Dan McKinney Family YMCA

📍 8355 Cliffridge Ave, La Jolla, CA, 92037

Cold Plunge & Sauna

The Dan McKinney Family YMCA features a sauna and a steam room, which members appreciate for recovery and preparation. However, the sauna and spa facilities are frequently noted for being broken or closed for extended periods, with members reporting weeks-long outages. The venue also offers a giant jacuzzi, though its operational status is inconsistent and it often closes. When functional, the sauna and steam room are valued amenities, though some members note that conversation levels in the sauna can be high.

Atmosphere

This YMCA is described as a massive, flagship complex with a beautiful, modern, and clean facility. Members frequently praise the unbeatable ocean and sunset views from the workout areas. The atmosphere is generally considered friendly, positive, and family-centric, serving as a beloved community destination. The venue can become very crowded during peak hours, and some members have reported an unpleasant odor in certain areas like the men's locker room.

Pricing

The YMCA offers membership options, including discounted memberships for those on assistance programs like social security or with food stamps, with the possibility of a grant covering the entire cost. San Diego County residents are entitled to two free guest passes per year to try the facility. Some members feel the value has decreased, noting rising membership costs alongside reductions in services like included childcare and reliable facility operations.

Staff

Feedback on staff is mixed. Many members describe staff as friendly, helpful, observant, and polite, with specific trainers like Eric and instructors like Cappie and Melinda receiving praise. Conversely, several reports cite poor customer service, particularly regarding membership cancellation and refund requests, with one front desk employee named Brian mentioned multiple times for unprofessional behavior. Responsiveness from management to member concerns is also noted as lacking.

Additional Amenities

This location boasts extensive amenities, including two large outdoor pools (one lap, one recreational) with a warm salt-water temperature, a splash pad for children, and multiple gymnasiums for basketball and gymnastics. The workout area features modern cardio and strength equipment, though the free weight and squat rack space is considered limited. Other features include a smoothie bar/cafe, childcare, a wide variety of group fitness classes, ping pong, shuffleboard, and family locker rooms.