Where to Stay in San Diego

Our Favorite Hotels in San Diego

  • The location is in Vothonas, Santorini, accessible through this link.

• 4-star: Hard Rock
• 3-star: Gaslamp Plaza Suites
• For families: Hotel in downtown San Diego near Gaslamp Quarter.
• Novotel” accommodation
is near the airport • ‧ Beachfront: Hotel del Coronado
• Airport: Sheraton Marina
• ‧ Near zoo: Inn at the Park
• La Valencia” lodgings
are well-suited for couples • Accommodation website • Examine pricing via Booking.com

cars parked in front of a tall building

Tourists visiting San Diego for the first time will likely want to stay in the downtown and Gaslamp area. It`s packed with restaurants, shopping, and nightlife and centrally located for many attractions in the region. It`s definitely the best area to stay if you’re visiting San Diego without vehicle access.

Good hotels in Downtown/Gaslamp area:

The US Grant • Pendry Hotel • Andaz Hotel • Manchester Grand Hyatt • Kimpton Palomar • Marriott Marquis • Hard Rock • Horton Grand • Westgate Hotel • Omni Hotel • Westin Hotel • Indigo Hotel • Gaslamp Plaza Suites • Bayside Inn • Bristol Hotel • Hotel Z Staypineapple

The Best Areas to Stay in San Diego

Known for pleasant weather year-round along with sunny skies, San Diego is renowned for its enjoyable beaches, major spots like the San Diego Zoo, a flourishing culinary setting, and a mind-blowing array of craft breweries (over 150 as of late). The locale averages more than 344 days annually with temperatures exceeding 15°C (60°F), making it an excellent getaway destination anytime. San Diego has numerous neighborhoods rich in history and culture. If seeking a fantastic Southern California city with plenty of sun, sand, and some of the best tacos other than Mexico, San Diego is a perfect selection.

While no single neighborhood could be deemed `best` for all stays, Downtown and the seaside communities offer travelers much. Downtown San Diego sits on San Diego Bay including Little Italy, Embarcadero, and Gaslamp Quarter with beautiful Balboa Park and zoo nearby. Beach spots like Pacific Beach, Ocean Beach, and Mission Beach offer quintessential Pacific Ocean views and relaxed atmosphere. Coronado and La Jolla allow a more upmarket experience with high-end hotels, restaurants and shops. North of San Diego lie coastal towns like Oceanside, Del Mar, and Carlsbad, home to surfing, racing, and Legoland. Likewise, finest hotels in San Diego are scattered, with great lodging available across budgets and areas.

Though using a car is very practical for navigating around the region, San Diego’s Metropolitan Transit System offers a decent alternative, with buses reaching out from Downtown and Old Town to cover many neighborhoods. One-way fares are affordably priced at just $2.50. The San Diego Trolley light rail is part of the system (fares are also $2.50), with three lines. The Green Line proves to be most useful for visitors, connecting Old Town with Little Italy, Downtown San Diego, and the Gaslamp Quarter. The Blue Line ties Downtown with the Mexican border at San Ysidro, across from Tijuana. The separately administered Coaster light-rail links Downtown San Diego to all the primary destinations along the North County coast. One-way fares run $5–6.50. San Diego is a big cycling city, with miles of bike trails and lanes. Bikes can be rented at The Bike Revolution or Stay Classy.

a red brick building with a tall building behind it

Downtown San Diego is seen as the commercial heart of the city and offers the best overall location for sightseeing rather than beach activities. It’s centrally situated within local transportation networks and encompasses the Embarcadero, with attractions along the Marina and Seaport Village, and the historic Gaslamp Quarter, San Diego’s primary nightlife hub. The northern end of downtown highlights another historic district, Little Italy, home to some of the finest cafés and restaurants in the city. In a convenient locale, Downtown is just a few minutes from the airport and serves as a great option for anyone interested in exploring Balboa Park, attending a Padres game, and venturing out for nightlife and top quality dining. Downtown is relatively small in scale. It is quite straightforward to forgo a rental car (and the hefty nightly parking fee) and simply walk, take public transport, or arrange ride shares around the city. You’ll find mostly 4-star and 5-star hotels in the Gaslamp District, smaller boutique hotels in Little Italy, and high-rise chain hotels in the Embarcadero. The Embarcadero offers a great choice for families staying in San Diego, while most other parts of downtown are better suited for adult getaways.

