Summary
One of the largest and most picturesque coastal cities along the Pacific Coast in Southern California, San Diego is notable for its numerous universities, meticulously maintained green spaces, a mild climate, and stunning beaches. Despite being the second-largest city in California, San Diego offers a notably relaxed atmosphere that allows visitors to enjoy a serene escape from the typical hustle and bustle associated with major metropolitan areas.
With its consistently warm climate throughout the year, San Diego is home to over one million residents from diverse backgrounds, thereby establishing itself as one of the most culturally rich cities in the United States. Historically recognized as the “birthplace of California,” the city welcomes over 35 million visitors annually.
Choosing accommodations in San Diego, often referred to as the “Craft Beer Capital of America,” can be overwhelming due to the vast array of options available. Below are several neighborhoods to consider when deciding where to stay, each with its unique offerings.
Gaslamp Quarter
As a prominent sub-neighborhood within San Diego’s downtown, Gaslamp Quarter serves as the epicenter of the city’s cultural and entertainment offerings. The skyline is a mix of Victorian-era architecture and modern skyscrapers, where art galleries, theaters, museums, shopping centers, and nightlife venues are abundant. Horton Plaza stands out as a key attraction, luring both youth and avid shoppers, while families and leisurely visitors can enjoy pleasant walks amidst well-kept gardens with the option for a refreshing ice-cream or cup of coffee. This area is also known for hosting events such as Mardi Gras and the Street Scene Music Festival and holds the distinction of being a “historic district.” Moreover, the renowned San Diego Zoo, regarded as one of the leading zoos globally, is located here.
Good for: All types of travelers.
Other Highlights: Gaslamp Museum at the Davis-Horton House, Old City Hall, Faro de Point Loma, Cabrillo National Park, Balboa Theatre, The Spanish Village, and USS Midway Museum.
Hotel Recommendations:
- Staypineapple at Hotel Z – A pet-friendly establishment from the heart of the downtown area featuring well-furnished rooms with modern amenities such as air-conditioning, complimentary Wi-Fi, a flat-screen TV with cable, and private bathrooms. Guests can utilize a business center for work needs or explore the surroundings through a free bicycle rental service available at the 24-hour front desk. Ideal for various types of travelers.
- Wyndham Harbour Lights – This upscale hotel boasts stunning views of the iconic Gaslamp Quarter and offers contemporary studios equipped with kitchenettes, 46-inch HDTVs, and private balconies. Guests can exercise at the on-site gym and later unwind with spa services. The prime attraction is just a 15-minute drive away from the venue, making it perfect for couples and small families.
- Gaslamp Plaza Suites – Built in 1913, this historic hotel features European decor with original architectural designs and modern amenities, as well as an in-house restaurant and a wine parlor. All rooms include free Wi-Fi and complimentary breakfast available daily. The nearest light rail station is just a short walk away, providing convenient access to the rest of the city. Great for solo travelers, couples, and small families.
Little Italy
Historically recognized for its thriving tuna fishing industry and a vibrant Italian community, Little Italy has transformed into an appealing neighborhood close to downtown. Characterized by craft beer establishments, boutique hotels, art galleries, and outdoor cafes, this district now thrives with both locals and tourists. In fact, it has become known for hosting the city’s most vibrant dining scene, featuring several globally acclaimed chefs who offer an array of dishes from both Northern and Southern Italy. A visit to this area would be incomplete without exploring a traditional Italian market; Mona Lisa Italian Foods deli showcases an impressive selection of gourmet food, wines, and deli sandwiches. Moreover, the annual Little Italy Fiesta celebrated in the fall is a testament to the neighborhood’s cultural vibrancy.
Good for: All types of travelers.
Other Highlights: Firefighters Museum, Piazza Basilone, Saturday Farmer’s Market, Our Lady of the Rosary Church, Waterfront Park, and Maritime Museum of San Diego.
Hotel Recommendations:
- Hampton Inn San Diego Downtown – Located just a short stroll from the beach, this elegant hotel offers beautifully decorated rooms with a plethora of facilities. Guests can start their day with a delightful complimentary breakfast before exploring the San Diego Convention Center or shopping at Horton Plaza. The rooftop pool provides breathtaking views of the Bay, making it ideal for all types of travelers.
- Best Western Plus Bayside Inn – Situated close to San Diego International Airport, this hotel offers luxurious rooms with spectacular views of the city’s skyline. Guests can enjoy the heated outdoor pool, on-site dining options, and a fully equipped fitness center. A complimentary breakfast is served every day. Furthermore, the hotel provides a free shuttle service for airport transfers and access to cruise terminals, enhancing its convenience for various travelers.
