This summer we had the opportunity to stay at San Diego’s Hyatt Mission Bay Resort and it did not disappoint! Planning a family getaway to San Diego often means balancing relaxation for parents with fun-filled activities for kids. That’s exactly what makes Hyatt Regency Mission Bay Spa and Marina such a gem for families. The hotel is located right on Mission Bay with easy access to top attractions like SeaWorld, Balboa Park, and the San Diego Zoo, this resort offers the perfect mix of coastal views, resort-style amenities, and plenty of family-friendly activities.
We recently spent a few days here as a family of three, with our 6-year-old daughter leading the way in exploring the pool, waterslides, and kid-approved dining. If you’re considering a stay at Hyatt Regency Mission Bay Resort, here’s everything you need to know to plan a smooth and memorable vacation.
Driving in to San Diego
Driving in from Orange County into San Diego, I always have one tip for parents. Leave early! You can gain so much ground by leaving early, you literally can add an extra day of fun just by making it out the door by 8am. We have breakfast and coffee on the go and always plan our itinerary ahead of time so we know exactly what our stops and allotted time for each activity is.
Why Choose Hyatt Regency Mission Bay for Families?
San Diego has no shortage of hotels. We’ve stayed at quite a few locations and you can search the blog for helpful reviews. We’ve stayed at the Catamaran, Kona Kai, Downtown San Diego and even Coronado Island. Hyatt Regency Mission Bay stands out for families for a few big reasons:
- Kid-friendly pools and waterslides: With three pools and multiple waterslides, kids could spend the entire trip splashing, sliding, and swimming. We spent so much time at the pools!
- Spacious rooms and suites: Options with balconies and marina views give families extra space to spread out.
- On-site dining with casual options: From grab-and-go snacks to sit-down meals, the resort makes eating with kids easy.
- Outdoor activity area: including ping pong, jumbo Jenga blocks, corn hole, Connect Four and picnic tables next to fire pits. It’s a great spot for families to hang out and kids get to meet other kids as they interact and play with some of the games.
- Convenient location: Just minutes from SeaWorld and Mission Beach, the hotel is perfectly situated for exploring San Diego’s top attractions.
- Resort amenities for parents: A spa, fitness center, and outdoor fire pits mean parents can enjoy some relaxation too. We enjoyed the firepits in the evening hours and made smore’s which the hotel has kits available for purchase.
Day 1
Balboa Park
Having departed early we were able to stop by and visit Balboa Park. It was our first time there and we knew we’d dedicated a couple of hours so we wanted to have the freedom to walk around without the pressure of having to buy tickets and limit ourselves to only one exhibit or museum. This was a great choice as we were able to do lots of walking and sight-seeing. The perfect activity after riding in a car for a little over an hour.
Our first stop for us parents, coffee of course. We found Daniel’s Coffee, a little coffee pop-up cart that served some delicious cold and hot coffee options.
Liberty Station
After exploring Balboa Park, we were ready to have a good lunch. Stone Brewing has been on our list of places to visit, and they have an amazing location in Liberty Station, so it was a double win for us.
We were able to sit outside, and the weather was so nice. Our table was next to a large koi pond that our daughter enjoyed. Husband enjoyed a beer flight and I opted for a crisp cider beer.
The food was great! I would say that even though we had walked tons and worked up an appetite at Balboa Park one of the adult entrees could have been split amongst us both. Our daughter loved her pasta dish!
Checking Into Hyatt Regency Mission Bay
From the moment we checked in, the staff made us feel welcome. The lobby has a coastal, airy vibe that immediately sets the tone for a beachy vacation. Our room overlooked the marina, where sailboats lined up against the sparkling water. For families, I recommend booking a room with a balcony, since it’s a perfect spot to enjoy morning coffee while kids snack on breakfast before heading to the pool.
The room itself had everything we needed: two queen beds, a small fridge for storing snacks and drinks, and plenty of space for luggage. The bathroom was modern and stocked with Hyatt’s signature amenities, making it easy to freshen up after a long day of swimming or sightseeing. I truly recommend having a hotel brand credit card, it helps hotels recognize your Hyatt loyalty and they do go out of their way to help improve your guest experience during your stay. As an example, we had a sweet welcome note that included two complimentary s’mores kits for our family. Also included were two complimentary adult drinks at the Red Marlin. We have the $95 annual fee Hyatt Visa and are pleased with the hotel and card benefit perks!
While checkin,g in step outside through the sliding doors and you’ll be greeted by lawn games and outdoor seating. Perfect waiting area for a family with littles. It allowed me to handle the check in while hubs and little gal played a round of ping pong.
Dinner Plans
For dinner we headed out to Charlie’s Landing. It’s a short walk alongside the hotel path. This is a great and affordable option for families and there is plenty of seating outside. The food was so good! We all opted for fish tacos and ordered a side of onion rings. A beer was also in order.
After dinner it was time to head out for some exploring. We loved that we packed our daughters scooter and helmet. We ended the evening by hanging out in the lawn area and making use of our s’mores kit.
Day 2: Our Summer Pool Day with a 6-Year-Old
The highlight of our stay—without question—was the pool area. If you’re traveling with kids, block off at least one full day just to enjoy everything the Hyatt Regency Mission Bay pool deck has to offer.
Morning at the Pool
We started the day early to grab lounge chairs with shade, since our daughter was ready to swim the minute she woke up. The resort has three separate pool areas, and we chose the main pool with the waterslides. Towels are provided, which makes packing light easier for families. The hotel even offers sunblock at several stations.
Our 6-year-old immediately made a beeline for the waterslides. The slides range from small and gentle to faster twists that older kids (and parents) will love. The best part? Lifeguards are stationed throughout the pool area, so we felt confident letting her have fun while we relaxed nearby.
