Revealed: San Diego's 2026 Best of Travel Awards

BEST HOTEL RESTAURANT

ADDISON AT FAIRMONT GRAND DEL MAR

Set within Fairmont Grand Del Mar, Addison is San Diego’s only restaurant to hold three Michelin stars, a distinction it earned under chef William Bradley. The tasting menu highlights precise, ingredient-driven courses such as Santa Barbara spot prawn with citrus kosho, dry-aged duck with black truffle and a signature milk bread service paired with cultured butter. Service follows a formal, choreographed progression, with each course introduced and plated in tandem across the dining room. Wine pairings draw from a 10,000-bottle cellar, with a strong emphasis on Burgundy and Champagne to match the menu’s structure. addisondelmar.com

BEST HOTEL BAR

LOBBY BAR AT THE LAFAYETTE HOTEL & CLUB

At The Lafayette Hotel & Club, the Lobby Bar anchors the property’s revival with a cocktail program created by Eric Johnson. The menu focuses on exacting builds and housemade components, with drinks like the Lafayette Spritz with aperitivo and citrus, and a clarified milk punch finished tableside. The Post Company restored the interiors, preserving original 1940s details while introducing custom millwork and hand-painted murals. The project earned a 2024 Hospitality Design Award, positioning the bar as a centerpiece of one of San Diego’s most significant hotel reopenings. lafayettehotelsd.com

BEST MUSEUM

MUSEUM OF CONTEMPORARY ART SAN DIEGO

At the Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego, a $105 million expansion by Selldorf Architects nearly doubled the La Jolla campus, introducing 40,000 square feet of gallery space for a more ambitious exhibition program. This summer is anchored by Giants: Art from the Dean Collection of Swizz Beatz and Alicia Keys (through Aug. 9), a West Coast-exclusive presentation of more than 130 works by 37 Black diasporic artists, including Mickalene Thomas and Derrick Adams. Running concurrently, Hometown Heroes (through Nov. 8) highlights San Diego-based artists, reinforcing the museum’s focus on regional voices and cross-border narratives. mcasd.org

BEST VISITOR ATTRACTION

BALBOA PARK

Spanning 1,200 acres, Balboa Park encompasses 17 museums, the San Diego Zoo and a network of gardens and Spanish Colonial Revival landmarks built for the Panama-California Exposition. Key institutions include the San Diego Museum of Art, the Fleet Science Center and the San Diego Natural History Museum, each representing a distinct cultural discipline. This summer, programming centers on outdoor performances at the Old Globe Theatre, including its annual Shakespeare Festival, alongside rotating exhibitions across the park’s museums. balboapark.org

BEST LUXURY TOUR

MAVERICK HELICOPTERS HELI-YACHT EXPERIENCE

Maverick Helicopters’ Heli-Yacht Experience pairs a private helicopter charter with a multi-day stay aboard a 150-foot luxury vessel, creating a fully integrated air-and-sea itinerary. The experience begins with a coastal flight over landmarks like La Jolla Cove, then lands directly on the yacht’s helipad for a seamless transition to open water. On board, the vessel includes six suites, a spa pool, alfresco dining and a full selection of water toys, with the itinerary customized to each group. With pricing starting at $43,000, this is one of the most exclusive tour offerings in Southern California. maverickhelicopter.com

BEST DRIVABLE DESTINATION

ORANGE COUNTY

Whether you’re taking the little ones to Disneyland, exploring premium designer shops at South Coast Plaza or boarding a Duffy boat in the Newport Harbor to play like the locals, Orange County provides appealing attractions for travelers of all ages. Dine at Michelin-starred favorites like Knife Pleat or Rebel Omakase before retreating to one of O.C.’s most luxurious hotels, including Montage Laguna Beach, The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel, Waldorf Astoria Monarch Beach Resort & Club and The Resort at Pelican Hill. ocgov.com

