San Diego offers families a mix of world-class zoos and relaxed beaches that few cities can match. This guide highlights properties that provide easy access to the coast and practical amenities like pools and suites to keep everyone comfortable.
Where to stay in San Diego with kids.
| Accomodation name | Top kid-friendly amenities | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Fairmont Grand Del Mar ★★★★★ | Kids’ club, pools, equestrian center |
| 2 | SpringHill Suites by Marriott San Diego Rancho Bernardo/Scripps Poway ★★ | Outdoor pool, suites with trundle beds, kid-friendly buffet |
| 3 | Pantai Inn ★★★ | Family-sized villas, playground, kid-friendly buffet |
| 4 | Ocean Park Inn ★★★ | Outdoor heated pool, kid-friendly buffet, swimming pool toys |
| 5 | Omni San Diego at the Ballpark ★★★★ | Rooftop heated pool, Omni Junior Chefs welcome pack, connecting rooms available |
| 6 | TownePlace Suites by Marriott San Diego Downtown ★★★ | Cribs available, kid-friendly buffet, kids’ meals |
| 7 | Residence Inn by Marriott San Diego Del Mar ★★★ | Outdoor heated pool, kid-friendly buffet, babysitting services |
| 8 | Hampton Inn & Suites San Diego Liberty Station ★★ | Outdoor pool, connecting rooms available, kids’ meals |
| 9 | Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina ★★★★ | Children’s pool, bicycle rentals, babysitting services |
| 10 | Courtyard by Marriott San Diego Central ★★★ | Outdoor heated pool, babysitting services, kids’ meals |
We picked these hotels for their family-friendly features. Think pools, free breakfast and easy access to top spots like the San Diego Zoo and LEGOLAND.
Here are 10 of the best family-friendly hotels in San Diego.
1. Fairmont Grand Del Mar ★★★★★
Fairmont Grand Del Mar feels more like a luxury playground than a traditional hotel, with activities and amenities for every age. The resort has four heated pools, including a main pool with a white sand area. For kids ages 5–12, the Explorer’s Club offers supervised fun like scavenger hunts and arts and crafts, giving adults time to enjoy the spa or hit the golf course.
The on-site Equestrian Center offers pony rides and lessons for younger guests. Room layouts easily accommodate cribs, and larger suites offer separation that’s ideal for naps or early bedtimes. With kid-friendly dining options and expansive grounds for play, Fairmont Grand Del Mar makes a luxury family getaway feel effortless.
Guest review score: 8.9 / 10
Attractions nearby: Located in Carmel Valley, Fairmont Grand Del Mar offers a peaceful retreat near the hiking trails of Los Peñasquitos Canyon Preserve. While it feels tucked away from city noise, it’s only a 15-minute drive to the beaches of Del Mar. The hotel provides a shuttle to the coast, so you can enjoy the sand without the hassle of parking.
Kid-friendly amenities:
Kids’ Club (Explorer’s Club)
Children’s pool area with sand
Babysitting services
Cribs available
Kids’ menus
Four outdoor pools
Packed lunches
Game room
Strollers
Indoor play area
Baby safety gates
What families loved about their stay:
- Leo: We loved the spacious suites and the fantastic dual-pool setup, with separate areas for adults and children.
- Keith: The service was outstanding, and our family of four was comfortable in the clean, good-sized rooms. The kids especially adored the shallow, heated kiddy pool and the chocolate-dipped Oreo cookies at turn-down!
- William: It’s a wonderful location with great facilities and customer service, offering a quiet feel while still having lots for our family to do.
2. SpringHill Suites by Marriott San Diego Rancho Bernardo/Scripps Poway ★★
SpringHill Suites by Marriott San Diego Rancho Bernardo/Scripps Poway is a smart choice for families who want extra space without the resort price tag. Every suite includes a separate living area with a trundle-style sleeper sofa. The in-room kitchenette, with a microwave and mini-fridge, makes snack time and bottle warming easy.
In the afternoon, the heated outdoor pool is a great spot for kids to burn off energy. It’s a practical, comfortable base for families exploring the area by car.
