The Best Resorts To Book In San Diego California

San Diego refers to itself as “America’s Finest City” and frankly, who could argue? While neighboring Los Angeles is glitzy and brash, San Diego offers a far more laid-back version of the West Coast – less celebrity-spotting and more long walks on the beach and making s’mores with the family by a tranquil bay. With offerings ranging from tropical sea stone massages to sailboat outings, the beach resorts in San Diego capture this relaxed vibe perfectly – and they’re bookable on Culture Trip.

1. Paradise Point Resort & Spa, for getting back to nature

Resort, Spa Hotel

A waterside suite at Paradise Point Resort & Spa, with a double bed, chairs and a sofa

You’ll find bungalow-style guest rooms nestled among lush, tropical gardens and peaceful lagoons at the aptly named Paradise Point Resort & Spa. Located on Mission Bay, this resort in San Diego is scattered across a 44-acre (18ha) island – naturally, long beach walks beckon. There are also five swimming pools, beach bonfire pits, a marina, five dining venues and an award-winning spa to make your stay as heavenly as possible.

2. Loews Coronado Bay Resort, for the freshest seafood around

Hotel

Outdoor communal area by the water at Loews Coronado Bay Resort, with soft seating around fire pits

A San Diego resort that’s quintessentially Southern California, Loews Coronado Bay sits on a 15-acre (6ha) peninsula enveloped by shimmering bay waters and the city skyline. The restaurant alone is worth the stay – Crown Landing serves up regional cuisine made from seafood so fresh it could almost swim off your plate back into the sea. The Sea Spa also draws from the surrounding area, with treatments including island-inspired body wraps and tropical sea stone massages.

3. Bahia Resort Hotel, for stunning sea vistas

Resort

It won’t take long for you to unwind at the Bahia Resort Hotel – the guest rooms are just steps away from Mission Bay. Prefer green to blue? Stroll around the lush private gardens instead. For vistas, choose from the Bay View and Garden View rooms. And make sure you try one of the cool beanbag loungers with fold-away canopies right at the water’s edge, from where you can watch steamboats glide past.

5. Kona Kai Resort & Spa, A Noble House Resort, for SoCal vibes

Resort

The epitome of modern luxury, the revamped Kona Kai Resort & Spa sits right on San Diego Bay and has swoon-worthy rooms with private furnished balconies, marble baths and rainfall showers. Get a taste of Southern California at Point Loma restaurant, hit the private beach, sip drinks from the Tiki Bar or chill next to the adults-only pool.

6. San Diego Mission Bay Resort, for family-friendly fun

Resort

A family favorite, the San Diego Mission Bay Resort arranges fireside evenings on the bay for prime s’more-making opportunities. The waterfront pool here is a palm-lined haven – there’s a wading section for the kids to splash around in safety, while you can kick back on a lounge chair or walk on the beach. For the full SoCal experience, book a poolside cabana with comfortable oversized chairs and let the stress melt away.

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.