11 Best Hotels near Pacific Beach San Diego

With an annual 266 sun-kissed days, San Diego might just be the perfect destination for a Californian beach vacation. We chose Pacific Beach, a lively neighborhood between La Jolla and Mission Beach in northern San Diego, where sunsets, beach walks, and ocean swims rule the roost. PB, as it’s famously called, is especially known for its beautiful beach, flip-flop-friendly bars and restaurants, and a sense of coastal adventure. The best hotels near Pacific Beach, San Diego, were the very epitome of perfect beach abodes. Not only did most of them sit right on the beachfront, but also, they sat across a range of budgets. So, no matter the vibe you’re looking for or how deep you’re ready to dig into your wallets, PB has a lovely beachfront place to stay just for you.

Not for nothing is Pacific Beach hailed as one of the best beaches in California! Staying here was a once-in-a-lifetime experience, with the golden sands at our doorstep and the sounds of the ocean when we woke up. Here’s a detailed guide to staying in and near Pacific Beach, San Diego.

The Wayfarer San Diego

11

We begin with The Wayfarer San Diego, which sits right on Pacific Beach Drive in the southern part of the town. It’s one of the best beachfront hotels in the La Jolla region, and it’s easy to see why. We had the choice of well-furnished and spacious rooms and suites, all with plush, comfy beds, and state-of-the-art mod-cons that ensured us a comfy stay. Think coffeemakers, minibars, flatscreen TVs, and modern bathrooms with bespoke bath products. However, the standout feature was that every room boasted a private patio or balcony that overlooked the ocean, offering us once-in-a-lifetime views of the Californian coastline.

Furthermore, this beachfront stay even had a ton of amenities all lined up for us. Since we’re seafood lovers, we didn’t have to go far to try it, as the signature restaurant served it fresh, along with other farm-to-table cuisine. Did we mention that there was a heated outdoor pool, and that too directly facing the ocean? Nothing could be better than cooling off by the pool with a cocktail in hand, looking out to the Pacific Ocean. If you’re traveling with kids, the spacious lobby even had retro video games. Rounding up the facilities were the fitness center and the full-service spa.

Catamaran Resort and Spa

10

We wanted to take advantage of exploring Mission Bay, Pacific Beach, and La Jolla, which is why we stayed at the Catamaran Resort and Spa. This tropical-themed, Polynesian-inspired resort boasted a chilled-out vibe, sitting flush between Mission Bay and the Pacific Ocean. The minute we entered the lobby, the tiki torches, koi ponds, exotic birds, and the huge lobby faux waterfall feature immediately set the tone for our visit. The spacious rooms and suites took it a step further, adding thoughtful mod-cons like a balcony and kitchenette in our suite, with mesmerizing ocean views, of course.

“We loved our luxurious stay at Catamaran Resort & Spa, especially the setting, the service, and the views.”

WOW Travel

Aside from the many onsite dining options that ranged from Mediterranean and Italian to sushi and seafood, the resort also had a fantastic outdoor pool facing the ocean as well as a full-service spa. The highlight here, though, are the many activities that we took advantage of. When we went in summer, we enjoyed bonfires, movies, and luaus right on the beach. What’s more, we also had the options of water sports like sand-up paddleboarding, sailing, and kayaking, as well as renting bikes to cruise the boardwalk. Did we mention that the hotel had a bunch of complimentary game rentals including cornhole, footballs, and frisbees? Yes!

Surfer Beach Hotel

9

Surfing was on our minds ever since we were planning our vacation to Pacific Beach. So, it was natural for us to stay at the Surfer Beach Hotel. It sat right on the boardwalk, so when we’d step off the property, we were right on the sands. The laidback hotel embodied the very energy and vibe that defined this vibrant coastal community. So, we were able to immerse ourselves in the captivating surf culture of Pacific Beach. This was thanks to this hotel’s dedication to the surfing culture. They not only offered surfboard rentals but also encouraged us to paddle out and enjoy the waters.

Even the vibrant facade of our hotel was inviting, mirroring its free-spirited ambiance. What’s more, the comfy and casual hotel had tons of amenities, such as a fire pit and an outdoor terrace. It’s where we’d congregate at the end of the day, enjoying an alfresco dinner under the stars. The day would begin at the heated outdoor pool and there was even a bar where we would enjoy evening cocktails. Finally, we weren’t disappointed by the rooms and suites either, which were immaculate and simply decked out. Do you want to splurge? There were oceanfront suites with private balconies, which is what we chose. No wonder it’s one of the best beachfront hotels in San Diego.