Guest review score: 8.5 / 10
Attractions nearby: Located in Poway, this hotel is a convenient base for visiting the San Diego Zoo Safari Park, just a 20-minute drive north. It’s also close to Lake Miramar, a great spot for stroller-friendly walks. While you’ll need a car to get around, staying here means you can skip the downtown traffic and enjoy a quieter, more relaxed setting.
Kid-friendly amenities:
Suites with trundle beds
Cribs available
Outdoor heated pool
Kid-friendly buffet
Babysitting services
Children’s pool
Kids’ meals
What families loved about their stay:
- Ashley: The rooms were a nice size and easily fit our family of five, and the comfy beds meant all three of our children slept like logs!
- Maria: We loved having a room big enough for our whole family, and the two TVs were a fantastic bonus for the kids. The breakfast was great, too!
- Angela: The kids absolutely loved the pool, and the breakfast was wonderful. The spacious room with the sofa trundle bed was perfect for our family’s setup.
Check prices for SpringHill Suites by Marriott San Diego Rancho Bernardo/Scripps Poway
3. Pantai Inn ★★★
Pantai Inn brings a Balinese-inspired sense of calm to the San Diego coast, making it a great fit for families seeking a quieter stay. Many accommodations are suites or villas with full kitchens and spacious living areas.
A complimentary breakfast gets the day started, and the attentive staff is happy to help with family-specific requests. With the ocean just across the street, nature is always within reach, making a car unnecessary. Pantai Inn offers a home-away-from-home feel that makes longer stays with kids easier and more enjoyable.
Guest review score: 8.8 / 10
Attractions nearby: Pantai Inn sits right along the La Jolla coastline, offering easy access to ocean views and local wildlife. It’s just a short walk to see the famous seals at the Children’s Pool or enjoy open space at Ellen Browning Scripps Park. With beaches, parks and coastal paths all nearby, it’s a great spot for families who want to explore on foot without needing to drive.
Kid-friendly amenities:
Family-sized villas
Playground
Packed lunches
Kid-friendly buffet
Babysitting services
Baby safety gates
What families loved about their stay:
- Danicel: The rooms were perfect for our family with kids, offering an oceanfront view and a patio with a gate. Plus, they had a pack and play available and complimentary drinks and cookies!
- Amy: We loved the location, so close to everything including the seals. The kids especially enjoyed the complimentary snacks and drinks!
- Harris: The location is amazing; we could walk to all the top sights in La Jolla, even with our five-year-old. The delicious breakfast with an ocean view and free sodas for the kids were big hits!
Ready to book your next family trip?
4. Ocean Park Inn ★★★
Ocean Park Inn puts families right in the heart of the action with its unbeatable spot on the Pacific Beach boardwalk. You can walk straight from your room to the sand for castle building or ocean wading. When the water’s too chilly, the heated outdoor pool and hot tub offer a more contained space for swimming and relaxing.
Rooms include handy touches like mini-fridges and coffee makers, while suites give families extra room to spread out. A complimentary breakfast makes mornings easier, especially when you’re trying to get everyone fed and out the door. With its relaxed, beachy vibe, Ocean Park Inn is perfect for families who want to enjoy the coast.
Guest review score: 8.9 / 10
Attractions nearby: Situated right on the Pacific Beach boardwalk, this hotel is ideal for families looking for a classic SoCal beach getaway. You’re just steps from Crystal Pier and a short walk to casual spots like Kono’s Cafe. Belmont Park is an easy stroll or bike ride down the boardwalk.
Kid-friendly amenities:
Outdoor heated pool
Beach towel service
Cribs available
Kid-friendly buffet
Swimming pool toys
Outdoor play equipment
What families loved about their stay:
- Madison: It’s clean and very family friendly, which is exactly what we look for in a stay!
- Cynthia: The location was perfect, and the complimentary breakfast made mornings so much easier for our two families and the grandkids.
- Amanda: As a mom, I loved that they had a sand washing station and tons of beach toys and boogie boards available to borrow right by the pool! The breakfast also had a lot of great options, including mini waffles for the kids.
5. Omni San Diego at the Ballpark ★★★★
Omni San Diego at the Ballpark is a home run for sports-loving families, with a direct skybridge to Petco Park that makes catching a Padres game effortless. Kids are welcomed with the Omni Junior Chefs program, which includes a backpack of snacks and activities at check-in. Families can request connecting rooms for extra space and peace of mind.
