Things To See And Do In Gaslamp Quarter
- Visit the U.S.S. Midway, an aircraft carrier-turned-museum that offers tours hosted by veterans.
- Enjoy a few drinks at Karl Strauss.
- Catch a Padres baseball game at Petco Park.
- Sip a glass of wine at Vin de Syrah.
- Sink your teeth into a succulent burger at Searsucker.
- Browse the stacks at the San Diego Central Library.
- Enjoy a relaxing afternoon of people watching in Gaslamp Quarter Park, a small square with good views.
- Dine on delicious and filling dishes at barleymash.
Things To Do In San Diego
Balboa Park is a leafy oasis in the north of the city and one of San Diegos highlights. Admire its Spanish Colonial-style architecture, explore the Museum of Natural History and San Diego Museum of Art and visit the world-renowned San Diego Zoo, all of which lie within its borders.
In the heart of Downtown San Diego is the historic Gaslamp Quarter, renowned for its beautifully preserved late-19th-century architecture. Jump aboard one of the old trolleys to tour its heritage-listed streets and explore the art galleries and boutiques on foot.
Then head to the lively shopping and entertainment district of Seaport Village which features Mexican-inspired architecture and waterfront restaurants where you can take in the bay views. If youre travelling with kids, dont miss the opportunity to ride on Seaport Villages 120-year-old carousel.
Ever wanted to step aboard a U.S. military ship? Well, you can do just that at the USS Midway, as it is permanently berthed to the north of Seaport Village. Venture into the crews sleeping quarters and the on board jail or try your hand at piloting a military aircraft in its flight simulator.
Dome Life Unique Apartment
Location: La Messa
Price: $110+ per night
If youâre looking for something quiet and secluded, without sacrificing any of the luxuries of the city, this place is idyllic. The living room has Netflix and a minibar with drinks.
The two bedrooms are beautifully and simply decorated, with ocean-inspired decor. Itâs stylish and comfortable. And a short walk from the beach.
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Information About Staying In San Diego
Read these important travel tips before booking a hotel in San Diego
How long do people stay in San Diego?
When visiting San Diego the average booking length is 3 nights.
How much does a hotel cost in San Diego?
The price of a hotel in San Diego depends on several factors such as star rating, location and demand. Generally speaking, the average cost of a hotel is around $182 per night.
When is the best time to book a hotel in San Diego?
In February prices are at their lowest and represents the most cost effective time to book a hotel room in San Diego. You may find the cost of your room has decreased by 33%.
Which day is cheapest to stay in San Diego?
At the moment the cheapest day to stay in a hotel in San Diego is Sunday, with Thursday being the most expensive.
How much does a hostel in San Diego cost?
San Diego Hostels typically cost in the region of $125 a night for each person. This price is taken from hostels and hotels with a 2 star or below rating. Hostels are very economical and come out on average $57 cheaper than the average price of a hotel in San Diego.
Where should I stay in San Diego?
Pacific Beach, La Jolla, Downtown and Old Town are some of the more popular areas to stay in when visiting San Diego.
Based on the weather in San Diego, what attractions are popular during September?
Does San Diego have vacation rentals?
Does San Diego have hostels?
Purchase A Go San Diego Card
Did you know theres a way to experience San Diegos most popular sites such as SeaWorld San Diego, the San Diego Zoo, and LEGOLAND® California and save money?
The Go San Diego Card is a must for every vacation in San Diego. With this exclusive pass, you receive admission to all 44 San Diego area attractions for one discounted price. The Go San Diego Card includes admission to attractions and activities such as:
- Hollywood Behind the Scenes Tour
- Reuben H. Fleet Science Center with IMAX Movie
- And So Much More
With 1, 2, 3, 5, and 7-day passes, the Go San Diego Card is the best way to experience San Diegos greatest attractions at a price you can afford. Simply present your card at any of the 44 attractions during operating hours and enjoy!
