The Top Resorts on Mission Bay, San Diego

San Diego’s Mission Bay is a beautiful saltwater lagoon located south of the Pacific Beach community. It’s home to both SeaWorld and Mission Bay Park, which is the largest man-made aquatic park in the country offering plenty of spots perfect for jogging, cycling, wakeboarding and jet skiing. There are also some outstanding hotels and resorts for those who desire a relaxing and luxurious vacation.

Each destination on this list offers so many amenities that you won’t have to leave the property if you don’t want to. And while it’s definitely nice to get out and explore the gorgeous area, it’s equally as lovely knowing you can relax by the pool all day without having to budge.

The Dana on Mission Bay

Whether you’re traveling with a family or on a romantic getaway, the staff of The Dana on Mission Bay will welcome you warmly. In fact, they encourage children to visit by offering fun activities for their young guests like a sand play area, lawn bowling and Dive-In movies at the topical pool all summer. The Firefly Restaurant & Bar serves three meals a day (plus a daily happy hour), and you’ll have your choice of rooms ranging from standard to suite. The Bay View infinity pool and spa is a wonderful perk. Also worth mentioning: The Dana is dog-friendly.

Catamaran Resort and Spa

This Polynesian-themed resort is a tropical getaway on the shores of Mission Bay. Great for large groups and board meetings, they offer everything from garden rooms to waterfront suites. You’ll have an array of dining options here ranging from the waterfront Oceana Coastal Kitchen to summer sunset luaus. Their onsite spa offers innovative treatments like water therapies along with a classic massage menu.

Paradise Point

Paradise Point is technically located on its own private island, though it is accessible by car. A mile of sandy beach encompasses the resort, and the five onsite restaurants include two waterfront options. Children are welcome at Paradise Point, but one of the five pools is for adults only in case anyone needs some child-free time (see our list of the best family friendly hotel pools in Southern California). It’s easy to spend an entire weekend here since the resort offers so many recreation options like bike rentals, tennis, croquet and mini golf.

Bahia Resort Hotel

The entire Bahia Resort sits right on the beach, and the activities reflect it—guests are treated to movies by the pool, torch lighting ceremonies and their featured California Dreaming beach parties. You’ll also be able to see SeaWorld’s fireworks from the property from May-September. The property features two restaurants, a bar with live music and a Mission Bay boat cruise that’s free to hotel guests.

Hilton San Diego Resort & Spa

The Hilton’s Mission Bay Resort has a wading pool for the little ones, a waterfront pool with cabanas for the adults, and an onsite spa and fitness center for those who need to focus on self-care. The property has three restaurants, a coffee shop that serves breakfast and lunch, and in-room dining is available. For parents who’d like to take their children along but enjoy a date night as well, the Hilton offers a Kids Kamp daycare service and chaperones for the Kids’ Night Out Dive In movies for a small fee.