- Wyndham San Diego Bayside – This establishment features multiple dining options and a complimentary shuttle service to major San Diego attractions such as the San Diego Zoo and Seaport Village. Located directly across from the cruise terminal on San Diego Bay, it offers well-furnished rooms, an outdoor pool, a gift shop, and a fitness center, making it suitable for all travelers.
Old Town/Mission Valley
Designated as one of the most convenient neighborhoods to access from San Diego International Airport, the interconnected Old Town and Mission Valley areas are centrally located, providing easy access to the city’s key attractions. Just a short distance from prominent landmarks including the San Diego Zoo and downtown, Old Town is also revered as the historic epicenter of the city. With over 25 dining options available within a mile radius, this district is popular among visitors. The San Diego State Historic Park, the most frequented in California, boasts numerous museums, all of which are free for public access.
Good for: All types of travelers.
Other Highlights: Sheriff’s Museum and Education, El Campo Santo, Whaley House Museum, Mormon Battalion Historic Site, San Diego Trolley Tours, and Junipero Serra Museum.
Hotel Recommendations:
- Courtyard San Diego Old Town – Equipped with an in-house café serving delightful Californian dishes and a comprehensive fitness center, all rooms provide deluxe bedding with designer comforters, soundproofing, free Wi-Fi, and pay-per-view television. An optional breakfast is offered daily, making it suitable for all types of travelers.
- Hilton Garden Inn San Diego Old Town/Sea World Area – Just a brief walk from Old Town, this upscale hotel features tastefully decorated rooms with oversized beds, work desks, flat-screen televisions, and private bathrooms. Local calls are complimentary from every room, and a buffet breakfast is served daily, making it ideal for a variety of travelers.
- Best Western Plus Hacienda Hotel Old Town – Neighboring Old Town State Park, this luxurious property showcases thoughtfully designed rooms equipped with modern amenities. While exploring the neighborhood, guests can unwind at the hotel’s outdoor pool before enjoying a delicious meal at the on-site restaurant. The adjacent Old Town Tequila Factory offers an enjoyable evening experience for guests, making it suitable for all types of travelers, including larger groups of up to five individuals.
Mission Bay
Home to Mission Bay Park, a 4,600-acre aquatic paradise, this neighborhood embodies the quintessential beach lifestyle. Surrounded by an array of beach communities, each possessing its unique charm, Mission Bay is a vibrant locale at all hours. It is particularly popular among water sports enthusiasts, offering activities such as kite surfing, wakeboarding, stand-up paddleboarding, and sailing. Other notable attractions include Belmont Park, Sunset Cliff Natural Park, and Pacific Beach.
Good for: All types of travelers, particularly beach enthusiasts and families with children.
Other Highlights: Ocean Beach and Pier, Point Loma Community Park, Dusty Rhodes Park Area, Fiesta Island Park, and Mission Bay Bike Path.
Hotel Recommendations:
- Hyatt Regency Mission Bay Spa and Marina – Situated mere steps from the beach, this stunning hotel offers contemporary accommodations with cutting-edge facilities. Guests can indulge in massage therapies at the on-site spa or enjoy the pool and water slides. A full-service marina provides opportunities for various outdoor adventure sports, including kayaking, sport fishing, and whale watching. Well-suited for all travelers, including larger groups of up to six.
- Bahia Resort Hotel – Just a stone’s throw from the beach, this hotel boasts an array of luxurious guest rooms, a refreshing outdoor pool, a large hot tub, and a private beach. Guests can partake in workouts at the hotel’s gym or enjoy evening tennis matches. The on-site restaurant and bar present a delightful menu, catering to solo travelers, couples, and small families.
- The Dana on Mission Bay – A short walk from the beach, this opulent hotel features well-equipped guest rooms with complimentary Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, mini refrigerators, and ensuite bathrooms providing complimentary toiletries and bathrobes. Guests can dine at the seaside restaurant, unwind at the seasonal pool bar, or relax in the two outdoor pools and hot tubs. Ideal for all travelers, including larger groups of up to six.
La Jolla
Renowned for its dramatic coastline and breathtaking views, La Jolla is one of the most sought-after beach towns in California. Surrounded by the sea on three sides, with Mt. Soledad providing a stunning backdrop, the vistas and natural beauty here are unparalleled. Paired with a sophisticated village ambiance and a wealth of activities, it aptly earns the title “the jewel” of San Diego. Visitors can choose from boutique hotels and casual beach retreats, along with unique shops, art galleries, museums, outdoor activities, and diverse dining options – you name it, La Jolla offers it. Scripps Park is a well-known family-friendly spot, especially famous for its Fourth of July fireworks display.
Good for: All types of travelers.
Other Highlights: La Jolla Tide Pools, Cuvier Park, La Jolla Cove, La Jolla Shores Park, and Torrey Pines Gliderport and Beach.
