Many travelers who are coming to soak in our year-round sunshine specifically look for hotels in San Diego that offer furnished outdoor spaces.
Some advantages of booking a guest room or suite with a private balcony or terrace include extra seating for entertaining, gorgeous ocean views in many locations, a warm space to read a book, and even a quiet place for mom and dad to share a drink in the evening while the kids are sleeping inside.
As someone who talks to people about where to stay daily, I understand how important this feature can be. I’ve gathered my favorite San Diego hotels with a balcony or terrace on this list.
Balcony, Terrace or Patio?
People often ask me what the difference is between these three hotel room and suite features. Balcony is easy. You’ll find these as outdoor extensions of your room, always attached to the building, on floors two and above. Terrace and patio are often used interchangeably on hotel room descrptions. Technically, a terrace is a ground floor raised concrete, brick or stone seating area (thought you can also have a roof terrace) whereas a patio is also ground floor but not raised. Most hotels in San Diego call their outdoor living spaces terraces.
1. Hotel del Coronado
Neighborhood: Coronado Island
Hotel Class: Moderate-luxury
Why Go: Blending old-school luxury with high-end accommodations and modern amenities, Hotel del Coronado is loaded with historic charm along with fantastic views. The 757-room resort (soon to be more), with its gorgeous views of the Pacific Ocean, is a popular San Diego hotel on the beach not too far from downtown San Diego, San Diego Zoo, and Balboa Park.
As a National Historic Landmark that has attracted presidents, movie stars, and dignitaries since its opening in 1888. You can book into three buildings or neighborhoods: The Victorian, The Cabanas, and The Views.
All rooms and suites in The Cabanas and The Views have balconies or terraces. Not all rooms and suites in The Victorian building have balconies and terraces. The resort will not guarantee room location, but if a balcony is important and you have a room in The Victorian, have them make a note of it on your reservation.
Tips: The best rooms on the resort right now are the Cabana Oceanfront Fire Pit Terrace rooms. All terrace rooms have nicely furnished outdoor living spaces, but the oceanfront version has direct beach access.
Amenities:
- Full-service spa
- Lots of shops and restaurants
- Bike and beach rentals
- Fitness classes like mermaid fitness and beach spinning
- DelVentures kids’ club
Special Features:
- San Diego’s best full-service beach resort
- Lots of activities, especially during holidays when there is a beachfront ice skating rink
- Sofa beds in The Views and The Cabanas king guest rooms for families of four
Reservations: Through me, you have access to Virtuoso amenities at Hotel del Coronado at no extra cost to you that include:
- Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability (room upgrades are not possible in Beach Village)
- Daily breakfast credit of $40 per person for two guests per bedroom
- $100 USD equivalent Food & Beverage credit to be utilized during stay (not combinable, not valid on room rate, no cash value if not redeemed in full)
- Early check-in/late check-out, subject to availability
- Complimentary Wi-Fi
2. Beach Village at the Del
Neighborhood: Coronado Island
Hotel Class: Luxury
Why Go: Set within Hotel del Coronado, Beach Village at The Del is an enclave of villas and beach cottages that offers more privacy and an elevated level of service. You’ll get to experience everything on the main resort, but only Beach Village guests have access to the Beach Village enclave, including swimming pools.
Cottages are located in the front row of buildings whereas villas are located in the back row of buildings. Rooms, cottages, and villas that are labeled as Coastal View or Beachfront are on ground level. Rooms, cottages, and villas labeled Ocean View or Oceanfront are located on the second or third floors. This is important to keep in mind when making reservations if what you see from your balcony or terrace is important to you.
Tips: Some balconies and terraces have some neat extra features.
- Beachfront Cottage Junior Suite: Outdoor soaking tub on the terrace.
- Beachfront Cottage Suite: Fire pit on the terrace.
- 2-Bedroom Ocean View Villa Loft Suite: Outdoor soaking tub on the upstairs balcony.
- 3-Bedroom Beachfront Cottage Suite: Fire pit on the terrace.
