Southern California has some nice cities, and San Diego is among the most stunning cities alongside the West Coast of the United States. With San Diego’s beautiful seashores, nice tradition, improbable meals, and wealthy historical past, San Diego is a kind of cities that may be loved by individuals of all ages and households too.
Known because the birthplace of California, San Diego was as soon as a Mexican fort that grew its means into the eighth largest metropolis in America. Situated near the Mexican border, you’ll be able to really feel the affect of its southern neighbor in nearly each a part of the town. It’s what provides it its appeal.
There isn’t any scarcity of issues to do in San Diego. From catching some rays on the seashores of La Jolla, taking in Balboa Park’s 17 museums, or strolling the boardwalk at Mission Beach, you will discover one thing that pursuits every member of the household.
Best Areas to Stay in San Diego
San Diego is among the most secure cities within the nation, in order that helps slender down the place to remain for first-timers. There are tons of locations to remain, from hostels for price range vacationers to boutique motels for the extra refined traveler to upscale resorts for many who need to reside giant in resorts and trip leases. If you need historic magnificence, take into account staying at a luxurious assortment lodge like The US Grant, which is a part of the Marriott Luxury Collection.
Before selecting the world you need to base your self in, it’s best to get oriented with the town. The map of San Diego under will make it easier to get the lay of the land and offer you a common concept of the place the neighborhoods are. Once you might be oriented, Let’s get into the most effective locations to remain in San Diego, California.
1. Coronado
Coronado Island is a superb place to remain in San Diego for a lot of causes. For golfers, Torrey Pines Golf Course is correct down the road. The views, seaside, and small-city really feel make it a favourite amongst guests. Coronado Beach is among the high seashores within the US, with white sand, mild waves, and Pacific Ocean views. The neighborhood additionally has the historic Hotel del Coronado, a beachfront lodge since 1888.
Besides its pure magnificence, Coronado has a lot of issues to do. You can stroll across the downtown space, which has boutiques, artwork galleries, and eating places. The Coronado Ferry Landing is a fast and scenic method to get to downtown San Diego, with views of the town skyline. The neighborhood has nice bike paths, so you will get round on two wheels.
Staying in Coronado is a steadiness of rest and comfort. Close sufficient to downtown San Diego to benefit from the metropolis’s points of interest but far sufficient to be a retreat. The neighborhood is walkable, stunning and pleasant so it’s the right place for guests.
Getting Here: If you’re driving, you will get to Coronado by taking the San Diego-Coronado Bridge. The bridge connects downtown San Diego to Coronado and has nice views of the bay. From downtown San Diego, take CA-75 South, and it’ll take you proper over the bridge and into Coronado. The drive is 10-quarter-hour, relying on site visitors.
If you’re taking public transit, you’ll be able to take the Metropolitan Transit System (MTS) bus. From downtown San Diego, you’ll be able to catch the Route 901 bus on the Broadway and Pacific Highway cease. The bus goes over the Coronado Bridge and thru the guts of Coronado with a number of stops alongside Orange Avenue, the principle road in Coronado. The journey is half-hour.
Best Luxury Hotel in Coronado:
Hotel del Coronado: With its historic appeal and fashionable facilities, this iconic lodge has beachfront entry, a spa, a number of eating choices, and rooms with ocean views. It is a basic.
Best Mid-Range Hotel in Coronado:
Coronado Island Marriott Resort & Spa: This lodge options Comfortable lodging, a full-service spa, outside swimming pools, and views of the San Diego skyline.
Best Budget Hotel in Coronado:
Glorietta Bay Inn: Stay right here is unquestionably a candy deal. An enthralling boutique lodge in a historic mansion with cozy rooms, free breakfast and seaside, and native points of interest proper at your step.
2. La Jolla -Best Place to Stay in San Diego for Beach Lovers
If you had been born to be on the seaside, you’ll love La Jolla (say it with me, La Hoya). This is the place all of the San Diegan celebrities reside and the place Dr. Seuss drew a lot of his cartoons.