Hotel Recommendations:
- Inn by the Sea, at La Jolla – A mere two blocks from the Pacific Ocean and within five minutes from the beach, this exceptional property in La Jolla offers spacious, elegantly designed rooms equipped with top-notch amenities. Guests can relax in the on-site heated outdoor pool or partake in various outdoor recreational activities popular in the area. Well-suited for all types of travelers.
- Hyatt Regency La Jolla at Aventine – Featuring contemporary rooms equipped with 42-inch flat-screen TVs, iPod docking stations, seating areas, and ensuite bathrooms, this hotel provides extravagant amenities for its guests. An outdoor heated pool and hot tub invite guests to rejuvenate while a fine assortment of wine, beer, and cocktails promise delightful evenings. Sports enthusiasts can engage in basketball or tennis on the on-site facilities. Perfect for varying types of travelers.
- La Jolla Beach Travelodge – Located a short walk from the adjacent beach, this charming hotel offers complimentary Wi-Fi and an outdoor pool available year-round. Guests stay in comfortable rooms featuring cozy beds, cable television, and private bathrooms. A complimentary breakfast is served daily, making it suitable for all types of travelers.
Hotel Circle
Comprising several well-known areas in the city, Hotel Circle in San Diego is a laid-back neighborhood recognized for its budget accommodation options and excellent proximity to major attractions. As a sub-area of Mission Valley, Hotel Circle is replete with shopping centers and family-friendly restaurants. Furthermore, for those arriving by car, parking is typically convenient and often free. The area is split into Hotel Circle North and Hotel Circle South by the Mission Valley Freeway, and is in close vicinity to San Diego’s main beach area, Mission Bay.
Good for: All types of travelers, particularly backpackers and those on a budget.
Other Highlights: San Diego River, Old Town State Historical Park.
Hotel Recommendations:
- Kings Inn – Featuring a large outdoor pool and multiple dining options, Kings Inn is conveniently located a short drive from San Diego International Airport. Guestrooms are equipped with cozy double beds, complimentary Wi-Fi, cable television, and private bathrooms. Free parking facilities are available for guests. Suitable for solo travelers and couples.
- Hampton Inn San Diego Mission Valley – Known for its exceptional 24-hour fitness center and business center equipped with the latest technology, this stylish hotel offers charming guestrooms featuring top-tier amenities and services. Guests can enjoy an outdoor pool and an all-day availability of tea or coffee. A complimentary breakfast including waffles, pastries, fruit, and a variety of meats is served daily, catering to all types of travelers.
- Residence Inn San Diego/Mission Valley – This beautifully decorated hotel features spacious accommodations with oversized double beds, pay-per-view television, kitchenettes, seating areas, and ensuite bathrooms stocked with complimentary toiletries. A sizable outdoor pool offers refreshing relaxation, and the on-site fitness center ensures guests maintain their exercise routines. Ideal for various travelers, including larger groups of up to five individuals.
Coronado
Beloved by couples, Coronado is a resort community located just across San Diego Bay, often referred to as Coronado Island (though it is actually a peninsula). The connection to mainland San Diego is established via Silver Strand, a narrow 7-mile tombolo that partly lies within Silver Strand State Beach. This area is popular for the annual Silver Strand Half Marathon, attracting joggers and cycling enthusiasts alike. Endearingly termed the “Crown City,” Coronado offers a unique experience away from the chaos of urban life. Coronado Beach, a standout attraction, was named the best beach in the United States in 2012.
Good for: All types of travelers.
Other Highlights: Sunset Park, Coronado Tidelands Park, Solstice Clock, Fidler’s Cove Marina and RV Park, and Grand Caribe Shoreline Park.
Hotel Recommendations:
- Crown City Inn Coronado – Positioned right by the beach, this hotel provides guests with delightful rooms adorned in pastel shades and equipped with modern amenities. Guests are welcome to bring pets along for their visit, and the on-site restaurant specializes in gourmet French and American cuisine, with a bar menu offering a select choice of wines and cocktails. An outdoor pool offers a refreshing option after a busy day of exploration, ideal for various travelers.
- Best Western Plus Suites Hotel Coronado Island – Located near Coronado City Beach, this upscale hotel offers elegantly designed rooms featuring premium facilities, along with complimentary Wi-Fi in all rooms, a spacious outdoor pool, a 24-hour front desk, and a hot tub. A complimentary breakfast is served daily, making it suitable for all types of travelers, inclusive of larger groups of up to five individuals.
- Hotel del Coronado, Curio Collection by Hilton – Just a short walk from the beach, this magnificent luxury hotel features opulent guest rooms set within a historic property. With the scenic Pacific Coast enveloping the hotel, guests can take advantage of extensive amenities complemented by world-class hospitality. Amenities include an outdoor pool, seaside spa treatments, reserved waterfront seating for the day, and an extensive menu of food and beverages, making it perfect for all travelers, including larger groups of up to six individuals.
