Where to Stay in San Diego: 4 Amazing Places to Stay

San Diego is noted for having a very relaxed atmosphere amongst its residents and visitors. It draws many vacationers seeking a beach getaway, yet continues to thrive as an urban center with diversions in abundance. As one local highlights, it boasts the second highest concentration of breweries per capita across America. No matter your preferred leisure activities, you will find options here. It offers acclaimed golf courses, bountiful craft beers, delightful farmers markets, family-oriented attractions, and cultural institutions. Of course, the beaches represent a primary draw. Over multiple trips at different stages of my life, I have consistently found myself thinking “we`ll have to experience that next time.”

My favorite aspect of San Diego is it has numerous locally-owned bars, restaurants, and cafes, so every time I visit, there is something novel and unique to sample thanks to its growing populace and economy.

San Diego is a relatively small city, but deciding on where to stay in San Diego is an important decision. It will shape the type of trip you have, and you should choose a neighborhood that is central to the things you want to do. Otherwise, you will find yourself spending too much of your precious vacation time seated in traffic.

This detailed guide to the 4 best areas to stay in San Diego will help you figure out which neighborhood is best for your particular style and budget.

Below, you’ll find: 

• My picks for the 4 best neighborhoods in San Diego to stay in
• The best things to do and see in each area
• The best places to stay in each – with specific hotel and Airbnb recommendations

Does this sound good? Here is all the information needed to choose where to stay in San Diego.

Disclaimer: Some of the links in this post, like hotel links, are affiliate links, meaning at no additional cost to you, we make a little bit of money if you click through and book. That being said, we would never recommend something to you that we don’t stand behind 100%.

Where to Stay in San Diego: The 4 Best Areas

San Diego has a relatively compact city center, but certain neighborhoods are better situated to be near all the attractions on a San Diego itinerary.

North Park: The Best Overall Area to Stay in San Diego

North Park is our preferred place to stay in San Diego. Unless you want to be on the beach, I can’t think of a reason you wouldn’t want to stay here. I have lodged in North Park each of the last two times I was in San Diego, and I plan to return.

It has more of a neighbourhood feel, which is our favourite type. It’s predominantly residential, but has several stretches packed with lovely coffee shops and cute little boutiques to explore. It remains really close to Downtown San Diego, so great for getting out and sightseeing as well. North Park is also home to amazing nightlife centered around the intersection of 30th Street and University Avenue, with a concentration of craft beer and craft cocktail establishments.

North Park offers numerous activities along with an assortment of excellent cuisine options. Visitors can participate in yoga, explore Balboa Park, or tour one of the region`s craft breweries. An abundance of authentic ramen shops and Mexican restaurants provide a wide range of dining experiences. Nearby beaches along the coast are easily accessible from the community.

Pros and Cons of Staying in North Park

Pros:

• Community atmosphere – there are not many chain hotels (or any hotels, really). Many local people go about their daily activities.
• Excellent culinary and drinking options. Filled with restaurants, bars, breweries, coffee shops, and more.
• It’s highly walkable. Unless we were leaving the neighborhood to go downtown or to the beach, we walked everywhere.

Cons:

• There aren`t many hotel options. The hotels we provide below are in nearby Hillcrest, which is also a great place to stay, about 5-10 minutes away.
• You’ll be further from the beach (~20-30 minutes, depending on traffic), so if a beach getaway is your priority, this may not be the place to stay.

The Best Places to Stay in North Park

Lodging options here are scarce, so vacation rentals reign supreme. Fortunate for you, the neighborhood boasts many selections.

We advise VRBO over Airbnb because of more adaptable cancellation policies (though you’ll need to check each listing individually), improved service from corporate, and less of an undesirable impact on housing markets around the world. Frankly, we previously loved Airbnb. But increasingly we’re finding ourselves rolling our eyes over their antics in cities around the world where they’re trying to keep their foothold in the market, adverse impacts be damned, which reminds us somewhat of Uber, the original law-avoiding questionable tech company.

Which is, uh, not a comparison flattering to Airbnb to say the least.

The Lafayette Hotel: The Best Hotel in North Park

As mentioned earlier, there is basically one hotel in North Park that we would propose for your trip. It is the Lafayette Hotel, which you will find along El Cajon Blvd DIRECTLY ADJACENT TO our favorite cider locale in the city, Serpentine Cider.

