Rhythmic ocean waves and gorgeous sunset views are always top on the list for dream destination vacationing. And when it comes to San Diego hotels, the closer to the beach, the better.
Luckily, our sunny city of San Diego is home to miles upon miles of pristine oceanfront property. From the neo-modernist Tower 23 in Pacific Beach and the opulent resort-style L’Auberge Del Mar, to the sultry island getaway at Paradise Point on Mission Bay and the iconic Hotel Del in Coronado, our stunning oceanic scenery makes San Diego one of the top travel destinations in California.
Discover the top ten oceanfront hotels in San Diego.
Hotel Del Coronado
With its iconic red turrets piercing the taut horizontal lines of the azure California skyline, the Hotel Del Coronado is arguably one of San Diego’s most sought after vacation destinations. From its stunning beachfront locale to the classically enchanting architecture evocative of age-old Victorian splendor, the infamous Hotel Del is the perfect staycation for San Diego locals and visiting tourists alike. Since its establishment in 1888, the Hotel Del has provided lodging for a wealth of historical legends, and if you’ve had the pleasure to experience the rich opulence of this legendary hotel, you’d know exactly what all the fuss was about. Boasting 679 guestroom and 78 cottages and villas, the Del’s unique variety of accommodations can satisfy any desire. When it comes to entertainment, the Del’s 28 beautiful oceanfront acres offer up an ample selection of fun and excitement. If you seek relaxation, the hotel’s award-winning spa features 21 massage and treatment rooms, steam rooms, hydrotherapy tubs and an expansive private terrace with a fire pit and vanishing edge pool overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Or maybe, you prefer to indulge in award-winning food and wine at the captivating 1500 OCEAN restaurant. Or perhaps you feel like hitting the links at the Coronado Golf Course. The sky's the limit at this historical San Diego resort.
L’Auberge Del Mar
Ranked among the top resorts in the world by Condé Nast, the stunningly superior L’Auberge Del Mar radiates with deserved aristocracy. And it’s easy to see why. After a $26 million renovation back in 2008, visiting guests will now find a wealth of exceptionally flawless amenities one could only imagine in their dreams. Large estate columns and a quaint green exterior welcome guests as they pull into the immense wrap-around driveway, which leads into a lavish open-air lobby complete with elegantly weathered wood paneled floors and chocolate brown velvet couches. Each of the 120 bright and polished guestrooms are richly appointed with plush bedding, elegant sitting areas, marble bathrooms and private balconies or patios to take in the smell of the salty ocean air. L’Auberge also offers visiting guests and local epicureans a chance to indulge in creative culinary creations at the award-winning KITCHEN 1540, or savor cocktails at the outdoor restaurant deck, Waterfall Terrace, and poolside lounge, Bleu Bar. Aside from premier dining and luxurious accommodations, the resort boasts a state-of-the-art fitness center, two lighted championship tennis courts, and a spa retreat where indulgent pampering is offered on a silver platter.
Tower 23
In a community overpopulated by beer-soaked beach bars and sandy surf shops, the contemporary Tower 23 Hotel in Pacific Beach brings an air of class and sophistication to the shore. Neo-modernist in approach, Tower 23 is a refreshingly minimalist but playful, creative study for the urban beach resort. The sleek accommodations fall into three room types including the Spirit, Sky and Surf Pads and two suite categories including Sanctuary and Sweet. Guests will find that each of the rooms boast fresh design schemes featuring a private balcony or patio, flat screen LCD TVs, Tempur-Pedic beds with 100% Egyptian cotton linens and teak furnishings that create the perfect balance between style and substance. If you’re in the mood for some California Fresh Cuisine, head downstairs to Tower 23’s polished restaurant JRDN. Forget your preconceived ideation of cheap beach bar food and watered down mimosas, this social indoor/outdoor venue offers a menu that is chockfull of creative culinary concepts.
Pacific Terrace
Located right on the boardwalk in Pacific Beach, the stylishly tropical AAA 4-Diamond Pacific Terrace Hotel is the ideal destination for relaxation and romance. Guests will find that each of the 73 spacious and elegant guestrooms and suites boasts first-class amenities including king or queen-size beds, hand-carved wooden furniture, exotic silk fans, plantation shutters, and private balconies that are perfect for taking in the orange and purple hues of San Diego’s extraordinary sunsets. In addition to the luxury accommodations, guests can enjoy Pacific Terrace’s outdoor heated pool and spa, a rigorous workout in the 24-hour state-of-the-art fitness center, or a revitalizing massage in a la poolside while breathing in the fresh ocean air. For guests who are eager to explore all the city has to offer, Pacific Terrace is a few mere steps from Crystal Pier and the best Pacific Beach restaurants which accommodate guests with a unique “charge back” service, which allows them to sign your room number and pay your tab with your hotel bill.
