
Best Hotel Pools in San Diego
Soak up the sun at the city’s most stunning spots to swim.
Why San Diego Has the Best Hotel Pools
With 266 days of sunshine a year, ocean breezes, and views that stretch from the Pacific to the mountains, San Diego is a pool lover’s paradise. Whether you’re after rooftop skyline views, lazy rivers, family-friendly water slides, or a glamorous adults-only escape, America’s Finest City has a hotel pool to match your style. This guide highlights the top hotel pools in San Diego, with details on what makes each one special — plus whether you can enjoy them without booking a room.
Quick Picks – Best Hotel Pools in San Diego
Hotel |
Best For |
Key Features |
Day Pass? |
Hotel del Coronado |
Beachfront luxury |
Historic oceanfront pool, cabanas |
Yes |
Pendry San Diego |
Rooftop vibes |
Downtown skyline views, trendy crowd |
Yes |
Hyatt Regency Mission Bay |
Families |
3 water slides, kids’ pool, cabanas |
No |
Town and Country Resort |
Water slide lovers |
150-ft slide, kids’ pool, poolside movies |
Yes |
Sycuan Casino Resort |
Adults & gaming |
Lazy river, poolside gaming, events |
Yes |
The Lafayette Hotel |
Retro chic |
Italian Riviera style, swim passes |
Yes |
La Valencia Hotel |
Romance |
Ocean views, Mediterranean charm |
Yes |
Paradise Point Resort & Spa |
Variety |
5 pools, adults-only option |
No |
Fairmont Grand Del Mar |
High-end luxury |
Elegant adults & family pools |
No |
List of Best Hotel Pools in San Diego
Lets explore each Hotel Pools in San Diego in more details.
Hotel del Coronado
- Best for: Iconic beachfront luxury
One of California’s most famous resorts, the Hotel del Coronado offers a heated oceanfront pool with direct beach access. Cabanas with fire pits are perfect for sunset cocktails. Day passes are available via ResortPass, making it a must-do for both locals and visitors.
Pendry San Diego
- Best for: Stylish rooftop vibes
Located in the Gaslamp Quarter, Pendry’s rooftop pool is surrounded by plush lounge chairs and sweeping skyline views. The lively atmosphere attracts a trendy crowd, with poolside cocktails and DJs on select weekends. Day passes available
The Hyatt Regency Mission Bay Spa and Marina
- Best for: Families and water slide fun
This resort features three water slides, a dedicated children’s pool, and private cabanas. Pelican’s on the Bay pool bar serves small plates and tropical cocktails. Overnight guests get full access.
Town and Country Resort

- Best for: Longest hotel water slide in San Diego
After a multimillion-dollar renovation, this retro-modern resort boasts a 150-foot “Twister” slide, zero-entry pool, and kids’ splash area. Cabanas, daybeds, and poolside massages are available. Families love the dive-in movies and crafts.
Sycuan Casino Resort

- Best for: Adults & gaming by the pool
Sycuan’s Retreat Pool and Cabanas has a lazy river, daybeds, and San Diego’s only poolside gaming. Weekly events include Night Swim parties and Industry Mondays. Day passes available.
The Lafayette Hotel
- Best for: Retro glamour
With leopard-print decor and vintage charm, The Lafayette channels the Italian Riviera. Swim passes let non-guests enjoy poolside cocktails and casual bites from the Pool Bar.
La Valencia Hotel

- Best for: Romantic Ocean Views
Nicknamed the Pink Lady, La Valencia offers a Mediterranean-style pool with panoramic ocean views. Day passes include lounge chairs, towel service, and Wi-Fi.
Paradise Point Resort and Spa

- Best for: Pool variety
Five distinct pools cater to every mood — from the lively Main Pool to the tranquil adults-only option. The Lagoon Pool with fire pits is perfect for evening s’mores.
Fairmont Grand Del Mar
- Best for: High-end luxury
This Forbes Five-Star resort offers separate adults and family pools surrounded by lush gardens. The service is impeccable, with poolside dining from Amaya.
Plan Your Visit
- Best time to swim: Spring through fall for events; winter for fewer crowds (pools are heated).
- Day passes: Check ResortPass.com for availability.
- Parking: Downtown hotels may charge; resorts often validate with day passes.
Conclusion
From legendary beachfront pools to rooftop escapes and water slide playgrounds, San Diego’s hotel pools offer something for every type of traveler. Whether you book a luxury stay or snag a day pass, these sun-soaked spots are the perfect way to enjoy the city’s unbeatable weather.
Esteban Villanueva
Esteban Villanueva, Travel Advisor. I have lived in San Diego for 51 years, except for a few when I went to college and law school! My wife and I have traveled together to 58 countries. I grew up in San Diego and love to explore every corner of the County. As magazine publishers and travel advisors, we get to visit every venue, museum, restaurant, hotel and neighborhood and discover what makes it unique and exciting. I enjoy living other cultures, walking new neighborhoods, driving new journeys and eating new foods! Travel is accessible to everyone – whether driving out to a National Forest, or flying to other side of the planet, travel is the experience of exploring somewhere new, enjoying it and learning from it.
info@escapadita.travel