Best Hotel In Gaslamp Quarter: Ramada Gaslamp/convention Center
Classic and comfortable, the Ramada Gaslamp/Convention Centre is a great base for your time in the city. It is close to iconic landmarks and tourist attractions as well as shopping, restaurants and bars. This hotel has 99 unique rooms, each outfitted with cable/satellite TVs and private bathrooms. There is also an on-site lounge and restaurant.
Hotel Circle Where To Stay In San Diego On A Budget
Located adjacent to Old Town and Mission Valley, Hotel Circle is a bustling thoroughfare that was purposely designed to cater to San Diegos many visitors.
With several of the regions busiest freeways nearby, this is the perfect place for a hotel stay if youre traveling with a car and plan to visit sites in the surrounding territory.
Nearby attractions and activities include the Riverwalk Golf Club, the Tecolote Canyon Natural Park and Nature Center and the Fashion Valley Shopping Mall in addition to Westfield Mission Valley.
With tons of other retailers and restaurants within a short drive, this is an excellent place for families to stay or for those who want to have convenient access to freeways.
Additionally, Hotel Circle is pretty accessible to the airport, so this is a good selection if you have an early flight.
In Hotel Circle, youll find all of the usual suspects as far as national hotel chains are concerned. If you have a favorite brand, youll probably find it here.
Prices generally are reasonable when compared with some of San Diegos more upscale and exclusive neighborhoods.
Bargains may be had at some of the older properties, but this isnt the place to expect much in the way of hostels. Still, the crime rate is pretty low, making this a good place to stay in San Diego.
Our Favorite Area: Mission Beach & Seaworld
Mission Beach is located next to the Pacific Ocean, north of Belmont Park.
This area is ideal for beach lovers since it perfectly sums up the Californian lifestyle.
The leisure at Mission Beach revolves around Belmont Park, where you can get on the Giant Dipper roller coaster or take a walk along the waterfront.
Another great attraction near this district is the famous SeaWorld, a water park with incredible animal shows, which makes it one of the best areas to stay in San Diego for family trips.
The gastronomic offer of this area is highlighted by street food, hot dog stands and gourmet restaurants where you can taste delicious dishes.
Access to other San Diego neighborhoods from Mission Beach is possible through the bus network available along Mission Boulevard.
Mission Beach, has many beach-style bars, perfect for a few drinks and tapas in the late afternoon.
If youre looking to rest or go fishing, south of Mission Beach offers a quiet environment for fishing or to relax.
Why is this a recommended area to stay in San Diego:
- Best area for sightseeing
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Best Neighborhood For Dogs And Dive Bars
South of Mission and Pacific Beach, but separated by a channel of water, Ocean Beach feels very different from San Diegos other sandy suburbs. A little slower-paced, its home to artisans, yogis, vegetarians, hippies, alternatives and craft beer fans. Antique shops, organic cafes and psychedelic buildings line Newport Ave in the center of town. Its easy to spend an afternoon rummaging through second-hand records and collectors comics or perusing the fresh goods at the Wednesday farmers market.
Dont expect a fancy dining experience, though. The laid-back tattoo-clad locals are proud of their hoods casual, almost scruffy feel. Entertainment comes in the form of dive bars, microbreweries and affordable, independent burger and taco joints .
Activities include romantic walks at Sunset Cliffs Natural Park for dramatic cliff formations and weird caves or fishing off Ocean Beach Pier and exploring tide pools. Plus, you can let Fido run wild at the leash-free Dog Beach to the north.
The Gaslamp Quarter: Best Area To Stay In Downtown San Diego

I wouldnt recommend staying in Downtown San Diego, its honestly a little boring, and doesnt have as much character as the surrounding local neighborhoods . On the other hand It is definitely worth a visit, and is super central for short stays or if you will be in San Diego without a car.
If you do choose to stay Downtown, then you should stay in the Gaslamp Quarter, which is within walking distance to a great selection of bars, coffee shops, and restaurants. On an average weekend morning, youll find it lined with outdoor patios packed with boozy brunch crowds. It can get super rowdy here, as with a lot of Downtown, but if you are only in San Diego for a short period of time or you wont have a car, the central location might be worth it. If youre in town to catch a San Diego Padres game, youll find Petco Park here. Whether youre into baseball or not , a game at Petco Park is a great day out, with some famous eateries serving food and craft beer on tap.
The restaurants and bars here include many craft cocktail bars, breweries, and high profile restaurants by celebrity chefs. While youre here, you should probably stop by one of the rooftop bars and sip absurdly expensive cocktails while you look out over the city.
Best Places to Stay in the Gaslamp Quarter
Best Mid-Range Hotels in the Gaslamp Quarter of San Diego
These four hotels are a great blend of style and value, and will be some of the most affordable places to stay in Downtown San Diego.