The Beach Cottages

8

Best value-for-money beachfront hotel. We wanted to stay on the beach but not near the bustle of the pier, which is why we chose The Beach Cottages. The beach was right out front, which is one of the biggest plus points at this charming property. We had the choice of many units, all of which came with flatscreen TVs, coffeemakers, and private modern bathrooms with complimentary bath products. However, what was great was that the accommodation choices ranged from regular rooms and suites to apartments, cottages, and even villas. Since we were a large group of six adults, we booked the beachfront bungalow, complete with a beach-facing patio.

The rest of the hotel was equally excellent. After a long day of exploring the town, we unwound at the alfresco barbecue. Thanks to the free Wi-Fi, we were able to stay connected and plan our itinerary for the next day as well. Did you know that we even played table tennis here? That’s why this is one of the best budget hotels right on the shoreline.

Ocean Park Inn

7

Most romantic. We wanted to stay on the beach and soak in its laidback beach culture. That’s why we chose to stay at Ocean Park Inn, which sits right on the sands of Pacific Beach. Aside from the direct beach access, what made the inn so romantic was its choice of digs. The best ones were the rooms with balconies fronting the ocean; they offered an experience like no other.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Ocean Park Inn | San Diego (@oceanparkinnsd)

We chose to stay at the King Suite, which not only had a plush king bed and a separate living area but also a furnished oceanfront balcony. So, after a day of exploring the city, we would unwind right in the comfort of our balcony, glass of wine in hand. If that wasn’t enough, there was even a kitchenette where we could whip up romantic meals. Plus, there was nothing quite like starting our day with the sea breeze enveloping our hair, with the sun shining on the golden sands.

The stay wasn’t the only thing we loved about this hotel. We loved relaxing at the heated pool and spa in the courtyard, complete with ocean views. It was the perfect way to spend romantic moments with our partner.

California Dreams Hostel

6

We’ve always wanted a hostel experience, so we thought, why not stay in one right near the beach? One of the most value-for-money hotels near Pacific Beach, San Diego, is California Dreams Hostel. It was a mere minute’s walk from the beach, making it perfect for our sun, sand, and sea vacation.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by California Dreams Hostel (@californiadreamshostel)

We had a great time mingling with fellow travelers at the shared lounge at this hostel. It even had a terrace, where we’d hang out with a cold one and lovely views of the beach and the ocean, especially more so when we visited in summer. Thanks to the shared kitchen, we were even able to save a few pennies and whip up light meals when we felt hungry. Moreover, the free Wi-Fi throughout the property allowed us to plan our itinerary for the next day easily. When it came to the actual digs, we had the choice of private rooms as well as dorms, all with comfy bunk beds, fresh linens, and immaculate bathrooms. Since the area is popular for cycling, the hostel even allowed us to hire bikes to explore the neighborhood around.

La Jolla Cove Suites

5

One of the is charming beach hotels in La Jolla was the La Jolla Cove Suites, which offered us a relaxed beachfront ambiance and unparalleled views of the ocean. Since we’re out-and-out beach lovers, its location right in front of the Ellen Browning Scripps Park, with the ocean out front, made it perfect for us.

Just as the location was incredible, so was the rest of the hotel and its amenities. The hotel’s rooftop terrace was one of the best places to lounge in the region, as it offered breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean as we sipped on cocktails. Our days began with a dip in the outdoor pool, followed by a day at the lovely La Jolla Cove Beach just across the street. Besides a solarium and a launderette on the property, we even got free guest passes to the La Jolla Sports Club.

What topped off an excellent stay was the impeccable hospitality and the digs. The rooms were very comfortable, were available in many sizes, and had all mod-cons we needed for a comfy stay. Think free Wi-Fi, comfy beds, flatscreen TVs, modish bathrooms, and the like. Since our room was larger, it even came with a kitchenette.

Cormorant Boutique Hotel

4

An excellent boutique hotel in the La Jolla region is the Cormorant Boutique Hotel, which lay right on the Coast Boulevard in the heart of La Jolla. It was the location and the spellbinding views that made us choose this boutique hotel as our Pacific Beach abode. What’s more, we even spied the black sea birds that this property is named after.

However, there were lots of perks of staying at this hotel, the topmost being the rooftop bar and restaurant, Birdseye. As hotel guests, we even enjoyed a 15% discount, so we really enjoyed our drinks and meals here, complete with mesmerizing views. Not only was there a business center and Tesla charging stations but also a 24-hour Prospect Market and room service. Additionally, the staff even suggested water activities and procured the required equipment for kayaking and snorkeling, which was a lot of fun.

All rooms and suites boasted midcentury-modern touches and featured plush beds, flatscreen TVs, and modern bathrooms. Moreover, our ocean-view room even had a balcony and superb, sweeping views of the ocean.

Scripps Inn

3

Best B&B. One of La Jolla, San Diego’s best hotels is Scripps Inn, which also happens to be the only B&B on the list. This alluringly intimate property sat right on the sand at Whale Watch Point. So, when we stepped out on the lushly landscaped gardens, we saw whales and even sea lions!

