Do San Diego All Inclusive Resorts exist? No, But You Should Consider These Amazing Alternatives!

San Diego is renowned as one of the top tourist destinations due to its fantastic climate, sandy beaches, and numerous attractions. Its natural beauty lures visitors from all over the world. Each year, San Diego welcomes approximately 35.1 million visitors. Despite being a popular tourist destination, the city does not have any all-inclusive resorts.

In this article, we’ll explain why San Diego all-inclusive resorts don’t exist and provide alternatives you can choose without worry.

What Makes a Resort All-inclusive

A resort is a self-contained venue that can satisfy all of the basic needs of its visitors while also providing them with relaxation and/or fun and exciting activities. The services offered by a resort determine whether it is all-inclusive or not. An all-inclusive resort provides lodging, three meals daily, beverages, free wifi, sports, and entertainment.

A pure all-inclusive resort shouldn’t have any hidden fees other than the all-inclusive resort fee. The booking cost should include the essentials and all the incidentals, such as refreshments, entertainment, and fun activities.

Why San Diego Doesn’t Have An All-Inclusive Resort

San Diego is a popular tourist destination thanks to its warm climate, swaying palm trees, clear ocean water tinged with various shades of blue, and long sandy beaches. The city has many galleries, theaters, concert venues, and robust nightclubs. It is also home to bustling food culture.

Tourists staying in resorts all day are pretty uncommon in San Diego. Furthermore, they hardly ever eat at the resort because there is so much fantastic street food locally in the downtown San Diego neighborhood. Instead, they travel to the city to enjoy all it offers. Due to these reasons, San Diego does not have any all-inclusive options.

Available Alternatives

Although it may be difficult to resist the appeal of all-inclusive resorts or hotels in San Diego, several great alternatives offer excellent services and complimentary food and beverages. The list below includes the top 8 alternatives to all-inclusive resorts in San Diego. We’ve removed a few additional popular alternatives, such as the Hilton San Diego Bayfront, Rancho Valencia resort, Wyndham San Diego Bayside, Marriott Vacation Club Pulse, and Sheraton San Diego hotel for good reasons. You’ll get the idea after looking at our suggested picks.

1. Fairmont Grand Del Mar – Best for Extended Families with Children

The Fairmont Grand Del Mar is a luxurious resort with plenty of activities for large families with children. The resort offers a kids’ club, junior golf, and other sporting events all year round. 

It also provides special dining programs for kids. Many activities, including family tennis, are available for parents to participate in with the kids. This resort is ideally suited for extended families or families with multiple children.

Location: Grand Del Mar Ct, San Diego

Reviews

⭐ Tripadvisor: 5.0 out of 5.0

⭐ Expedia: 4.8 out of 5.0

⭐ Orbitz: 4.3 out of 5.0

Nearest Airport

• San Diego International Airport
• McClellan-Palomar Airport 

Nearest Bus Stop

• Camino Del Mar & 15th St Bus Stop
• Camino Del Mar & Del Mar Heights Rd Bus Stop

Nearest Train Station

• UTC Station
• Sorrento Valley Train Station

Distance of Popular Tourist Destinations from Fairmont Grand Del Mar

Features of Fairmont Grand Del Mar

• Family Rooms
• Award Winning Golf Course
• Premium Spa
• Guided Hikes
• Equestrian Center
• Make-A-Wish Ultimate Kids’ Playhouse
• Archery

2. Catamaran Resort Hotel and Spa – Best for Vacationers Seeking a Tropical-Themed Resort

The Catamaran Resort Hotel and Spa is an exotic paradise on the beaches of Mission Bay. This Polynesian-themed hotel offers koi ponds, exotic birds, lush tropical gardens, and a private beach. 

Comparatively close to the San Diego zoo and USS Midway Museum, this resort is more for individuals and nature lovers who want to experience the ambiance of a tropical island rather than those searching for a luxurious resort.

Location: Mission Boulevard, San Diego

Reviews

⭐ TripAdvisor: 4.5 out of 5.0

⭐ Expedia: 3.9 out of 5.0

⭐ Orbitz: 3.9 out of 5.0

Nearest Airport

• San Diego International Airport
• Montgomery-Gibbs Executive Airport 

Nearest Bus Stop

• Mission Blvd & Pacific Beach Dr. Bus Stop
• Mission Blvd & San Rafael Pl Bus Stop

Nearest Train Station

• Mission Bl & Santa Rita Pl Train Station
• Mission Bl & Hornblend St Train Station

Distance of Major Tourist Destinations from Catamaran Resort Hotel and Spa

Features of the Catamaran Resort Hotel and Spa

• Polynesian-themed
• Exclusive Beach Bonfires
• Bahia Belle Cruises
• Photoshoot with Exotic Birds
• Beachfront Spa treatments
• Beach Concierge Service
• Signature Oceana Coastal Kitchen
• Premium Coffee Bar

3. L’Auberge Del Mar – Best for Horse Racing Enthusiasts

L’Auberge Del Mar is a luxurious resort overlooking the Pacific Ocean. The accommodations have cozy bedding and a light color scheme that blends in with the surroundings, giving the rooms a homely vibe. 