Amenities:
- Residential-style guest rooms and suites
- Del beach rentals with special food and drink service
- Personalized concierge services
- Windsor Beach Club private area
- Plunge pools and hot tubs scattered throughout the property
Special Features:
- Windsor Beach Club (seasonal) access
- Gated access (main resort guests can not enter Beach Village)
Reservations: Through me, you have access to Virtuoso amenities at Beach Village that include:
- Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability (room upgrades are not possible in Beach Village)
- Daily breakfast credit of $40 per person for two guests per bedroom
- $100 USD equivalent Food & Beverage credit to be utilized during stay (not combinable, not valid on room rate, no cash value if not redeemed in full)
- Early check-in/late check-out, subject to availability
- Complimentary Wi-Fi
You can also check special rates on Hilton.com.
3. La Jolla Shores Hotel
Neighborhood: La Jolla
Hotel Class: Moderate
Why Go: If you want to stay at a beach hotel and don’t need many frills, this is the property for you. La Jolla Shores Hotel is family-owned and operated and one of two beachfront La Jolla hotels. Besides enjoying a great casual hotel experience, you’ll also be able to walk to several nearby places to eat in the La Jolla Shores neighborhood.
Guest rooms and suites have either balconies or patios. Beachfront rooms offer the best views. Only a few plants and a not-too-big-or-busy boardwalk separates your room from the sand. Garden View balconies overlook the resort.
Tips: I have stayed in the Beachfront Deluxe Two Queen. It’s a great option for larger families because of its two queen beds and sofa bed and also because it’s the room with a wrap-around balcony. It’s lovely for sunsets and ocean breezes.
Amenities:
- Complimentary beach chair and umbrella set ups
- Free WiFi
- Free local shuttle
- Tennis courts at sister property La Jolla Beach and Tennis Club
- Courtyard outdoor swimming pool
- Outdoor games like ping pong
Special Features:
- All guest rooms have balconies or patios
- Recently renovated rooms
Reservations: Most of my readers book direct or through Hotels.com.
Powered by Hotels.com
4. Pacific Terrace Inn
Neighborhood: Pacific Beach
Hotel Class: Moderate
Why Go: Travelers looking for an oceanfront hotel in San Diego with balconies that has a lower price point often choose this boutique hotel in the casual yet eclectic Pacific Beach neighborhood. Pacific Terrace Inn is located on the boardwalk and a short walk down the bluff to the sand.
Although the hotel has no restaurants (though they do offer breakfast, poolside sips and bites, a corner pantry, and a limited room service menu), you’ll find lots of casual eateries and beach bars nearby. It is the nicest beachfront hotel in the area and rooms are decked out in a Tommy Bahama-style.
Tips: Book Partial Ocean View but preferably Ocean View rooms to avoid alley/street/nightlife noise and also to have a much better view from your balcony.
Amenities:
- Complimentary towels, beach chairs and umbrellas
- Complimentary two-hour bike rentals
- Oceanfront outdoor pool and hot tub
- Concierge services
Special Features:
- Wheelchair, scooter, and stroller rentals
Powered by Hotels.com
5. Alila Marea Resort Encinitas
Neighborhood: South Carlsbad
Hotel Class: Luxury
Why Go: For the ultimate in pampering as well as spectacular Pacific Ocean views, this brand new resort is waiting for you. This property, nestled the cliffs above south Ponto Beach, has some of the most spectacular views on the San Diego coast.
Rooms are large, with many having extensive terraces with firepits or large balconies, making the Alila Marea Resort one of the best San Diego beach hotels with a balcony. Stay here for gourmet food (the restaurant Vaga is a new local hotspot), great service, and an upscale-relaxed vibe more suited to couples and business travelers, though families stay here, too.
Tips: The Firepit rooms offer plush wrap-around sofa seating on an oversized ground floor patio.
Amenities:
- Small beachfront outdoor pool and hot tub
- Valet parking
- Full-service spa with natural products
Special Features:
- Outdoor sofas in firepit rooms
- Locally sourced food and products in restaurants
- Regular and beach concierge services
Reservations: I can book you in with Hyatt Prive benefits that include:
- Daily breakfast for 2 in Vaga
- A $100 property credit
- A welcome amenity
- Upgrade at time of booking, subject to availability
- Early check-in & late check-out, subject to availability
6. Park Hyatt Aviara Resort & Spa
Neighborhood: Carlsbad
Hotel Class: Luxury
Why Go: This Forbes Five-Star resort boasts the perfect location for a family-friendly staycation or a girls’ weekend. It’s in Aviara, a residential golf community in North San Diego with tranquil lagoon views.
