11 Best Hotels in Pacific Beach San Diego

Pacific Beach sits just north of San Diego and is the place to live it up along the coast. Sitting between Mission Beach and La Jolla, the gorgeous neighborhood is all about enjoying a sun, sand, and sea holiday, where it was all about ocean swims, beach walks, and sunsets and cocktails for us. When we went looking for the best hotels in Pacific Beach, San Diego, we found tons of choices. While most of them were located right in the heart of Pacific Beach, there were also a few of them near Mission Beach and La Jolla neighborhoods. Nevertheless, they were all excellent, afforded amazing beachfront views, and were available across a range of budgets. Hence, Pacific Beach has something for all kinds of travelers.

Touted as one of California’s best beaches, Pacific Beach is a great getaway, especially since we were looking to avoid the bustle of San Diego. Check out our comprehensive guide for staying in Pacific Beach, San Diego.

ITH Mission Beach Backpacker Hostel

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Best hostel. We begin the list with the ITH Mission Beach Backpacker Hostel, one of Mission Beach’s best hostels. This hostel lay a 10-minute drive from Pacific Beach along the Strandway or the Mission Beach Boulevard. It blended a warm atmosphere with SoCal’s laidback spirit, making us feel like we were part of a travel community.

Sitting inside a restored 1940s structure, the hostel exuded a sense of character. The mix of unique San Diego decor and modern comforts, complete with original art by local artists, gave the common spaces as well as the rooms a vibrant personality. In fact, the common spaces were where the magic happened. Our favorite hangout spot was the outdoor patio, where we mingled and socialized with fellow travelers. Moreover, the staff went above and beyond to create a happening, happy, and warm social atmosphere that felt inclusive and natural.

We had the choice of both private rooms with mini-fridges and desks and dormitory rooms where the beds had curtains, privacy panels, and immaculate common bathrooms. If you’re with a group, the private bunk rooms offered both privacy and the opportunity to have fun.

Paradise Point Resort & Spa

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Most luxurious. One of the best San Diego hotels near La Jolla also happened to be one of San Diego, California’s best all-inclusive resorts. We’re talking about the Paradise Point Resort & Spa, a luxurious stay that sits on an island in the middle of Mission Bay. Since it sits on what could be called a private island, it had its own private beach and numerous beach parks. So, we felt absolutely secluded in paradise and enjoyed the celebrity-like treatment to the hilt.

“Luxury and a seaside escape didn’t get any better than at the aptly named Paradise Point Resort.”

WOW Travel

We loved the well-designed rooms and suites, all of which boast views of either the pool or the ocean. What’s more, they blended modern American design with SoCal’s upscale tropical style, leading to a mishmash that was as laidback as it was stylish. Moreover, they all boasted premium amenities like plush beds, luxe bathrooms, bespoke bath products, coffeemakers, fridges, and whatnot.

We enjoyed special treatment at the rest of the hotel too. Besides the fitness center, there was also a full-service spa where we were able to relax. What’s more, there were three restaurant choices, which included a pool bar from where we’d order drinks and snacks to our daybed. Finally, the freeform pool was our favorite, fringed with daybeds and foliage. Check out more details on their official website.

Pantai Inn

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Most romantic. Bali comes to SoCal in the form of the Pantai Inn. This wonderful hotel sits on the coastal boulevard in La Jolla, around 15 minutes north of the heart of Pacific Beach. We loved the Balinese style using natural materials such as wood and bamboo and made for a real retreat on the La Jolla shoreline.

When we stepped into the hotel, we felt like we were on a secluded tropical island, which was heightened when we headed to our room. Think tropical print cushions, paintings and artwork, a green-and-blue color palette, rattan furnishings, and — get this — a balcony overlooking the ocean. Did we mention that our room even had a fireplace? It was our own little romantic abode away from the world.

The hotel didn’t lack any amenities either. Since the focus here is on romance and seclusion, they offered complimentary breakfast spreads between Thursdays and Mondays. They’d even deliver it to our rooms! Private parking, free Wi-Fi, a bottle of wine, and beverages in the lobby completed the amenities here.

Scripps Inn

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Best B&B. One of San Diego’s best beachfront hotels is Scripps Inn. Imagine actually finding a beachfront B&B on the Pacific coast! That’s why we were thrilling to stay at this alluring and intimate property, which was a 15-minute drive to Pacific Beach. Due to the location right on the sands at Whale Watch Point, we were able to see sea lions and even whales right from the property’s lush gardens. The highlight of our stay was the complimentary continental breakfasts that we’d begin our days with. After that, we’d borrow the free beach toys and boogie boards and head out to the sandy beach right out front.

We had the choice of just 14 rooms, so staying here was a very intimate and exclusive experience. What’s more, all rooms had coffeemakers, luxe bathrooms, and flatscreen TVs, allowing everyone to have a taste the exclusivity. We chose the ocean vista suite for our SoCal anniversary celebration, complete with kitchenette, fireplace, and a sea-facing balcony.

