The Lafayette Hotel & Club in North Park is a maximalist’s dream haven. PHOTO BY MATT KISIDAY
BEST HOTEL RESTAURANT
ADDISON AT FAIRMONT GRAND DEL MAR
Addison at the Fairmont Grand Del Mar is San Diego’s crown jewel of hotel dining, earning acclaim as the city’s only three-star Michelin restaurant. Helmed by chef William Bradley, it delivers an elevated take on California cuisine, blending local ingredients with global inspiration. Every dish is a thoughtful expression of flavor and artistry, from intricate rice preparations to luxurious caviar accents.
BEST MUSEUM
The San Diego Museum of Art has inspired visitors since 1926, anchoring Balboa Park with nearly a century of artistic legacy. As the city’s leading museum, it pairs timeless masterpieces with compelling new exhibitions that reflect a global perspective. In 2025, standout shows like Impressionism Across the Atlantic bring fresh insight into European art and its enduring influence.
Flamingos have been part of the animal kingdom at the San Diego Zoo since 1932. PHOTO COURTESY OF SAN DIEGO ZOO
BEST VISITOR ATTRACTION
Spanning 100 acres in Balboa Park, the San Diego Zoo is home to over 12,000 rare and endangered animals representing more than 680 species and subspecies. The zoo’s innovative, cageless exhibits replicate natural habitats, providing immersive experiences like the Wildlife Explorers Basecamp. As an accredited botanical garden, it also boasts a collection of over 700,000 plants, enhancing the lush environment. This fusion of diverse wildlife, engaging exhibits and rich flora solidifies the San Diego Zoo’s status as the city’s premier visitor attraction.
BEST LUXURY TOUR PERFECT PAIRINGS
SAN DIEGO AND PALM SPRINGS BY SCOTT DUNN
This five-night luxury wellness escape begins with a stay at the iconic Rancho Valencia Resort & Spa, a Relais & Châteaux property. Unwind with yoga, Pilates and tennis before exploring the sparkling coast of La Jolla. From there, continue to The Ritz-Carlton, Rancho Mirage, perched above the Coachella Valley, where spa indulgence meets desert serenity, and adventures unfold in Joshua Tree National Park and atop Mount San Jacinto. From curated olive oil tastings in Temecula to sunset sound baths in the desert, this Scott Dunn-exclusive itinerary is a perfect blend of rejuvenation, exploration and refined indulgence.
BEST DRIVABLE DESTINATION
With myriad luxury hotels—from Montage Laguna Beach to The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel to The Resort at Pelican Hill—Orange County provides a seaside escape for travelers of all ages. A short trip north of San Diego scores you access to Disneyland, premium shopping at South Coast Plaza and exciting sporting and performing arts events at the Honda Center and Segerstrom Center for the Arts, respectively. Embrace the great outdoors with a hike at Crystal Cove State Park or charter a Duffy boat in the Newport Harbor to live like the locals.
Take a day trip to Montage Laguna Beach, one of Orange County’s top resort destinations. PHOTO COURTESY OF MONTAGE LAGUNA BEACH
BEST HOTEL FOR A STAYCATION
Book a staycation at 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. Reserve a poolside cabana, unwind in the eucalyptus sauna at Spa L’Auberge, or let the hotel’s staff set you up on the beach, just steps from the property. End your day with a delicious dinner at the alfresco Adelaide restaurant, where sunset views of the Pacific’s rolling tides await.
Grab at cocktail at The Whaling Bar at La Valencia Hotel in La Jolla. PHOTO BY JAMES TRAN
BEST HOTEL BAR
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. In 2024, SDCM Restaurant Group reopened The Whaling Bar, reviving the original space that debuted in 1949. Enjoy a dinner menu designed by executive chef Brian Redzikowski that includes duck meatballs, Maine scallops and a prime New York striploin. Cocktails like the Pink Royale and Green Dragon get the good times rolling.
BEST SKI GETAWAY
A short plane ride from San Diego, Montage Deer Valley delights with luxurious amenities, world-class ski slopes and stunning mountain views. With a prime location in the heart of Deer Valley Resort, its ski-in and ski-out accommodations provide guests with exceptional access to some of the best skiing in North America, including groomed runs and expert-level terrain. Fine dining, a premium spa and exclusive services ensure experiences rich in both adventure and relaxation.
BEST FAMILY EXPERIENCE
Gather the whole family at this beachfront property where guests of all ages can explore 14 championship tennis courts, the beginner-friendly nine-hole Spindrift Golf Course, seaside yoga and pickleball clinics. On the water, enjoy kayaking excursions, surf and standup paddleboard lessons, whale-watching tours and splashing around in the tide pools.