BEST HOTEL FOR A STAYCATION

THE BOWER CORONADO

Tucked along Orange Avenue, The Bower Coronado offers a 39- room, design-forward alternative to Coronado’s legacy resorts, with interiors rooted in wabi-sabi and natural materials. Guest rooms feature Frette linens, Le Labo amenities, Dyson hairdryers and floor-to-ceiling windows, with select accommodations opening to private lanais or Juliet balconies. The property sits a short walk from Coronado Beach and includes complimentary bikes, a 24-hour fitness center and the on-site Dive restaurant and bar, creating a compact, self-contained stay. bowercoronado.com

BEST FAMILY EXPERIENCE

GAYLORD PACIFIC RESORT & CONVENTION CENTER

Designed as a large-scale, all-in-one destination, Gaylord Pacific Resort & Convention Center focuses the family experience around a 4.25- acre water park with a wave pool, lazy river and multilevel slides. A dedicated kids’ zone, multiple pools and indoor attractions like an arcade extend the activity well beyond the water. The resort’s 1,600 rooms, expansive atrium and bayfront setting create space for both high-energy programming and downtime. Dining, entertainment and recreation are fully integrated, allowing families to move between experiences without leaving the property. marriott.com

BEST WEEKEND GETAWAY

CATALINA ISLAND

Whether you set sail on The Catalina Flyer or Catalina Express, reaching Catalina Island is a short one-hour boat ride. Mt. Ada and Hotel Atwater provide upscale stays, as does the Pavilion Hotel, which was recently renovated, marking the return of one of the island’s most beloved waterfront retreats. Descanso Beach Club is the perfect spot to enjoy a sun-soaked day on the island, while The Catalina Casino and the Catalina Museum for Art & History provide unique cultural experiences. visitcatalinaisland.com

BEST HOTEL FOR GOLF LOVERS

THE LODGE AT TORREY PINES

Located above oceanfront cliffs, The Lodge at Torrey Pines offers direct access to the Torrey Pines Golf Course, one of the country’s most celebrated municipal courses that’s home to the Farmers Insurance Open and multiple U.S. Opens. Guests receive priority tee times on both the North and South courses, playing the same coastal layout set against the Pacific. The AAA Five-Diamond-awarded resort also includes on-site putting greens, golf packages and rooms oriented toward the fairways and ocean. Its combination of championship play, guaranteed access and immediate proximity to the course defines it as a golf-focused destination. lodgetorreypines.com

BEST HOTEL FOR SPA LOVERS

RANCHO VALENCIA RESORT & SPA

Set across 45 acres of gardens and olive groves in Rancho Santa Fe, Rancho Valencia Resort & Spa is one of the few properties in California to hold dual Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star Award honors for both its resort and spa. The spa complex integrates treatment rooms, a yoga pavilion, a Pilates studio, a hydrotherapy circuit and a full daily fitness schedule. Treatments incorporate botanical ingredients—herbs, oils and minerals—paired with indoor-outdoor relaxation areas designed for extended use. ranchovalencia.com

BEST COASTAL BOUTIQUE HOTEL

L’AUBERGE DEL MAR

Overlooking the Pacific in the heart of Del Mar Village, L’Auberge Del Mar pairs a walkable coastal location with a 121-room, residential-scale layout. The property holds a Forbes Travel Guide Four-Star Award and an AAA Four Diamond Award, with amenities including a heated ocean-view pool, a full-service spa, a fitness center and on-site dining at Adelaide. Guest rooms feature private balconies or terraces, Frette linens and Bellino fine bath amenities, with select suites oriented directly toward the water. Its coastal location, full-service amenities and consistent industry recognition set it apart in Del Mar’s hotel landscape. laubergedelmar.com

BEST NEW HOTEL SPA

SPA AT LA VALENCIA

The Spa at La Valencia introduces a refreshed wellness program within one of the city’s most established coastal properties. The new space incorporates fresh treatment rooms, updated relaxation areas and a menu spanning targeted facials, body therapies and massage, with a focus on marine-based ingredients and recovery-driven techniques. Guests also have access to La Valencia Hotel’s ocean-view pool, fitness center and Mediterranean-style grounds, extending the experience beyond R&R. spaatlavalencia.com