The resort is surrounded by many horse racing stadiums, including Del Mar Racing, Surfside Race Place, Del Mar Fairgrounds, Del Mar Arena, and many more. Horse racing enthusiasts frequent the resort because of its location.

Location: Camino Del Mar, Del Mar

Reviews

⭐ Tripadvisor: 4.0 out of 5.0

⭐ Expedia: 4.3 out of 5.0

⭐ Orbitz: 4.4 out of 5.0

Nearest Airport

• San Diego International Airport
• Montgomery-Gibbs Executive Airport

Nearest Bus Stop

• Camino Del Mar & 15th St Bus Stop
• Camino Del Mar & 13th St Bus Stop

Nearest Train Station

• Solana Beach Station
• Amtrak Station

Distance of Major Tourist Destinations from L’Auberge Del Mar

Features of L’Auberge Del Mar

• Tennis Courts
• Rooms with balconies
• Ocean-view Pool
• Beach Cruisers
• Village Shuttle
• Seasonal Beach-Valet

4. Rancho Bernardo Inn – Best for Tourists Who Play Golf 

Rancho Bernardo Inn gives tourists a tranquil and refreshing experience by offering them relaxing spa treatments and mouthwatering foods. However, it is most renowned for its superb golf course. The Rancho Bernardo Inn boasts a prestigious 18-hole championship golf course. 

In addition to the course, the resort also has a full-service golf store and PGA-certified golf instructors. And Rancho Bernardo spa provides soothing relaxation, which can be handy after a long day of golfing.

Location: Bernardo Oaks Dr, San Diego

Reviews

TripAdvisor: 4.5 out of 5.0

Expedia: 4.3 out of 5.0

Orbitz: 4.3 out of 5.0

Nearest Airport

• San Diego International Airport
• Ramona Airport

Nearest Bus Stop

• Rancho Bernardo Bus Stop
• West Bernardo Dr & Rancho Bernardo Rd Bus Stop

Nearest Train Station

• Poway Midland Railroad Depot Train Station
• Sorrento Valley Train Station

Distance of Major Tourist Destinations from Rancho Bernardo Inn

Features of Rancho Bernardo Inn

• Championship Golf Course
• Electric Vehicle Charging Station
• Lawn Games
• Relaxing Spa
• Workshops

5. Loews Coronado Bay Resort – Best Resort for Beach Lovers

Loews Coronado Bay Resort is wedged along a small peninsula’s coastline and offers beachfront views, marina accessibility, and well-kept landscapes. The suites’ interiors are pretty roomy and feature a Mediterranean color scheme to match the surroundings. 

Views of the ocean, and the beach, can be enjoyed from the decorated balconies. Near pacific beach park, this gated waterfront resort offers magnificent views of the Pacific Ocean and San Diego Bay. In addition, the entire resort is submerged in San Diego’s sandy beaches, making it the perfect destination for beach lovers.

Location: Coronado Bay Rd, Coronado

Reviews

⭐ Tripadvisor: 4.5 out of 5.0

⭐ Expedia: 4.2 out of 5.0

⭐ Orbitz: 4.1 out of 5.0

Nearest Airport

• San Diego International Airport
• Tijuana International Airport 

Nearest Bus Stop

• The Silver Strand Bl & Lowes Coronado Bay Rd Bus Stop
• Silver Strand Blvd & Leyte Rd Bus Stop

Nearest Train Station

• San Diego Train Station
• Gaslamp Quarter Station

Distance of Major Tourist Destinations from Loews Coronado Bay Resort

Features of Loews Coronado Bay Resort

• Action Sports Rentals
• Sea Spa
• Business Centers
• Kids’ Club
• Premium Restaurants

6. Viejas Casino & Resort – Best for Tourists Seeking Vegas-Style Gaming

Viejas Casino & Resort is a luxurious resort with casinos designed in the style of Las Vegas, with over 2500 slot machines and many exciting table games. It also features a roomy lounge area. 