Orli La Jolla

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One of La Jolla’s best beachfront hotels is Orli La Jolla, which sits in the heart of the seaside village, a 15-minute drive from Pacific Beach. It’s set within a 1910s-era landmark structure right across from a sandy stretch of Whispering Sands and Wipeout beaches. When we arrived at the hotel, we were immediately taken in by its tranquil vibe. The Art Deco-meets-modernity design gave off an artsy, rich feel. We’d spend all our time outside the room chilling at the Brew Bar or at the Orli Courtyard, digging into delicious meals.

The luxurious aesthetic also extends to each of the 13 guestrooms at Orli La Jolla. Not only that you’ll find your room comfortable, spacious, and unique, but it’ll also be a feast for the eyes. With designer furnishings and luxurious amenities like Apple TV, Marshall Speaker, and Nespresso machine, among many others. All in all, compared to other beach hotels in La Jolla, the Orli La Jolla definitely exceeds many of them.

L’Auberge Del Mar Resort and Spa

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We wanted to stay a bit farther from the bustle of Pacific Beach and even La Jolla, which is why we chose the L’Auberge Del Mar Resort and Spa. Located in Del Mar Heights, this hotel was about 20 minutes north of Pacific Beach even.

This ocean-inspired wellness luxury abode not only had a palatial pool deck but also private walking paths that allowed us to walk directly to the beach. So, we’d spend a day by the pool, followed by some beach time, and they’d be some of the most blissful days we spent on our SoCal vacation. In fact, we were treated to a curated platter of fresh crudités and even a welcome cocktail. While there were tennis courts, the real gem was the onsite spa, where we’d head to after a session at the outdoor pool. Finally, we’d wrap up the day with handcrafted cocktails at one of the two bars, followed by an intimate dinner at the restaurant.

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All rooms and suites were spacious with choices of views, plush California Queen or King beds, coffeemakers, mini fridges, and luxurious bathrooms with bathtubs and huge swish showers. Our Pacific One-Bedroom Suite was a spacious sanctuary with a living area and a private balcony, where we’d sip on a morning coffee and soak in the sunsets with a glass of wine.

The Inn at Sunset Cliffs

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Best value for money. Staying near the ocean doesn’t get any better than at the Inn at Sunset Cliffs. It sat 15 minutes south of Pacific Beach in the heart of Ocean Beach. The charming two-storied inn, which was recently renovated, was originally built in the 1950s. So, it might have motel charm on the outside, but on the inside, the vibe is thoroughly SoCal. The rooms and suites drew inspiration from the Greek island of Santorini, complete with sandy, white, and sky-blue hues. Moreover, they also had hardwood floors and wood-and-leather furnishings. Our suite was a major upgrade, as we also had a living room and stupendous ocean views from there too.

Even though it was a value-for-money place, the hotel had a bunch of facilities. Our favorite was the spacious and lovely pool area, which featured landscaped gardens, fragrant flowers and shrubs, string lights, and paper lanterns, besides chaise lounges, of course. After a long day of exploring the neighborhood, the pool area is where we’d be. The standout, though, is the terrace, where we could simply lounge with a cocktail in hand and soaking in ocean views. Despite there being no restaurant on the property, some excellent restaurants and bars were all within a stone’s throw. Did you know we could step off the property directly onto the beach? Yep.

La Jolla Cove Suites

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One of the best hotels near Pacific Beach San Diego was the La Jolla Cove Suites, which sits in the heart of La Jolla. We loved the relaxed beachfront vibe as well as the unparalleled views of the ocean from just about everywhere on the property. The excellent design and vibe of the hotel was complemented by the gorgeous digs and the impeccable hospitality. We had the choice of many rooms and suites, all of which were very comfortable. Not only were they available in many sizes and layouts, all of which boasted all mod-cons we needed for a memorable stay. Think luxe bathrooms, flatscreen TVs, plush beds, and free Wi-Fi, and our larger suite even had a kitchenette for us to whip up meals on the fly.

The location might have been incredible, but so were the hotel’s facilities. For instance, the rooftop terrace was where we’d lounge with cocktails at the end of the day and amazing views of the Pacific Ocean. Our days were spent swimming in and lounging by the outdoor pool, followed by time on the sands of the lovely La Jolla Cove Beach right across the street. A launderette, solarium, and access to the La Jolla Sports Club complete the facilities.

Grande Colonial La Jolla

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10 minutes north of Pacific Beach lies the Grande Colonial Hotel, one of San Diego’s best historic hotels. The 1913-opened hotel was La Jolla’s very first, with famous actor Gregory Peck’s father having been the pharmacist at the drugstore here! Today, a top-to-down renovation has turned it into a AAA Four Diamond hotel, making it one of the best hotels in La Jolla, San Diego.

We loved the touch of modern European, whether it was the decor in the common spaces or the rooms. The rooms and suites blended mod-cons like plush beds and swish bathrooms with blend old-time and antique decor. The green-and-gold color accents, the bespoke bath products, soft bathrobes, and free bottled water were the cherries on top.