BEST WEEKEND GETAWAY
This charming property by renowned architectural designer Steve Hermann and interior designer Nina Chiappa delights with 85 suites, bungalows and residences shrouded in privacy among lush landscaping and blooming florals. Dine at the on-site Lilian’s restaurant for brunch or dinner, grab a drink at Bing’s Bar or lounge poolside before enjoying a facial or massage at the Mila Moursi Spa.
BEST NEW UPGRADES
While this historic beachfront property has been drawing locals, royals and celebrities since 1888, Hotel del Coronado’s $550-million restoration and revitalization project ensures its legacy well into the future. Veranda restaurant recently opened in the former Sheerwater space, and Nobu Del Coronado debuts this May. Those elevated culinary offerings complement the June completion of the $160-million refresh of The Del’s iconic Victorian building.
Soak up the sun poolside or on the beach at the iconic Hotel del Coronado. PHOTO COURTESY OF HOTEL DEL CORONADO
BEST NEW HOTEL IN THE GASLAMP QUARTER
Privacy awaits at this guest-only property, a first for San Diego. Housed in a Romanesque building from 1904 in the Gaslamp Quarter, the Granger Hotel offers 96 rooms, a sleek lobby cafe known as 5th & Lox, and The Parlor Room, an intimate lounge that complements the whimsy and charm of the buzzy new hotel. Visitors also have access to the nearby AquaVie, a premium wellness destination and fitness club where you can soak up the sun at the on-site rooftop pool.
BEST HOTEL IN ENCINITAS
ALILA MAREA BEACH RESORT ENCINITAS
Alila Marea Beach Resort Encinitas stands out for its unbeatable oceanfront location, offering panoramic views of the Pacific right from your room. The resort blends laid-back coastal vibes with eco-conscious luxury, featuring sustainably sourced materials and thoughtful design. Guests rave about the oceanfront restaurant VAGA, which highlights fresh, local ingredients with a creative California flair. With direct beach access, personalized wellness experiences and an intimate boutique feel, Alila Marea delivers a uniquely elevated stay.
BEST HOTEL IN CARLSBAD
Park Hyatt Aviara in Carlsbad provides approachable luxury, enhanced by the recent reopening of its signature restaurant, Ember & Rye. Helmed by celebrity chef Richard Blais and executive chef Jonathan Bautista, the restaurant continues to impress with its focus on vintage steaks, fresh seafood and sweeping golf course views. The resort also features the Miraval Life in Balance Spa Aviara, the first of its kind outside a Miraval resort, offering an array of coastal-inspired wellness treatments.
A spa day featuring indoor or outdoor treatments awaits at the Miraval Life in Balance Spa Aviara in Carlsbad. PHOTO COURTESY OF MIRAVAL LIFE IN BALANCE SPA AVIARA
BEST HOTEL IN THE GASLAMP QUARTER
City slickers should head to Pendry San Diego in the Gaslamp Quarter to explore an array of exceptional amenities. Guests can choose from six unique dining and entertainment venues, including the modern coastal cuisine of Lionfish and the rooftop lounge, The Pool House, which offers sweeping city views. The hotel also features a full-service spa and a 24-hour fitness center overlooking the pool deck. The heated rooftop pool provides a luxurious retreat, enhancing the overall guest experience.
BEST HOTEL FOR SPA LOVERS
Rancho Valencia Resort & Spa, a Relais & Châteaux-designated property, is renowned for its luxurious accommodations and exceptional amenities. The resort’s Forbes five-star-rated spa offers a range of rejuvenating treatments, including facials and massages, within 10 treatment rooms featuring private patios and fireplaces—nine boast deep alfresco soaking tubs and luxurious rain showers. After hours, unwind in your private suite or savor an exceptional meal at The Pony Room.
BEST HOTEL FOR BEACH LOVERS
THE SEABIRD OCEAN RESORT & SPA
The Seabird Ocean Resort & Spa in Oceanside offers a premier seaside stay with direct access to the beach. Guests can enjoy dazzling views of the Pacific Ocean and the iconic Oceanside Pier from their rooms, many of which feature private balconies. The resort provides complimentary beach chairs and umbrellas through The Beach Rambler, ensuring a leisurely day on the shore. After soaking up the sun, retreat to Sunny’s Spa & Beauty Lounge for a facial or massage.
