Looking for San Diego family resort recommendations

[4forMe]

We are planning a trip to San Diego next summer as DH will be there for a work conference. His conference is at the Grand Hyatt which appears to appeal more toward conventioneers/business people. I was hoping for a more family friendly resort that was on the beach.

Part of the problem is that we are a large family and always need to rent 2 hotel rooms. My mother is also joining us on this trip. I checked out the Hotel del Coronado but it is big bucks as we would need two rooms for 6-7 nights.

I thought about renting a condo but have no idea what beach area to look at.

My kids love to swim so we need access to a good pool area. Also perhaps a place that offers surf lessons.

I tried to do some research but feel totally lost. Any recommendations would be much appreciated. Thanks!

 

[DisneyJewel]

on Coronado Island.

Generally much cheaper than the Del, but I can't recall what the beach access was like -- I think you have to walk. But you can walk to shops, a playgrounds, restaurants. It was nice. Coronado Island is lovely for families. You could call the front desk and see if they arrange surf lessons. Good luck!

We are planning a trip to San Diego next summer as DH will be there for a work conference. His conference is at the Grand Hyatt which appears to appeal more toward conventioneers/business people. I was hoping for a more family friendly resort that was on the beach.

Part of the problem is that we are a large family and always need to rent 2 hotel rooms. My mother is also joining us on this trip. I checked out the Hotel del Coronado but it is big bucks as we would need two rooms for 6-7 nights.

I thought about renting a condo but have no idea what beach area to look at.

My kids love to swim so we need access to a good pool area. Also perhaps a place that offers surf lessons.

I tried to do some research but feel totally lost. Any recommendations would be much appreciated. Thanks!

 

[munchkinsmom]

Here are a few options:

San Diego Hilton Resort and Spa: Right on Mission Bay, with nice beaches and great access to Mission Bay Park. I don't know if they offer surf lessons, but they do have kayaking, snorkel and scuba. Close to Sea World and Mission Bay. About 10 minutes north of Downtown up Interstate 5 so it's easily accessible from your DH's conference location. http://www1.hilton.com/en_US/hi/hotel/SANHIHF-Hilton-San-Diego-Resort-Spa-California/index.do

Glorietta Bay Inn: Right across the street from the Hotel Del and within walking distance to the beach: http://www.gloriettabayinn.com/

Coronado Island Mariott Resort and Spa: Doesn't have a "beach" on property, but has great views. Within easy driving distance to the beach: http://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/sanci-coronado-island-marriott-resort-and-spa/

Loews Coronado Bay Resort: The property is on the San Diego Bay side, so the beach property will not have big waves. Right across the street from the Silver Strand State Beach, which faces the Pacific Ocean. A few minutes south of Coronado but not bad of a drive: http://www.loewshotels.com/en/Hotels/San-Diego-Resort/Overview.aspx

Paradise Point Resort and Spa: Also on Mission Bay, with the option to stay in cute bungalows that are right next to the beach. Very nice pool area and access to lots of water sports. Personal note: DH and I had our wedding reception here. Jon and Kate Plus 8 also stayed in this resort when they filmed in San Diego so if you're interested, google "Jon and Kate san diego" and you'll see shots of the property: http://www.paradisepoint.com/

By the way, both Paradise Point and the Hilton are close to Sea World and Mission Beach, so you may be able to find a surf school there, like Mission Bay Aquatics Center: http://www.mbaquaticcenter.com/.

Good luck in your search and hope you have a great time when you're in San Diego!

 

[4forMe]

Thank you for all the hotel recommendations! I now have a starting place.

Any ideas for "must do" activities while in San Diego? We will be going to Seaworld one day, have a day planned at the zoo and plan to have one beach day. Other than that, any other outside activities we should plan? My kids range in age from 6 to 11.

 

[disneyfaninaz]

You can check out Old Town and the museums at Balboa Park. Cabrillo National Monument on Point Loma is a fascinating place to visit and it has great views of the coast and the San Diego skyline.

 

[munchkinsmom]

Here are some ideas:

Take a Harbor Excursion of San Diego Bay or "Seal Tour" (land and sea)
Visit and shop Seaport Village (next to where you DH's conference will be)
Visit the USS Midway
Visit the museums in Balboa Park (my kids like the Model Railroad Museum, the Aerospace Museum and the R.E. Fleet Science Museum) and ride the train and carousel next to the zoo
Fly kites and/or rent bikes to ride the green belt along Mission Bay Park (there are also some nice playgrounds there too)
Visit the Wild Animal Park in Escondido
Visit the Children's Museum
Take in a Padres Game
Visit Belmont Park and walk along the Mission Beach Boardwalk
Visit La Jolla Cove and visit the seals
Visit Knott's Soak City in Chula Vista

Take a look at these websites which can help you in your planning of things to do in San Diego:

http://www.sandiegofamily.com/

http://www.sandiegokids.com/

HTH!