Imagine spending sunny days lounging on the massive seaside of La Jolla Cove, sandy seaside, kayaking via the La Jolla Caves, purchasing in boutiques, consuming contemporary Mexican meals, and having a cocktail from a rooftop bar because the solar goes down. This is an out of doors particular person’s paradise.
Like all of San Diego, there are numerous sorts of lodging in La Jolla, however it’s most well-known for its luxurious motels.
Getting Here: There are a number of methods to get to La Jolla. If you’re taking public transit, then public bus #30 runs from downtown San Diego to La Jolla. Also, bear in mind the principle streets in La Jolla are La Jolla Village Drive, Prospect Street, Avenida de la Playa, and Girard Avenue, so you will get dropped off on the proper spot.
Best Luxury Hotel in La Jolla:
Pantai Inn San Diego: It is situated only a 4-minute stroll from La Jolla Shores. Balinese decor in a romantic setting. that is the right place to remain for {couples} searching for that romantic setting.
Best Mid-Range Hotel in La Jolla:
Inn By the Sea: This lodge is completely located 5 min from La Jolla Sores. Each room has a balcony to benefit from the contemporary seabreeze, a lot of eating choices close by a pool and free wifi. a terrific place to base your self when exploring San Diego.
Best Budget Hotel in La Jolla:
The Shoal La Jolla Beach: Central location, cute, clear and inexpensive rooms. You’re inside strolling distance to the seaside. Modern decor, every room has a small fridge and microwave. excellent for a weekend keep.
3. North Park – Hippest Neighborhood in San Diego
North Park is among the most enjoyable and eclectic neighborhoods in downtown San Diego, with road artwork, bars, bizarre eating places, and cultural points of interest in every single place. Here, creativity is inspired, and the locals aren’t afraid to strive new issues. Many of the bars in North Park have rooftop bars with nice views and drinks.
It’s the form of place that serves beer cocktails, lattes with foam artwork, and paint pallets as plates. If you’re searching for the best place to remain in San Diego, that is the neighborhood for you. North Park is inside strolling distance of many cultural hotspots like Balboa Park, the Ray Street Arts District, and the North Park Theatre.
If you need to expertise the cultural aspect of San Diego, that is positively the place it’s best to keep.
Getting Here: By automotive – From I-805: Exit University Avenue. Turn left onto University Avenue. From I-5: Exit Pershing Drive and go onto Upas Street. Parking in a storage on twenty ninth Street. If you favor public transit Bus #2 runs alongside thirtieth Street.
Best Luxury Hotel in North Park:
The Lafayette Hotel: Located a 5-minute drive from the San Diego Zoo, this eco-pleasant Colonial-style lodge options an Olympic-size pool and Free WiFi.
Best Mid-Range Hotel in North Park:
Berkshire Motor Hotel: Great location for Balboa Park, the Zoo, and North Park. Free WiFi with easy decor. Each room is clear and comfy.
Best Budget Hotel in North Park:
ITH Zoo Hostel is situated between North Park and Hillcrest, one other nice neighborhood of San Diego. It has cool decor, free WiFi, and Free breakfast.
4. Ocean Beach – Where to Stay for Families
Our good associates free-spirited grandfather used to take me to Ocean Beach as a toddler and wistfully say, “O.B. — where you live happy and free” as quickly as we stepped out of our automotive. Today, the sentiment nonetheless rings true. Ocean Beach is a laid again neighborhood the place different life are usually not solely tolerated however inspired. Mission Bay is only a quick stroll away with household pleasant actions like water sports activities and seaside adventures.
Walk down the principle road previous eating places, boutiques promoting tie-dye all the pieces, therapeutic crystal retailers, and taco stands. Street artwork covers the clean partitions, and the solar normally comes out after midday — as soon as the marine layer of fog burns off.
Tide swimming pools, ocean swimming, and strolling on the Ocean Beach Pier are simply a number of the cool issues to do on this neighborhood.
Ocean Beach is pet-pleasant. If you’re searching for locations to remain in San Diego with pets, you’ll discover Ocean Beach is about as pet-pleasant because it will get. Don’t neglect to take a look at the Ocean Beach Farmers Market. It’s acquired natural meals stalls and reside music!