MOST ANTICIPATED HOTEL OPENING

BABY GRAND HOTEL

Opening in Coronado, Baby Grand Hotel marks the next project from CH Projects, the group behind the revival of The Lafayette Hotel & Club. The 31-room property introduces a maximalist design concept by Post Company, with interiors that include clamshell headboards, mirrored minibars and custom tropical wallcoverings. Public spaces extend the concept with a jungle-inspired courtyard, multiple dining venues and a reservation-only oyster and Champagne bar. Scheduled to open in 2026, the project signals a shift toward more design-driven, experience-led stays in Coronado. thebabygrandcoronado.com

BEST ROMANTIC HIDEAWAY

THE INN AT RANCHO SANTA FE

A 2023 reimagining sharpened The Inn at Rancho Santa Fe’s identity, refining its 85 rooms, suites and stand-alone bungalows into a more private, residential-style retreat. Each accommodation is designed with indoor-outdoor living in mind—terraces, patios and enclosed courtyards, with select layouts incorporating fireplaces, soaking tubs and fully enclosed backyards. The property includes the award-winning Mila Moursi Spa, alongside a saltwater pool, dining at Lilian’s and access to tennis and equestrian experiences. The result is a quieter, design-forward resort experience that prioritizes privacy and relaxation. theinnatrsf.com

BEST BEACHFRONT PROPERTY

HOTEL DEL CORONADO

Originally opened in 1888, Hotel del Coronado anchors one of the widest stretches of sand on the Southern California coast, with direct access to Coronado Beach. A multi-year, $550 million restoration has updated guest rooms, public spaces and the historic Victorian building while preserving its National Historic Landmark status. Accommodations range from restored Victorian rooms to the contemporary Shore House residences, many just steps from the sand. Enjoy multiple oceanfront dining venues, including the new Nobu and Veranda, cabana-lined pools, a full-service spa and seasonal beach programming, reinforcing the property’s status as San Diego’s most iconic oceanfront resort. hoteldel.com

BEST HOTEL IN CARLSBAD

PARK HYATT AVIARA RESORT, GOLF CLUB & SPA

Following a $50 million renovation, Park Hyatt Aviara Resort, Golf Club & Spa reestablished itself as North County’s only Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star Award and AAA Five Diamond Award property. The 327-room resort includes the Aviara Golf Club—San Diego’s only Arnold Palmer-designed course, multiple pools and the Miraval Life in Balance Spa Aviara featuring premium wellness programming. Dining spans several venues, including Ponto Lago and Ember & Rye by Richard Blais, as well as curated culinary experiences tied to the region. Its breadth of amenities and top-tier ratings position it as the benchmark for luxury stays in Carlsbad. parkhyattaviara.com

BEST HOME AWAY FROM HOME

ESTANCIA LA JOLLA HOTEL & SPA

Designed with a hacienda-style layout, Estancia La Jolla Hotel & Spa provides visitors with 210 rooms, garden courtyards and pathways that create a more residential rhythm. Guest rooms include fireplaces, deep-soaking tubs and private outdoor spaces, with suites offering expanded living areas suited for longer stays. The property integrates a full-service spa, saltwater pool, fitness center and multiple dining venues, including Mustangs & Burros. Its layout, room configurations and on-site amenities will have you feeling like you’ve found a second home at this luxe La Jolla locale. estancialajolla.com

BEST HOTEL IN THE GASLAMP QUARTER

PENDRY SAN DIEGO

Occupying a full city block in the heart of the Gaslamp Quarter, Pendry San Diego offers a multivenue concept with 317 rooms and suites and a dense mix of nightlife, dining and wellness. The property includes The Pool House, Lionfish, Provisional Kitchen, Fifth & Rose and Oxford Social Club, alongside a full-service spa and fitness center. Interiors by Studio Munge layer contemporary finishes with darker, club-driven tones that align with the surrounding nightlife district. The hotel holds a Forbes Travel Guide Four-Star Award and operates as a self-contained hub for dining and entertainment within downtown San Diego. pendry.com/san-diego

