Situated on a private 14-acre Moroccan-inspired oasis with lush tropical gardens, winding walkways, and a seal pond (home to an active Harbor seal), this resort has a private beach with children’s playground, and an Olympic-size swimming pool and whirlpool spa. Each of the 320 guest rooms—from standard rooms to beachfront cottages—offers refrigerator, coffeemaker, iron, ironing board, hair dryer, and complimentary high-speed wi-fi. Suites with kitchenettes are available. Two 1860s-era sternwheelers, docked at the marina, take guests on cocktail cruises. Café Bahia serves Southern California cuisine for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Free children’s activities Memorial Day through Labor Day. No pets allowed.  

Parking is included. Check-in time: 4:00 pm; check-out time: 12:00 pm. Address: 998 West Mission Bay Dr., San Diego, CA 92109. Phone: 800-576-4229. Web: http://www.bahiahotel.com.

This renovated 200-room hotel sports a mission-style exterior. Guest rooms come in a variety of configurations: deluxe rooms (two queen beds or one king, some include a whirlpool tub and/or refrigerator), kids' suites (king bed and twin-size bunk beds), kids' mini suites (bunk beds in room), and two-room suites (two double beds, sofa sleeper, separate rooms). Each of its guest rooms comes with 32” LCD TV, coffeemaker, mini refrigerator, work desk, ergonomic chair, and free wireless Internet access. Free breakfast buffet and morning newspaper. Hotel amenities include an outdoor heated pool and spa, fitness center, guest laundry, and video arcade. Business services available. All rooms non-smoking. 

Parking is $12. Check-in time: 4:00 pm; check-out time: 11:00 am. Address: 2485 Hotel Circle Pl., San Diego, CA 92108. Phone: 619-881-6200 or 800-380-3583. Web: http://www.comfortinnzoo.com.

Located on 10 acres in Mission Bay Aquatic Park, next door to Sea World. Each of the 270 guest rooms has a light, contemporary decor with granite counter tops, teak and mahogany furniture, and plantation shutters. Rooms offer balconies or patios with views of the bay, marina, pool, or gardens. Surrounded by beautiful landscaping, this resort offers a tropical-style pool with gaming area (ping-pong, shuffleboard, and foosball), a bayside infinity pool, picnic area, private marina with bicycle, boat, and water-sport rentals, and connection to a 27-mile jogging/biking path. Two whirlpool spas, pool bar, and free shuttle service to San Diego attractions. For $27/night, purchase the "Boarding Pass", which includes wifi internet access, parking, local phone calls, and use of the fitness center. Dine indoors or out at the Firefly restaurant. Dog-friendly with a $100 cleaning fee. Formerly the Dana Inn & Marina. 

Parking is $20. Check-in time: 4:00 pm; check-out time: 12:00 pm. Address: 1710 Mission Bay Dr., San Diego, CA 92109. Phone: 619-222-6440 or 800-455-3339. Web: http://www.thedana.com.