Just east of Downtown and worth exploring for a couple of days is the highly notable Balboa Park, containing one of the most substantial collections of museums in the country, plus the globally renowned San Diego Zoo. Balboa Park borders to the west Hillcrest, San Diego’s flourishing LGBTQ+ community, while North Park lies to the east, a trendy neighborhood renowned for its cafes and craft breweries.

Northwest of Downtown is once strongly held Old Town, the place of California’s first Spanish settlement. The area highlights refurbished adobe structures, presently housing shops and eateries, along with the infamous Whaley House, accepted by numerous to be the most haunted home in America. Today the exhibitions, galleries, kept historic structures, and Mexican markets make the Old Town State Historic Park one of the most charming parts of the city. Adjacent Mission Valley, home to numerous good-valued hotels and plenty of shopping, is another delightful historically significant area. Named for the Mission Basilica San Diego de Alcalá, this was the place of first mission in California, at the time a provence of New Spain.

Across the bay from Downtown San Diego lies Coronado Island (even though it is actually a peninsula), a wealthy beach community best known for its lengthy, attractive beach and tall but slender “shotgun” houses. This neighborhood is home to the internationally renowned Hotel del Coronado (locally known only as The Del), considered the most famous and best beachfront resort in San Diego. Though the island feels worlds apart from the busy Downtown core, it can be easily reached by ferry or by driving across the impressive Coronado bridge. Coronado is superb for families and anyone seeking a relaxed beach getaway.

North and west of Coronado, you’ll discover Point Loma,Harbor Island, and Shelter Island, which all provide exceptional restaurants, activities, and an assortment of accommodations. These are less prominent areas in San Diego – hidden gems for exploring boating culture, all offering harbors lined with sailboats and lavish yachts. The hilly peninsula known as Point Loma is still chiefly owned by the US Navy, but it does feature a couple major attractions available to the general public: the Cabrillo National Monument, well-known for its diverse tidepools, and Liberty Public Market, jam-packed with shops and restaurants and lively with activities.

Of course, San Diego’s beaches are an integral part of defining the city, with the laidback Ocean Beach renowned for its community spirit and pet-friendly sands dotted with a scattering of charming boutique lodgings. To the north, Mission Beach is most notable for its iconic Belmont Park featuring its landmark beachfront rollercoaster and the nearby SeaWorld. A handful of resort-style hotels are located here. Pacific Beach represents the most lively and expansive of these coastal communities. Though renowned for year-round surfing, a 5km-long oceanfront promenade, and perpetual festivities, the area is increasingly affluent and family-oriented, especially towards its northern reaches.

Just north of Pacific Beach is La Jolla, the wealthiest of San Diego County’s beachfront cities. An ideal choice for families and couples, La Jolla offers an upscale environment with luxury hotels, fine dining restaurants, and high-end shopping, along with the Museum of Contemporary Art La Jolla and the University of California, San Diego (UCSD). The territory boasts an abundance of beaches, sheltered coves, and sea caves, along with astounding hiking trails surrounding the Torrey Pines Reserve, home of America’s rarest pines and covering 2000 acres of coastal cliffs and ravines.

San Diego`s Northern coastal region extends along the Pacific for roughly 25 miles north from La Jolla to Oceanside and further, to the boundary with Orange County. The small seaside communities in North County, such as Del Mar,Encinitas,Oceanside, and Carlsbad, are renowned for their famous surfing beaches, micro-breweries, dining establishments, and gorgeous stretches of sand. Each of these towns has its own identity with beaches that often have less crowds than those in San Diego proper. Del Mar (approximately 20 miles from downtown San Diego), is where you`ll find several ultra-luxury resorts as well as the Del Mar Races, thoroughbred horse races that take place each summer. Encinitas offers a laid-back atmosphere, eccentric downtown shops, and a number of coveted surf breaks. Carlsbad (about 35 miles from downtown San Diego) is home to Legoland. Just north of Carlsbad (38 miles north of downtown San Diego) is Oceanside, a surfing mecca with a wide sandy beach, the California Surf Museum, and fantastic dining establishments.

The Best Places to Stay in San Diego

a car driving down a street next to tall buildings

a living room filled with furniture and a fire place

Best Areas in San Diego for…

  • The best neighborhood in San Diego to stay for first timers is downtown.

