Day passes at 8 cool hotel pools in San Diego, California

The sunny San Diego weather has us hankering for a pool day. But not just any pool day, rather a swanky poolside escape.

Many renowned local hotels offer day passes to their pools, so — sunscreen in hand — we’re dipping our toes into these options around town that’ll make it feel like you’re on daycation. Ready, set, splash. 🏊

✨ The Lafayette Hotel, Swim Club + Bungalows, 2223 El Cajon Blvd., North Park

There’s a distinct Hollywood glam vibe at this historic hotel — right down to its swimming pool. The Lafayette’s Weissmuller Pool was designed in 1946 by former “Tarzan” actor + five-time Olympic gold medal swimmer Johnny Weissmuller. Moviemaking royalty like Ava Gardner has lounged here and you can, too.

Rates + Hours: Monday-Thursday, $20 + Friday-Sunday, $30; daily, 7 a.m.-7 p.m. (seasonal hours may vary).
Pro tip: Peep the hotel’s Instagram for updates on poolside parties open to all.

👙 Sycuan Casino Resort, 5469 Casino Way, El Cajon

The 21+ Retreat Pool features an expansive deck, oversized daybeds, cabanas, and poolside DJs spinning tunes every Saturday and Sunday from 1-5 p.m. Make a day of it by grabbing food and drinks at the pool, too.

Rates + Hours: Monday-Thursday, $30 + Friday-Sunday, $40; hours vary.
Pro tip: To get the lay of the land, check out this video of San Diego Padres pitcher Joe Musgrove having himself a pool day — floatie and all.

🌊 La Valencia Hotel, 1132 Prospect St., La Jolla

This idyllic, beachfront pool is surrounded by lush bougainvillea + palm trees — truly making it feel like a getaway. A day pass includes towel service, lounge chairs + access to the hotel’s poolside food and beverage service.

Rates + Hours: $50 for adults and $35 for kids age 3-17; daily, 7 a.m.-10 p.m. (seasonal hours may vary).
Pro tip: There’s complimentary wifi here — though, we say ditch the phone and relax.

🩱 Hotel del Coronado, 1500 Orange Ave., Coronado

Talk about that luxe life. Spend the day at the historic hotel’s beachfront pool — with those iconic red turrets in the background. This elevated pool experience includes beach access (with chairs + umbrella rentals available), complimentary parking for one car, and access to poolside food and drink service from the Sun Deck Pool Bar.

Rates + Hours: $70 for anyone age 13+ and $35 for children age 3-12; daily, 8 a.m.-8 p.m. (seasonal hours may vary).
Pro tip: Food and drinks can also be purchased from other restaurants at The Del while you’re enjoying the pool, including the Beach + Taco Shack, Babcock & Story Bar, Sheerwater, ENO Marketplace & Pizzeria, and Serẽa.

🌇 Solamar San Diego, 435 6th Ave., downtown San Diego

This rooftop pool near the Gaslamp Quarter features a terrace and beautiful views. A day pass includes a reserved premium lounge chair, complimentary wifi, and discounted valet parking.

Rates + Hours: $25 for visitors age 13+ and $15 for kids age 3-12; daily, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. (seasonal hours may vary).
Pro tip: Grab to-go food + drinks from the hotel’s Upper East Bar.

🩳 The Dana on Mission Bay, 1710 W. Mission Bay Dr., Mission Bay

A day pass at this bayside hotel includes access to the infinity pool + family-friendly pool, fitness center, wifi, complimentary self-parking, and 10% off food and drinks.

Rates + Hours: $25 for visitors age 13+ and $15 for kids age 3-12; daily, 8 a.m.-10 p.m. (seasonal hours may vary).
Pro tip: Be sure to check out the poolside ping pong tables + offerings at the Firefly Eatery & Bar.

🩴 San Diego Mission Bay Resort, 1775 E. Mission Bay Dr., Mission Bay

This gorgeous, bayfront pool features waterfalls, a kiddie play zone, and beach games like life-sized checkers + ping pong. A day pass includes free wifi and parking (based on availability), plus access to poolside food + drink service from Solrisa (April-September).

Rates + Hours: $60 for visitors age 13+ and $14 for kids ages 3-12; daily, 9 a.m.-10 p.m. (seasonal hours may vary).
Pro tip: Dine-in and to-go food is also available from the other restaurants at the hotel including Covewood, Mission Joe + Plaza del Sol.

💆 Fairmont Grand Del Mar, 5300 Grand Del Mar Ct., Carmel Valley

The pools at this award-winning, Five Diamond resort feature vanishing edges, underwater speakers, TVs, and bars pouring cool cocktails. A day pass includes access to a sandy beach area, the outdoor heated pool, children’s wading pool, complimentary parking with validation, and poolside food + drink service from the Amaya restaurant.

Rates + Hours: Daily, 11 a.m.-6 p.m. (seasonal hours may vary), $70 for adults age 18+ and $35 for children age 3-17.
Pro tip: Book a treatment at The Spa and make a whole self-care day of it.

Psst: We know we’ve only just begun to dip our toes into the world of local luxe hotels that offer day passes for their cool pools. This is just a sampling, so if we’ve missed one that you think makes a real splash, please send us an email and let us know. Happy pool days. ⛱️