San Diego Hotel very near beach for young family?

I travel to San Diego about once a month, and ALWAYS stay at the Hilton Resort on Mission bay. It has sailboats for rent, a WONDERFUL heated pool (I know you're from Alaska, but...), and is on the beach. You can also watch the seaworld fireworks from most of the guest rooms on many Friday nights. The grounds are beautiful, with flowers, little putting greens, hammocks. However, I do not think it has a playground. There is a health club, but I don't work out so I don't go there.

At breakfast, make sure to ask for Luis, who is the best server in the world. Tell him Eleanor and Laurie sent you and you'll be treated very well.

The most "hopping" city out of the names you listed is PB (Pacific Beach). The nightlife there is great! Lots of locals, bars galore, shopping and of course the beach! It's not the nicest place to stay though. If you want a really nice place to stay, i'd say either Carlsbad or La Jolla. Both places are on the ritzier side. Have fun!

I highly recommend the Hotel Del Coronado in San Diego. It is right on the beach and is a historical landmark. Disney World's Grand Floridian resort and spa was modeled after this landmark hotel.

http://www.hoteldel.com/

adjacent city park playground

http://www1.hilton.com/en_US/hi/hotel/SANHIHF-Hilt...

while either are minimum $300/night, Hotel Del is farther from

any playground, Sea World, Zoo, Wild Animal Park

sorry, huge playground is 1/2 mile south