    • With convenient access to the airport and city public transportation, the Zoo, museums in Balboa Park, Little Italy, harbor tours, and attractions along the waterfront, staying Downtown is the best introduction to San Diego. Both the Gaslamp Quarter and Embarcadero are located here, each thriving with dining and shopping options. The historic Gaslamp Quarter, locally known as “The Gaslamp,” is particularly well-suited for exploring nightlife, dining, and entertainment, while Embarcadero is home to charming Seaport Village, the Coronado ferry, and waterfront attractions, like the Midway Museum and Maritime Museum. Downtown’s choice of lodging is broad with ample midrange and budget alternatives in addition to the typical business and luxury hotel chains.

  • Best Family-Friendly Neighborhoods in San Diego: Mission Beach, Mission Bay, Coronado, and La Jolla

    • Mission Beach and the adjacent Mission Bay offer several resort hotels, aquatic activities, SeaWorld, and of course the incredibly fun Belmont Park, San Diego’s historic, oceanside amusement park. For a blend of beach, bay, and rollercoaster excitement, Mission Beach is a great spot for families. Across the bay from Downtown, Coronado is a bit more remote yet about as beautiful as you can get in San Diego. If you are searching for a picture-perfect beach getaway, look no further than the Hotel del Coronado. Head north along the coast to La Jolla for another kid-friendly area: you’ll find gorgeous beaches, kayaks to visit the caves and the sea lions, and hiking and biking paths here. There is an abundance of activities to keep the whole family pleased in La Jolla

  • Most Romantic Neighborhoods in San Diego: Coronado, La Jolla, and Del Mar
    The scenic vistas and quieter atmospheres found in both Coronado and La Jolla render these locales suitable for families on holiday as well as romantic couples seeking respite. Both spots afford various sentimental activities one could partake in including strolling hand in hand along the shore while the sun sets and indulging in candlelit waterside suppers or upscale vineyards by the sea. Of the two, La Jolla in particular boasts some of the most breathtaking coastal stretches to be found in Southern California, with La Jolla Cove thought to serve as the ideal location for an intimate jaunt. Lodging options abound for those looking to get away, ranging from the historied charm of La Valencia Hotel to the gorgeous ocean panoramas afforded by Scripps Hotel. At La Jolla`s northern terminus, Torrey Pines State Reserve incorporates a more untamed shore, wooded trails left to nature, and isolated beaches where one can escape alone. Should one prefer an intimate boutique hotel of luxury, The Lodge at Torrey Pines provides waterside vistas and exceptional service. In Coronado, undoubtedly the finest option is the 1888 Victorian Hotel Del Coronado – there truly exists nothing more sentimental than this upscale beachside accommodation. Farther north along the coast lies Del Mar with its sandy shores, hiking paths winding through nature preserves, and a lively culinary scene. L’Auberge Del Mar and the Fairmont Grand Del Mar here are considered two of the finest upscale, romantic hotels to be found in the San Diego area
  • Prime Neighborhoods in San Diego for the Coastline: Coronado and Pacific Seashore
    San Diego`s beaches are a huge lure, with tempting stretches of sand together with historic piers, seaside eateries, beach bars, and surf breaks lining the coast all the way to LA. One of our favorite seaside neighborhoods is Coronado, south of Downtown San Diego, with its wide swath of sparkling sand (thanks to flecks of mica, the sand literally glitters in the sun). The beach here covers a large area and is family-friendly, with good swimming, and never feels crowded. The elegant Hotel del Coronado (made renowned by Marilyn Monroe in “Some Like it Hot”) is a fun spot to dine and drink, as well as a lavish place to stay, though there are several more affordable options nearby. Farther north, Pacific Beach is a livelier choice, the neighborhood crammed with rambunctious bars and restaurants. The 3.5-mile Pacific Beach Boardwalk is always thick with skaters, cyclists, and surfers.
  • Top Neighborhoods in San Diego for Excursions: Downtown and Balboa Park
    When exploring attractions in the area, Downtown and Balboa Park are prime locations. Downtown is home to the historic Gaslamp Quarter, filled with late 19th-century structures demonstrating a variety of architectural styles such as Baroque Revival, Mission, and even New England saltbox, along with an abundance of dining and lodging choices and Petco Park baseball field. The neighboring Embarcadero region is superbly situated on the San Diego Bay with beautiful harbor views and notable sights, including Seaport Village, Midway Museum, and Maritime Museum which houses a B-39 Submarine, the Star of India, and Steam Ferry, among just a few. Seaport Village has its own marina with lovely sailboats, eateries, and shops. Various tours depart from the village such as the San Diego Trolley Ride and the Seal Sea and Land Tour. The New Children’s Museum is located between the Embarcadero and the Gaslamp in Downtown. Northeast of Downtown, just on the other side of I-5, Balboa Park is an enormous outdoor space home to the beloved San Diego Zoo along with botanical gardens, 17 outstanding museums and an historic 1910 carousel, one of the last worldwide that still offers the brass ring game. With the city’s enviable climate, the outdoor attractions of Balboa Park are ideal for visits anytime throughout the year.
  • Best neighborhood in San Diego for nightlife activities: Downtown..