Park Hyatt Aviara is also centrally located to North San Diego County attractions like LEGOLAND California. And, it’s fresh off of extensive renovations that refreshed the rooms, swimming pools, and common areas.
Tips: The best balcony view is from the Coastal View rooms or the Fireside suites have fire pits on their private patios. I also really like the comfortable teak furnishings on all of the balconies and patios throughout the resort.
Amenities:
- Two outdoor pools (adult pool and family pool with water slides)
- Large, well-appointed rooms
- Two-bed rooms have two king beds in them while king rooms have kings beds and sofa beds
- Game room and activities
- Free WiFi
Special Features:
- Walking distance to Aviara Golf Club
- Adjacent to Baquitos Lagoon
- Tennis courts
Reservations: I can book you in with Hyatt Prive benefits that include:
- Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability.
- Daily full breakfast, for two guests per bedroom
- $100 USD Resort credit to be utilized during stay (not combinable, not valid on room rate, no cash value if not redeemed in full)
- Complimentary daily Aviara Spa access for two guests including sauna, whirlpool, steam room and indoor solarium lounge.
- Locally-inspired culinary welcome amenity
- Early check-in/late check-out, subject to availability
- Complimentary Wi-Fi
7. Fairmont Grand Del Mar
Neighborhood: East Del Mar
Hotel Class: Luxury
Why Go: Fairmont Grand Del Mar is a top San Diego luxury hotel and one of ten triple Forbes Five-Star properties worldwide (spa, hotel, and Addison restaurant).
Not only is this one of the best hotels with balconies in San Diego, but the 400-acre resort offers quite a few family activities and an adults-only room section. It’s all set against the peaceful Los Peñasquitos Canyon Preserve and, of course, you can take out the resort bikes or join a nature walk on the trails here.
Tips: Deluxe Veranda Rooms are located on floors 2-3 and have balconies (Fairmont Rooms do not have balconies). Signature Poolside rooms are adults-only rooms with large furnished terraces that have direct adults-only pool access.
Amenities:
- Four pools, including an adults-only pool
- One of my favorite hotel spas
- Tom Fazio-designed championship golf course
- Valet parking
- Extensive concierge services
Special Features:
- Explorer’s Club for kids ages 5-12
- Equestrian center
- Courtesy transportation with reservations
- San Diego’s only Michelin-starred restaurant, Addison
Reservations: I can book you in with Virtuoso amenities that include:
- Upgrade at time of booking, subject to availability (excluding suites)
- Daily continental breakfast for two guests per bedroom, served in Amaya or in-room dining (up to $70 per bedroom per day)
- $100 USD Activity credit per stay, valid for golf play, golf instruction, the Spa services, and/or Explorer’s Club fees to be utilized during stay (cannot be combined, not valid on room rate, no cash value if not redeemed in full – not valid towards retail or Haim Salon Services)
- Early check-in/late check-out, subject to availability
- Complimentary Wi-Fi
8. Sheraton San Diego Hotel
Neighborhood: San Diego Airport
Hotel Class: Moderate
Why Go: Great for a short getaway or layover, Sheraton San Diego Hotel is located on the San Diego Bay across from San Diego International Airport. A free airport shuttle runs throughout the day.
Enjoy all the features of a full-service resort with proximity to downtown San Diego, the Gaslamp Quarter, San Diego Zoo, and Petco Park. It’s my top pick for hotels near San Diego airport.
Tips: This hotel is popular on the 4th of July and any time there is an event or holiday boat parades on the bay that you will want to watch from a balcony room. Rooms with balconies specifically say balcony in their listing so keep an eye on the room you book.
Amenities:
- Electric car charging stations
- Free WiFi
- Fitness center
- Lagoon pool
- Watersports center onsite
Special Features:
- 130,000-square-feet of event space
- Massive bay views from balconies
- Can walk along the Embarcadero from roughly the hotel to Seaport Village passing many sights along the way
Powered by Marriott.com
9. Four Seasons Residence Club Aviara, North San Diego
Neighborhood: Carlsbad
Hotel Class: Luxury
Why Go: Four Seasons Residence Club Aviara is one of my favorite properties in town. This resort has large one- and two-bedroom villas with full kitchens and outstanding service that you won’t find anywhere else. If you don’t need that much space, book into a Superior King with a kitchenette.