For over 70 years, this boutique hotel has been delighting guests with its stylish suites, vibrant nightlife, and outstanding customer service. You’ll choose between their Manor rooms, which are in the main building and come with either one king or two queen beds, their poolside rooms with a patio right on the pool, and the more spacious family units (sleep 4) and private bungalows (with full kitchens).

If you`re a family with children and you don`t feel comfortable with people partying at the pool area, this probably won`t be the best choice for you – it gets pretty wild, particularly on sunny weekends.

Keep in mind you`ll have to pay fees to rent a refrigerator (currently $15 a night) and self-park your vehicle (currently $22 a night).

Vacation Rentals in North Park

Here are some North Park vacation rental alternatives for both traveling couples requiring little space, and groups and families necessitating multiple bedrooms and some area to spread somewhat.

Options For Couples

Here are some excellent rental property options for couples seeking lodging in San Diego.

Inviting North Park Home: Situated just two blocks from Balboa Park’s Morley Field and five minutes from the Gaslamp Quarter and Little Italy, this repurposed home is a fantastic starting point for exploring the finest the city has to offer. When you`re not taking in the sights, you can spend time unwinding on the secluded patio where you can soak in the sun in solitude.

Comfortable & Stylish Bungalow Getaway in North Park: This cozy single bedroom cottage is the perfect spot to spend your weekend away. It features an open floor plan with a fully equipped kitchen, spacious living area, and scenic outdoor patio including a BBQ grill, dining table, and lounge furniture.

Stylish Studio near Amenities in North Park: Nestled on a quiet street close to the busy conveniences of North Park, this charming studio apartment contains everything required for a comfortable remain, like a full kitchen, a washer and dryer machine, and an outdoor patio shared with a barbecue grill and fire pit. You`ll also love having your morning coffee or happy hour beverage from the private sitting area outside your entrance door.

Options for Groups / Families

Traveling with a group? Here are three great rental options in San Diego for groups and families.

North Park Spanish Revival Estate (sleeps 4): This attractively landscaped Spanish Revival mansion, with a beautifully designed garden, provides a stylish place for your group retreat. It includes two bedrooms and a high-end cookery space, and a generous backyard where outdoor meals may be prepared on the grill. Most beneficial of all, it lies in close proximity to some of the finest boutiques, cafes, and eateries in North Park.

Balboa Park Tropical Hideaway (sleeps 4): This two bedroom, two bathroom home is a little sanctuary in the center of North Park. The lush garden and outdoor deck provide the perfect setting for a lazy afternoon of sunbathing or evening BBQ (although there is a gourmet chef`s kitchen if you prefer to do the cooking indoors).

Villa Barajas – Spacious, Contemporary Suite near Park, Zoo, Beaches (sleeps 4): Furnished with mid-century style and artistic deco décor, this single-bedroom unit (plus fold-out sofa in the living area) has all the comfortable touches wanted in a vacation rental. It was recently redesigned to incorporate a large tiled bathroom and a modern kitchen. However, you likely won`t spend much time inside once seeing the big outdoor patio with a grill, dining set, and ping pong table.

Larger groups, take a look at this five bedroom, three washroom gem just outside of the core of North Park, and this three bedroom retreat in a quieter, more residential community within walking length of North Park (though it’s a little further out than the options above).

Ocean Beach: Best Place to Stay in San Diego for Beach Lovers

Ocean Beach, commonly called `OB` locally, is a lovely bohemian beach neighborhood. It is the most relaxed of all the coastal areas in San Diego, making it my top selection for a beachside stay.

Ocean Beach is a free-spirited paradise, full of eccentric attractions and a lively town center. You can catch fish from the pier without needing a permit, complimentary. Ocean Beach Pier is one of the longest piers in the West Coast, perfect for angling, and also a great spot to see sea lions. There is also a Farmers’ Market every Wednesday with an abundance of amazing produce grown in the areas just outside of the city. One of my favorite things to do is to go to Sunset Cliffs and find a lovely spot to sit and watch the sunset over the ocean. There is often a combination of tourists and locals up there to see the sunset, but you should be able to find a spot to relax, no problem.

Other popular beachfront regions in San Diego are Mission Beach and Pacific Beach.

Pacific Beach is a popular destination for nightlife, especially among the twenty-something crowd seeking bars. While it is great for a night out, it can be a little loud to stay in unless you’re interested in San Diego’s night scene. If you are, then definitely stay near Garnet Ave.

