The Best Areas to Stay in San Diego, California
The Best Areas to Stay in San Diego, California

Best Areas to Stay in San Diego, California

Where to Stay in San Diego – A Guide to This Californian City

The city of San Diego, known as “the birthplace of California“, is located on the west coast of the United States..

San Diego is the favorite destination of many tourists for its beaches, craft beer, the Balboa Park, its zoo, SeaWorld and its museums.

January is the coolest month in this region of California, with temperatures around 59ºF (15°C). August and September are the hottest months (with 72ºF/22°C), but, generally, the climate of San Diego is stable and warm throughout the year.

San Diego’s transport options include the trolley, with different lines that cover the whole metropolitan area, taxis, buses and apps.

The San Diego International Airport is located south of the city, with domestic flights to different cities in the United States and some international destinations.

Among the best areas to stay in San Diego is Mission Beach because of its spectacular views of the ocean, its wide range of nightclubs and outdoor activities. This area also has the Sea World water park, the most visited attraction in San Diego. See accommodation in Mission Beach.

Here’s a guide with the best areas to stay in Diego.

The best areas to stay in San Diego

1. 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 you’re looking to rest or go fishing, south of Mission Beach offers a quiet environment for fishing or to relax.

Best areas to stay in San Diego - Near SeaWorld & Mission Beach
Best areas to stay in San Diego – Near SeaWorld & Mission Beach
Accommodation in Mission Beach - Click on the map to see all available accommodation in this area
Accommodation in Mission Beach – Click on the map to see all available accommodation in this area

Why is this a recommended area to stay in San Diego:

  • Best area for sightseeing
  • Belmont Park
  • Beach area
  • SeaWorld

2. Pacific Beach

Pacific Beach is a neighborhood of San Diego that is located north of the city, between La Jolla and Mission Beach.

In addition to being a popular beach for tourists and surfers in California, this area stands out for its young vibe.

During the day, you can have lunch at the restaurants on the dock, buy souvenirs or go to the beach and, at night, get to know the nightclubs and bars located along Garnet Ave and Mission Blvd.

Therefore, this is one of the best areas to stay in San Diego for nightlife.

Pacific Beach has good location and transport connections, with bus stops along Garnet Ave, Mission Blvd, and Grand Ave.

Where to stay in San Diego, California - Pacific Beach
Where to stay in San Diego, California – Pacific Beach
Accommodation in Pacific Beach - Click on the map to see all available accommodation in this area
Accommodation in Pacific Beach – Click on the map to see all available accommodation in this area

Why is this a recommended area to stay in San Diego:

  • Beach area
  • Great area for sightseeing
  • Best area for nightlife

3. Gaslamp Quarter

Gaslamp Quarter is the historic district of San Diego and is located within the Downtown of the city.

This neighborhood is known for hosting events and celebrations such as the Mardi Gras, the ShamRock and St. Patrick’s Day, as well as housing museums and being the seat of the city council.

Gaslamp Quarter is located to the south of the city and is the epicenter of shopping, restaurants, and nightlife of the city, in addition to being one of the best areas to stay in San Diego.

Near this district is the Convention Center where the famous Comic-Con is held annually.

In addition, staying in Gaslamp Quarter allows you to enjoy the Californian cuisine, listen to live jazz, drink craft beer on terraces or visit a couple of casinos.

Gaslamp Quarter is very pedestrian friendly and, through its streets, you can witness a variety of shops, particularly along Broadway, Fourth, and Fifth Avenue.

Best areas to stay in San Diego - Gaslamp District
Best areas to stay in San Diego – Gaslamp District
Accommodation in Gaslamp District - Click on the map to see all available accommodation in this area
Accommodation in Gaslamp District – Click on the map to see all available accommodation in this area

Why is this a recommended area to stay in San Diego:

  • Old Town
  • Great nightlife
  • Good area for business travelers

4. Downtown San Diego

Downtown is among the best areas to stay in San Diego, California, because it is the financial and business epicentre of the city.

This area is divided into nine districts where many of the attractions for visitors of the city are found, as well as shops, restaurants, clubs, bars and a wide variety of hotels.

Due to its good location, 20 minutes by car from the airport, Downtown San Diego has buses to connect with other districts, as well as the Green and Blue lines of the trolley.

In this area, you can also attractions such as the USS Midway Maritime Museum, or the Petco Park stadium. On the other hand, the Museum of Contemporary Art and the Balboa Park, home of the San Diego Zoo, are nearby.

Staying in Downtown San Diego is recommended for travelers who want to be close to the city’s main attractions.

Best areas to stay in San Diego - Downtown
Best areas to stay in San Diego – Downtown
Accommodation in Downtown San Diego - Click on the map to see all available accommodation in this area
Accommodation in Downtown San Diego – Click on the map to see all available accommodation in this area

Why is this a recommended area to stay in San Diego:

  • San Diego Zoo
  • Great transport connections
  • Best area for business travelers
  • Great nightlife

5. La Jolla

La Jolla is a area of ​beautiful beaches, with a variety of outdoor activities that can be done.

This San Diego neighborhood is also home to young entrepreneurs and students because it houses UCSD.

La Jolla, like Pacific and Mission Beach, has beautiful beaches that are filled by locals and tourists during the summer

Because of its location by the beach, the most popular activities in this neighborhood include surfing, diving, and kayaking.

The aquarium, the Jolla Playhouse, and the restaurants are among the most visited places in La Jolla.

Its streets adorned with palm trees, mansions and luxury hotels give La Jolla a exclusive atmosphere and make it one of the best areas to stay in San Diego.

La Jolla has few bus stops, so it is advisable to rent a car to move to other areas of San Diego from here.

Where to stay in San Diego - La Jolla
Where to stay in San Diego – La Jolla
Accommodation in La Jolla - