Visiting San Diego on Miles and Points
San Diego is a dream destination with its stunning coastline, historic neighborhoods, and world-famous attractions. Whether you’re after a luxury bayfront stay, a beachside retreat, or a downtown escape, Hyatt has a perfect option—and the best part is, you can book them with points. Pair that with Southwest Rapid Rewards points (and the Companion Pass), and your San Diego getaway can be nearly free.
Here’s your ultimate guide to visiting San Diego on points and miles—including top Hyatt redemptions, how to earn points fast, and the best local activities.
How to Get to San Diego Using Southwest Points
✈️ Fly Free with Southwest Rapid Rewards
San Diego International Airport (SAN) is a Southwest hub with direct flights from many cities. If you’ve got Rapid Rewards points, you can often score one-way fares under 10,000 points. Have the Southwest Companion Pass? Your travel buddy flies free (just pay taxes and fees).
🏆 Fastest Way to Earn the Companion Pass
The quickest strategy: open one Southwest personal card and one business card, and earn the signup bonuses. You’ll hit the 135,000-point requirement fast—and the Companion Pass is valid for the rest of the year and all of the next.
How to Earn Hyatt Points
Hyatt points are some of the most valuable in the game. Here’s how to rack them up:
💳 Hyatt Credit Card
- World of Hyatt® Credit Card – 4X at Hyatt, 2X on dining/transportation/flights/gyms, and 1 free night (Category 1–4) each year.
- World of Hyatt® Business Credit Card – 2X on your top 3 spending categories, plus up to $100 in Hyatt credits/year.
🔁 Transfer Chase Ultimate Rewards® to Hyatt
- Chase Sapphire Preferred® – 2X on travel/dining. Redeem at 1.25x or transfer 1:1 to Hyatt.
- Chase Sapphire Reserve®
- Chase Ink Business Preferred® – 3X on travel, shipping, and internet.
🏨 Other Ways
- 5X points per $1 spent at Hyatt hotels
- Elite members earn up to 30% point bonuses
- Use Hyatt promos and book experiences to earn more
🏨 Best Hyatt Hotels in San Diego (with Points Ranges & Reviews)
San Diego has fantastic Hyatt options across different categories. Below are some of the best, with updated point ranges for off-peak / standard / peak pricing.
1. Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego
Category 4 – 12,000 / 15,000 / 18,000 points per night
📍 Downtown, Bayfront
🌟 Mini Review: This high-rise bayfront hotel offers epic views, rooftop pools, and a prime location near Seaport Village, the USS Midway, and Gaslamp Quarter. Excellent for families, business travelers, or romantic getaways.
💡 Pro Tip: Consider adding Club Access for daily breakfast, snacks, and drinks in the lounge. You can:
- Use a Club Access Award (earned with elite status),
- Book a Club Level room with points or cash, or
- Request a paid upgrade at check-in (subject to availability).
2. Hyatt Regency Mission Bay Spa and Marina
Category 4 – 12,000 / 15,000 / 18,000 points per night
📍 Mission Bay
🌟 Mini Review: This family-friendly resort offers multiple pools with water slides, a spa, and beautiful marina views. Close to SeaWorld and water sports activities.
3. Park Hyatt Aviara Resort, Golf Club & Spa
Category 6 – 21,000 / 25,000 / 29,000 points per night
📍 Carlsbad
🌟 Mini Review: One of the most luxurious Hyatts in SoCal, this five-star resort is perfect for a relaxing, upscale escape. It features a top-tier spa, golf course, and kids’ club.
4. Andaz San Diego
Category 5 – 17,000 / 20,000 / 23,000 points per night
📍 Gaslamp Quarter
🌟 Mini Review: A hip boutique hotel in the heart of downtown, known for its trendy rooftop pool and bar. Great for couples or nightlife lovers.
5. Hyatt Regency La Jolla at Aventine
Category 4 – / 12,000 / 15,000 points per night
📍 La Jolla
🌟 Mini Review: Recently renovated and offering great value on points. It’s near La Jolla Shores, UCSD, and the Birch Aquarium. Excellent for families and budget-conscious travelers.
🌴 Things to Do in San Diego
- Mission Beach & Boardwalk – Great for biking, rollerblading, or people-watching
- Pacific Beach – A youthful, vibrant beach town with bars, shops, and sunsets
- Little Italy – Charming food scene with weekly farmers markets and gelato spots
- Seaport Village – Waterfront shops and eateries near the harbor
- Old Town – History meets tacos; explore California’s birthplace
- Balboa Park & San Diego Zoo – Museums, gardens, and world-famous animals
- USS Midway Museum – Step aboard an aircraft carrier
- La Jolla Cove – Sea lions, snorkeling, and spectacular ocean views
- Coronado Island – Visit the historic Hotel Del and relax on white sand beaches
Final Thoughts
San Diego blends natural beauty, culture, and fun—and with the right strategy, you can visit for pennies. Use Hyatt points for free hotel nights, pair them with Southwest Rapid Rewards (and the Companion Pass), and you’ll be relaxing on the beach or rooftop in no time.
Ready to hit the beach without hitting your budget?
Start earning those points today and let San Diego welcome you.
Shortcuts From the Southwest 
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