San Diego is known for breathtaking beaches (with perfect weather!), so it’s no surprise you’ll also find luxurious hotels right on those beaches.
Sure, you could stay in one of San Diego’s downtown hotels or relax in luxury– but why not go to the beach when you go to Southern California?
The hotels and resorts I have reviewed on this list were chosen because of their easy access to popular beaches, upscale amenities, and walkability to major conveniences.
You’ll be able to spend your entire vacation in any of these hotels without needing a car.
Note: If you’re looking for a less expensive hotel in San Diego but still want beach perks, skip to Ocean Park Inn. Check out other ways to save money in San Diego.
Here are the Best San Diego Hotels with views of the Beaches.
Pantai Inn
La Jolla
Pantai Inn is a unique fusion of Bali’s old-world charm and the cutting-edge technology of California.
Every room is different except in its seaside views, each customized with handmade furniture, art, wood, and stone carvings imported from Bali. The Inn is my top choice if you want to feel like you’ve left the US and entered a small seaside village in Polynesia.
You’ll also be a 5-minute walk from La Jolla Cove, a well-loved whale-watching spot. Bring along some binoculars to try and catch a glimpse of the whales playing near the coast.
Popular Attractions near Pantai Inn
- Shell Beach 150 feet
- Boomer Beach 800 feet
- Children’s Pool Beach 800 feet
- South Casa Beach 1,050 feet
- La Jolla Cove Beach 1,050 feet
- La Jolla Cove 0.2 miles
- Scripps Institution of Oceanography 1.7 miles
- Torrey Pines Golf Course 4.4 miles
- Torrey Pines State Reserve 5.2 miles
- Belmont Park 5.6 miles
- Old Town San Diego State Historic Park 7.9 miles
- Sunset Cliffs 8.3 miles
Tower 23 Hotel
Pacific Beach
Tower 23 Hotel is Southern California chic with a spec dash of modernism.
Located in the hip Pacific Beach neighborhood, this hotel is right on the beach and has a party vibe. All suites have ocean views complemented by a clean and modern design, with light neutrals and massive tubs. Rent bikes and boogie boards directly from the hotel.
Also, the sunset from the second-floor deck is to die for! Snap pics during golden hour with a lightweight tripod to capture the whole view.
Popular Attractions near Tower23
- Pacific Beach 50 feet
- Mission Beach 3,050 feet
- Sail Bay Beach 3,050 feet
- Tourmaline Surfing Park Beach 3,550 feet
- Belmont Park 1.9 miles
- La Jolla Cove 3.8 miles
- Modern Times Brewery 4.2 miles
- Old Town San Diego State Historic Park 4.5 miles
- Sunset Cliffs 4.6 miles
- Cygnet Theatre 4.6 miles
- Maritime Museum of San Diego 7.2 miles
- USS Midway Museum 7.5 miles
- Balboa Park 7.8 miles
- Torrey Pines State Reserve 8.6 miles
- Cabrillo National Monument 8.7 miles
Ocean Park Inn
Mission Beach
Just a minute’s walk from Pacific Beach, this hotel has it all: suites with kitchenettes, rooms with excellent views of the ocean or the heated pool, vintage photography, mid-century decor, and laidback beach vibes.
More boutique than luxury, Ocean Park Inn has some incredible panoramics and classic California sunsets.
Bright yellows against neutral blacks and whites make Ocean Park Inn feel familiar and welcoming.
Popular Attractions near Ocean Park Inn
- Pacific Beach 150 feet
- Mission Beach 2,150 feet
- Sail Bay Beach 2,200 feet
- Tourmaline Surfing Park Beach 4,450 feet
- Calumet Park Beach 1.2 miles
- Belmont Park 1.7 miles
- Brick by Brick 3.7 miles
- La Jolla Cove 4 miles
- Modern Times Brewery 4 miles
- Old Town San Diego State Historic Park 4.4 miles
- Sunset Cliffs 4.5 miles
- Cygnet Theatre 4.5 miles
- Maritime Museum of San Diego 7 miles
- USS Midway Museum 7.3 miles
- Balboa Park 7.7 miles
- Cabrillo National Monument 8.6 miles
- Torrey Pines State Reserve 8.7 miles
Pier South Resort
Imperial Beach
Contemporary beachfront is the theme at Pier South Resort in Imperial Beach.