Getting to Ocean Beach: By automotive – From the I-5, to the 8/Sunset Cliffs Boulevard and comply with that to Bacon Street. Free road parking is obtainable in residential areas of Ocean Beach, and metered parking is obtainable in the principle areas. By bus – Bus #35 from Old Town (main public transportation hub) to Ocean Beach. Bus #923 from downtown San Diego to Ocean Beach.
Best Luxury Hotel in Ocean Beach:
Ocean Beach Hotel: This iconic lodge is barely a one-minute stroll from the seaside. It has free Wi-Fi, free parking, and can also be near the airport.
Best Mid-Range Hotel in Ocean Beach:
The Inn at Sunset Cliffs: This lodge has a terrific location. It is barely a 15-minute stroll to the seaside. It additionally has an out of doors pool, free Wi-Fi, and is near many points of interest.
Best Budget Hotel in Ocean Beach:
USA Hostels Ocean Beach: This hostel is ideal for the price range traveler. It has your selection of personal or dorm rooms, and it has free WIFI, and you’ll love the funky decor. Add that it’s only a 4 min stroll from the seaside, and you recognize why we advocate it.
5. Gaslamp Quarter – Best Neighborhood in San Diego for nightlife
San Diego’s Gaslamp Quarter is a 24/7 neighborhood. If you’re searching for the place to remain in San Diego and need to be in the midst of downtown, the Gaslamp Quarter is the way in which to go.
The Gaslamp Quarter, on San Diego Bay, has a wild west historical past with tales of tavern brawls and shootouts. The quarter was as soon as house to the town’s purple gentle district, casinos, and 1860’s Chinatown. Many residents consider the ghosts of Gaslamp’s previous nonetheless linger right here as we speak.
There are over 90 historic buildings within the Gaslamp Quarter which makes it a pleasant distinction to the remainder of downtown San Diego’s excessive rises.
Aside from its historical past the Gaslamp Quarter has eating places, bars and is strolling distance to the San Diego Convention Center, Petco Park, Balboa Theatre and Horton Plaza.
If you’re searching for slightly little bit of enjoyable and need to be close to a lot of San Diego’s greatest landmarks, select the Gaslamp Quarter as your base.
Getting Here: By automotive – The Gaslamp Quarter is in the midst of downtown San Diego and runs alongside fifth and sixth Avenue. Parking is hard and costly within the Gaslamp Quarter. By trolley – All trolley traces service the Gaslamp Quarter. The stations are Gaslamp Station and Fifth Avenue Station. By pedicabs – The Gaslamp Quarter is serviced by pedicabs, bicycle powered rides with music blasting out of a increase field. These are a enjoyable method to get round downtown.
Best Luxury Hotel in Gaslamp Quarter:
Kimpton Solamar Hotel: Located within the coronary heart of the Gaslamp Quarter and that includes Free WIFI, Rooftop Pool & free wine tasting! This is the same old Kimpton Luxury expertise.
Best Mid-Range Hotel in Gaslamp Quarter:
Staypineapple at Hotel Z: A romantic lodge with quirky decor. It is pet-pleasant, affords free Wifi, and is inside strolling distance of just about all the pieces.
Best Budget Hotel in Gaslamp Quarter:
USA Hostels San Diego Downtown: Built again in 1880 this hostel affords blended dorms, free WIFI, Free Breakfast, and a vibrant new age decor.
6. Old Town – Best Place to Stay in San Diego for First-Timers
Old Town San Diego is the birthplace of California. As you’ll be able to inform from the title, it’s the oldest a part of San Diego and was the primary Spanish settlement within the early 1800s. Before that, it was an necessary space for the Kumeyaay Native Americans. Old Town is on the National Register of Historic Places.
Old Town can also be close to SeaWorld San Diego, so it’s a terrific place for households.
What’s cool about Old Town as we speak is that it saved its appeal and elegance of structure. Many San Diegans suppose Old Town is haunted, and many of the ghosts reside within the Whaley House.