Pros and Cons of Staying in Ocean Beach

Pros:

• Directly on the beach! You’ll be within walking distance of multiple beaches, and a short drive away from Sunset Cliffs.
• Quite and relaxed. Unlike nearby Pacific Beach, which sometimes felt like a fraternity party, this was a very peaceful beachfront community.

Cons:

• Similar to North Park, the hotel alternatives are fairly limited. There are a couple possibilities, which you’ll find below, but short term rentals are your best option here.

Best Places to Stay in Ocean Beach

There’s a good mix of hotels and vacation rentals here. We’ll give you the best of both below.

Vacation Rentals in Ocean Beach

Here are some vacation rentals in Ocean Beach that caught our attention. Again, we recommend VRBO over Airbnb mainly because of better cancellation policies (though it depends on the property, so double check) and less questionable business practices.

Options For Couples

• Spot metering: The camera uses a solitary focus point to calculate the light.

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Quintessential Beachside Cottage – Merely 1 Block From The Coast!This colorful surf-themed cottage sits at the heart of Ocean Beach just a few blocks from the waterfront. While the neighborhood offers plenty fun activities, one can also simply unwind on the private patio listening to the ocean waves crash against the rocks.

OB Palms, Tropical Gardens and Outdoor Hot Tub in Ocean Beach: Despite its small size of only 550 square feet, this charming cottage includes amenities such as a full kitchen, washer and dryer, and a shared exterior area with a barbecue grill, hot tub, and various beach equipment for visitors to utilize.

Options For Groups & Families

Traveling with a group? Here are three great rental options in San Diego for groups and families.

Ocean Beach Sunset Cottage(sleeps 4): This Ocean Beach two-bedroom cottage is a bright and cheerful home where you can soak in the laid-back vibes of San Diego. After a day at the beach (the owners have graciously supplied chairs, umbrellas, and toys), you can unwind in the front garden or cook for your family in the large, equipped kitchen.

1 Block from the Beach: Family Friendly, Private Backyard, plus A/C(sleeps 4): This two-bedroom rental is merely one block from the shore and dog-friendly (at an extra fee). The outside space is furnished with a BBQ, dining set, and lounge area, as well as boogie boards and surfboards you can employ during your stay.

Ocean Beach Garden Cottage(sleeps 4): This seaside home suited for four is ideal for your Ocean Beach getaway. While the waters are merely a short stroll away, you can enjoy the natural beauty without leaving the property boundaries. Private greenery features recliners for sunbathing, a hanging chair, and an outside fire pit

Highly Desirable Ocean Beach Home – 3 Blocks from Beach(sleeps 4): With over 1,300 square feet of space (and a private outdoor patio), this luxury two-bedroom beach house is a design enthusiast’s dream. From the elevated ceilings in the kitchen to the rich wood-paneled ceilings in the living room, you’ll feel right at ease when you spend a couple nights here with your companions.

Larger groups look at this three bedroom condominium with abundant ocean views, or this historic shoreline cottage.

Hotels & Hostels in Ocean Beach

There are merely a couple of suitable hotel selections in Ocean Beach – here are the three we prefer the most.

Samesun Ocean Beach

This small hostel with a boutique feel – our favorite type of hostel – sits between a standard hostel and boutique hotel. But we think it merits inclusion on this list.

📍 Map Locator | City Homepage | Parking: coin-operated street parking ($2.50 – $4.50 per hour), parking lots | 👉 Top Nearby Hotel:Beachfront Capri Hotel

Inn at Sunset Cliffs

Constructed in the 1950s but renovated in 2018, this historic motel has one of the grandest ocean perspectives visible from its expansive outdoor terrace. Strive to secure one of their premier or king suites for an unblocked view over the surf (though all their other spaces are just as charming and wonderful too).

Ocean Beach Hotel

The golden sand beach is right at your fingertips when you stay at the Ocean Beach Hotel. You can go from your room to swimming or surfing in just a matter of seconds, or you can simply admire the outlook from your oceanfront room or outside seating region instead.

La Jolla: Best Area to Stay in San Diego for Families

La Jolla offers a little more expense, but this area provides quintessential SoCal style luxury. It is only 20 minutes outside of town, but a quiet suburb, and extremely safe. It is a high-end beach neighborhood, consistently voted as one of the best beaches in America.

This city is home to many art galleries, museums, little shops, and fantastic farms-cooking restaurants that the whole family will enjoy. One of the best activities is walking along the seawall where a local seal group lives. The coast is also great for whale watching, and exploring the tide pools is fun for kids. Take your little explorers to the aquarium; it is a world-class research aquarium offering informative talks along with many types of sea life.