The rooftop pool is a standout, offering heated swimming with city views. While the hotel has a sleek, upscale vibe, it’s also kid-friendly, with amenities like cribs and a concierge ready to help plan family outings.
Guest review score: 8.7 / 10
Attractions nearby: Located in the Gaslamp Quarter, Omni San Diego is within walking distance of The New Children’s Museum and the trolley station, making it easy to explore spots like Old Town and Little Italy.
Kid-friendly amenities:
Rooftop heated pool
Omni Junior Chefs welcome pack
Connecting rooms available
Cribs available
Babysitting referrals
Kid-friendly buffet
Kids’ meals
What families loved about their stay:
- Karen: My granddaughter absolutely loved the pool, and the comfortable beds made for a great night’s sleep.
- Jennifer: The staff was incredibly friendly and accommodating, even bringing a kettle and fridge to our room for our 1.5-year-old’s milk. The room was big enough for a crib, and the location near the Children’s Museum was fantastic!
- Elizabeth: The staff was very friendly and even gave the kids a lunch bag with a reusable cup, straw, and coloring activities. The pool and hot tub were amazing!
6. TownePlace Suites by Marriott San Diego Downtown ★★★
TownePlace Suites by Marriott San Diego Downtown is a smart choice for longer family stays. Each suite includes a full kitchen with a stove, dishwasher and fridge. A fun bonus for kids: Ceasar, the hotel’s robot butler, delivers snacks and essentials right to your door.
A complimentary hot breakfast keeps mornings simple, and on-site laundry helps you pack lighter. Spacious suite layouts mean kids have plenty of room to play.
Guest review score: 8.7 / 10
Attractions nearby: This hotel is right between downtown San Diego and Little Italy, putting you in a walkable spot with easy access to family fun. Waterfront Park is about a 15-minute walk away, with giant splash fountains perfect for kids. You’re also just a short drive or trolley ride from Balboa Park and the San Diego Zoo, keeping you close to the city’s biggest attractions.
Kid-friendly amenities:
Cribs available
Kid-friendly buffet
Kids’ meals
What families loved about their stay:
- Lelanie: We loved the suite with the kitchen; it was so convenient, especially with kiddos. The location was cool with lots of kid-friendly things to do!
- Ali: The two large beds and a kitchenette with utensils were perfect for our family to do some cooking, and the free breakfast was a great bonus.
- Melissa: The room felt like a mini-house and had everything our family needed for a comfortable stay with two little ones.
Check prices for TownePlace Suites by Marriott San Diego Downtown
7. Residence Inn by Marriott San Diego Del Mar ★★★
Residence Inn by Marriott San Diego Del Mar delivers an all-suite stay that feels more like home than a hotel. Suites come with full kitchens, and the hotel offers free grocery delivery, making it easy to keep routines and enjoy home-cooked meals while on the go. Living areas include pullout sofas providing flexible sleeping setups, especially practical for larger families.
The heated outdoor pool is great for year-round fun, and a complimentary hot breakfast buffet covers the basics for both kids and adults. With on-site laundry and plenty of space to spread out, this hotel takes the stress out of traveling with kids.
Guest review score: 8.5 / 10
Attractions nearby: Located in the Del Mar area, this hotel offers a quiet coastal base that’s still close to the action. It’s less than a 10-minute drive to Torrey Pines State Beach, where you’ll find both sand and scenic hiking trails. One Paseo shopping center is also nearby, with family-friendly dining and open spaces where kids can run around between meals.
Kid-friendly amenities:
Outdoor heated pool
Cribs available
Kid-friendly buffet
Babysitting services
What families loved about their stay:
- Anonymous: We loved all the amenities provided, especially the home kitchen and good breakfast.
- Mary: It’s a nice property with a small, stocked kitchen space, and the staff was friendly.
- Lisa: The staff was helpful and friendly, and we loved the nice, big room with a kitchen; it was very accommodating.