You’ll find two villages here, each with separate restaurants, pools and fitness centers. The Four Seasons Aviara also allows guests to customize extended stay packages.
Like other hotels and resorts on this list, second- and third-floor accommodations have balconies and ground-floor rooms and villas have patios. You can look at the floor plans online to even see how they are furnished.
Tips: The two-bedroom suite is not available online so let me know if you need it using the button below. It has two balconies or patios.
Amenities:
- Free WiFi
- 24-hour business services
- Firepits and barbecue grills
- Separate children’s pools
- Self-parking included with the hotel fee
Special Features:
- Surf concierge services
- Access to on-property resort shuttle and rental cars
Reservations: I can book you in with Four Seasons Preferred Partner benefits that include the below.
- $75 Daily breakfast credit
- One-time resort credit: $100 for Superior King Guest Rooms, $200 for One Bedroom Villas, $300 for Two Bedroom Villas
- Upgrade of one category, based on availability at time of check-in (excluding signature suites, villas, and private residences)
- Complimentary basic Internet in all guest rooms; complimentary premium Internet in all suites
- Welcome note at check-in acknowledging you and your travel agency and the amenities that are being extended
10. The Dana Mission Bay
Neighborhood: Mission Bay
Hotel Class: Budget
Why Go: Located on Mission Bay, The Dana gives you a secluded resort experience at a reasonable price point.
This property is perfect for those who want San Diego hotels with a balcony but also want to partake in water sports on Mission Bay. Bring your boat here or easily rent water sports equipment like wave runners, kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, or ski boats.
Tips: You can book into two distinct sections of the resort. Only the Lanai Rooms in the Marina Cove section have private patios. Rooms and suites in the Water’s Edge section have furnished private patios and balconies either overlooking Mission Bay or Mission Bay Park and Sunset Point.
Amenities:
- Bayside infinity pool and hot tub
- Complimentary shuttle to Seaworld San Diego
- Fitness center
- Special dog-friendly rooms
Special Features:
- Guest slips available at nearby Dana Marina
- Minutes from Seaworld San Diego
Powered by Hotels.com
11. Hyatt Regency Mission Bay Spa and Marina
Neighborhood: Mission Bay
Hotel class: Moderate
Why Go: Hyatt Regency Mission Bay Spa and Marina is a wonderful choice for World of Hyatt members and families who want to be close to attractions like SeaWorld San Diego. It does offer hotel rooms with balconies in San Diego, but another big draw is the pool deck with three water slides.
The high-rise building (Main Tower), where most of the rooms are (there is also the Marina Building which is several stories high) has spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean, Mission Bay, Mission Beach, and downtown San Diego, making it one of the best hotels with balconies in San Digo for unforgettable sunrises and sunsets from your room.
You can walk to Mission Beach in about 20 minutes.
Tips: The best accommodations with outdoor living spaces are the Veranda Suite in the Marina Buiding and the Rooftop Terrace Suites on the 18th floor of the Main Tower. You might be surprised that suites here are reasonably priced relative to other San Diego hotels.
Amenities:
- Eco-friendly spa
- Nice pool area with poolside bar, cabanas, water slides and several pools
- Valet parking
- Concierge services
Special Features:
- Private marina with water sports rental and fishing excursions
- Waterfront fitness center
Powered by Hotels.com
12. San Diego Mission Bay Resort
Neighborhood: Mission Bay
Hotel Class: Moderate
Why Go: A boutique yet beachy atmosphere that is also family-friendly awaits at San Diego Mission Bay Resort. The hotel provides a nice bayfront swimming pool with a nearby kids’ pool and great food at Covewood, the main restaurant. Guests take advantage of kayak, SUP, and bike rentals from the onsite water sports center.
It’s one of the best San Diego hotels with balconies and patios because rooms are recently renovated and many offer bay views. The resort’s location provides easy access to local freeways to get you to nearby attractions like SeaWorld San Diego.
