Summer has hit the Southwest hard. While some places experience record temperatures and harrowing heat waves, others contain collective families — with little ones — plagued by cabin fever. What better way to escape both relentless heat and boredom than by visiting some of the best Southern California beach resorts in or near San Diego? From serene and secluded spaces to water sports and amenity-rich resorts, SoCal has plenty of accommodations on — or near — coastal havens.
Need more? Read more: San Diego’s Catamaran Resort is calling all travelers
While this is no means an exhaustive list of some of Southern California’s most picturesque oceanfront and nearby beach destinations, it is some of The Best of the Southwest’s favorites.
Beach Terrace | Carlsbad
Also known as the “Village by the Sea,” the Beach Terrace is an intimate, 48-key, family-owned oceanfront oasis in Carlsbad. The property has mastered the art of slowing down, encouraging guests to take advantage of the crashing waves and beach breezes right outside their door, lulling them into delicious naps and much-needed solace from stress. This summer, Beach Terrace has teamed up with buzzy beauty brand Vacation to debut a special butler service —Vacation Sunscreen Valet (VSV) — to help beach-loving guests protect their skin from harmful UV rays. In addition to VSV, guests can cool down at the beachside Shorebreak Pool or enjoy access to a private beach and Beach Valet that assists with the ultimate beach set-up, including umbrellas, beach chairs, towels and snacks.
Book it: beachterraceinn.com
Catamaran Resort Hotel and Spa | Mission Bay
Not only does the Catamaran Resort Hotel and Spa boast beach-front access, it’s perfect for families, outdoor adventurists and relaxation revelers. Plus, it’s a stone’s throw from SeaWorld San Diego, the San Diego Zoo and LEGOLAND California. While enjoying the scenic Mission Bay views, visitors can enjoy breakfast, lunch and dinner bites at Oceana Coastal Kitchen. For those in need of respite, Catamaran offers an onsite spa. Adventurers can get their fill of water-sports fun by booking with Action Sport Rentals offering paddleboard, kayak, bike, powerboat and sailboat experiences (as examples).
Book it: catamaranresort.com
Estancia La Jolla Hotel & Spa | La Jolla
Fresh off a $26 million property-wide renovation, Estancia La Jolla & Spa’s completely reimagined pool deck and summer specials are calling all beach-destination travelers. The Palma Bar & Grill blends hacienda-inspired design with coastal charm featuring a playful menu with refreshing cocktails and light bites. When visitors aren’t at one of La Jolla’s nearby beaches, they can relish in a Cabana ‘Cation in one of the all-new Cabana Rooms providing guest room access to their very own private cabana.
Book it: “Unveil Under the Sun” package which includes a $100 resort credit, two complimentary cocktails at The Palma and daily parking.
Hotel del Coronado | Coronado
Hotel del Coronado caters to every type of traveler through its distinct neighborhood experiences, including Shore House at The Del, the hotel’s newest residential-style offering featuring 75 luxurious one-, two- and three-bedroom villas in a modern beach house setting. Guests also have the option to book the Ocean Concierge Club experience, which unlocks access to unforgettable dining at the coveted Windsor Cottage with an oceanfront bar, admission to The Beach Club, and much more. Added Del delights: beach bonfires, movies on the beach, bike rentals, the Jamie O’Brien Surf Experience, spa and fitness classes.
Book it: hoteldel.com
Kona Kai San Diego | Shelter Island
Nestled in the secret oasis of Shelter Island, Kona Kai San Diego is the perfect destination for those seeking a hidden gem vacation. With expansive water views from either side of the property, guests can enjoy a day spent poolside at one of the resort’s two pool experiences including an adults-only pool + bar, zen out at SpaTerre or enjoy a dinner at Vessel Restaurant + Bar overlooking the private marina. Kona Kai also features its own private beach, perfect for avoiding the summer crowds, and an on-site Action Sports Rental center that offers aquatic rentals like duffy boats, powerboats, kayaks, jet skis and more.
Book it: resortkonakai.com
L’Auberge Del Mar | Del Mar
Complete with glimmering views of the Pacific Ocean, L’Auberge Del Mar echos an experience reminiscent of a private seaside estate. Featuring a coastal chic aesthetic, L’Auberge oozes luxury from every corner including the airy guest rooms, beach house-style spa, swanky lobby bar, sun-drenched tennis courts and peaceful pool deck. Adelaide, L’Auberge Del Mar’s signature restaurant, is perfect for visitors to satiate appetites amidst the resort’s prime water views. The al fresco concept emphasizes the resort’s oceanfront location with coastal-inspired fare and design.
Book it: Special offers include San Diego County fair or Opening Day After Party room packages (the fairgrounds are just down the street).
The Lodge at Torrey Pines
This elegant, craftsman-style property is a must-stay for golfers, spa aficionados, foodies and lovers of La Jolla. The AAA, Five-Diamond-rated resort sits atop the expansive, picturesque coastal bluffs of La Jolla, offering its famed Torrey Pines Golf Course — also the proud site of the 2008 and 2021 U.S. Open Championships and the PGA TOUR’s annual Farmers Insurance Open. Adding to the Lodge’s prestige is its decadent the A.R. Valentien signature restaurant. Here, two-course main menu items are curated with the finest and freshest ingredients. After a day of golf or nature walks, guests can relax at the property’s onsite spa and luxuriate with an enriching treatment (or two!).
Book it: lodgetorreypines.com
Loews Coronado Bay Resort | Coronado
This 15-acre peninsula property makes visitors feel like they’re on their own private island. In addition to a host of beachfront, luxury guest rooms with stunning views, Loews Coronado offers a variety of amenities from the onsite Sea Spa and complimentary shuttle to and from downtown Coronado Village to an expansive walking/biking route and more. Boating adventures await seafarers with the property’s resort Marina and there are several restaurants from which to choose, including the resort’s picturesque Crown Landing Restaurant before, during and after a day of activities.
Book it: loewshotels.com/coronado-bay-resort
Pendry San Diego | San Diego
Located in the city’s renowned Gaslamp Quarter, Pendry San Diego features 317 guest rooms, including 36 suites. The hotel features a signature Spa Pendry with a curated retail space, and a collection of six unique restaurants and bars, highlighting some of the city’s most talented chefs and concepts. Guests can experience modern coastal cuisine at Lionfish; Southern California-driven seasonal fare and gourmet coffee at Provisional; light bites and poolside drinks at The Pool House; the perfect cocktail at Fifth & Rose; local craft beers at Nason’s Beer Hall and an elevated nightlife experience at Oxford Social Club.
Book it: pendry.com
San Diego Mission Bay Resort | San Diego Mission Bay
Catering to all ages and interests, San Diego Mission Bay Resort offers a convenient blend of relaxation and adventure for an unforgettable family escape. The Resort even has a partnership with BabyQuip, a baby gear rental service that brings everything from toys and swings to strollers and car seats right to the resort’s front door — a dream come true for parents seeking a reprieve from packing their entire lives for vacation. The property also offers Camp Bayside with on-staff babysitting services to keep the littles occupied with volleyball, sandcastle making, arts and crafts, beachside relay races and more. With beachside access, families can also partake in anything from paddleboarding and kayaks to beach volleyball and more.
Book it: missionbayresort.com