.

The Pacific Beach Boardwalk is the setting for this evergreen favorite. Atop a sandy bluff, overlooking the ocean, it’s perfectly positioned for breathtaking views from its tiki-tropical, Tommy-Bahama-style rooms. There’s a scenic palm tree-lined pool, home to the Caribbean Bar for poolside snacks and beverages – complimentary non-alcoholic drinks provided. First thing each morning, grab yourself a hot to-go breakfast before hopping on a hotel bike for a spin down the boardwalk towards Mission Beach. If your holiday is a family affair, take your beach buckets, boogie boards and toys down to the warm sands.

With its blissful setting beside Mission Bay, the Dana is a family- and pet-friendly place with photogenic views. It’s home to an Adventure Water Sports complex – hence the hotel’s popularity among young ones. Alternative activities include rental bikes, boats and kayaks – the healthy way to explore this area of natural beauty. Add to that two outdoor pools as well as lawn games, and the Dana is the business for every generation. If you’re here to visit nearby SeaWorld San Diego, ask about the convenient daily shuttle to and from the park.

With a tranquil, multi-level terrace overlooking the Pacific, the Inn at Sunset Cliffs is rightly celebrated for its jaw-dropping, 180-degree view of the surrounding beaches. It’s all about serenity here, as you go full-on-Californian with an outdoor yoga session, inhaling sea breezes to a soundtrack of ocean waves. To cool down afterwards – or following those neighborhood wanders – hop in the outdoor pool. If you’re here for a longer stay, reserve a Mediterranean-inspired, gently chintzy one-room suite. Each comes with a fully equipped kitchen – perfect for compact families.