The entire property is one prime spot for sunset. Rooms are outfitted with balconies and fully-stocked minibars, and the fitness center has complimentary yoga classes. Get out on the water by renting offers kayaks, paddleboards, and bike rentals from the hotel. When you’re hungry, SEA180 at Pier South Resort is a fusion of Mediterranean and SoCal comfort food alongside sparkling views of the Pacific.
Skin tip: Remember to apply some reef-friendly sunscreen even if the sun isn’t scorching when you visit.
Popular Attractions near Pier South Resort
- Imperial Beach 100 feet
- Silver Strand State Beach 1.5 miles
- Playas de Tijuana 3.3 miles
- Chula Vista Bay Front Park 3.2 miles
- Plaza Monumental Tijuana 3.4 miles
- Chula Vista Marina 3.6 miles
- Living Coast Discovery Center 4.3 miles
- Coronado Beach 4.7 miles
- El Popo Market 6.3 miles
- Old Jai Alai Palace Forum 6.7 miles
- Cabrillo National Monument 8.9 miles
- USS Midway Museum 9.5 miles
- Maritime Museum of San Diego 9.9 miles
Hotel Del Coronado
Coronado Beach
Famous for its appearance in the Marilyn Monroe classic, ‘Some Like It Hot,’ Hotel Del Coronado is one of San Diego’s instantly recognizable landmarks.
All 75 posh suites at the Hotel Del Coronado are all seaside. Charming touches include the woodwork in the Victorian lobby, a wall of tasseled room keys, and the Babcock & Story Bar. The best part of the Hotel Del Coronado is the bar-to-beach service you can experience steps from your hotel.
Popular Attractions near Hotel Del Coronado
- Coronado Beach 800 feet
- Silver Strand State Beach 3,000 feet
- Sunset Cliffs Beach 6 miles
- Coronado Bridge 1.4 miles
- Seaport Village 2.1 miles
- Petco Park 2.2 miles
- Horton Grand Theater 2.2 miles
- USS Midway Museum 2.3 miles
- Horton Plaza Park 2.5 miles
- Spreckels Theatre 2.5 miles
- Maritime Museum of San Diego 2.7 miles
- Coronado Beach 2.8 miles
- Cabrillo National Monument 3.9 miles
- Balboa Park 3.9 miles
- Old Town San Diego State Historic Park 5.2 miles
Bahia Resort Hotel
Mission Beach
Hidden away on a 14-acre peninsula in Mission Bay, Bahia Resort Hotel is barely a minute’s walk from the beach.
The hotel’s views, secluded beaches, amenities like the outdoor swimming pool, and the massive, 30-person hot tub make it the San Diego go-to. Cafe Bahia specializes in SoCal cuisine, which you can enjoy on the heated patio.
Popular Attractions near Bahia Resort Hotel
- Mission Beach 1,800 feet
- Sail Bay Beach 3,800 feet
- Crown Point Beach 4,350 feet
- Ocean Beach 1.1 miles
- Pacific Beach 1.2 miles
- Modern Times Brewery 2.7 miles
- Sunset Cliffs 3 miles
- Old Town San Diego State Historic Park 3.1 miles
- Cygnet Theatre 3.3 miles
- American Presidents Museum 3.4 miles
- Maritime Museum of San Diego 5.6 miles
- La Jolla Cove 5.6 miles
- USS Midway Museum 5.9 miles
- Balboa Park 6.5 miles
- Cabrillo National Monument 7 miles
San Diego Beaches & Hotels: FAQ
What is the most beautiful beach in San Diego?
San Diego has a ton of beautiful beaches (and hotels right on them!), so it’s hard to choose just one ‘best’ beach. However, the most popular beaches are La Jolla Cove, Coronado Beach, and Pacific Beach. If you’re interested in snorkeling, the best spots are at La Jolla Cove.
What is the warmest beach in San Diego?
The warmest beaches are shallow and protected – La Jolla and Mission beaches are excellent choices.
Is the ocean warm enough to swim in San Diego?
The Pacific Ocean is usually cold. San Diego’s beaches see summer water temperatures in the 60s, so consider a wet suit.
What is the most famous beach in San Diego?
That depends on who you ask. Coronado is one of San Diego’s most well-known beaches, with the iconic Hotel Del Coronado standing proudly in the background.
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