Best Family-Friendly Hotels in San Diego Before Your Cruise
San Diego is a great place to kick off your cruise — with hotels right near the cruise port, fun family-friendly neighborhoods, and plenty of transit options. Most cruisers choose to stay the night before embarkation so they can sleep in, relax, and arrive stress-free at the Port of San Diego the next morning.
San Diego Cruise Port Address for Disney Cruise Line:
Port of San Diego
1140 N. Harbor Drive
San Diego, CA 92101
Hotels Steps (or a Short Ride) from the Cruise Port
1. Wyndham San Diego Bayside
Wyndham San Diego Bayside Web Address: 1355 N Harbor Dr, San Diego, CA 92101
A top choice for cruise travelers thanks to its location directly across from the cruise terminal — you can even walk to embarkation! Some packages include cruise parking and shuttle service.
✅ Why it’s great for families: Easy walk with kids & luggage, free or inexpensive parking packages, close to shops and dining.
🚗 Cruise parking — available packages where you can leave your car parked during your cruise.
2. Springhill Suites by Marriott San Diego Downtown/Bayfront
Springhill Suites by Marriott San Diego Downtown/Bayfront Web Address: 900 Bayfront Ct, San Diego, CA 92101
Just minutes’ walk from the cruise terminal — this is another excellent option for families who want simple convenience without big hotel prices. Plus free breakfast!
3. Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego
Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego Web Address: 1 Market Pl, San Diego, CA 92101
A bigger, more resort-style hotel with views of the bay, pools, and plenty of space for kids to explore. It’s located a short distance from the cruise terminal — still walkable or a quick ride.
4. InterContinental San Diego
InterContinental San Diego Web Address: 901 Bayfront Ct, San Diego, CA 92101
Right on the waterfront with panoramic views of the bay. A luxury choice for families who want exceptional comfort before their cruise.
🏙️ Other Family-Friendly Hotels in Downtown San Diego
Even if they’re a little further from the cruise terminal, these hotels are great for grab-and-go breakfasts, family excursions in downtown, and easy access to transportation and attractions before your cruise.
Moxy Hotel San Diego – Fun boutique style near Gaslamp Quarter.
The Bristol Hotel - San Diego – Comfortable mid-range choice close to dining.
The Sofia Hotel – Historic hotel, great if your family enjoys classic charm.
Baymont by Wyndham San Diego Downtown – A budget-friendly centrally-located stay.
The US Grant, a Luxury Collection Hotel, San Diego – Historic and elegant if you want to treat the family before sailing.
Sheraton San Diego - Stunning bayfront hotel San Diego guests love for its marina and skyline views.
🅿️ Parking & “Park-Sleep-Cruise” Tips
If you’re driving to San Diego to get on your cruise, here are ways to handle parking:
🚗 Hotel Cruise Packages
Many hotels near the port offer park-and-cruise packages where you can:
Stay the night before your cruise
Park your car at the hotel for the duration of your cruise
Ride a shuttle or walk to the terminal the next morning
🚙 Port Parking
The Port of San Diego also has official cruise parking near the terminals, with daily rates (around ~$20-$25/day), but lots fill quickly during peak seasons.
💡 Pro Tip: Book port parking early or choose a hotel cruise package if you want guaranteed parking and less stress on embarkation morning.
✈️ Getting to Airport (SAN) & Cruise from Your Hotel
The Port of San Diego is very close to San Diego International Airport (SAN) — only about 2 miles away, and it usually takes around 10 minutes by car.
If you’re flying in the day before:
Many hotels offer airport shuttles or you can use rideshare services (Uber/Lyft).
SAN also has public buses and connections to trains downtown if you want to explore before you cruise.
🚆 Train Option from Orange County to San Diego
Planning to arrive by train from Orange County? You’ve got great options that make the trip fun and convenient:
🚉 Amtrak Pacific Surfliner
The Amtrak Pacific Surfliner runs between Los Angeles, Orange County, and San Diego along the coast. It’s a scenic ride — perfect for families — and brings you right into downtown San Diego (Santa Fe Depot station), only a short ride from your hotel or the cruise terminal.
From Orange County (like Anaheim/OC stations) to San Diego can take around 2.5–3 hours depending on schedule.
Once in San Diego, ride share or a short taxi/ride to your hotel or directly to the cruise terminal.
🚊 Local Light Rail
San Diego has a trolley rail system useful for getting around town — though it doesn’t go to Orange County. The San Diego Trolley’s Blue and Green lines stop near downtown attractions and transit centers.
✨ Final Tips for Families
✅ Stay as close as possible to the cruise terminal to avoid transportation logistics on embarkation day.
✅ Reserve parking early if you’re driving — hotels with cruise parking packages fill fast.
✅ Consider arriving the day before to rest after any long travel or flights.
✅ Train travelers enjoy a peaceful, scenic alternative to traffic and parking stress.
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