BEST COUPLES GETAWAY
Fan the flames of romance at The Lodge at Torrey Pines. A seaside dinner overlooking the 36-hole Torrey Pines Golf Course at A.R. Valentien promises a memorable dining experience, while a dip in the pool or soak in the hot tub under the stars will have sparks flying. Book a 50- to 80-minute couples massage to enjoy side-by-side treatments at The Spa at Torrey Pines.
MOST ANTICIPATED HOTEL OPENING
After achieving soaring success with the decadent Lafayette Hotel & Club in North Park, CH Projects is at it again with The Baby Grand, a $15-million project coming to Coronado Island this year. Expect 31 thoughtfully designed rooms and three new restaurant concepts in a space awash with mosaic floors, hand-printed tapestries and lush landscaping.
BEST HOTEL ROOFTOP
Mission Pacific Beach Resort in Oceanside marries stunning ocean views with laid-back elegance. A highlight of the resort is The Rooftop Bar, the area’s only rooftop bar, where guests can enjoy craft cocktails, live music and breathtaking sunsets over the Pacific. The space is also home to the hotel’s sky-high pool, a perfect place to soak up the salty air. Back on land, enjoy the Michelin-starred Valle restaurant at the property’s base.
BEST NEW WATER PARK
GAYLORD PACIFIC RESORT & CONVENTION CENTER
Opening May 15, Gaylord Pacific Resort & Convention Center in Chula Vista promises family-friendly excitement with its sprawling 4.25-acre outdoor water park. Perfect for all ages, the water park features thrilling waterslides, a lazy river, multiple pools and private cabanas that allow you to relax in style. Guests can enjoy handcrafted drinks at two pool bars while soaking in San Diego’s sunshine and ocean views. As the largest hotel built on the West Coast to date, Gaylord Pacific pairs premium accommodations and elevated amenities with endless aquatic fun.
BEST SKY-HIGH DINING
Hotel La Jolla recently underwent a multimillion-dollar renovation, unveiling the penthouse-level restaurant Sea & Sky in May 2024. This dining venue offers sparkling ocean views and a menu emphasizing fresh, locally sourced seafood and regional ingredients under the direction of executive chef Ernest Lopez. Sea & Sky provides a refined dining experience that captures the essence of coastal California cuisine—go ahead, dig in.
BEST PET-FRIENDLY HOTEL
Bring your four-legged friend to Alma San Diego, where up to two pups can join you overnight for an additional $75 fee. The hotel offers plush pet beds, mats, food and water bowls, and close proximity to the Gaslamp Quarter and Little Italy, providing ample opportunities for scenic walks and pet-friendly dining. Ask the hotel’s thoughtful staff about its seasonal pet-friendly events.
BEST HIDDEN GEM
Tucked away in the heart of La Jolla, Orli is a boutique hideaway that fuses early 20th-century charm with a fresh, modern vibe. Once the creation of famed architect Irving Gill, this 1913 gem has been lovingly reimagined, offering just 13 thoughtfully designed rooms—each with its own unique touches, from vintage typewriters to vinyl records. Located steps from the ocean and the La Jolla Village, Orli remains one of San Diego’s best-kept secrets.
BEST HOTEL IN DOWNTOWN SAN DIEGO
The US Grant is a beacon of historic elegance. Established in 1910, this 11-story architectural gem features a palatial lobby adorned with sparkling chandeliers and Corinthian-style columns. Guests are treated to luxurious accommodations, including rooms with nine-foot ceilings, crown molding and commissioned French and Native American art. Visit Grant Grill for gourmet dining, complemented by an extensive wine list.
BEST WELLNESS RESET
Nestled in the serene hills of Vista, Cal-a-Vie Health Spa is an immersive retreat designed to rejuvenate the mind, body and spirit. With only 32 private villas, guests receive personalized attention through tailored fitness programs, indulgent spa treatments and nutritious gourmet meals. The tranquil ambiance, reminiscent of the French countryside, provides an ideal setting for those seeking a comprehensive wellness reset.
BEST TASTE OF EUROPE
Enjoy a taste of Europe’s refined elegance at The Westgate Hotel, a property inspired by the Palace of Versailles. Crystal chandeliers and handcrafted European furnishings fill the 235-room venue, which opened in 1970 and was once the most expensive hotel built in the U.S. While celebrities, dignitaries and politicians have all stayed at The Westgate, it continues to draw locals and out-of-towners with San Diego’s largest rooftop pool, a four-story wellness center and its sophisticated afternoon tea service.
