A city that’s blessed with some of the best Mother Nature has to offer, San Diego is a hotspot for adventurers and nature lovers.
However, this beautiful city, nestled on the shores of the Pacific, also attracts many other types of tourists with its music scene, theaters, famous museums and thriving nightlife.
Additionally, a lot of the city is pet friendly.
Whether you want a spot of shopping or spend seemingly endless days in the sun, San Diego has a lot to offer, with something or the other to do 24/7.
Despite all the fun and excitement, though, it can get pretty tough finding accommodation when you’re planning a family vacation to San Diego.
As if it wasn’t tough enough getting the whole brood to pack and leave in the first place.
However, fret not.
Due to a vibrant culinary scene, you won’t find many all-inclusive family resorts in San Diego, but that’s where I’ve got you covered.
Here’s a list of the best San Diego all-inclusive resorts for families to make your vacation planning easier.
Whether you want
a chance to relax in the city’s most serene settings or want a more thrilling and happening vacation,
these properties should have you covered.
1. Rancho Valencia Resort and Spa
A resort that oozes luxury through every pore, the Rancho Valencia Resort and Spa is a great option for families year-round, thanks to the many special packages it offers to ensure that guests have an inclusive experience.
These packages let you choose the kind of holiday you want; spending your vacation in the spa with its many treatments or gorging on the delicious food in the two onsite dining options is purely in your hands.
Sprawled across
45 acres, the resort boasts 49 casitas with private patios, as well as a tennis
court, poolside private cabanas, 2 saltwater swimming pools, and of course, a
gorgeous spa.
The resort provides bicycles for guests who want to explore the surroundings.
The resort is also close to the Del Mar Fairgrounds and beach, Cardiff State Beach and the Black Mountain Open Space Park, so a lot of fun is guaranteed, either way.
2. Marriott Vacation Club Pulse, San Diego
Located in San
Diego’s happening
downtown area, the Marriott Vacation Club Pulse, San Diego, is a popular year-round
option, letting guests customize their vacation.
The resort comes with a ton of great amenities such as a 24-hour fitness center and SHAKE — its super-popular all-day-dining on-site restaurant.
Guests can choose from 264 villas and guest rooms, all equipped with amenities such as fully-equipped kitchenettes and separate sitting spaces.
Heading out and exploring is super easy and fun, with the Petco Park, Balboa Park, the Port of San Diego and the Maritime Museum of San Diego are all close by, making for a vacation that’s as fun as it is educational.
Also See:
Kid Friendly Hotels in San Francisco
Palm Springs Water Park Resorts
3. Hilton San Diego Bayfront
With spectacular views of the San Diego Bay on offer, as well as a ton of great features, the Hilton San Diego Bayfront is one of the top San Diego family resorts that are all-inclusive.
Generally a popular choice with those traveling to attend conventions at the San Diego Convention Center, that’s right across the street, the Hilton San Diego Bayfront is also a great option for families thanks to the many packages it offers them, such as including meals with your stay.
The resort is
also a stone’s throw
away from the Gaslamp Quarter and Seaport Village, so there’s quite a bit of fun awaiting you
should you go out exploring.
Guests can choose among 1190 smoke-free suites and rooms, all equipped with huge windows to give you the best of the city’s skyline and the bay.
Additionally, delicious food won’t be much of a problem, with the waterfront eatery Odysea with its beautiful terrace and Vela, the signature restaurant of the resort.
Related: Best Family Hotels in San Diego
4. Catamaran Resort Hotel and Spa
A lovely resort that sits on the beach, the Catamaran Resort Hotel and Spa is a popular option among families for its inclusive offers, such as breakfast for two guests each day of your stay.
You can choose from 310 smoke-free suites and rooms and enjoy delicious in-room dining 24/7.
Better yet, head to Oceana Coastal Kitchen, the signature resort of the Catamaran, or the more casual Moray’s.
You’ll also be spoilt for choice with the range of spa treatments on offer, based on the healing traditions of the South Pacific and Asian regions.
For those days when you find yourself able and willing to leave the spa, head to the Pacific Beach Park, a few minutes’ worth of walking away, or the closeby Belmont Park and La Jolla Cove.
