San Diego Waterfront Hotels
& Beach Vacation Rentals

Updated January, 2023

These are the best San Diego waterfront or beach hotels. These beachfront hotels and accommodations will make your San Diego beach vacation the best it can be. Simply walk to the beach and enjoy the peace and serenity that only waves lapping the shore and an ocean breeze can bring.  Is this not what a San Diego beach vacation is all about? 

Best things to do in San Diego: San Diego beaches are some of the best on the west coast of USA! Find out more about these on our San Diego Beaches page! The USS Midway Museum is one of the most popular stops for Navy and Air Force personnel. For nature lovers, you will love the Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve is great but the kids will love the San Diego Zoo! Here are some of the best things to do in San Diego!

Safety in San Diego: Good news... San Diego has a lower crime rate than many of the larger cities.  That being said it is always best to check with the hotel concierge to ensure you stay away from areas in San Diego that have higher crime rates. Be a savvy traveler and take all precautions such as late night walks on your own etc..

Transportation in San Diego: Public transit is by far the cheapest mode of transportation in San Diego. However, Uber and Lyft are a great alternative to Taxis. We love the Uber App and payment is easy with your credit card. Renting a car is very convenient and gives you the greatest freedom. Using Waze App is one of the best apps for finding your way around by car.

Best time of year to visit San Diego: Best time of year to visit San Diego is September for couples or retired people. By September the water is warmer and the beaches and other attractions are far less busy when the kids are back to school. Families can enjoy July and August. However San Diego has pretty good weather all year. Enjoy!

B.W.D. Booking Tip:  Always check how far the beach is from any accommodation you are considering. Many so called "beach hotels"may be separated by streets or possibly highways.

Choosing a San Diego vacation rental is also an excellent option for families or friends going on vacation together. Choose from condo, apartment or private residence. Ranging from budget to luxurious, you will enjoy privacy and convenience. Whatever you choose we sincerely wish you the best San Diego beach vacation! Start planning today.

Related Pages: California Beaches, San Diego Beaches

Best San Diego Waterfront Hotels
San Diego City

Pacific Terrace Hotel (Reviews and Booking Link)

With fantastic guest reviews, the Pacific Terrace Hotel is a 4 Diamond waterfront hotel located on Pacific Beach in San Diego. Seaworld to the South and beautiful La Jolla to the North. Balboa Park and San Diego Zoo is a 20-30 minute drive.

A boardwalk offering great evening strolls, cycling or rollerblading just outside beckons you to come out and play. An oceanview swimming pool, spa tub, and fitness center simply add to your beach vacation. A Best Waterfront Destinations top pick for best San Diego waterfront hotels!

Tower23 Hotel (Reviews and Booking Link)

This San Diego waterfront hotel offers modern and contemporary room designs.
The boardwalk is ready for you as well as a lovely pier. Award winning restaurant. Beautiful sundeck with fire pit and sweeping ocean views will be the perfect end to your day.

Crystal Pier Hotel Cottages (Reviews and Booking Link)

For something completely different why not try the Crystal Pier Hotel Cottages? Directly on the pier, you will enjoy a truly unique hotel of all the San Diego waterfront hotels! Equipped with small kitchens and up to 2 bedrooms, this is a great option for small families.

The Inn at Sunset Cliffs (Reviews and Booking Link)

The Inn at Sunset Cliffs is a very clean waterfront hotel in sunny San Diego. The sandy beaches are just a few minutes walk away. Focused on wedding packages, you will be delighted by its beautiful location. The 24 suites are comfortable and modest. Good value pick. It is a 2022 T/A Traveler's award recipient.  Watch a video here!

Best San Diego Waterfront Hotels
Town of Carlsbad

These San Diego waterfront hotels are approximately forty minutes from downtown San Diego. Located in the beach town of Carlsbad. For great shopping, you will find Carlsbad Premium Outlet Stores. Just minutes to Legoland and great beaches! Great for the kids.
Here are the best things to do in Carlsbad.

Beach Terrace  (Reviews and Booking Link)

This San Diego waterfront hotel has been family owned for over 60 years and was beautifully renovated in May 2022. It is the only hotel in Carlsbad that is directly on the beach and has great reviews. The rooms are spacious with an average of 600 sq. ft.. The Beach Terrace Inn offers a petit breakfast, free WiFi, swimming pool and beach valet to ensure you are comfortable. Logoland is only 5 minutes away and is a kid's favorite! A 2022 T/A Traveler's Choice Award recipient

Here is one review. “Loved this wonderful beach resort! Classy chic in the perfect location. The rooms were large with tasteful decor and gorgeous, breathtaking views...there was nothing but sand between ourselves and the ocean ...”

Address: 2775 Ocean St, Carlsbad,  Phone: 00 1 760-729-5951

West Inn & Suites Carlsbad (Reviews and Booking Link)

The West Inn & Suites is located 3 blocks away from the beach and close to great shopping, Legoland and more. Luxury and great service has made this San Diego boutique hotel a favorite! Choose from 86 spacious rooms including 36 suites with plush beds. Relax at the whirlpool and swimming pool. 

Address: 4970 Avenida Encinas,  Phone: 1 760-448-4500

Cape Rey Carlsbad Beach, a Hilton Resort and Spa (Reviews and Booking Link)

The Cape Rey Carlsbad, Hilton Resort and Spa offers great location, facility and service. You will love a relaxing massage at the Ocean Crest Spa. Walk across the street to beach and jog the boardwalk, enjoy the beach.

