California’s second-most populous city draws visitors with its range of beaches and parks, consistently warm, sunny climate, and close proximity to Mexico – ideal for day-trippers looking to dip into Tijuana. The Balboa Park is home to the famous San Diego Zoo and the San Diego Art Museum, and the city’s distinctive neighborhoods draw you in with their unique character. To explore San Diego and unwind after a day of sightseeing, you need a home base – preferably a San Diego hotel with a hot tub. Here is our pick of the city’s best hotels with hot tubs and jacuzzis.
Bahia Resort Hotel, for a soak in a giant hot tub
Resort
Sit by a beach bonfire at night, go on a boat cruise around Mission Bay, swim in the Olympic-sized pool or take a stroll through an on-site tropical garden at the Bahia, that sits on its own private peninsula near Mission Beach, or take advantage of playing tennis at the hotel court while your kids play at the playground. Endless outdoor activities await here, including a soak in the whirlpool that can accommodate up to 30 of your friends.
Paradise Point, for island life
Resort, Spa Hotel
Five swimming pools and eateries, beach fire pits, a marina, plenty of watersports, and endless other recreation options are spread across the island of Mission Bay, making Paradise Point one of those resorts that has everything you need. The suites, rooms and bungalows sit amidst verdant tropical gardens and tranquil lagoons, and there is a private beach, too. Blues, creams and colorful throw cushions dominate the decor in the rooms, suites and bungalows, while the on-site Tidal restaurant has a changing daily menu. Head for a soak in a hot tub at one of San Diego’s top spas at the end of an active day.
Hotel Solamar, for playful city-inspired decor
Hotel
Balboa park silhouettes, fake ostrich leather, cantilevered lanterns and a color scheme of navy, gold, black and crimson in the rooms aim to reflect San Diego’s chilled vibe, with nods to the city’s history and culture. The Spa category of rooms comes with oversized Fuji soaking tubs, while the Virtuoso Suite has a Jetted jacuzzi tub. You just need to order champagne for yourself and your sweetie. Hungry? Jsix serves modern American cuisine, with flavors of New England. Have a classic cocktail at the Upper East rooftop bar as an aperitif.
Tower 23, for unique “chromatherapy” hot tubs
Boutique Hotel
Suites with “chromatherapy” whirlpool jacuzzi tubs that create an illusion of water falling from the sky, and separate walk-in rain showers make this one of the best San Diego hotels with a hot tub. Get into that bath, turn down the lights and turn on the bubbles after a long day, or make your private tub the highlight of your romantic getaway. Signature Chilli Mango Margaritas are all the rage at JRDN, the on-site restaurant, where cocktails are served with brunch, lunch and dinner.
1906 Lodge, for individually-styled rooms with hot tubs
Hotel
Romance is a priority at 1906 Lodge, where you have a rather large spa tub in your very own individually-styled room, so you can hop back and forth between your bed and the bath without having to so much as open a door. Various perks await at this Coronado Island boutique hotel, including endless mimosas, free afternoon wine and snacks, a gas fireplace and complimentary bathrobes. If you decide to leave your room after all, there are free bikes to borrow and explore the surrounding area.
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Fairmont Grand Del Mar, for an on-site golf course
Resort
This enormous golf resort and spa spread out across Carmel Valley is a ten-minute drive from the Torrey Pines State Beach. It is a Forbes Five-Star and AAA Five-Diamond kind of place, so expect a designer golf course, a massively luxurious spa, four swimming pools, several tennis courts, yoga and fitness classes, and culinary marvels at Addison, San Diego’s first Michelin-starred restaurant. Each of the gorgeous rooms and suites has marble bathrooms with deep soaking tubs.
The Sofia, for exploring the Gaslamp Quarter
Hotel
In the heart of the buzzy downtown Gaslamp Quarter, The Sofia is a laidback hotel with rooms and suites decorated in creams and pastels, with dark-wood headboards and armchairs and ottomans for extra relaxation. The Sofia spa – with on-site hot tubs – offers a range of treatments, including aromatherapy massages. At Currant’s, the cuisine is classic French cooking through an American lens, served in a bistro-type setting. There is a daily exploratory walk organized by the hotel for those who wish to get to know San Diego, and the hotel is close to many excellent eating, drinking and cultural spots.
Pacific Terrace, for proximity to Pacific Beach
Hotel
At this San Diego hotel with hot tub, luxurious suites and rooms are decked out in warm, sandy tones, with wave-patterned bed runners mimicking the ocean framed by your balcony or patio doors. The hotel overlooks the surf of Pacific Beach and offers sailing, fishing and cycling opportunities. The heated outdoor swimming pool has a poolside jacuzzi and fire pits for after-dark mingling.
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