Loews Coronado Bay Resort & Spa

This hotel is an a truly breathtaking location: a private 15-acre peninsula surrounded by the Pacific Ocean and Coronado Bay. Park your boat in the private marina, learn tennis by the ocean, and choose from a variety of sports on land and sea with bike, rollerblade and boat rentals (ask in advance, some activities are only available on weekends). After your exertions, melt into a Zen-like state with sea-inspired treatments in the A+ Spa, or retire to your own Japanese-style, deep-soaking tub. It's a big resort, with 438 rooms and suites, so don't expect an intimate atmosphere or terribly upscale crowd or touches, but it's a great choice for a family vacation. Kids get a welcome toy, and pets are provided with a special room service featuring veggie options, grooming, pet-sitting and toys. Marissa Bendow, who recently stayed here, recommends booking the hospitality suite, complete with wet bar, to watch the sun set over the ocean, cocktail in hand. The resort is nine miles from downtown San Diego and 12 miles to San Diego International Airport.

Room rates from $219.