San Diego's luxury resorts get national recognition

Zoom in: The luxury beachfront resort overlooking the iconic Oceanside Pier was also voted best in California in the rankings released Tuesday.

• Highlights include its location, private balconies with ocean views, sunsets from the rooftop bar and the Michelin-star Mexican restaurant Valle.
• Rooms average $600-$800 per night.

Fun fact: At the hotel, "Top Gun" fans can visit the house of Maverick's love interest, Charlie. It's now a retro dessert shop called High Pie that's filled with movie memorabilia.

How it works: More than 186,000 Travel and Leisure readers cast 700,000 votes, sharing their opinions of thousands of hotels, resorts and other properties around the world.

• The rankings were based on those scores and votes.

State of play: Rancho Valencia Resort & Spa in Rancho Santa Fe (ranked 11th) was recognized for its quiet luxury, wellness activities and 5-star spa.

• The Seabird Ocean Resort & Spa, Mission Pacific's sister property next door, ranked 14th.
• The Pendry San Diego, InterContinental San Diego and Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina were readers' favorite stays in the city.