Lunch by the Pool
When hunger struck, we ordered food directly from Pelican’s on the Bay, the resort’s poolside restaurant. The kids’ menu offered classics like chicken tenders and mac and cheese, while we enjoyed fresh fish tacos and a refreshing cocktail. Dining poolside was not only convenient but also meant we didn’t have to pack up and leave the fun. Did I mention they offer children complimentary Shirley temples?
Afternoon Splashing and Relaxing
The afternoon was spent alternating between swimming, sliding, and floating. The resort provides inner tubes for guests, which made the pool feel like a mini water park. Our daughter loved floating around while making new friends with other kids staying at the resort.
By mid-afternoon, we took a break in the shaded hot tub (yes, kids are allowed with supervision), then enjoyed popsicles we picked up from the snack stand. It was the perfect way to cool down on a warm San Diego summer day.
Evening Poolside Vibes
After a quick trip back to the room to freshen up, we returned to the pool area in the evening. The fire pits around the resort came alive at sunset, and families gathered with s’mores kits (available for purchase). Watching our daughter roast marshmallows while the sky turned pink was pure magic.
Day 3
On day 2 we woke up and opted for coffee and breakfast in the hotel room. I enjoyed my short walk alongside the marina and made my way to the Market. They brew Starbucks coffee there and have several to-go options. Perfect option for parents with young kids!
Old Town San Diego
There is so much to do in San Diego, but one of my favorite things to do as a family is to go into Old Town. We definitely made it a point to head out early enough so that we would have time to explore and then walk up to a really good restaurant in time for lunch. Because what parent wants to wait in a line with their hungry child after lots of walking.
There are so many indoor and outdoor shops and tons of restaurants to chose from.
We opted for an 11:30a.m.m lunch at Cafe Coyote and let me tell you, our food was amazing! Freshly hand-made tortillas, say less!
Cafe Tropics
Almost every parent I know relies on a good coffee or tea, daily! We love visiting small coffee establishments when on vacation and we loved this cute and aesthetic cafe. I personally opted for matcha and the husband of course ordered a coffee. This coffee shop is a quick walk from the hotel and only a couple of blocks away from the beach.
Dining Options at Hyatt Regency Mission Bay
One thing parents always appreciate on vacation is easy food options. Hyatt Regency Mission Bay delivers on that front:
- Red Marlin Restaurant & Terrace – Upscale but still kid-friendly, with seafood dishes, salads, and flatbreads. We enjoyed dinner here one evening while our daughter devoured a cheese pizza.
- Market Mission Bay – A grab-and-go café with Starbucks coffee, pastries, and snacks. Perfect for quick breakfasts before heading out to attractions.
- Pelican’s on the Bay – Poolside dining with burgers, tacos, kids’ meals, and cocktails.
- Room Service – A lifesaver after a long day when you don’t want to leave the room.
Tip: Families will love that the resort has kids’ menus at multiple dining outlets, making it stress-free to find something even picky eaters will enjoy.
Location: Close to San Diego’s Best Family Attractions
One of the top reasons to book Hyatt Regency Mission Bay is its location. Within minutes, you can reach:
- SeaWorld San Diego – Just a 5-minute drive, making it easy to go in the morning and return to the hotel for an afternoon swim.
- Mission Beach & Belmont Park – A classic beach boardwalk with rides, games, and sandy beaches.
- San Diego Zoo & Balboa Park – About a 15-minute drive to world-famous exhibits and museums.
- Old Town San Diego – Perfect for exploring history and grabbing authentic Mexican food.
With so much nearby, families can easily split time between resort relaxation and city adventures.
Other Family-Friendly Activities
Beyond the pools, Hyatt Regency Mission Bay offers plenty of activities to keep kids entertained:
- Movie nights under the stars – A fun way to end the evening with family-friendly films outdoors.
- Marina activities – From kayaking to stand-up paddleboarding, adventurous families can try water sports right outside the hotel.
- Bike rentals – Cruise along the bay on a family bike ride.
Our daughter especially loved walking along the marina, spotting fish in the water, and watching the boats come in. We brought her scooter and helmet along for this trip which made for some amazing evening walks and let us parents enjoy a nice walk while she explored the marina a few feet ahead of us.
Tips for Families Staying at Hyatt Regency Mission Bay
Here are a few things we learned that can make your stay even smoother:
- Pack water shoes and goggles – The pool deck can get warm, and goggles make waterslides more fun for kids.
- Reserve lounge chairs early – Especially in summer, the pool fills up quickly. Arriving by 9 a.m. gave us the best spot.
- Bring snacks for the room – While the hotel has plenty of dining, kids often want quick bites between meals.
- Use the fridge – Stock it with juice boxes, yogurt, or fruit for easy kid-friendly snacks.
- Take advantage of activities – Ask the front desk about daily resort activities for kids, from crafts to games.
Final Thoughts: Is Hyatt Regency Mission Bay Worth It for Families?
Absolutely. If your goal is to enjoy both the excitement of San Diego and the relaxation of a resort-style stay, Hyatt Regency Mission Bay Spa and Marina hits the mark.
For parents, the resort offers comfort, great food, and a prime location. For kids, it’s a dream with waterslides, pools, and plenty of space to play. Our 6-year-old still talks about her endless rides down the slides and the s’mores by the firepit.
It’s the kind of place where memories are made—where kids get their dose of fun and parents can finally sit back and relax with a view of the marina. If you’re planning a San Diego family vacation, Hyatt Regency Mission Bay is an excellent choice. It’s my hope that my blog post helps inspire you to build your San Diego family trip itinerary!
Be sure to subscribe to the blog so that you stay up to date on our latest family adventures.