Here are Modern Luxury San Diego's top local travel picks.
The beautiful view from the Mission Pacific Beach Resort; PHOTO COURTESY OF BRAND
THE SEABIRD OCEAN RESORT & SPA AND MISSION PACIFIC BEACH RESORT
Waterfront hotels are strewn across San Diego. If you’re spending time in North County, The Seabird Ocean Resort & Spa and Mission Pacific Beach Resort are neighboring Hyatt properties just a stone’s throw from the historic Oceanside Pier. The Seabird is a charming six-story saltbox that’s ideal for families and includes a waterfront pool deck, Sunny’s Spa & Beauty Lounge, and Piper, a full-service restaurant and bar. Next door, Mission Pacific features a sexier vibe that draws couples. Grab drinks at The Rooftop Bar, take a dip at the sky-high pool or indulge in a sweet treat at High-Pie, a dessert shop inside the Top Gun House from the 1986 film. Then, enjoy the property’s crown jewel, Valle, where chef Roberto Alcocer offers exquisite tasting menus that recently earned the restaurant its first Michelin star.
MIRAVAL LIFE IN BALANCE SPA AT PARK HYATT AVIARA
Located at Park Hyatt Aviara in Carlsbad, this 15,000-square-foot haven is the only spa for the Miraval brand to be located outside a Miraval resort. Discover an exclusive menu of signature spa treatments, wellness experiences and fitness programming in 21 indoor and outdoor treatment rooms.
This sprawling 265-acre North County resort blooms with lush greenery, three swimming pools and an 18-hole championship golf course designed by William Francis Bell in 1964. Relax at the stellar spa or in a yoga class before enjoying top-notch dining at AVANT, which features garden-to-table dishes that epitomize wine-country dining.
A beach-chic room at Hotel la Jolla; PHOTO COURTESY OF BRAND
This Curio Collection by Hilton property is unveiling a fresh new look following a multimillion-dollar renovation. The refresh includes all 110 guest rooms and suites and Hotel La Jolla’s 11th-floor restaurant, Sea & Sky, a brand-new concept led by chef Anthony Wells, an alum of the award-winning Juniper & Ivy. Opened 50 years ago, the investment by Aimbridge Hospitality will usher in the next chapter for the landmark located blocks from the La Jolla Shores Beach, La Jolla Village, Birch Aquarium and the Del Mar Thoroughbred Club.
At this hacienda-style haven in La Jolla, tails will wag from the beginning of your stay through the end on the lush 10-acre grounds. Your pet will receive special accommodations, including a plush in-room bed and locally-made treats. Dogs are permitted on leash in designated areas throughout the property, including the patios at its Greenfinch and Mustangs & Burros restaurants. Four-legged friends are even invited to dine at Estancia with a special pup menu featuring grilled chicken or steak tartare, bacon and eggs, and an assortment of organic snacks. Del Mar North Beach, where dogs can run freely, is less than 9 miles away, and the hotel’s concierge is happy to assist with pet-sitting and walking services.
While this 400-acre property entices with the Forbes five-star Fairmont Spa & Wellness and the 18-hole Grand Golf Club, its culinary program is unlike anything else in San Diego County. Visit the outdoor Grand Social, terrace-seated Amaya and the crown jewel, Addison. Led by chef William Bradley, Addison is San Diego’s first three Michelin-starred restaurant, where an unforgettable culinary journey is promised.
THE WHALING BAR AT LA VALENCIA HOTEL
With its pink facade and Spanish-tiled roof, La Valencia Hotel is best known as The Pink Lady of La Jolla, a stunning landmark that opened its doors in 1926. VIPs—from Woodrow Wilson to Ginger Rogers—have visited the waterfront wonder, where modern dwellers head for weekend brunch at The Mediterranean Room, beautiful cocktails at The Whaling Bar, and fun in the sun at the ocean-view pool deck. SDCM Restaurant Group reopened The Whaling Bar in 2024, reviving the space that opened in 1949, including its original 20-foot mural “The Whale’s Last Stand” by Wing Howard.
Formerly a private residence designed by Irving Gill, whom many call the father of California modernism, Orli La Jolla is a 13-room boutique hotel located a block from the beach across from the Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego. Founded by brother-sister duo Hailey Waitt and Maxwell Waitt, the property charms with an entry library lounge, a courtyard filled with olive trees and complimentary kombucha on tap.
One of San Diego’s most famous regions, the historic Gaslamp Quarter comprises 16 1/2 blocks home to dozens of hot restaurants, bars, shops, museums and hotels. For the five-star treatment, book a room at Pendry San Diego, where six on-site restaurants, bars and a rooftop pool leave little reason to leave the posh property. Discover coastal cuisine at Lionfish, raise a glass at Fifth & Rose or Nason’s Beer Hall, or party the night away at Oxford Social Club. Recover the following day with brunch at Provisional Kitchen, Cafe & Mercantile or the splashy Pool House.