Paradise Point Resort & Spa
A private 44-acre island tucked away on the shores of Mission Bay, Paradise Point is the answer for locals looking for a secluded staycation escape or tourists seeking the ultimate San Diego vacation getaway. While the luxury resort has always been known for its tranquil Adian-inspired day spa sanctuary, an 18-hole putting golf course, five lavish pools, and award-winning fine dining at the signature waterfront restaurant Baleen, Paradise Point underwent a $20 million remodel in early 2010 that reintroduced 462 bungalow-style guestrooms and expansive bay front meeting facilities. Whether you book a 450-square-foot standard guest room or the spacious 5,000-square-foot presidential suite, each of the richly appointed rooms exudes an air of South Pacific tranquility. From the soothing oceanic hues of turquoise, coral and chartreuse to custom décor including Javenese Batik-style bed throws, black porcelain tile floors, teak and kapur furnishings, and plasma screen TVs, Paradise Point boasts a sultry island ambiance like no other.
La Jolla Beach and Tennis Club
For over 75 years, this landmark oceanfront resort has been an iconic San Diego tradition amongst locals and visitors alike. Nestled between La Jolla Cove and Torrey Pines Reserve, La Jolla Beach & Tennis Club is the perfect coastline escape when you’re in need of some blissful relaxation. Each of the hotel’s exquisite oceanfront guestrooms and suites offer ultimate California hospitality with the choice of plush twin, double, queen or King-size beds, mini kitchenettes, comfortable siting areas, direct access to the private beach and sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean. Aside from luxury accommodations, guests can indulge in par-3 golf, plash in the heated club pool, enjoy a sweet inducing workout at the fitness center or partake in a fun-filled game of tennis at one of the 12 championship hard courts. La Jolla Beach & Tennis Club invites guests to relax even more with a rejuvenating massage at their serene day spa. Melt the stress away with a 90-minute massage, or treat yourself to a reviving Facial Massage and invigorating Deep-Conditioning Scalp Massage. At the end of the day, guests can enjoy delicious award-winning cuisine at The Marine Room or throw an evening beach party with friends and family while admiring the sunset.
Surfer Beach Hotel
Nestled on the boardwalk in the bustling community of Pacific Beach, the four-story Surfer Beach Hotel offers an affordable vacation experience coupled with a retro-chic, boutique hotel sensibility. Each of the recently renovated beachfront guestrooms, one-bedroom and two-bedroom suites, are comfortably appointed in a mid-century style décor with modern conveniences such as flat screen TVs, luxurious pillowtop beds, refrigerators, plush bathrobes, and balconies with spanning view of the Pacific Ocean. Guests can enjoy complimentary cappuccino, coffee, tea, or hot cocoa any time of the day in the hotel lobby, go for a swim in the outdoor heated pool, or grab a bite to eat at the popular beachfront restaurant, World Famous.
Catamaran Resort
A lushly landscaped oasis nestled on the shoreline of Mission Bay, the empyrean Catamaran Resort offers a welcoming respite from the boisterous boardwalk and clamorous beach bars in Pacific Beach. The luxury resort’s island-inspired motif littered with pathways, gardens and colorful koi ponds instantly makes you feel as if you've jetted off to an exotic tropical vacation. Guests will find that the hotel’s 313 elegant rooms, studios and suites are sumptuously appointed with comfortable full or King size beds, a full bath with a tub and shower, plasma TVs with free HBO, refrigerators, coffeepots, iHome for iPod, and private balconies or garden patios. During the day, guests can lounge in the sunshine on the hotel’s secluded Mission Bay beach, or partake in popular water-related sports including sailing, surfing, water skiing, kayaking and more. After a long day in the sunshine, guests can indulge in a unique dining experience at Catamaran’s award-winning Atoll restaurant or enjoy a late-evening therapeutic massage or botanical body treatment at the hotel’s waterfront day spa.
La Jolla Shores Hotel
Bathed by salt air breezes, the La Jolla Shores Hotel is one of the select few hotels in San Diego situated directly on the beach. Since 1970, this oceanfront hotel in the heart of La Jolla has created vacation memories that last a lifetime. La Jolla Shores Hotel 128 luxuriously appointed guest rooms with garden, coastal or oceanfront views and private balconies or lanais. Guests can enjoy a variety of hotel activities, including an outdoor heated swimming pool and jacuzzi, in-room massage services, tennis, and a dozen of fun and exciting beach activities. Experience fun ocean activities nearby such as kayaking, snorkeling, scuba diving, and surfing. Guests can enjoy spectacular oceanfront dining at The Shores – La Jolla’s Steak & Seafood Restaurant, featuring classic steakhouse favorites and innovative coastal cuisine.
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