    • Downtown’s Gaslamp Quarter is the city’s nightlife hub, with its pedestrian-friendly blocks packed with hundreds of trendy restaurants, stylish bars, secret speakeasies, and nightclubs boasting everything from celebrity guest DJs to live rock and jazz. One of the best things to do is to visit one of the rooftop bars at sunset for happy hours and views of the bay and skyline. Check out family-friendly Trailer Park After Dark and Metl Bar.Onyx Room and Side Bar are dance club staples. Another great area for nightlife is Garnet Avenue in Pacific Beach with a variety of unpretentious bars, open-air restaurants, and beach parties. The crowd in Pacific Beach tends to be in their 20s to early 30s.

people sitting at a table in a restaurant

  • Best Areas in San Diego for Food & Culinary Experiences: Little Italy, Downtown, La Jolla, and Oceanside
    San Diego’s best restaurants are scattered throughout the city, but a handful of neighborhoods stand out. Little Italy, on the northern edge of Downtown San Diego, is one of the city’s restaurant hotspots. Of course, you’ll find Italian stalwarts here such as Caffè Italia,Filippi’s Pizza Grotto, the delicious stalls of the Little Italy Food Hall, along with the oldest tavern in town, The Waterfront, the lauded Ironside Fish & Oyster , and Kettner Exchange, known for its rooftop deck with sunset views over the harbor. San Diego has become known for its celebrity chefs of late, with many running their kitchens out of Little Italy, including Top Chef All-Stars winner and TV personality, Richard Blais, whose Crack Shack and Juniper & Ivy share the same city block as Top Chef Brian Malarkey’s Herb & Wood. Malarkey also operates Herringbone in La Jolla. Also in La Jolla, check out French beachside bistro The Marine Room and La Dolce Vita. Downtown, especially the Gaslamp, overflows with cosmopolitan restaurants, from steak houses to oyster bars to myriad international bites. Enjoy a meal at Huntress (steak and Japanese whisky), Werewolf (casual, cool, and delicious brunch, pub grub, and late-night menus), and La Puerta (high-quality Mexican cuisine with top notch cocktails. Further up the North County coast, Oceanside has also developed a hot culinary scene in recent years. Old school diners, such as the 101 Café, have been joined by hip restaurants like 333 Pacific, Davin Waite’s innovative sushi at Wrench and Rodent, former auto repair shop Masters Kitchen & Cocktail,Flying Pig Pub & Kitchen, and lauded chef Willy Eick’s creations at Mission Ave Bar and Grill.
  • Best Walkable Neighborhoods in San Diego: Coronado, Mission Beach, and Pacific Beach
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    • Coronado is very popular among visitors for taking walks and bike rides. One can head down Orange Avenue, stroll by the eateries, bars, and shops, and soak in the vacation atmosphere of the town. Coronado also has a path that travels around the whole island spanning 6 miles which brings one to the beach, golf course, and harbor. Both Mission Beach and Pacific Beach have walking routes. In fact, in Mission Beach you have two options: you can walk from South Mission Beach heading north on the bay side, which is tranquil and peaceful, or you can walk on the path on the beach side. The beach side path takes you to Pacific Beach and all the way into La Jolla. On both the bay and beach side walkways in Mission Beach, you can wander on the little streets lined with adorable and in some cases massive beach houses.