With a prime beachfront locale where guests of all ages can relax or play, this family-friendly resort offers 14 championship tennis courts, the nine-hole Spindrift Golf Course—perfect for beginners—weekly pickleball clinics, and yoga right on the sand. If you’d prefer to get out on the water, inquire about the property’s kayaking excursions, surf and standup paddleboard lessons, whale-watching tours and tide pools.
Since 2002, The Lodge at Torrey Pines in La Jolla has drawn golf lovers and luxury seekers to its lush grounds. The AAA five-diamond resort is home to the 36-hole Torrey Pines Golf Course, which offers the 7,698-yard South Course and 7,258-yard North Course, both with a par of 72. Pros also love the course as it’s the site of the U.S. Open and PGA Tour’s annual Farmers Insurance Open, returning Jan. 22 to 25, 2025. When you’re not on the fairway, enjoy The Spa at Torrey Pines, a meal at A.R. Valentien or explore the nearby Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve.
Pull up to L’Auberge Del Mar, and you’ll feel like you’ve arrived at a friend’s chic beach house, where complimentary beach cruisers allow you to explore the shoreline. Book a poolside cabana, get competitive on the tennis court or let L’Auberge’s staff set you up on the beach, just a stone’s throw from the property. End your day with an elegant dinner at the alfresco Adelaide restaurant, where the Pacific serves as the backdrop to a beautiful evening.
Part of Marriott Bonvoy’s Luxury Collection portfolio, this five-star property has been a glamorous respite for visitors to Downtown San Diego for more than 100 years. Dine at the historic Grant Grill, which opened in 1951 and offers live music Thursday through Saturday nights. Stay like the presidents and celebrities who have graced its halls in its beautiful suites, recently refreshed to $1.9 million.
The iconic Hotel del Coronado; PHOTO COURTESY OF BRAND
While many changes have recently debuted at Hotel Del Coronado—see the newly renovated Beach Village and the Shore House at The Del—this San Diego icon has drawn visitors to its waterfront shore since 1888. Embrace its sandy locale by reserving a beach daybed when the sun is high and roast s’mores during a bonfire or catch a flick during its Movies on the Beach series when night falls. The hotel’s $550 million restoration and revitalization will bring the famed Nobu restaurant to the property in 2025. Sushi lovers, rejoice!
The lobby bar at The Lafayette Hotel & Club; PHOTO BY KIMBERLY MOTOS
Following its opening in July 2023, this CH Projects concept has quickly gained popularity, even earning its place in the Historic Hotels of America. Built-in 1946 by entrepreneur Larry Imig, The Lafayette underwent a $31 million renovation, unveiling a stunning pool, 139 guest rooms and seven unique food and beverage concepts—including a bowling alley, jazz club and late-night supper club.
Take a dip at Omni La Costa Resort & Spa; PHOTO COURTESY OF BRAND
This beloved Carlsbad property recently unveiled reimagined guest rooms, a refresh of the award-winning Spa at La Costa—where Jackie Kennedy and Richard Nixon were known to relax—and the redesign of its championship golf courses led by renowned designer Gil Hanse, where Frank Sinatra was known to tee off. To make the most of its amenities, join The Club at La Costa, where membership earns you full access to the resort, plus preferred pricing and a robust calendar of monthly social events.
Stay in style at The Inn at Rancho Santa Fe. PHOTO BY JESSICA SAMPLE
Opened in 1924, The Inn at Rancho Santa Fe has found new life thanks to the renowned architectural designer Steve Hermann and interior designer Nina Chiappa. It’s no surprise that Hermann is a Montecito resident as The Inn captures the charm of storied properties like San Ysidro Ranch with its lush grounds that shroud its 85 suites, bungalows and residences in blooming privacy. By night, grab a drink at Bing’s Bar before indulging in beautiful plates at Clique Hospitality’s Lilian’s restaurant. Spa lovers will also enjoy relaxing at the new Mila Moursi Spa.
Try this 130-room resort atop a bluff overlooking the Pacific for a coastal getaway. Opened in 2021, highlights of the modern oasis include spacious suites—some with private fire pits—a sprawling oceanfront pool, concierge beach service, Spa Alila and VAGA Restaurant & Bar from founding chef Claudette Zepeda, a James Beard Award finalist.
Set the mood for romance at San Diego’s only Relais & Châteaux property, a Mediterranean-style escape that solely offers suites nestled among beautiful gardens and citrus groves. Indulge in a couples massage at the award-winning spa, a private yoga session for two or a couples tennis lesson. Suites offer guests the chance to cozy up by a fireplace or in a hot tub in the privacy of their backyard, while The Pony Room is the perfect spot to savor love and exquisite cuisine.
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