With just 14 rooms, staying here was a very exclusive experience. However, they all featured ocean-inspired decor in soothing Pacific-blue and cream hues and mod-cons like TVs and coffeemakers. Our ocean vista suite even had a private lanai, or balcony, and that too faced the ocean, affording us some stunning water views. If that wasn’t enough, our room even had a kitchenette and a fireplace, allowing us to enjoy a properly romantic sojourn in Pacific Beach.

Our days began on a high note with complimentary continental breakfasts, after which we’d borrow the free boogie boards and beach toys and head out to the beach right out front.

Tower 23 Hotel

2

Best for families. We were looking for a good value and well-located hotel for staying along with the kids on Pacific Beach, and the Tower 23 Hotel was ideal for our needs. It sat right in front of the Pacific Beach pier, on the Ocean Front Walk. So, we had easy beach access right off the property, making it great for us to spend the day at the beach as a family. Plus, a convenient wooden walkway led from the pool area to the beach. Hence, we’d enjoy extended water time, first at the outdoor pool and then at the beach!

When we wanted to take some time for ourselves, we had the options of yoga on the beach, Sunday brunches, and even a spa for some much-needed downtime and pampering. When we’d get together as a family, the onsite restaurant, JRDN, served a variety of cuisines. Plus, the terrace bar was one of the best spots around to relax with cocktails and drinks while soaking in the sunsets. 

Most of the rooms and suites, including our double room, had private patios with lovely views of the pool and the ocean. Moreover, there were modern bathrooms with chromotherapy baths, coffeemakers, plush beds, and flatscreen TVs for a comfy vacation. No wonder this is one of the best family hotels in San Diego.

Pacific Terrace Hotel

1

Sitting at the top of the list is the luxurious Pacific Terrace Hotel, which has received the prestigious AAA Four Diamond award every year since 2007! Since we wanted to splurge a bit, we decided to shack up here for our Pacific Beach sojourn, and we were mightily impressed. Tucked at northern end of the Pacific Beach boardwalk, the resort had a modest resort fee that featured a ton of inclusions. These not only included beach/pool towels, sand toy rentals and boogie boards but also beach chairs and umbrellas. So, we were completely set for spending long, sun-kissed days at the beach!

However, that’s not all that the resort fee included. We even had access to two-hour beach cruiser rentals, allowing us to cruise across the sand. If that wasn’t enough, the fee even included fresh-baked cookies at 4 pm everyday as well as a beverages refreshment station. Outside this, the resort even had underground parking, a fitness center, and a terrace cafe that served delicious breakfasts with views. Our favorite place, though, was the outdoor heated pool, where we’d spend long and languorous times when we weren’t at the beach. The only extras? In-room massage therapy treatments, which we were more than happy to pay for.

The kicker, though, was that the rooms and suites were spacious, gorgeous, and with a nautical feel, luxurious bathrooms, and swish mod-cons. What more could we ask for?

Our Verdict!

Staying at any of these Pacific Beach hotels was a lovely experience. However, we’ve whittled down the list so you can choose where to stay according to your preferences.

• Best value-for-money beachfront hotel: The Beach Cottages
• Most romantic: Ocean Park Inn
• Best B&B: Scripps Inn
• Best for families: Tower 23 Hotel

Where to Stay in Pacific Beach, San Diego?

California’s legendary Pacific Coast Highway forms the eastern borders of Pacific Beach, which sits between Mission Bay and La Jolla Alta. While you might think that Pacific Beach is all about the coast, it’s actually not. It boasts many neighborhoods, both coastal and inland, so deciding where to stay was important for us, and for you too.

The main stretch of the shoreline is Pacific Beach, which runs along Mission Boulevard throughout the eastern fringes of the neighborhood. It’s lined with some of the best beachfront hotels in San Diego, as well as the pier and loads of amazing seaside restaurants and bars. Next, there’s the Mission Bay neighborhood, which is the slice of land between Mission Bay and the ocean. It’s famously home to the lush Santa Clara Point and a few upscale hotels.

Finally, there’s the chunk of hotels near the Pacific Coast Highway, close to the Pacific Beach Tennis Club.

Is Pacific Beach San Diego walkable?

Yes, you can walk the entire length of the shoreline along the Oceanfront Walk.

Is Pacific Beach good for swimming?

Yes, absolutely. Stretching right from Mission Bay all the way up to the La Jolla cliffs, Pacific Beach is perfect for not just swimming, but also for rollerblading, biking, sunbathing, and surfing.

Which is the best hotel in Pacific Beach for families?

That would be the Tower 23 Hotel, which not only had a good location right on the beach but also excellent accommodations large enough for families.