You can spend your time shopping museums, visiting the Mission, consuming Mexican meals, and listening to a mariachi band. Old Town is sweet for guests of all ages who like meals, historical past, folklore and have a vivid creativeness.
Getting There: By automotive – Old Town is situated on the northern finish of downtown San Diego between the I-5 and the I-8. Exit Pacific Highway from the I-5 and Taylor Street from the I-8. By bus/trolley – Buses #8, #9, #10, #28, #35, #44, #88, and #105 go to Old Town and most of San Diego. The Green Line trolley additionally goes via Old Town and stops on the Old Town Transit Center.
Best Luxury Hotel in Old Town:
Cosmopolitan Hotel: Built in 1869, it options Victorian decor, free Wi-Fi, Breakfast included, and an on-web site restaurant with joyful hour.
Best Mid-Range Hotel in Old Town:
Hilton Garden Inn Old Town: An ideal worth lodge is only a 10-minute stroll to Old Town. It has an out of doors pool and free WIFI.
Best Budget Hotel in Old Town:
Old Town Inn: This stunning price range lodge affords breakfast included, an out of doors pool, a video games room, and free HBO!
7. Carlsbad
Carlsbad is a superb place to remain in San Diego due to its coastal cuteness, stunning seashores, household-pleasant actions, and luxurious resorts. Known because the “Village by the Sea,” Carlsbad is a chill setting with one thing for everybody. The Carlsbad State Beach is an enormous draw, with pristine sand, nice surf, and exquisite sunsets. The seaside is ideal for swimming, sunbathing, or a leisurely stroll alongside the coast.
One of the highest points of interest in Carlsbad is LEGOLAND California Resort, a theme park that may delight youngsters and adults with its interactive rides, exhibits, and large LEGO shows. If you want nature and flowers, the Carlsbad Flower Fields are a should-see within the spring, with rows and rows of blooming flowers creating a stupendous panorama. The neighborhood additionally has a cute downtown space with boutique retailers, gourmand eating places, and comfortable cafes, so it’s a terrific place to wander and chill.
Best Luxury Hotel In Carlsbad:
Park Hyatt Aviara Resort: This resort has spacious rooms, a world-class spa, and an award-successful golf course. The grounds and facilities are high-notch, so that you’ll have a memorable and indulgent keep.
Best Mid-Range Hotel In Carlsbad:
West Inn & Suites: If you might have much less of a price range, this can be a nice selection, with snug rooms and a boutique really feel. They supply free breakfast, a heated outside pool, and quick access to the seaside and native points of interest.
Best Budget Hotel in Carlsbad:
Carlsbad by the Sea Hotel: Looking to avoid wasting money? This lodge is the way in which to go. This little lodge has cozy rooms, free breakfast and is correct close to the seaside and LEGOLAND so it’s a terrific worth for vacationers.
FAQ’s About San Diego Hotels
Best areas to remain in San Diego are Downtown, La Jolla, and Coronado for the points of interest, seashores, and facilities. For these excited by {golfing}, Torrey Pines Golf is a should-go to.
Good components of San Diego are the Gaslamp Quarter for nightlife, Pacific Beach for seaside life, and Old Town for historical past and tradition.
You ought to plan to spend at the least 3-4 days in San Diego to see the principle sights and seashores.
The Gaslamp Quarter is the right place to remain in case you are on a price range. It has a number of the most inexpensive motels in San Diego, and you might be near most points of interest.
Our Recommendations
No matter which neighborhood you select as a house base in San Diego, you’re positive to have a spectacular time. For an opulent keep, take into account a luxurious assortment lodge. You can simply bounce from one neighborhood to the subsequent with out ever feeling bored or as if you’ve seen it earlier than.
The metropolis has a properly-deserved fame for being energetic and various, a mix that pleases even probably the most excessive-upkeep traveler. I hope this has made the duty of discovering the place to remain in San Diego slightly simpler.
Remember to pack sunscreen and brace your self for spicy Mexican delicacies. Eat an additional California burrito for us!