Check prices for Residence Inn by Marriott San Diego Del Mar
8. Hampton Inn & Suites San Diego Liberty Station ★★
Hampton Inn & Suites San Diego Liberty Station offers a convenient and comfortable stay just minutes from the airport. Families can start the day with a complimentary hot breakfast, then unwind later at the outdoor pool. Studio suites include sofa beds and wet bars.
Located within the Liberty Station complex, the hotel offers safe, walkable access to parks and food halls. A free airport shuttle adds to the convenience, especially if you’re flying in and want to delay renting a car. It’s a reliable, low-stress option that covers all the essentials.
Guest review score: 8.7 / 10
Attractions nearby: Liberty Station is a great spot for families, with NTC Park a short walk away, perfect for playground time and open grassy space to run around. Liberty Public Market is also nearby, making mealtime easy with plenty of kid-friendly options.
Kid-friendly amenities:
Outdoor pool
Connecting rooms available
Kids’ meals
Kid-friendly buffet
Children’s pool
What families loved about their stay:
- Family: The breakfast was excellent, and the cook even came out to wish us a happy Mother’s Day, which was so kind!
- Martin: The open, friendly concept was excellent for our family with a baby and small children. We all got a quiet, spacious, and clean room for a good night’s sleep.
- Liliana: The rooms were clean and updated, and the hotel was family-friendly with a good breakfast and a heated pool. We’d definitely stay again!
Check prices for Hampton Inn & Suites San Diego Liberty Station
9. Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina ★★★★
Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina is a spacious waterfront stay that’s ideal for active families. The standout feature is its pool complex, which includes two free-form pools and a dedicated kids’ area for safe splashing. You can also rent bikes on-site and explore the flat, scenic paths along the marina.
Rooms are modern and comfortable, with many offering bay views that kids will love. For indoor fun, the Topgolf Swing Suites offer virtual games for all ages. With waterfront access and plenty of on-site dining, it’s easy to spend the whole day here without ever leaving the property.
Guest review score: 8.5 / 10
Attractions nearby: This hotel sits next to Seaport Village, a waterfront spot known for its carousel, fudge shops and family-friendly charm. The New Children’s Museum is just a short walk away, and the Embarcadero’s restaurants and attractions are easily accessible on foot.
Kid-friendly amenities:
Children’s pool
Bicycle rentals
Cribs available
Babysitting services
What families loved about their stay:
- Jennifer: They were so kid-friendly, with movies and s’mores by the pool which was a big hit for both the kids and us parents!
- Miryan: Everything was amazing, and the kids absolutely loved the pool.
- Nermine: Our room was clean and big for the family, with an awesome view from the high-floor balcony. The breakfast was great!
10. Courtyard by Marriott San Diego Central ★★★
Courtyard by Marriott San Diego Central is a convenient home base for families planning to hit multiple San Diego attractions. The hotel has a large heated outdoor pool, and guest rooms come with mini-fridges – handy for keeping drinks and snacks ready for the kids.
The on-site Bistro serves breakfast and dinner, so you don’t always have to head out for meals. While it doesn’t have the resort extras of a coastal stay, it is a clean and comfortable place to rest between adventures.
Guest review score: 8.5 / 10
Attractions nearby: Located in Kearny Mesa, this hotel sits between the coast and San Diego’s top inland attractions. It’s a 15-minute drive to the San Diego Zoo, SeaWorld and the beach. A convenient base if you’ve got a rental car and plan to explore the whole city.
Kid-friendly amenities:
Outdoor heated pool
Cribs available
Babysitting services
Kids’ meals
What families loved about their stay:
- Amy: The breakfast was great and well worth it, and the kids absolutely loved the pool.
- Alexis: The staff was excellent and very accommodating, and the food was delicious. It’s a great place for kids!
- Vera: The facility was great, quiet, and clean. The kids really enjoyed being able to swim in the pool.
Tips from KAYAK’s hotel guide.
- To make your San Diego stay feel like a real break, consider all-suite hotels that offer separate living areas, perfect for winding down after the kids go to bed.
- Got an early arrival or late flight? Most hotels will store your luggage, so you can squeeze in one more beach stop or a visit to the La Jolla seals.
- To save time and money, look for places with free breakfast or in-room kitchens for easy meal prep.