BEST SISTER PROPERTIES

MISSION PACIFIC BEACH RESORT AND THE SEABIRD OCEAN RESORT & SPA

Developed side by side along the Oceanside waterfront, Mission Pacific Beach Resort and The Seabird Ocean Resort & Spa operate as complementary sister properties with distinct identities. Mission Pacific leans adults-oriented, with a rooftop pool and bar, design-forward rooms and dining concepts including Valle, a Michelin-starred restaurant led by chef Roberto Alcocer. Next door, The Seabird offers a more traditional coastal resort experience with the full-service Sunny’s Spa, family-friendly programming and larger, residential-style accommodations. Shared access between the two allows guests to move between amenities, creating a dual-property stay that spans both elevated dining and full-scale resort offerings. missionpacifichotel.com; theseabirdresort.com

BEST PET-FRIENDLY HOTEL

KONA KAI RESORT & SPA

Positioned on a private peninsula overlooking San Diego Bay, Kona Kai Resort & Spa integrates pet-friendly accommodations into a full-service resort setting. The property allows dogs without weight restrictions and includes dedicated pet amenities, as well as access to walking paths and the nearby Dog Beach. Guest rooms feature private patios or balconies, many with direct outdoor access, making them suitable for traveling with furry friends. A private beach, marina, waterfront pool and on-site dining extend the experience beyond the room, allowing guests to remain on the property with their four-legged pals throughout the stay. resortkonakai.com 

MOST ELEGANT HOTEL

THE WESTGATE HOTEL

Defined by European-inspired interiors and a focus on formal hospitality, The Westgate Hotel channels the design of a classic Parisian palace hotel. The property features imported antiques, handwoven French tapestries and Baccarat crystal chandeliers, with guest rooms featuring marble bathrooms and Louis XVI-style furnishings. Amenities include a rooftop pool, spa, fitness center and afternoon tea service, alongside dining at The Westgate Room. Its commitment to traditional design and service standards sets it apart from the city’s more contemporary luxury properties. westgatehotel.com

BEST FOR WELLNESS JUNKIES

GOLDEN DOOR

Structured as a weeklong, all-inclusive program, Golden Door limits attendance to roughly 40 guests, allowing for a highly personalized wellness schedule. Each stay includes a private casita, daily guided hikes, fitness sessions, spa treatments and a nutrition plan built around produce grown on the property’s organic farm. The program assigns a dedicated team to each guest, integrating movement, recovery and dietary guidance into a single itinerary. Consistently ranked among the top destination spas in the world, it operates as a results-driven wellness experience rather than a traditional resort stay, making it ideal for wellness-seeking adventurers.goldendoor.com

BEST QUIET LUXURY

RANCHO BERNARDO INN

Spanning 265 acres in North County, Rancho Bernardo Inn dazzles luxury lovers with 287 rooms spread across garden-lined pathways. The property includes an 18-hole championship golf course, a full-service spa, multiple pools and dining at AVANT, with programming highlighted by wine tastings, wellness classes and seasonal culinary events. Guest rooms prioritize space and privacy, with patios or balconies oriented toward courtyards, greens or water features. Its scale, layout and amenity mix support a more understated, residential-style resort experience that epitomizes the quiet luxury movement. ranchobernardoinn.com

BEST NEWCOMER

HOTEL SOLEA

Opened in March 2026, Hotel Solea marks the repositioning of the former Sheraton Carlsbad Resort into a design-led property within the Marriott Bonvoy Autograph Collection. The 201-room hotel introduces a botanical-driven concept, with redesigned guest rooms, reworked common areas and a more contemporary layout. Amenities include a resort-style pool, fitness center, on-site dining at Verise restaurant and a dedicated entrance to LEGOLAND California. The project signals a move toward more experience-oriented coastal hotels in North County. thehotelsolea.com

BEST AMENITIES

OMNI LA COSTA RESORT & SPA

Encompassing more than 400 acres, Omni La Costa Resort & Spa delivers one of the most expansive amenity lineups in the region. The property includes two 18-hole golf courses, a 17,000-square-foot spa, eight pools—featuring dedicated adults-only areas and waterslides—along with a full tennis and pickleball complex. Dining is distributed across multiple venues, complemented by fitness programming, retail and family-focused recreation. Its scale and range of offerings allow guests to experience golf, wellness, dining and leisure without ever stepping foot off-property. omnihotels.com/hotels/san-diego-la-costa