Several indoor-outdoor conference rooms, including the majestic Oak Ballroom, are also perfect for staging weddings and other group functions. But the resort’s main attraction is its casino, which draws tourists nationwide.

Location: Willows Rd, Alpine

Reviews

⭐ Tripadvisor: 4.5 out of 5.0

⭐ Expedia: 4.5 out of 5.0

⭐ Orbitz: 4.4 out of 5.0

Nearest Airport

• San Diego International Airport
• Agua Caliente Airport-KSEE

Nearest Bus Stop

• Willows Rd & Viejas Casino Bus Stop
• Willows Rd & Viejas Grade Rd Bus Stop

Nearest Train Station

• El Cajon Station
• Arnele Avenue Station

Distance of Major Tourist Destinations from Viejas Casino & Resort

Features of Viejas Casino & Resort

• Casino
• Spacious Meeting Rooms
• Outdoor Venues
• Willows full-service Spa
• Skating Ring
• Bowling Service
• In-room dining

7. Bahia Resort Hotel – Best for Tourists Who Enjoy Water Activities

Bahia Resort Hotel offers family-friendly lodgings, pristine beaches, and beautiful tropical landscapes. The resort is located on Mission Bay, part of Mission Bay Park, the nation’s biggest human-made recreational aquatic park. Being close to the central mission beach neighborhood and Petco park, it offers easy access to reputable attractions like SeaWorld and Belmont Park. 

However, because it is located on Mission Bay, the resort is a good option for those who enjoy engaging in water activities.

Location: Mission Bay Dr, San Diego

Reviews

⭐ Tripadvisor: 4.5 out of 5.0

⭐ Expedia: 4.1 out of 5.0

⭐ Orbitz: 4.0 out of 5.0

Nearest Airport

• San Diego International Airport
• Montgomery-Gibbs Executive Airport 

Nearest Bus Stop

• W Mission Bay Dr & Gleason Rd Bus Stop
• W Mission Bay Dr & Mariners Way Bus Stop

Nearest Train Station

• San Diego Train Station
• Tecolote Road Station

Distance of Major Tourist Destinations from Bahia Resort Hotel

Features of Bahia Resort Hotel

• After Dark Cruises
• Water Sports
• Beach Bonfires
• Bahia Belle Cruises
• Shuffleboard
• Arcade

8. Paradise Point Resort & Spa – Best for Tourists Looking for an Exotic Gateway

The Paradise Point Resort & Spa is on a 44-acre private island in Mission Bay. Despite being situated in a congested area close to SeaWorld and Mission Beach Park, the resort has an enchanting atmosphere of remoteness. 

This remoteness, combined with the island’s natural beauty and beautiful beach views, draws tourists searching for exotic destinations and can be a great alternative to the San Diego convention center to host a marriage ceremony.

Location: Vacation Rd, San Diego

Reviews

⭐ Tripadvisor: 4.0 out of 5.0

⭐ Expedia: 4.2 out of 5.0

⭐ Orbitz: 4.0 out of 5.0

Nearest Airport

• San Diego International Airport
• Montgomery-Gibbs Executive Airport

Nearest Bus Stop

• West Point Loma Blvd & Rialto St Bus Stop
• San Diego Old Town Bus Stop

Nearest Train Station

• San Diego – Old Town Train Station
• San Diego Train Staton

Distance of Major Tourist Destinations from Paradise Point Resort & Spa

Features of Paradise Point Resort & Spa

• Kids Zone
• 4-wheeled Quadracycle Rentals
• Duck Feeding
• Meeting Facilities
• Basketball Courts
• Garden Bungalows
• Cozy Restaurants

Amenities Comparison Table

Conclusion

San Diego, the county boasting sandy beaches, is a popular tourist destination with many hotels and resorts. However, choosing decent San Diego hotels or resorts that suit your needs can be challenging. Carefully selecting a resort is essential because most resorts in San Diego offer practically everything you’ll ever need for your trip in one location, making them vacation destinations in and of themselves. 

I hope this article has helped you choose a suitable all-inclusive resort alternative.

FAQ

1. Do all-inclusive resorts give free alcohol?

      Yes, they typically offer free alcohol along with non-alcoholic drinks.

2. How does all-inclusive work per person?

The charge that has to be paid each night covers the whole food and beverage consumption, including all meals, snacks, and drinks. Everyone who stays and enjoys the services will be charged individually.

3. Are all-inclusive resorts more expensive?

Yes, these are costlier than making hotel reservations and buying meals and drinks separately. 

However, purchasing an all-inclusive package sometimes results in significantly lower airfare than booking your hotel and flight. Additionally, these packages include airport transportation, which can be pretty pricey.