  • Best Neighborhoods in San Diego for Shopping: Mission Valley, Old Town, and La Jolla
    The area of Mission Valley, anchored near Interstate 8 north of Downtown in the heart of Greater San Diego, is well positioned for exploring shops. There exists a broad selection of reasonably priced hotel and motel lodging, and two prominent shopping centers. Among the over 200 stores at Fashion Valley are Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom, Macy’s, Bloomingdale’s, Tiffany & Co., Gucci, and Hugo Boss. Less than a mile away is Westfield Mission Valley, an additional huge mall complex. The adjacent Old Town neighborhood is also a prime location for shopping, with a colorful assortment of Mexican-themed souvenirs, clothing, and jewelry at the Fiesta de Reyes Mall and Bazaar Del Mundo. Furthermore north, Downtown La Jolla (aka “Village of La Jolla”) is packed with high-end stores and boutiques (especially along Girard Avenue and Prospect Street), while centers nearby such as Westfield UTC offer all the standard fashion brands and department stores.
  • Excellent Neighborhoods in San Diego for a Local Feel: North Park, Point Loma, Ocean Beach, and Encinitas
    Ocean Beach possesses its unique charm and is the most indigenous you’ll get for beach communities inside the city boundaries. Disregard the rabble around the pier and head to Newport Avenue for the shopping, restaurants, bars, and a handful of breweries. It’s also thought to be the best place to surf in San Diego. North Park, with its pedestrian-friendly streets, is one of the epicenters of San Diego’s up-and-coming culinary discoveries, progressive art scene, and craft beer boom. This neighborhood is filled with charming craftsman homes and also where the locals prefer to take a stroll and hang out. Point Loma, with a visit to Liberty Public Market specifically, is a great spot for local flavor. They feature an assortment of restaurants, local artists, shops, and festivals throughout the year. All of this is housed in what once were army barracks. North of the city, along an old stretch of scenic Highway 101, Encinitas offers an eclectic variety of surf history, a historic theater, art galleries, a famed ashram, and primo taco shops. A one-of-a-kind town that feels worlds away from the tourist crowds of San Diego.
  • Safest Areas of San Diego
    San Diego’s most secure neighborhoods usually tend to be the most affluent kinds. La Jolla, Coronado, Shelter Island, and even further northward, Del Mar and Carlsbad are all generally protected to wander about at any moment of the day. Mission Beach, Pacific Beach, and Little Italy are also very risk-free but conventional safeguards employ at nighttime. It’s also worthwhile noting that there are sections in the beach places that can bring some intriguing roles.
  • Unsafe Areas of San Diego
    Overall, San Diego has a safe environment and boasts a crime rate that is 15 percent below the national average. However, as with any city, there are a few areas you may want to avoid. University Heights, City Heights, National City, as well as parts of downtown, can be somewhat unsavory, especially at night. Imperial Beach, which is the town in San Diego next to the Mexican border, can also be sketchy. It`s best not to roam around after dark in these areas.

The 15 Best Neighborhoods in San Diego for Tourists

1. Downtown,Gaslamp Quarter, and Embarcadero

As the commercial core of the city and the central hub for public transportation in the region, Downtown San Diego is bounded by San Diego Bay to the west and I-5 to the northeast. Mainly consisting of shining skyscrapers and condominiums representing business, there are also numerous attractions, such as the Museum of Contemporary Art and the New Children’s Museum. Along the harbor front, the Embarcadero features the San Diego Convention Center, Seaport Village (seen above), Headquarters shopping mall, and several family-friendly nautical attractions, such as the USS Midway Museum and the Maritime Museum of San Diego. Just south of Broadway and Horton Plaza Park is the historic Gaslamp Quarter and its stock of 19th-century mansions and townhouses, now occupied by restaurants, bars, and boutiques. At the southern tip of the Gaslamp lies Petco Park, home to the Padres, San Diego’s Major League Baseball team. The Gaslamp is San Diego’s nightlife hub where you’ll find a good blend of trendy cocktail bars, rooftop bars, clubs, and speakeasies. A handful of theaters are here, including the Civic Theatre,Lyceum, and Spreckels. As with many tourist-frequented areas in any city, there are mediocre restaurants catering to tourists and conference-goers, but there are also numerous excellent dining selections if you know where to search, such as Osteria Panevino,Lionfish, and Searsucker, helmed by celebrity chef Brian Malarkey, as well as the aforementioned La Puerta,Werewolf, and Huntress, to name just a few. Downtown is fairly small and easy to explore on foot; travelers may easily forgo a rental car (and the hefty nightly parking fee) in favor of walking to nearby sights, only needing transportation to reach the beaches, Balboa Park, or the San Diego Zoo.