The hotel does extremely well when it comes to facilities as well. Firstly, it’s home to a fabulous Michelin-starred farm-to-table restaurant, which serves exceptionally delicious food for all meals. The fabulous pool had ocean views and loungers where we could sprawl and relax. In fact, there was even a children’s pool, where the La Jolla seals often hung out!

Catamaran Resort Hotel and Spa

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One of the hotels closest hotels to Pacific Beach is the Catamaran Resort Hotel and Spa. It sits in the larger Pacific Beach neighborhood, but away from the beach. So, we could explore every neighborhood from Ocean Beach and Mission Bay to Pacific Beach and even La Jolla.

There was a lot of things we loved about this tropical-themed, Polynesian-inspired resort, besides the chilled-out vibe, of course. Tucked between the Pacific Ocean and Mission Bay, this resort impressed us right off the bat. The huge faux waterfall feature in the lobby, the lushly landscaped grounds with exotic birds, the tiki torches, and the koi ponds were as beautiful as they were relaxing. The chic rooms and suites took it a step further and boasted mesmerizing ocean views, kitchenettes, and even balconies, besides other standard hotel room amenities.

Besides the many onsite dining options, we loved the sprawling outdoor pool that faced the ocean. After a languorous swim, we’d relax on the loungers with cocktails and amazing views. However, since we visited in summer, we had the advantage of a bunch of activities. Think luaus, movie nights, and bonfires right on the beach. If that wasn’t enough, we also had access to watersports like kayaking, sailing, and stand-up paddleboarding. Did you know we could also play frisbees, footballs and cornhole, as well as rent bikes for riding along the boardwalk? Yep.

La Valencia Hotel

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Sitting at the top of the list is the La Valencia Hotel, which sits in the heart of the picturesque La Jolla. This quintessentially serene beachfront hotel captures the very essence of relaxation and luxury that SoCal is known for. Dating back to 1926, this historic property is famous for its lush landscape and Mediterranean-style architecture, which is like a beauty spot in the SoCal region.

Today, “The Pink Lady,” as it’s popularly called, boasts rooms and suites with huge paned windows and superb views of the lush gardens and the ocean. Moreover, they’re divided into categories like Icon, Classic, Villa, and Vintage, ranging from smaller, entry-level rooms to huge, 1,000-sq-ft suites. The decor is thoroughly “quaint Old World,” with satin finishes, beige hues, heavy drapes, and mod-cons like luxurious bathrooms and cloud-like beds.

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Besides the fancy room service here, we’d indulge in decadent breakfasts and other meals at the onsite restaurant. The hotel also allows four-legged companions, and we could borrow pink golf carts to explore the property and the beach. The centerpiece, undoubtedly, is the glamorous palm tree-lined pool, which is fringed with plush sunbeds too.

Our Verdict!

While we loved all of Pacific Beach’s stays, here are our absolute favorites.

• Best value for money: The Inn at Sunset Cliffs
• Best B&B: Scripps Inn
• Best hostel: ITH Mission Beach Backpacker Hostel
• Most luxurious: Paradise Point Resort & Spa
• Most romantic: Pantai Inn

Where to Stay in Pacific Beach, San Diego?

We were looking forward to driving down the thrilling Pacific Coast Highway in California, which, incidentally, leads to San Diego and is the eastern border of Pacific Beach. What’s more, there are many neighborhoods around Pacific Beach, which you need to zero in on to decide where you’re going to stay.

Firstly, there’s La Jolla north of Pacific Beach, another popular seaside community near San Diego. The crescent shaped La Jolla Cove is its most popular beach, which is great for scuba diving, snorkeling, and swimming. Windansea and Blacks beaches are excellent options for surfing, but the secluded Shell Beach is a hidden gem that can be accessed only via a steep set of stairs.

Next, there’s Mission Bay and Mission Beach just south of Pacific Beach. The vibrant neighborhood boasts a lovely boardwalk for walking, biking, and people-watching, along with beachfront activities, restaurants, and bars. South Mission Beach is quieter and more relaxed, making it the perfect seaside escape from the bustle.

Finally, there’s Ocean Beach, a boho neighborhood with a classic SoCal beach vibe just south of Mission Beach. It sits across Mission Bay Drive, close to Seaworld San Diego, one of the top things to do in San Diego. Sunbathing, surfing, and fishing rule the roost here, with live music playing somewhere in the background.

How do we get to Pacific Beach from San Diego?

Pacific Beach sits just 20 minutes northwest of San Diego along the San Diego Freeway.

What are the timings for Pacific Beach, San Diego?

Pacific Beach is open between 6 am and 10 am from Monday to Friday and between 6 am and 11 am on weekends. Not only does it have lifeguards, but also there’s no smoking, drinking, pets, camping, or noise allowed on the beach.

How far is Mission Beach from Pacific Beach?

Mission Beach sits around 4 mi (6.4 km) south of Pacific Beach, which is around 15 minutes away.