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Am I Missing Any Of The Best Airbnbs In San Diego
Have you been to San Diego recently and checked into an awesome Airbnb that you think should be included on this list? Please, do let me know! There are quite a lot of Airbnb listings in the city, and it was difficult to narrow down my list to only 20!
It is easily my favorite city in California though, and Ive even thought about moving down there .
Should I Stay In Downtown San Diego
Downtown San Diego is a great place to stay if you like exploring trendy and lively bars and restaurants and want a more urban-life experience in San Diego. Downtown also offers the easiest access to places like Balboa Park, Little Italy, the San Diego Zoo, and other sites. If you want a beachy, laid-back vacation, then I recommend staying in a different neighborhood in San Diego but the view of the San Diego skyline is unparalleled from the bay.
The Pendry is a top hotel option in Downtown as it has great dining options and a rooftop pool. Or, for a slightly less big city atmosphere but with many of the plus sides of staying in Downtown, check out North Park, which is one of the most popular San Diego Neighborhoods for young professional residents.
Read More Guides: Where to Stay in Long Beach, CA, Where to Stay in Oakland, CA
Whether youre looking for a quiet beach getaway, or to let loose at some local breweries or bars, one of San Diegos many neighborhoods is sure to be a good fit. Hopefully, this guide has given you some insight into where to stay in San Diego!
If youre planning on a longer stay in San Diego and want to explore surrounding areas, take a look at my guide on day trips from San Diego!
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Gaslamp Quarter Best Place To Stay In San Diego On A Budget
The Gaslamp Quarter is one of the oldest neighbourhoods in central San Diego. It was once home to the red light district as well as seedy casinos and untamed saloons.
In the 1970s and 80s, the area underwent redevelopment, and today, it is one of the most exciting parts of the city. Thanks to the 100 restored Victorian-era buildings, it still retains much of its original charm.
The Gaslamp Quarter is also where youll find a great selection of affordable accommodations. With everything from backpacker hostels to boutique hotels, this area of the city is packed with options for every budget.
Visit San Diego With Kids In October
Will you be traveling to San Diego with your children? If so, visit during the month of October when San Diego offers more than 100 free activities and attractions exclusively for kids. From free theme park admission to free events, your family can save money without skipping out on the best attractions and experiences.
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Cheap Places To Stay In San Diego
Check out these ideas for cheap hotels in San Diego. Whether you want a cheap San Diego beach rental, cheap motel in San Diego, or just a budget San Diego CA hotel, or some really cheap places to stay, we have some suggestions for you.
To search for hotels and resorts for your stay in San Diego area, and save money, see aRestravel.
Updated September 1, 2022 by San Diego Beaches and Adventures
Things To See And Do In Downtown
- Climb to the top of the Hyatt and enjoy spectacular sights as you sip delicious cocktails.
- Enjoy great cocktails in an urbane setting at The Noble Experiment.
- Choose from a wide selection of local and international beers at Monkey Paw Pub & Brewery.
- Sip cocktails at Prohibition San Diego, a super-secret speakeasy.
- Down a pint at the Dubliner, an authentic Irish pub in the heart of San Diego.
- Have a drink and enjoy the atmosphere at Cuban Cigar Factory.
- Dance the night away at the Onyx Room.
My missus travels with all her clothes in ziplock bags: dont be like my missus. UP YOUR PACKING GAME!
Packing cubes for the globetrotters and compression sacks for the real adventurers these babies are a travellers best kept secret. They organise yo packing and minimise its volume too so you can pack MORE.
Or, yknow you can stick to ziplock bags.
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Ocean Beach Best Place To Stay In San Diego For Families
Ocean Beach is a fun and funky neighbourhood located outside the city centre. This casual borough boasts a retro flair and is where you can find a great selection of unique shops, restaurants, cafes and crowds. With vibrant street art and quirky characters, theres plenty to keep you occupied in Ocean Beach.
Our pick for where to stay for families, Ocean Beach is well-connected to some of San Diegos most famous attractions. It is located just a short drive from Belmont Park, Sunset Cliffs and Ocean Beach Pier.