The beaches and spectacular coastline attract many to La Jolla. Among my favorite beaches are Windansea Beach and La Jolla Cove. The water is pleasantly warm during summer, contributing to its popularity for vacations and water activities. These beaches are also popular for surfing, though surf conditions can be choppy, so researching each spot`s suitability for different skill levels is wise. The area is also a scenic place for snorkeling. A short drive outside town offers beautiful coastal views at nearby Torrey Pines, undoubtedly worth visiting along with the noteworthy Broken Hill.

Pros and Cons of Staying in La Jolla

Pros:

• Prime beachside location with multiple stretches of coastline, like La Jolla Cove, reachable on foot.
• The downtown region exudes charm with its walkable layout offering quality food, drink and shopping options nearby.

Cons:

• La Jolla is up the coast a bit from Downtown San Diego and Coronado, so if those are important parts of your itinerary, know that there will be a bit of a drive to get there.
• It gets crowded with tons of tourists. It’s a popular place to visit, so expect crowds on the weekends.

Best Places to Stay in La Jolla

As mentioned earlier, living in La Jolla may involve higher expenses than some other regions on this list. However, for those seeking a safe, tranquil area with many attractions and direct beach access, La Jolla is an excellent location in San Diego.

Vacation Rentals in La Jolla

A suitable range of VRBO options exists in La Jolla – we omitted any over $1000 per night because, face it – that exceeds most budgets, including likely your own.

Options For Couples

The following options in La Jolla caught our attention for couples.

Guest House In La Jolla, One Block to the Beach, Walk to Everything!

This seaside beach residence has been entirely renovated with bamboo floors, an open living and kitchen area, and two outdoor living spaces (one with an exterior shower). And since it`s just one block from the shore, you can invest the whole day splashing in the water or chilling in the sun before making the brief half-mile trek into the Village for dinner or drinks.

Beachcombers Hideaway: Dog Friendly, Enclosed Patio, 1 Block to Beach

This compact lodgingmay occupy a smaller area, yet still accommodates a full kitchen, a living space, a spa-like bathroom, and a separate bedroom. Additionally, there’s a sizable outdoor region where you can laze in the sun or dine outside. But if more area is needed, you’ll be pleased to know the shore is just a brief three-minute walk away.

Windansea Lovely Beach Getaway

Why stay in a hotel when you can live in five-star comfort at this picturesque cottage near Windasea Beach? The bedroom features a king-sized bed with high thread count linens, and the bathroom includes plush robes so you can relax warmly after spending the day on the sand. Simply open the French doors in the living room to peacefully enjoy the quiet serenity from your private patio.

Options For Groups & Families

Here are some great options for a group or family of 4-6 individuals who desire a bit more space and prefer the privacy of a vacation rental.

Stunning Oceanfront Property Overlooking Windansea Beach

Sleeps 4

This stunning condo features floor-to-ceiling windows supplying sweeping ocean perspectives from every single room. With two bedrooms and two bathrooms, it’s ideal for a family traveling together. And most importantly, you can keep an eye on your little ones playing at the beach while you get meals ready from the spacious, sleek kitchen.

Outdoor La Jolla Living At Its Finest

Sleeps 4

If you’re searching for a private seaside bungalow in the center of La Jolla, then look no farther than this coastal retreat. It has one full bedroom (although there’s a Murphy bed with a sliding privacy wall in the living room), a kitchen, and a massive outdoor space with a dining set, lounge area, and a fire pit.

La Jolla Paradise: Redwood Windansea Beach Bungalow with Hot Tub

Sleeps 4

Surrounded by six private hectares of landscape, this rustic mid-century cottage is the ultimate San Diego escape. Inside you will find a cozy living area with a Swedish wood-burning fireplace and an outdoor patio featuring outdoor seating and dining, as well as a hot tub. You can take a short trip towards the coast or admire the ocean views from the scenic outlook on the property.

Hotels in La Jolla

Note that the hotels in La Jolla are all relatively expensive. But, on the plus side, they’re aesthetically pleasing and usually within a stone’s throw of the shoreline.

Pantai Inn

Nested between the Pacific Ocean and La Jolla Village, this Balinese-inspired hotell has one of the most spectacular situations in San Diego. Enjoy the ocean view from the property lawn or from your private suite or villa, and stroll to the heart of La Jolla within a few minutes of walking out the front entrance.