BEST NEW BOUTIQUE HOTEL
Situated on the historic grounds of John D. Spreckels’ former Japanese tea garden, this 39-room retreat embodies the Japanese wabi-sabi philosophy, celebrating natural beauty and imperfection through minimalist design and organic materials. Guests can indulge in shimmering seaside views from Dive, Coronado’s first rooftop bar and restaurant. With its thoughtful design and personalized service, The Bower Coronado sets a new standard in the region.
BEST UNPLUGGED RETREAT
Unplug during Golden Door’s all-inclusive, highly personalized program featuring daily spa treatments, one-on-one fitness training, mindfulness sessions and farm-to-table meals sourced from its own biodynamic gardens. With only 40 guests per week, the intimate experience allows for profound personal transformation through 600 acres of private wilderness, yoga and meditation classes, and thought-provoking workshops nurturing the body and mind.
BEST MIDCENTURY MODERN HOTEL
Oozing midcentury architectural charm, The Pearl Hotel was originally designed by architect Robert Platt in 1959 and has been thoughtfully updated to preserve its vintage allure. Central to its appeal is Ponyboy, the hotel’s poolside restaurant and bar, which reimagines classic midcentury dishes with a modern twist under the guidance of industry veterans Ian Ward and Danny Romero.
BEST HOTEL FOR GOLF LOVERS
Tee off at Rancho Bernardo Inn’s 18-hole championship golf course, designed by William Francis Bell Jr. in 1962. The par-72 course spans 6,667 yards and has hosted prestigious events like the 1964 San Diego Open, where Art Wall Jr. clinched the title. Don’t miss the celebrated 18th hole surrounded by mature trees and undulating greens, providing both challenge and beauty to conclude your round.
BEST SISTER PROPERTIES
OMNI LA COSTA RESORT & SPA AND OMNI SAN DIEGO HOTEL
These sister properties offer something for travelers of every taste. Omni La Costa, nestled on 400 acres in Carlsbad, features championship golf courses, eight sparkling pools and a world-class spa, providing a serene retreat for guests seeking relaxation and recreation. In contrast, Omni San Diego Hotel is a vibrant urban experience, ideally situated near the Gaslamp Quarter, Petco Park and the San Diego Convention Center, making it an excellent choice for visitors interested in exploring the city’s dynamic cultural scene.
Go big by booking the sky-high presidential suite at Omni San Diego Hotel. PHOTO COURTESY OF OMNI HOTEL SAN DIEGO
BEST HOTEL FOR HYDROTHERAPY
Murrieta Hot Springs Resort is renowned for its exceptional hydrotherapy offerings, providing guests with over 20 pools, each filled with 100% natural geothermal mineral water. Unwind in the adult-only bathhouse or try guided cold plunges, invigorating mud cove experiences and the panoramic cedar sauna, all designed to promote holistic wellness and relaxation.
BEST HOTEL PROGRAMMING
Estancia La Jolla Hotel & Spa is renowned for its unique seasonal activations and events that captivate guests year-round. During spring, the annual Garden Party invites patrons to enjoy an afternoon of floral-inspired activities amid the resort’s lush gardens. In June, the resort hosts the Agave Fest, an evening featuring artisanal Mexican spirits, Baja-inspired cuisine, live music and entertainment beneath the palm trees. Thoughtfully curated, each event amplifies Estancia’s commitment to providing its visitors with one-of-a-kind experiences.
BEST SHELTER ISLAND HOTEL
Nestled on Shelter Island, Kona Kai San Diego Resort boasts the only privately owned beach in San Diego, offering guests a tranquil retreat with fire pits and private cabanas. Its private marina provides easy access to various water activities, while the recently renovated guest rooms feature vibrant coastal decor and modern comforts. Guests can also enjoy waterfront dining at the Vessel Restaurant, unwind at SpaTerre and relax at the outdoor pool overlooking the marina.
BEST TROPICAL RETREAT
Experience a taste of the Polynesian lifestyle at Catamaran Resort Hotel & Spa on the shores of Mission Bay. Lush tropical gardens, koi ponds, waterfalls and exotic birds set the scene for myriad activities, from beachfront dining at the Oceana Coastal Kitchen to rejuvenating treatments at The Catamaran Spa to water sports such as windsurfing and kayaking.
BEST BOUTIQUE HOTEL
The Lafayette Hotel & Club in North Park seamlessly blends historic charm with modern luxury. Initially opened in 1946, this iconic establishment has hosted legends like Bob Hope and Ava Gardner. Following a $31-million renovation completed in 2023, the hotel now boasts 139 uniquely designed rooms and eight distinctive dining and drinking venues, including a 24-hour diner, an Oaxacan-inspired restaurant, a supper club with live music, and a retro bowling alley.
Photography by: MATT KISIDAY