2. Little Italy

a large building with a clock on it`s side

A compact, pedestrian-friendly district at the northwestern edge of downtown, Little Italy is one of San Diego’s most historically significant and atmospheric neighborhoods. In the 1920s this area was home to the city’s largest Italian-American community, primarily supporting the tuna industry. Currently few original buildings remain standing, and the neighborhood is best known for its eclectic dining scene alongside classic pizza and pasta joints. Two particularly buzzworthy restaurants to visit are Juniper and Ivy and Kettner Exchange – both among the city’s Michelin Bib Gourmand award winners. Most of the action takes place on India Street and parallel Kettner Boulevard and Columbia Street, with the pedestrianized Piazza della Famiglia at its heart (the iconic Little Italy sign is nearby). Little Italy Mercato, the local farmers’ market, is held every Saturday on West Date Street, while the Little Italy Wednesday Market is held on Wednesdays, as expected, in the same location. The only real sight in Little Italy is the Firehouse Museum, situated in San Diego’s oldest fire station, though all the attractions of Downtown are just a brief walk away. The local trolley stop is County Center/Little Italy, granting convenient access to Old Town and Mission Valley. Like Downtown, Little Italy isn’t so practical for accessing the beach.

3. Coronado

a beach filled with palm trees and palm trees

Just across the water from Downtown San Diego`s shoreline, Coronado showcases one of America`s finest coastlines with its sparkling, mineral-rich sands and its revitalized main avenue, Orange Road. This area sits directly across the bay from downtown San Diego and can be reached by ferry or by the scenic Coronado Bridge. It is home to the renowned Hotel del Coronado (pictured above), locally known as the Del. An elegant Victorian-era resort opened in 1888, the Del is the most famous and best beachfront lodge in San Diego. In front of the Del, a stone jetty exists that is great for exploring tide pools at low tide. The coast itself is extensive and flat – perfect for walks along the sand. Heading south from the Del, a sunken vessel can be seen at low tide. The only other attraction is the tiny Coronado Museum of History and Art – the primary attractor is, of course, the shoreline. Orange Road and the Coronado Ferry Landing have plenty of shops and eateries. Nearby, Centennial Park offers gorgeous views of the San Diego skyline. There’s no need for a vehicle if exploring Coronado or zipping across the bay to Downtown by ferry, but it’s best to rent one for trips further afield.

4. Mission Bay,Mission Beach, & Pacific Beach

North of Ocean Beach, across the San Diego River, lie the most visited San Diego`s city beaches. Mission Beach and Pacific Beach stand on a narrow strip of sand between the ocean and Mission Bay Park, a waterside attraction area 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 busy Ocean Front Walk. The biggest non-beach attraction here is Belmont Park, an old-fashioned amusement park with a landmark rollercoaster (the above photo was taken from its top). Mission Boulevard runs from Mission Beach north to Pacific Beach and is full of casual cafes, women`s clothing boutiques, yoga studios, and bars. Pacific Beach is a somewhat trendier 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 provide lots of fun, with access to the beach, surf, and some great places to eat and drink. It`s not so convenient for exploring the rest of the city, however, with long bus rides or drives to Downtown and elsewhere.

5. La Jolla

a car parked on the side of a road next to palm trees

North of Pacific Beach, La Jolla is San Diego’s most affluent seaside community, with a dramatic coastline featuring caves and cliffs, cute little beaches, high-quality dining, and boutique shopping. It’s a popular place with couples and families due to its beautiful coastal walking path, biking trails, seals basking in the sun, Shell Beach Tide Pools, and La Jolla Caves, best explored using a kayak. Downtown is known as the Village of La Jolla; the main thoroughfares (Prospect Street and Girard Avenue) house most of the restaurants and hotels, along with the Museum of Contemporary Art La Jolla. Further north lies the rugged La Jolla Shores Beach and Birch Aquarium at Scripps, while the expansive, landscaped campus of the University of California, San Diego (UCSD) sits inland. Finally, the northern section of La Jolla borders Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve, a protected wilderness containing rare pine species and the world-renowned Torrey Pines Golf Course with panoramic views from the cliffs over Blacks Beach. La Jolla can be viewed as an elegant destination on its own rather than just a base for exploring the city, around 12 miles north of Downtown San Diego. Hotels here are commonly priced higher than other San Diego hotspots. When choosing lodging, note the Village of La Jolla is approximately a 15-minute drive west of the I-5 freeway, while many hotels in the Westfield UTC area right off I-5`s east side classify themselves as La Jolla hotels when they are truly in a different area.

