Thinking of going on a getaway from San Diego with kids?
There are plenty of outstanding family resorts within driving distance of San Diego.
With their beachfront location and lively child-friendly amenities, these resorts can give you a family vacation for the ages.
And, to help you pick the right one for your kids, we’ve rounded up the best family resorts near San Diego, CA.
1. Omni Rancho Las Palmas Resort and Spa
41000 Bob Hope Dr
Rancho Mirage, CA 92270
(760) 568-2727
Who should stay here
Omni Rancho is a fabulous 240-acre oasis for families who are aching for an exquisite and relaxing vacation in SoCal.
Not only does it feature snug and spotless accommodations, but it offers a bevy of activities for everyone.
Kiddos will find their bliss at the resort’s massive indoor waterpark.
From 100-foot water slides to a lazy river, the waterpark overflows with fun attractions for the little ones.
Moreover, the resort has specialized events for kids, like crafts and arts sessions as well as interactive games.
Distance from San Diego
The resort is within 2 hours of San Diego.
For a faster and more convenient trip, we recommend driving I-15 from San Diego.
The distance of the trip is 139.1 miles, and has a travel time of 2 hours and 10 minutes.
Related: Best San Diego All Inclusive Resorts for Families
2. LEGOLAND California Hotel
1 Legoland Dr
Carlsbad, CA 92008
(760) 444-5601
Who should stay here
LEGOLAND is our favorite family-friendly resort close to San Diego, California.
Even if you’re not a big-time Lego collector, this resort will still amaze you with its colorful rooms and kid-friendly amenities.
Plus, it offers easy access to some of the top family attractions in the area.
The resort is a perfect kid-friendly option for ages 2 to 12.
Trust me, your kids will have a blast exploring the LEGOLAND Water park and SEA LIFE aquarium.
Furthermore, it has an outdoor pool and fully themed rooms that children will love.
Distance from San Diego
This top-rated family resort is only 35 minutes away (34.2 miles) by car via I-5 N from San Diego.
Since it has a convenient location, some families find it an ideal alternative to some of the family resorts in San Diego.
Related: Top San Diego Attractions
3. Terranea Resort
100 Terranea Way
Rancho Palos Verdes, CA 90275
(855) 938-4047
Who should stay here
Terranea has a Tide Pool Adventure Camp suitable for children ages 2 to 12.
The camp has half-day programs featuring treasure hunts, superhero dress-ups, science experiments and star gazing.
We really like the other family-oriented amenities of the resort, including its eco enrichment programs and 3 swimming pools.
For moms and dads, the resort also is home to an award-winning golf course.
Distance from San Diego
To reach the resort from San Diego, just drive I-5 N and I-405 N.
The distance of the journey is 131.6 miles and has a travel time of 2 hours and 4 minutes.
Related: Best Family Hotels in San Diego
4. The Waterfront Beach Resort
21100 CA-1
Huntington Beach, CA 92648
(714) 845-8000
Who should stay here
With its Mediterranean and Italian touches, this family-friendly resort will surely appease your Instagram-loving tweens.
Plus, the resort also has a host of recreational activities for kids and teenagers, including 2 restaurants and an outdoor pool with water slides.
And, while we recommend it for older kids, the resort is also perfect for families with infants and toddlers.
In fact, the resort offers child or babysitting services for moms and dads who want to enjoy the nearby beach.
Distance from San Diego
The resort is 94.4 miles away from San Diego via I-5 N.
On average, the drive to the resort will take 1 hour 30 minutes.
Related: Best Restaurants in San Diego
Also See:
Palm Springs, CA Family Resorts
Palm Springs Water Park Hotels
5. Omni La Costa Resort & Spa Carlsbad
2100 Costa Del Mar Rd
Carslbad, CA 92009
(760) 438-9111
Who should stay here
Omni Las Costa is a beloved and enthralling kid-friendly hotel near San Diego.
With its spacious grounds and wide range of amenities, the resort feels like a SoCol mini town. Additionally, it has a variety of accommodation options to suit all sizes of families.
The resort’s Kidtopia club is a supervised program that lets children play, while parents enjoy the on-site spa treatments.
The resort also has a beach-like, child-friendly pool with a trio of waterslides.
Distance from San Diego
You don’t have to drive far to experience this world-class family resort.
From San Diego, just hit I-5 N, and you’ll arrive at the resort in 32 minutes (30.7 miles).
Related: Things to Do Near San Diego
Also See:
Where to Stay in San Francisco with Family
Best Family Hotels in San Francisco
6. Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach Resort and Spa
21500 Pacific Coast Hwy
Huntington Beach, CA 92648
(714) 698-1234
Who should stay here
Hyatt Regency is a beach lover’s dream.
As you stay at this resort, you’ll be literally steps away from Huntington Beach.
Also, the resort offers paddleboading and surf lessons, making your family vacation both educational and fun.
The resort also has several on-site dining options, spa services and outdoor pools.
In my book, this resort is more appropriate for tweens and teenagers.
Nevertheless, it has some surprises for the whole family, like their shuttle service to the theme parks.
Distance from San Diego
You can get there by car via I-5 N.
The distance of the trip is 94.4 miles, and has a travel time of 1 hour and 26 minutes.
Related: Family Resorts in Southern California
Also See:
Los Angeles Hotels for Families
Best Beach Resorts for Kids
7. La Quinta Resort & Spa
49-499 Eisenhower Dr
La Quinta, CA 92253
(760) 564-4111
Who should stay here
La Quinta is a sprawling family-friendly resort with something for everybody.
The resort is home to more than 30 pools, 7 restaurants and 10 golf courses.
And, best of all, it has a children’s club for kids ages 4 to 12.
We aslo like their bikes, which are equipped with infant seats.
On top of it all, it’s more affordable compared to the other oceanfront resorts in California.
Distance from San Diego
La Quinta is one of the best family resorts within 3 hours of San Diego.
It’s 128.2 miles away from San Dieo via I-15.
The drive to the resort takes 2 hours and 20 minutes.
Related: Best Hotels in San Diego
Also See:
Los Angeles Resorts for Families
7 Best Family Friendly Resorts Close to San Diego, CA for 2023
- Omni Rancho Las Palmas Resort and Spa
- LEGOLAND California Hotel
- Terranea Resort
- The Waterfront Beach Resort
- Omni Las Costa Resort & Spa Carlsbad
- Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach Resort and Spa
- La Quinta Resort & Spa
