Recommended S. CA vacation destination

Question

My multi-generational family is considering going to southern CA for a vacation, either in February or April next year. We haven't chosen a city or town, but I'm guessing San Diego would be a good destination.

I'd love recommendations for smaller family friendly beach resorts with a great pool (or more than one), close to shopping and/or local attractions. We'll rent at least two cars, most likely. I'm not sure of the overall resort budget but I'm thinking middle of the road, cost-wise. Nice and comfortable, but we don't need luxury if that comes at a huge premium.

I'm assuming it's warm enough to swim in February as well as April, but please let know if April's the better option.

If there are other cities and/our towns that we should look at, please let me know.

Answer

San Diego is an excellent choice for a multi-generational family vacation, offering mild weather, family-friendly beaches, and plenty of activities. Between February and April, April is generally the better option for swimming and outdoor activities, as ocean temperatures are warmer and the weather tends to be sunnier and more consistent.

When looking for smaller, family-friendly beach resorts with multiple pools and convenient access to shopping or attractions, there are several areas and properties to consider. Focus on locations near Mission Beach, La Jolla, or Coronado for a combination of beach access, resort amenities, and proximity to restaurants and shopping.

Recommended Family-Friendly Areas & Resorts:

Mission Beach / Pacific Beach: These neighborhoods offer a classic California beach experience with easy access to boardwalks, shops, and restaurants. Family-friendly resorts and vacation rentals with pools are plentiful.
La Jolla: Upscale but still family-friendly, with quieter beaches, tide pools, and boutique shopping. Resorts here often have multiple pools and ocean views.
Coronado Island: Ideal for families who want a more relaxed, resort-style vacation. Coronado has beautiful sandy beaches and a charming downtown for dining and shopping. Several hotels offer pools, family suites, and easy beach access.

Suggested Resorts / Accommodations:

Catamaran Resort Hotel and Spa (Mission Bay): Features multiple pools, direct access to Mission Bay, family-friendly activities, and close to restaurants and shops.
Loews Coronado Bay Resort: Large family-friendly resort with multiple pools, beach access, and shuttle service to Coronado Village.
Hotel del Coronado: Iconic resort with beach access, pools, and plenty of dining options. Classic and family-friendly with a range of rooms and suites.
La Jolla Shores Hotel: Smaller boutique-style resort with easy beach access and family-friendly atmosphere.

Other areas worth considering include Carlsbad (north of San Diego) for more resort-style properties and family-oriented attractions like LEGOLAND, or Encinitas for a quieter beach town feel with boutique resorts. Renting two cars will make it easy to explore different neighborhoods and attractions.

While February is cooler and ocean swimming may be limited due to lower water temperatures, all resorts still have heated pools, so your family can enjoy pool time either month. April offers warmer weather, longer daylight hours, and better overall conditions for beach activities.

Overall, for a multi-generational family, Coronado, Mission Beach, and La Jolla offer the best balance of family-friendly amenities, pools, nearby attractions, and beach access, with April being the more comfortable month for swimming and outdoor exploration.