6. Balboa Park

a large building with a fountain in the middle of it

Balboa Park is Southern California’s largest cultural center, encompassing 17 museums, beautifully landscaped gardens, and the world-renowned San Diego Zoo. Its elegant collection of Spanish Colonial buildings – it`s a bit like wandering around Seville – is a legacy of the International Expositions held here in 1915 and 1935. Today it has enough art, memorabilia, vintage cars, and aircraft to fill several days, enhanced by expansive green areas at the Japanese Friendship Garden and the Spreckels Organ Pavilion, the world`s largest outdoor pipe organ. While there are no hotels within Balboa Park itself, there are several in the surrounding streets and neighborhoods like Hillcrest, South Park, and North Park, best known for its cafes and craft breweries. There is so much to see in Balboa Park it is important to select a few highlights to avoid exhaustion. Tackle no more than three major museums each day. The three main art museums are Mingei International Museum,San Diego Museum of Art, and Timken Museum of Art. The top family-friendly museums are the San Diego Natural History Museum,Fleet Science Center,Museum of Us, and Air & Space Museum. The San Diego Zoo is worthy of at least half a day on its own. The Botanical Building provides a relaxing break between museums, as does the Spanish Village Art Center. Little ones will enjoy the fanciful Balboa Park Carousel and the Balboa Park Miniature Railroad at the San Diego Zoo. The newest attraction here is the Comic-Con Museum, showcasing San Diego’s annual Comic Convention.

7. Hillcrest

a street filled with palm trees and palm trees

8. Mission Valley and Old Town

a table filled with lots of different types of vases

Old Town and Mission Valley are situated four miles north of Downtown San Diego, yet both areas are conveniently near the airport and have suitable trolley and bus connections to other parts of the city. Old Town is where the Spanish established their inaugural settlement in 1769, and today the Old Town State Park preserves a fascinating collection of nineteenth-century earthen structures, in addition to Mexican-themed markets and restaurants. Rising above Old Town, Presidio Park is where the initial Spanish Presidio (military encampment) and mission was situated in 1769, presently home to the Junípero Serra Museum. The primary sight in adjacent Mission Valley is the Spanish-era Mission Basilica San Diego de Alcalá, accessible via the Green Line trolley, but it’s the shopping at the huge Fashion Valley and Westfield Mission Valley shopping centers that attracts most visitors. From Mission Valley, it’s a speedy trip to the neighborhoods of Hillcrest, North Park, Kensington, and Normal Heights. Old Town Transit Center is connected to the trolley and Coaster light rail networks, as well as Amtrak; it’s also closer to the main beaches than Downtown San Diego. Remaining in Mission Valley, however, it’s preferable to rent a car – things are more spread out beyond Old Town.

9. Harbor Island

a body of water with a body of water

Harbor Island is an artificially constructed peninsula that was made in 1961 and situated on one of the San Diego Bays. It lies located between Shelter Island and Downtown and is directly across Harbor Drive from the San Diego Airport. Harbor Island packs a significant amount into its two miles – most notably the best vantage point of the San Diego skyline, Coronado Island, and the Big Bay. You’ll also find a few highly rated restaurants ( Coasterra,C Level and Island Prime), large hotels, and marinas in this location. There exists a shoreline route for walkers, joggers, skaters, and bikers. Only a small number of hotels are situated here, but the area is one of the best options if you want to be near the airport and enjoy San Diego’s natural beauty.

10. Point Loma & Shelter Island

a person standing on top of a rock near a body of water

Large portions of the lengthy Point Loma Peninsula, which divides San Diego Bay from the Pacific Ocean, are occupied by the US Navy, but there are several attractions open to the public, including Sunset Cliffs Natural Park, a well known viewpoint with frequent whale sightings of grey whales. At the tip of the peninsula lies the Cabrillo National Monument, a park commemorating the landing of Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo here in 1542, where you’ll encounter the Old Point Loma Lighthouse and the Point Loma Tide Pools (seen above), swarming with marine life. Point Loma plays host to many top-tier seafood restaurants, charming small business owners, and Liberty Station, a re-purposed Naval Training Center that now features restaurants, Stone Brewing World Bistro & Gardens, small museums, and Liberty Public Market, packed with food stalls. Further north, on the bay side of the peninsula, Shelter Island is a major marina, sportfishing, and resort hub, also renowned for the Bali Hai Restaurant and its famous mai tai cocktails. One of Shelter Island’s gems is the world-class Humphreys Concerts by the Bay an open-air venue under the stars. Also situated here is an urban beach and a jetty where many boats launch for fishing trips. A rental car is recommended for anyone staying anywhere in Point Loma or Shelter Island.

