A couple of suggestions:

Aviara - 4 Seasons

http://www.fourseasons.com/aviara/index.html

Its further north of San Diego City but good location for activities you are thinking of...

La Jolla Beach and Tennis Club

www.ljbtc.com/Default.aspx…

On Mission Bay (not ocean but still nice water area San Diego)

Bahia http://www.bahiahotel.com/index_flash.html

or

Catamaran http://www.catamaranresort.com/

(Catamaran the nicer of the two).

Also....if you do find yourself wondering if you're missing Mardi Gras, you can go to San Diego Mardi Gras

http://www.gaslamp.org/mardigras.php

Get an outside table at Mister Tikki's and you can see Mardi Gras San Diego Style...floats, beads, and all....

(i.e. on the other hand if you're trying to avoid Mardi Gras completely, receommend not staying in Gaslamp area end February as this is pretty much party central for that night.)

Catamaran and La Jolla Beach & Tennis club are good ideas, you might also want to check out:

Coronado Marriott

marriott.com/property/propertypage/SANCI

Sea Lodge at La Jolla

www.ljbtc.com/Default.aspx…

Pacific Terrace in Pacific Beach

http://www.pacificterrace.com/

and the Dana on Mission Bay

http://www.danainn.signonsandiego.com/

Pacific Beach is a good location, too. Very easy to get around SD and La Jolla from there, too. Great beaches, beautiful Pacific views.

Two of our favorite restaurtants in PB are Gringos Cantina and The Green Flash (www.greenflashrestaurant.com; see also TA review). Some hotels there to check out are Pacific Terrace at www.pacificterrace.com, Ocean Park Inn at www.oceanparkinn.com (we've stayed here and like it), the Best Western Blue Sea Lodge (www.bestwestern-bluesea.com).

Some other ideas for while you are there...

La Jolla is awesome. The views are amazing. La Jolla Cove is a great spot - kids will enjoy seeing the sea lions on the beach. Great restaurants with great views - sit outside at George's on the Cove. Look at www.lajollabythesea.com.

When you visit the Zoo, touring the grounds and museums in Balboa Park is a great experience.

A drive out to Point Loma is so worth it. You can see forever! The tide pools and the history at the Cabrillo museum at the top would be great for kids, too. See review under attractions/tourism. :-)

A harbour tour is always lots of fun. A great way to see downtown SD from the water - see a lot and learn a lot. Both of these are good - www.hornblower.com or www.harborexcursion.com. Also, fun to do down at the harbor is touring the Star of India and shopping/eating at Seaport Village. See www.seaportvillage.com.

For an authentic taste of Mexico, visit Old Town. What a neat area! We enjoyed eating at Casa Guadalajara when we were last there.

No doubt you'll really enjoy the zoo, Legoland and Seaworld, as mentioned!!

You're going to be there during a terrific time of year! Yes, the ocean is quite chilly, but barefoot in the surf or tide pools is still fun. Many pools are heated, too. We've seen many people in the ocean that time of year, but in wetsuits. All the outdoor dining patios have gaslamps. It's great sweatshirt & shorts weather! It can get pretty windy, so I'd toss in stocking hats, too.

Hope this helps - have fun!!

Meant also to tell you to pick up lots of brochures/maps when you get there. Often there are discounts, and the maps are great!

With a family, I would suggest two other places than the del:

1. The Paradise Point resort on mission bay. THey have single story bungalows that surround mission bay. The ones sitting on the bay have great views (not ocean, but bay) the grounds ar lush and tropical, with paths, and you can rent 4 wheel bikes and bke around, there is also a mini golf, and at least 3 pools. Lots of fun, and you can always drive over to coronado for the day to go to the beach. the other choice is the

2. Hilton beach and tennis club on east mission bay. It also sits on the bay. Has some rooms facing the bay, a large pool. lots of fun. Restauratnt sitting right on the water, with outdooor seating.

We have two teenagers who have grown up visiting either the Del or one of these others - they love the beach and love these Enjoy your vacation

Be sure you take them to visit Children's Beach to see the Sea Lions in La Jolla. I would also consider staying at the Sea Lodge in La Jolla because it's got plenty of space to explore--a beach and pool, and it's right near Sea World. www.ljbtc.com/Default.aspx…

Also, don't forget to visit the Birch Aquarium at Scripps, Seaport Village, and maybe even the Chula Vista Nature Center (get upclose to sting rays) if you have time. Also, a three day pass might be a good idea to save money on the big attractions like Legoland, the Zoo etc. www.gosandiegocard.com

The downtown Embassy Suites has rooms with two beds and a pull out couch so you don't have to get a rollaway bed (we are a family of 5 too). They also include a complimentary breakfast that's a great way to start the day. It was in a great location for going to the zoo, sea world, etc. There is also a small frig and sink and they have two tv's in the room. A little more room to spread out...