San Diego, California

• More about your Oliver Guide: Katy Tanghe
• Trip type: Family, Beach, City
• Activity level: moderate
• Ideal length of trip: 5 -7 days to hit all the coastal areas/major tourist attractions; weekend if you prefer to stick to one part of the county (e.g. La Jolla, Coronado, etc.)

to & from

• Flying into San Diego airport is easiest--it's small and easy to navigate. I highly recommend renting a car.
• You can also fly into Orange County if the fares are less expensive. You will need to rent a car as it's an hour drive south to San Diego.

Where to Stay

San Diego is quite spread out. Before you pick a hotel, decide where in the county you’d like to be. Our favorite spots include Coronado, La Jolla, Del Mar (of course) and the other north county beach cities. If you plan to stay for more than a weekend, consider checking out VRBO but review listings carefully as some rentals now have 30-day minimums.

• The La Jolla Beach and Tennis Club is a fabulous spot…they have suites with kitchens and you are directly on the sand (rare except for the bays). Their waterfront picnics are the best!
• The Grand Del Mar is great for those who love five-star hotels, if the budget permits. Locals frequently visit for staycations. It offers beautiful accommodations, golf, swimming, horseback riding, guided hikes and so much more. Also, its central location with easy access to the I-5 freeway, provides easy exploration of attractions like LEGOLAND to the north and Balboa Park to the south.
• La Jolla Shores Hotel is wonderful family hotel in La Jolla (near UCSD) and on the beach (and it won’t break the bank). It is one of the best places to learn how to surf, stand-up paddle board or kayak La Jolla’s rare 600-acre underwater ecological reserve. It is very easy to take the kids to the beach for an hour or two, take a break in the room, and return to the beach again in the afternoon. The rooms can appear a bit dated but you cannot beat the location. You are in walking distance to La Jolla Shores with great restaurants, Surf Diva and shops.
• La Valencia in downtown La Jolla is another iconic hotel. Great for a long weekend, or if you are with your special someone. It has beautiful ocean views and walking distance to everything La Jolla has to offer. You will need to drive to the beach but its concierge service is fabulous and will make arrangements for you to go anywhere you wish.
• Hotel Del Coronado and its red roof is one of San Diego's most famous icons. Its direct beach access is fabulous for families (think s'mores on the beach and paddle board lessons) and it's considered one of America’s best beaches by the Travel Channel. You will need a car if you plan to go off island but there is plenty to do if you want to relax and play. Make sure to either take a bike or walk to L. Frank Baum's house where he wrote The Wizard of Oz. We love to go every December for the weekend and enjoy its ice rink on the beach, s'mores on the sand and festive holiday activities for kids.
• Park Hyatt Aviara is a good pick for North County, a secluded luxury hotel with great pools, an amazing spa, tennis, golf, etc. - a concierge can take you to Ponto Beach for boogie boarding and surfing lessons.
• Manchester Grand Hyatt is a great big downtown San Diego hotel with water views … this hotel is huge with over 1600 rooms spread over two towers. It’s located on the San Diego Bay, within walking distance to some of San Diego’s best restaurants, attractions, Convention Center and PETCO Park. This hotel has sport courts for basketball, volleyball, tennis, a large outdoor pool, seasonal activities like kite flying, giant sized Jenga plus they do s'mores in their outdoor fire-pits.
• L’Auberge Resort Del Mar: An easy dog friendly option in Del Mar.
• Other options: Estancia Resort La Jolla, The Lodge at Torrey Pines, The Catamaran Resort and La Valencia Rancho Santa Fe.