Hotel Indigo
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Best Hotels In San Diegos Downtown
Manchester Grand Hyatt, San Diego
This hotel boasts a waterfront location near Seaport Village with a resort-like feel in the midst of downtown. First-time visitors will love having both views of the sea and a convenient location with access to everything they want to see in San Diego.
1 Market Place, San Diego, CA 92101
Best Areas To Stay For Family With Young Kids
Looking for good areas to stay for family of 5 1st week of April. Interested in zoo, USS midway tour, beach, maybe some surf lessons, etc. Any tips for good areas for families and younger children and activities would be greatly appreciated!
Would prefer vacation rental with kitchen, will have a rental car, budget around $250/night, open to adjusting if certain areas/options would be best for our family…is our first visit to California…
With a car you can stay in many areas of our city and get around quite easily to all the activities you wish. You’ll have to decide if you want to be near the ocean or in a more urban feeling location??
The ocean water will quite cold in April so surfers would be using wet suits to go in the water.
Folks do use our beaches though all year round for sand play, laying out , biking/skating along the shore etc.
I cannot suggest specific vacation rentals as there are too many of them!
For families who want a hotel we have suggestions of ones with suites and kitchen facilities but for vacation rentals they are found throughout the city’s many neighborhoods.
I suppose you can start looking in Mission Beach/Mission Bay and Pacific Beach .
You can post links to specific rentals when you find some that interest you.
if you do stay in Mission Beach, Belmont Park is a fun place to take the kids .
It was my family’s first trip to San Diego . We had such a great time that we’re going back again this summer! Enjoy your trip!
Edited: 4 years ago
Where To Stay In Del Mar
Fairmont Grand Del Mar
This luxury hotels East Del Mar location avoids some of the traffic issues that Village hotels have. Its located on the Los Penasquitos canyon preserve which means guests have access to lots of trails for hiking and biking. The resort offers golf, tennis, a full-service spa, lots of family programming, an onsite equestrian center, a kids club, heated pools and more. Book a Virtuoso rate online.
LAuberge Del Mar
LAuberge Del Mar is a boutique hotel designed to feel like a private coastal estate located across the street from the beach at 15th street , in the heart of Del Mar Village. Rooms feature interior design by local favorite, Barclay Butera. Other highlights include ocean views from the pool and the spa. Check rates and reviews.
See also:
- Travelers who are looking for larger accommodations that dont break the bank.
- Travelers who plan to have rental cars.
- Those who like a quieter beach scene.
Not a fit for:
- Vacations with emphasis on downtown San Diego attractions .
- Nightlife.
- Luxury hotels on the beach .
Getting there: It takes about 35 minutes to get to Aviara and La Costa from the San Diego International Airport without traffic. Plan at least an hour or more if traveling during rush hour.
Where To Stay In San Diego On A Budget
Most of San Diego’s budget hotels lie out of the city center, but still close to popular attractions. About seven miles north of downtown, just east of Old Town, Mission Valley is home to a string of affordable hotels, with most centered in an area called Hotel Circle. From here, you have easy access to Balboa Park, SeaWorld, and Fashion Valley Mall if you’re traveling with a car, f.
Right on Hotel Circle in Mission Valley, the family-owned Kings Inn Hotel is a mom-and-pop-style mid-century gem. The buildings wrap around a heated free-form pool and spa, and the freshly renovated guest rooms feature vintage surfing photos, club chairs, and activity tables. Waffles are the specialty at breakfast, and another cantina-style restaurant serves up Mexican food.
In Mission Valley, The Atwood Hotel sits on Hotel Circle with easy access to top attractions like SeaWorld, San Diego Zoo, and Balboa Park. The motel-style rooms are comfortable, with hardwood floors, comfy beds, colorful throw pillows, and coffee makers, and you can relax by the outdoor pool and Jacuzzi.
Best Places To Stay In San Diego For Tourists
Are you planning a trip to sunny San Diego and are overwhelmed with the question of where to stay in San Diego? With 1.3 million residents, San Diego claims the title of the second-largest city in California, so choosing one of the best and centrally located San Diego neighborhoods as your home base during your visit is important. Well, you have come to the right place.
Greg and I are San Diego locals and we are sharing our best places to stay in San Diego for visitors including hotel recommendations for each San Diego neighborhood. Whether you are looking for a beautiful beach resort in San Diego, a boutique hotel in La Jolla, or a chic hotel in the Gaslamp Quarter, we got you covered.
Best Area To Stay In For Mid
It’s our first time, and we want to be in a location close to the beach, restaurants, bars and sights. We are not into going to clubs or anything too crazy. We want a relaxed vibe in a location that gives us a good idea of what San Diego is like and has to offer.
It really depends on when you are coming and what you wish to spend.
It also depends on the atmosphere you want.