Tips: I like the ground-floor fire pit rooms because you can roast s’mores and will have a nice patio seating area. While all rooms are okay for dogs, book these fire pit rooms for easy access to grassy areas and the Mission Bay boardwalk. You’ll also need to drive to the ocean beach from here.
Amenities:
- Spa and fitness center
- Waterfront pool and wading pool
- Poolside cabana rentals
- Onsite market and coffee shop
- Pet-friendly
Special Features:
- A small bay beach
- Beach bonfires and s’mores nights
- Beach food and drink service
Powered by Hotels.com
13. Cape Rey Carlsbad Beach Resort
Neighborhood: Carlsbad
Hotel Class: Moderate
Why Go: Enjoy a relaxing vacation along the sunny Pacific Coast with spectacular ocean views. Lounge poolside in a cabana for a relaxing day or take one of the resort’s bikes for a tour of the coastline. Or take the resort shuttle over to popular and family-friendly South Ponto State Beach.
Stay at the Cape Rey Carlsbad Beach Resort if you’re looking for a larger hotel on the beach in Carlsbad with proximity to Carlsbad Premium Outlets, LEGOLAND California, and the Carlsbad Flower Fields.
Tips: Traditional and Pool View rooms do how have balconies. You will want to book an Ocean View Balcony Room or and Ocean View Suite.
Amenities:
- Free WiFi
- Outdoor pool
- Fitness center
- Business center
Special Features:
- Event space for up to 650 guests
- Full-service spa offering eco-friendly products
- Complimentary beach pack with chairs, umbrellas and towels
- Resort fee includes local shuttle to South Ponto Beach
Powered by Hilton.com
14. Beach Terrace Inn
Neighborhood: Carlsbad
Hotel Class: Moderate
Why Go: As the only oceanfront beach hotel in Carlsbad, life doesn’t get any more relaxing than this. Stay here if you simply want to spend your vacation on a gorgeous, quieter sandy beach and enjoy sunsets from your balcony overlooking the Pacific Ocean.
Rooms here are large as the family-owned and operated hotel was once an apartment building, making the Beach Terrace Inn a great destination for families. They don’t have an in-house restaurant but serve a continental breakfast and Carlsbad Village restaurants and shops are just steps away.
Tips: Poolside Cabana rooms have private furnished decks with direct pool access so are not the best choice for families with young kids. Courtyard Terrace Double rooms have a shared community balcony where all other rooms have private balconies and terraces. Some rooms (in addition to the pool and beach) are reached by stairs only.
Amenities:
- Beach valet services
- Concierge services
- Swimming pool
- Eco-friendly bath amenities
Special Features:
- Panoramic ocean views
- Family-owned and operated
- Popular with families
Powered by Hotels.com
15. Kimpton Hotel Palomar San Diego
Neighborhood: Downtown
Hotel Class: Moderate
Why Go: This chic hotel is within walking distance of many downtown San Diego attractions. Not only is this one of the great downtown San Diego hotels with a balcony, but some rooms here also have floor-to-ceiling windows, so you’ll be able to see the urban vista within the comfort of your room.
The Gaslamp Quarter is virtually outside your door, while the San Diego Convention Center is just a short ride away.
Tip: Here, if the room or suite specifically doesn’t list a balcony, it doesn’t have one. The Skyline King Balcony Rooms and Suites have furnished balconies, and so does the Harborview Spa Studio Balcony King and Spa Suite.
Amenities:
- 24-hour fitness center
- Custom-designed Kimpton bikes for riding around town
- In-room spa services
- Yoga mat in every room
- Rooftop outdoor pool
Special Features:
- Hosted evening social hour
- Pet-friendly
- Seasonal in-room book recommendations from Literary Hub
Powered by IHG
Tips for Booking San Diego Hotels with Balconies
While our year-round average temperature is 70 degrees, you may not use your balcony or terrace much during the evenings in winter, when temperatures can dip into the 50s. If you plan to use it as a getaway from sleeping kids during cooler months, be prepared to bundle up.
Always request a balcony, if you prefer one over a ground floor patio or terrace. The hotel won’t know your preferences otherwise.
And, be sure that the accommodation description lists a balcony, terrace, patio, veranda, or lanai as a guest room or suite feature. It if’s not listed, it probably doesn’t have one. You won’t see a description listing amenities that includes “no balcony.”