Also See:
Family Resorts: San Diego
Palm Springs Resorts for Families
5. Fairmont Grand Del Mar
Nestled amid the Carmel many excellent eateries and wine-tasting destinations in Carmel Valley, the Fairmont Grand Del Mar is one of the top San Diego family resorts for an inclusive stay.
The resort offers
many great packages that are great for vacationing families, such as enjoying
breakfast each day of your stay or several activities included in your room
rate, to make the most of your fam getaway.
This way, there’s a little something for every member of the family on offer at the Fairmont Grand Del Mar.
Additionally, the resort has 6 great onsite dining options, including a dining program specially designed for the tykes and tots.
There’s also a golf course, a great spa and a gym onsite.
The resort is a mere 6 miles away from the 2,000-acre Torrey Pines State Reserve; the coastal state park is a great spot for guided nature walks.
Related: Best Things to Do in San Diego
6. Wyndham San Diego Bayside
Not just one of the top spots in San Diego but in all of California, the Wyndham San Diego Bayside hotel offers guests a range of packages to customize their stay.
Add to that a beautiful and convenient location next to the beach, and you have a win-win.
On the days that
you and the kids want to tear yourselves away from splashing around in the
waters of the Pacific and soaking in the warm San Diego sun, head to the nearby
USS Midway Museum or Maritime Museum of San Diego for fun and learning.
You can choose from 600 smoke-free suites and rooms.
Dining options are aplenty, with a mind-blowing 300 eateries in the area as well as a plethora of onsite dining options.
Related: Best Beaches in San Diego
Also See:
Family Resorts: San Francisco
7. The Dana on Mission Bay
A waterfront resort with its own gorgeous private marina, The Dana on Mission Bay exudes a tropical feel; the beautiful, lush landscaping only adds to this vibe.
With a state-of-the-art fitness center and 2 outdoor heated swimming pools, The Dana is a great pick for a San Diego family vacation with a ton of family-friendly amenities and offers.
The resort runs
a themed-days program, with Wine Wednesdays and Tiki Tuesdays for all the
family members to enjoy.
Additionally,
the resort fee covers your participation in these themed events, as well as
daily drive-in movie nights, board games, 50% off breakfast and lawn games, to
name a few — a great budget pick.
You can also make a day trip to the nearby Belmont Park, the 27-mile pristine Fiesta Island Park and the Whaley Museum for a world of more fun.
Related: Things to Do in San Diego with Kids
Related: Southern California Family Resorts
8. San Diego Mission Bay
Barely 3 miles
away from top tourist attractions such as the University of San Diego and Sea
World, the San Diego Mission Bay is a 4-star resort that boasts 2 world-class
restaurants, a full-service spa and a beautiful marina.
The resort offers 357 rooms to guests, all equipped with balconies/patios, refrigerators, 65-inch LED TVs, bathrooms with free toiletries and hair dryers, coffee makers and laptop-compatible safes.
The resort also offers a ton of other amenities such as a fun children’s pool just for the tykes and tots to splash about in, while mom and dad burn some calories at the 24-hour fitness center, or enjoy a relaxing soak in any of the 3 spa tubs.
Related: Best Hotels in San Diego
Related: Best Restaurants in San Diego
Also See:
Family Friendly Hotels in Los Angeles
Best Resorts in Los Angeles for Families
Final Word
Whatever kind of
family vacation you’re
planning to San Diego, these resorts should have you covered, with world-class
amenities, friendly staff, excellent service and conveniently-close locations
to top attractions in the area.
On your next visit to the Sunshine State’s beautiful city of San Diego, book your vacation packages and give one of these resorts a try.
List of image sources
8 Best All Inclusive Family Resorts in San Diego
- Rancho Valencia Resort & Spa
- Marriott Vacation Club Pulse, San Diego
- Hilton San Diego Bayfront
- Catamaran Resort Hotel and Spa
- Fairmont Grand Del Mar
- Wyndham San Diego Bayside
- The Dana on Mission Bay
- San Diego Mission Bay Resort