Fancy a little sun, surf and sand on your vacation? Ocean Beach is home to a number of seaside locales perfect for relaxing, swimming and playing in the sand.
Best Western Plus Island Palms Hotel And Marina
Neighborhood: Shelter Island
Powered by Best Western
A waterfront Best Western? Yes, and its a great hotel near the airport and downtown San Diego attractions and restaurants.
In addition to spectacular water and skyline views, this San Diego budget hotel has a private mega-yacht marina , two waterfront swimming pools, tennis courts, free WiFi, complimentary bike rentals, laundry facilities, an onsite restaurant, cheap parking at $10/night and more.
And, the food at Blue Wave Bar and Grill onsite is excellent complete with water views.
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Where Should I Not Stay In San Diego
I recommend staying away from inland San Diego or areas very close to the Mexican border as they tend to have fewer activities and attractions to offer visitors. For example, I would stay away from Chula Vista and National City and choose a location further North to get closer to San Diegos more popular sites.
Walk Around Gaslamp Quarter
No matter when you visit, a stroll through Gaslamp Quarter is magical and doesnt cost a thing. From the architecture to the shops, theres always something to see and experience in Gaslamp Quarter. Dont forget to bring your camera and capture your memories of the Victorian buildings and vibrant decor for years to come.
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Best Airbnb In North Park: Garden View Studio
Stay right on the edge of Balboa Park a few minutes from the zoo and downtown district this home is placed in a prime location for all the San Diego attractions. Get cosy on the couch and relax or head out into the beautiful leafy garden for some alfresco dining. Have to work while travelling? No problem, theres a private desk for your convenience!
Best Apartment Rental In Ocean Beach: Sunset Cottage
This bright and breezy 2 br 1 Bath beach bungalow is a short walk to beaches, shops, restaurants, and weekly farmers market. Your home away from home lends itself to a relaxing and fun visit, vacation, or extended stay in the youthful and energetic city of San Diego.
- Getting to Ocean Beach
- From the I-5, to the 8/Sunset Cliffs Boulevard and follow that to Bacon Street. There is free street parking in residential areas of Ocean Beach and metered parking in the main areas.
- Bus #35 runs from Old Town to Ocean Beach. Bus #923 runs from downtown San Diego to Ocean Beach.
- Taxis frequently run to and from Ocean Beach, but youll likely have to call one in advance.
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Cheap Hotels In San Diego
San Diego hotels range from the luxurious, expensive ones to absolutely affordable and even cheap places to stay. While California might be notorious for higher prices, the hotels here are more than aware that many travelers have tight budgets. Most of the citys budget hotels are located by the San Diego Zoo and near the airport. However, you might be surprised at how many affordable hotels you have close to the waterfront too, like the Howard Johnson Inn just 2 blocks from the ocean. Best Western Plus Island Palms Hotel & Marina sits on the coast, but is the cheapest hotel in the row. The Super 8 San Diego Hotel Circle borders Chula Vista, but it is possible to reach San Diego Bay in a matter of 10 minutes.
Mission Bay Mission Beach & pacific Beach
North of Ocean Beach, across the San Diego River, lie the most popular of San Diegos city beaches. Mission Beach and Pacific Beach stand on a narrow sandbar between the ocean and Mission Bay Park, a water wonderland of marinas, sheltered beaches, and resorts. On the bay you can rent kayaks, sailboats, paddle-boats, and SUPs, but the area is best known for SeaWorld San Diego. Mission Beach spans nearly two miles of sand, lined by the always humming Ocean Front Walk. The biggest non-beach attraction here is Belmont Park, an old-fashioned amusement park with a landmark rollercoaster . Mission Boulevard runs from Mission Beach north to Pacific Beach and is full of casual cafes, womens clothing boutiques, yoga studios, and bars. Pacific Beach is a slightly hipper beach community with a cluster of fashionable beach bars along the shore and restaurants and coffee shops along the main street, Garnet Avenue. This area tends to draw a young, bar-hopping crowd. Surfing is big here South Coast and Pacific Beach Surf Shop are top spots for gear, board rentals, and lessons. Staying in Pacific Beach, Mission Beach, or Mission Bay can be lots of fun, with access to the beach, surf, and some great places to eat and drink. Its not so convenient for exploring the rest of the city, however, with long bus rides or drives to Downtown and elsewhere.