Coronado is quiet and upscale with only one hotel actually on the beach. It has a small town feel with a main street that has restaurants and shops.
Pacific Beach is the northern end of one loooong stretch of beach with Mission Beach on the southern end. There are bars and restaurants along the oceanfront and a cement path to walk/bike/skate.
Up to you which you would prefer. Both show San Diego and what it has to offer.
Coming over the Fourth, and I’m not seeing much under $300. Any hotel recommendations?
Coronado is a great location for the 4th of July – not only do they have a great parade, but lots to do and the fireworks of course over the bay.
Marriott Courtyard Liberty Station, Best Western Island Palms, Holiday Inn Express La Jolla and Holiday Inn Bayside are 4 options to look into as all are near the Harbor except for Holiday Inn Express La Jolla which is 2 blocks from beach.
check glorietta bay and see if that looks good to you…on coronatio
How close to the beach do you want to be? OB PB and MB are nice but there other neighborhoods.
Edited: 3 years ago
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 Hotel In Old Town: The Dana On Mission Bay

Modern and luxurious, The Dana on Mission Bay is a stunning place to stay in San Diego. This three-star hotel is ideally situated near the Mission Bay and Old Town neighbourhoods. It has comfortable and spacious rooms, contemporary amenities and a myriad of wellness features, including a swimming pool, Jacuzzi and gym.
Where To Stay In Hillcrest
- budget
- ITH Colive Balboa Park ITH Colive Balboa Park is a fun and friendly hostel where youll not only get to save money on a hotel, but also meet some pretty interesting people doing what youre doing. Simple but brightly colored, the dorms here are all you need for a good nights sleep. But with the lively area to explore on the doorstep from cafes and gay bars to international eateries and nightclubs you may not be getting much sleep anyway!
Where To Stay In Point Loma & Ocean Beach
- budget
- USA Hostels Ocean Beach The colorful, hippie-friendly USA Hostels Ocean Beach is the place to stay if you are looking for some seriously budget accommodation and a social place to stay. Choose from an affordable dorm bed or private room and then get chatting to your fellow travelers. SeaWorld is a couple of miles away, but nearer, less than a 10-minute walk away, is the beautiful Ocean Beach Park. Youll get free shuttles to transport hubs while you stay here, as well as all the social perks you get from staying at a fun hostel!
- Humphreys Half Moon Inn The lovely Humphreys Half Moon Inn features beautiful rooms with wooden shuttered windows in a stylish yet calm beach house with a tropical design. These boast substantial flatscreen TVs, microwaves, coffeemakers, and even their own patios. Enjoy international cuisine at the on-site restaurant, splash around in the outdoor pool complete with bar, of course or rent a kayak or paddleboard and enjoy the seaside setting. Location-wise, this hotel is conveniently placed near San Diego International Airport, which is useful if youre flying in or out early.
La Jolla Where To Stay In San Diego For A Stylish Beach Holiday
An upscale jewel of a beach village, La Jolla is an escape for the well-heeled traveler. It features a gorgeous stretch of coastline that boasts dramatic views and some of the most spectacular sunsets youll ever see.
La Jolla frequently is voted one of the best beach destinations on the planet. Just one visit is enough to convince most people that this is a special place.
This is the home of the world-famous Torrey Pines Golf Course and Scripps Park, which is a favorite place to have a picnic.
To the south of this park is one of La Jollas most famous sites, the Childrens Pool. Once, a seawall stood there, making this stretch of water a favorite place for little swimmers. Today, it is a haven for seals and sea lions, providing a one-of-a-kind natural experience.
Many people come to La Jolla to visit the Birch Aquarium at Scripps Institute of Oceanography with its interactive exhibits and opportunities to get up close and personal with some of the oceans rarest creatures.
With attractions like the Museum of Contemporary Art and the La Jolla Playhouse, this city is a recognized cultural destination as well.
The University of California San Diego is located here too, and with plenty of opportunities for hiking, kayaking, snorkeling and more, its easy to see why so many people flock to La Jolla.
If youre looking for a laid-back but luxurious stay, La Jolla may be for you.
Best Hostel In Gaslamp Quarter: Usa Hostels San Diego
USA Hostels San Diego is located at the heart of the Gaslamp Quarter. It boasts a fun environment with privacy pods and brand new bathrooms. At this hostel, guests can enjoy a variety of group activities, free breakfast and discounted bike rentals. This is our choice for where to stay in the Gaslamp Quarter.
Best Hotel In Downtown: Best Western Plus Bayside Inn
Located in Little Italy, the Best Western Plus Bayside Inn is our pick for where to stay in Downtown San Diego. Not only is it close to the citys most popular eateries, cafes, bars and shops, but it has amazing views of the harbour. This hotel boasts a relaxing Jacuzzi, a fitness centre and a stunning swimming pool.