“Steps from the beach” gets tossed around frequently. But at Ocean Park Inn, the recently refreshed San Diego mainstay, sand is sprinkling your toes within seconds of leaving the family-friendly property.
Ocean Park Inn has been a beloved Pacific Beach beacon since 1967–a spot to stay and play for all types of travelers. In 2021, the hotel even unveiled a three-phase property-wide renovation which focused on the exterior, pool deck and lounge. The result was a mid-century modern-meets-beach vibe, with Instagrammable moments around every corner.
Starting with the lobby, the light and airy setting welcomes guests with a massive fish tank (a particular hit with the kiddos) and a unique art installation by Randall Engstrom of Randall’s Sandals. And there is a massive wall feature just to remind you that you’ve stepped into a beachy retreat reading “Hello Sunshine.”
Each of Ocean Park Inn’s refreshed rooms offer the same soaked-in-sunshine feel as the lobby, decked in surf-inspired art, modern light wood, crisp white linens and pops of yellow and mint green in the furniture selections. The rooms even have private patios and balconies for stealing glances of the beach and the cotton-candy sunsets. Not to be outdone by the guestrooms, even the hallways feature cool black-and-white floor-to-ceiling beach scenes–a continued reminder of the fun in the sun that awaits outside.
Before dipping your toes in the ocean, Ocean Park Inn’s heated pool–part of the recent renovation–is inviting for guests of all ages. Whether from the hot tub, the sleek white outdoor furniture or the pool, alfresco revelers can enjoy views of the beach, towering palms or endless stream of bike riders and dog walkers making their way down the boardwalk.
To make the beach even more accessible, the pool area has a door (next to an outdoor shower, to boot) that leads directly to a boardwalk which separates the hotel from the sand. By the door, guests will find loungers, boogie boards, shovels and buckets for sandcastle-building and more goodies you’ll want for a beach day well spent. Plus, each room is equipped with large beach towels for its guests.
Tip: We suggest grabbing a Better Breakfast sandwich and iced Best Drink Ever from Better Buzzed Coffee to kick off the day and a massive (it is legitimately heavy!) soft serve ice cream cone from Glazed Coffee & Creamy as an afternoon treat. Both destinations are walkable from Ocean Park Inn.
The fourth and final phase of Ocean Park Inn’s renovation is set for this year and will includes a guests-only tiki-inspired cocktail pool bar. To book your stay, visit oceanparkinn.com.