11. Ocean Beach

a large building with a sign on the side of it

Ocean Beach (aka “OB”), is situated on the Pacific coastline just north of Point Loma, south of Mission Beach and the San Diego River. One of the last few quintessential Southern California beach towns, OB offers a surfy, bohemian vibe with plenty of charm. The expansive beach stretches north from Ocean Beach Pier and the main thoroughfare of Newport Street. Here you’ll find a cluster of dive bars, craft breweries, taco joints, and old-school restaurants, including the legendary burger establishment Hodad’s. The pet-friendly northern section of sand is known as Dog Beach and even features a Dog Wash where you can see dogs being showered down. Ocean Beach is the realm of smaller motels and boutique hotels, for relaxed beach vacations. Buses connect Ocean Beach with Old Town and Downtown San Diego, but renting a vehicle is a better strategy for exploring the rest of the city.

12. Del Mar

a beach that has a bunch of flowers on it

Although renowned primarily for the Del Mar Racetrack, a thoroughbred equine racing establishment dating to 1937, Del Mar offers numerous attractions appealing to diverse tastes. This seaside town highlights lovely beaches with a dynamic surf culture, along with golf courses, hot air balloon excursions, scenic hiking trails, an increasingly sophisticated culinary scene, and multiple craft breweries. Del Mar is also home to the San Diego County Fair, held annually during summer months, and an excellent Saturday farmers’ market. Several ultra-luxury resorts and fine dining restaurants can be found, such as the acclaimed Addison at the Fairmont Grand Del Mar.

13. Encinitas

a large body of water with palm trees Located north of Del Mar, Encinitas is a wonderfully unique Southern California beach town with a vibrant surfing and arts culture. This coastal city overflows with character. Encinitas is home to the historic La Paloma Theatre (constructed during the silent film era, it was among the first to begin showing “talkies”) and multiple sites connected to Indian guru Paramahansa Yogananda, founder of the Self-Realization Fellowship in 1920; its Golden Lotus Temple provides the namesake for Swami’s Beach below, a greatly enjoyed surfing spot. Renowned as the “Flower Capital of the World,” Encinitas is the world’s top creator of poinsettias and is home to the San Diego Botanic Garden (with 4000 plants spread over 37 acres) and San Elijo Lagoon (where 40% of all North American birds migrate through here each year), offering free admission and weekly led nature walks. Be sure to stop by Lou’s Records, one of the finest record retailers in Southern California, stocking hard-to-discover vinyl since 1980.

14. Carlsbad

a large body of water surrounded by mountains The village known as “The Village by the Sea” was called Carlsbad after the famous Czech spa of Karlsbad – visitors can still sample the local mineral water from the Carlsbad Alkaline Water Springs. Today, the biggest attraction is Legoland California, which includes Sea Life Aquarium and Legoland Water Park (you can stay on-site at the LEGOLAND California Hotel). Many travelers also go to the fifty-acre Flower Fields to view colorful giant ranunculus in bloom. The peaceful seaside town sits along a 7-mile stretch of Pacific coastline, and beyond Legoland and the beach, you’ll discover the Carlsbad Lagoon where you can rent equipment for both paddle and motorized water-sports plus wakeboarding and waterskiing. Carlsbad’s charming downtown contains shops and restaurants

15. Oceanside

a man walking down a street next to a palm treeThe Mission Pacific Beach Resort is located in Oceanside.

Oceanside: Situated at the northernmost end of San Diego’s North County Coastline (61 kilometers north of Downtown San Diego), Oceanside (aka “O-side”) makes for an appealing destination in its own right, with a storied surf scene and a developing culinary track record. The shorefront is anchored by Oceanside Pier, dating back to 1888 and one of the longest wooden piers in the United States. Surfboard rentals and lessons can be arranged at Whitlock Surf Experience and Learn to Rip, while the region’s surf history is chronicled at the California Surf Museum. Non-coastal-related attractions involve the Oceanside Museum of Art and the Old Mission San Luis Rey de Francia, four miles inland.

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Welcome to my travel website! I’m Mary Howard, an American who has been exploring the world full-time for 8 years.

Together with my husband, Intan, we often find ourselves in our second home, Bali, but our adventures take us to exciting destinations all over the globe.

Join us on our journey!

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