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Best Apartment Rental In Gaslamp Quarter: The Heart Of The City
Located in the heart of the Gaslamp Quarter. This is a 2nd Floor Expansive unit with lots of space. with 2 bedrooms and 1 bath, it is perfect for families or couples. It also comes with access to a parking space and is close to everything.
- Getting There
- The Gaslamp Quarter is in the middle of downtown San Diego and runs along 5th and 6th Avenue. Parking can be hard to find and is very expensive in the Gaslamp Quarter.
- All trolley lines service the Gaslamp Quarter. The stations are Gaslamp Station and Fifth Avenue Station.
- The Gaslamp Quarter is serviced by pedicabs, bicycle-powered rides that often have music playing out of a boom box. These are a fun way to get around downtown.
Best Hostel In Downtown: Hi San Diego Downtown
Free breakfast, a great location and comfortable rooms are just a few of the reasons we love this hostel. It is centrally located in Downtown San Diego and is just steps away from the citys best bars, shops and restaurants. It has a full kitchen, free linens, and a game room with billiards and arcade games.
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Cheap Hotel With San Diego Bay View
A haven for the nautically-inclined, the Bay Club Hotel & Marina in Point Loma lets you dip into the swanky side of a seafaring life. Snugly situated in the Shelter Island neighborhood, surrounded by San Diego Bay, the hotel offers tranquil water-views framed by the downtown skyline, Point Loma hills and myriad masts bobbing in the propertys private marina.
Recently renovated rooms outfitted in aquatic tones of cool blue and gray each come with a balcony or patio to maximize indulgence in the serene setting and are ideal for admiring swaying palms silhouetted by vibrant sunrises or sunsets. When youre inspired to get your toes wet, take a dip in the outdoor heated pool or slip into the marina-view hot tub for a moment of escape.
Take advantage of Bay Clubs proximity to Liberty Station, where youll find an abundance of waterfront restaurants, galleries, and shops crowned by NTC Park. Consider this the town square of San Diegos future, combining commerce, history, and culture with plenty of space for outdoor recreation and perfect people-watching. Its all just a few minutes from the hotel by car or an easy half-hour walk if youre looking to burn some vacation calories.
Homewood Suites San Diego Downtown/bayside
Neighborhood: Downtown San Diego/Little ItalyAddress: 2137 Pacific Highway Suite A, San Diego, CA 92101
Hiltons Bayside campus includes two hotels: Hilton Garden Inn San Diego Downtown/Bayside and Homewood Suites San Diego Downtown/Bayside.
Having two hotels on one campus is designed to provide a resort-like experience. Which of the 364 total guest rooms and suites across both hotels you choose depends on length of stay and price.
Homewood Suites
Homewood Suites is an extended stay San Diego hotel with contemporary suites that have fully equipped kitchens, work desks, and separate living areas.
Dont feel like cooking? Opt for room service, the onsite 24-hour Suite Shop with snacks or any one of San Diegos best restaurants located within walking distance.
This hotel will also fill your suites full-sized fridge with groceries, by request. Other perks include daily hot breakfast and a MondayThursday evening social hour.
Hilton Garden Inn
Hilton Garden Inn features rooms with a fresh aesthetic, some with bay views. The hotel also features a cool pool and Bayside Kitchen and Lounge.
The campus location is two blocks from the San Diego Bay, and steps from attractions on the Embarcadero and Little Italy.
Hilton Hotels are usually best booked using the discounted Hilton Honors rate .
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