Address: 1 Ponto Road, Carlsbad,  Phone: 00 1 855-605-0316

Hilton Garden Inn Carlsbad Beach (Reviews and Booking Link)

The Hilton Garden Inn has good location across the street from the beach. Beautiful pool and rich garden. You may never want to leave this San Diego waterfront hotel to go to the beach. Relax and enjoy.

Address: 6450 Carlsbad Blvd, Carlsbad,  Phone: 00 1 855-618-4697

Best San Diego Waterfront Hotels 
Town of La Jolla

Located in the beautiful beach town of La Jolla, these San Diego waterfront hotels are only twenty minutes or 12 miles (19 km) North of San Diego. La Jolla delivers the best beaches in San Diego. The variety of beaches along with small beach town flavors make this a best waterfront destination! Golf is also a great attraction at the Championship Torrey Pines Golf Course.

Grande Colonial La Jolla (Reviews and Booking Link)

Located a leisurely two block walk to the best beaches in La Jolla, San Diego, you will fall in love with The Grande Colonial La Jolla. There are few of these beautifully crafted hotels anywhere.

The NINE-TEN Restaurant is also a winner of the 2012 Best Hotel Restaurant in San Diego award and serves Wine Spectator awarded wines. Breakfast and lunch are served daily and dinner is served nightly.
In 2013 this Four Diamond is celebrating its 100th anniversary. Its location, historic building, award winning hotel restaurant along with superb service makes it a Best Waterfront Destinations best pick.

La Jolla Shores Hotel (Reviews and Booking Link)

Located directly on the beach the La Jolla Shores Hotel is sure to bring a smile to any beach lover's face. Very close to La Jolla Beach and Tennis Club you will enjoy many activities over and above a day at the beach. La Jolla Shores Hotel is where "The Beach Is Your Playground".

La Valencia Hotel (Reviews and Booking Link)

Providing an oasis, the gardens of the Valencia beach hotel in La Jolla is extremely refreshing. Just steps to the popular Children's Pool this hotel (built in 1927) provides service of an era gone by. One of San Diego’s most elegant and historic hotels.

La Jolla Beach and Tennis Club (Reviews and Booking Link)

This La Jolla waterfront hotel specializes in beach weddings. Convenient for guests and wedding party alike, this could be the beginning of a great life together. The La Jolla Beach and Tennis Club will provide sunsets and sunrises to keep the romance alive.

Interested in a beach vacation in La Jolla?
Here are the best things to do as well as Best Restaurants.

Best San Diego Waterfront Hotels
Coronado and Mission Bay area

Coronado Beach has been regarded as one of the best beaches in San Diego. Mission Bay is sheltered from the strong waves of the Pacific Ocean. Both of these beach areas are close to the city life of San Diego. Perfect for city lovers who love beach resorts. Here are some of the best San Diego beach hotels and accommodations in this area.

1906 Lodge (Reviews and Booking Link)

It's not on the beach. But it is so good and so close it would be a shame not to consider it! The 1906 Lodge at Coronado Beach is a romantic boutique hotel with the atmosphere of a bed and breakfast. Two blocks from San Diego's famous Coronado Beach this hotel only has 17 delightful rooms to choose from.

This excellent description video of this romantic boutique hotel in Coronado will give you the best idea of what makes this romantic boutique hotel so great. (Enjoy both videos)

Coronado Beach Resort (Reviews and Booking Link)

This Coronado waterfront hotel in San Diego offers suites with kitchenettes to give you the convenience of home away from home. Enjoy the sauna and hot tub as well as a fitness center with gym. This hotel has received the "Certificate of Excellence" award winner consistently receives great reviews from travellers for their excellent service and accommodations.

Glorietta Bay Inn (Reviews and Booking Link)

Only one block from Coronado Beach, The Mansion At Gorietta Bay Inn is a boutique hotel featuring 11 themed "mansion rooms" with luxurious architecture. Another 89 modern contemporary rooms will make San Diego beach vacation one of the best ever.
This is a Best Waterfront Destinations best pick! (Not waterfront)

Beach Village at The Del Coronado (Reviews and Booking Link)

Luxurious oceanfront cottages and seaside villas are up to 3 bedrooms. Definitely for the more "well to do" traveler, the Beach Village is part of The Del Coronado and is directly on the finest beach in Coronado offering first class accommodations and location. This iconic hotel is undergoing a major renovation to make it a world class waterfront destination and resort. See master plan video here.

Click Here for the Best San Diego Hotel Deals!

• Photo Credits for Best San Diego waterfront hotels •
Top photo: The Pacific Terrace Hotel
The Beach Terrace Inn: Management
West Inn & Suites: Management
Cape Rey Carlsbad, Hilton Resort & Spa: Management
Hilton Garden Inn: Management
The Grande Colonial La Jolla: Management
La Jolla Shores Hotel: Management
La Valencia Hotel or The Pink Lady: Management
La Jolla Beach and Tennis Club: Management
The Pacific Terrace Hotel: Management
Tower23 Hotel: Management
Crystal Pier Hotel & Cottages: Management
1906 Lodge at Coronado Beach videos: Management
Coronado Beach Resort:Management
The Mansion At Gorietta Bay Inn: Management
Beach Village At The Del Coronado: Management

Warning: Always use extreme caution at any beach you may visit. Water conditions change from day to day depending on weather etc..  Never swim alone and supervise children at all times. Rogue waves may occur anytime.

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