La Valencia Hotel

The La Valencia Hotel counts people well known in the film industry among its luxurious guests. It has a sizable outdoor pool with scenic ocean views, many sunbeds and a bar. The decor is Mediterranean; simple, with small pops of color or print and large windows that permit the beautiful views to be the prominent attraction, taking center stage. The on-site restaurants offer great ambience and quality cuisine, but surrounding the hotel there are plenty of dining choices if planning an extended stay.

Estancia La Jolla

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The Gaslamp Quarter: Best Area to Stay in Downtown San Diego

I wouldn’t suggest residing in Downtown San Diego, as it is to some extent tedious, and doesn`t have as much persona as the surrounding neighborhood districts (although I do cherish Little Italy). On the other hand it is certainly deserving of a visit, and is extremely focal for concise stays or if you will be in San Diego without a vehicle.

For those selecting to remain Downtown, lodging in the Gaslamp Quarter is advised, situated within walking distance of a wide selection of bars, coffee shops, and dining establishments. On a typical weekend morning, outdoor patios lining the space are crowded with boisterous brunch crowds. It can become rather rowdy here, similar to much of Downtown, but the central location may compensate for brief visits lacking automobile use. Attendees of San Diego Padres games will find Petco Park situated here also. Whether baseball fans or not (we fall into the latter), an outing at Petco Park offers a delightful day, with famous eateries serving refreshments and craft beers on tap.

The local restaurants and bars include numerous cocktail-focused venues, breweries, and eateries run by renowned chefs. While visiting, you may want to stop by one of the rooftop bars to sip extravagantly priced cocktails while admiring the cityscape views.

Best Places to Stay in the Gaslamp Quarter

This section of San Diego is full of lodging facilities, with options ranging from some of my favorite mid-priced chains to opulent boutique hotels. A few lodging options may be available through hosting platforms like Airbnb, but hotels will likely provide the best accommodations in the Gaslamp Quarter area.

Best Mid-Range Hotels in the Gaslamp Quarter of San Diego 

These four lodgings offer a deft blend of style and value, and will be some of the most cost-effective places to stay in Downtown San Diego.

The Moxy Hotel San Diego

The Accommodation in San Diego is a fun, eccentric bar with a maritime motif reflecting San Diego`s military past. The library offers a cozy space stocked with plenty of books and plush armchairs for relaxation. Guests can get a great workout in the gym housed in a shipping container that is well-equipped. However, one of the highlights is the hotel bar where guests check-in to receive a complimentary signature beverage.

Hotel Indigo

The Hotel Indigo is one of my favorite moderately priced hotel chains. They always have decorations giving them personality. This one has a stunning rooftop area including a bar, ample seating, a fire pit, and abundant greenery. It is a superb spot to relax at night and appreciate the views over the city.

StayPineapple Hotel Z

The StayPineapple Hotel Z in the Gaslamp Quarter is eclectic yet casual. Your lodging will be comfortable without unnecessary luxuries. Each room has plush and relaxing bedding, a microwave, a coffee machine, and a minifridge. The hotel has high-speed internet access, complimentary utilization of the hotel bicycles, and a $10 takeaway credit. Each guest also gets unlimited bottled water.

Andaz San Diego

Explore the shorelines, but don’t expect Southern-California-style coasts. It’s not particularly warm, and it’s often foggy. Still, on a clear day, it’s a great place to get a taste of the California Borderland. Here’s a useful guide to the best shorelines in Point Reyes.

Best Boutique Hotels in the Gaslamp quarter

These two hotels will cost a bit more per night, but they are both stylish, comfortable, and won’t break the bank.

Pendry San Diego

The Pendry Hotel provides a fun, youthful experience in San Diego, with a Moet vending machine in the lobby and stylish décor. All rooms offer floor-to-ceiling windows, walk-in showers, and sizable comfortable beds. There is a large rooftop pool area where activities are always taking place and various options to obtain good food and beverages. Stop by the beer hall for a pretzel and draft or grab a cocktail to relax and immerse yourself in the environment at the cocktail lounge.

Kimpton Solamar

The Kimpton Solamar is a contemporary hotel right in the center of the lively Gaslamp quarter. The focal point of the hotel is the rooftop area which houses an heated exterior swimming pool with private cabanas offering gorgeous views of the city. There is also a bar on the roof where you can sit at the bar or sunbathe in a cabana with your drinks.

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That covers our suggestions! We hope this assists in choosing a great San Diego home base for enjoying the city`s renowned cuisine or beach time on your upcoming visit.