Waterfront hotels with sandy beach

Looking for suggestion's for "beachfront" hotels/Resorts. A few that have interested us are San Diego Mission Bay Resort, and Pier South. Here's what were looking for:

1. Beachfront hotel (can be on the bay, ect as long as it has a sandy beach in front)

2. Must have a balcony (Fits 2 people)

3.prefer to be at or under $500/night

bonuses would be, restaurant, rentals (kayak's, bikes, ect)

San Diego offers several waterfront hotels and resorts that have sandy beaches, making it ideal for a relaxing stay while also enjoying activities like kayaking, paddleboarding, or just lounging by the water. Based on your criteria—beachfront access, balcony, and preferably under $500/night—there are several solid options to consider.

Here are recommended hotels/resorts:

  • San Diego Mission Bay Resort: Located on the bay with sandy beach areas, many rooms feature balconies. The resort has on-site restaurants, bike and kayak rentals, and a relaxed family-friendly atmosphere.
  • Pier South Resort: Situated on the bay with sandy beach access, offers rooms with balconies. There are on-site amenities including dining, water sports rentals, and beautiful sunset views.
  • Catamaran Resort Hotel and Spa: Overlooking Mission Bay, this resort has a sandy beach, balcony rooms, and access to kayak rentals. It also features multiple restaurants and a spa, making it great for a mix of relaxation and activities.
  • Bahia Resort Hotel: Located on Mission Bay, has sandy beachfront, balcony rooms, and offers bike/kayak rentals. On-site dining options are convenient, and the resort is family-friendly.
  • Paradise Point Resort & Spa: On a private island in Mission Bay, with several small sandy beaches, balconies in many rooms, multiple restaurants, and plenty of water activities. Pricing may fluctuate but can be found near your budget depending on dates.

Tips for booking:

  • Book early, especially for summer or holiday weekends, as these properties often fill quickly.
  • Confirm balcony access when booking, as some rooms may only have partial water views or patios instead of true balconies.
  • Check if the resort charges resort fees—sometimes these are extra and can affect total cost.
  • Consider Mission Bay locations over Pacific Beach or La Jolla if sandy beach and calm waters are priorities, as some Pacific Beach spots are boardwalk-only or have limited sand.

All of these options offer a mix of waterfront relaxation and access to rentals or activities, so you can enjoy both beach time and exploring the bay by kayak, paddleboard, or bike.


More San Diego Travel Questions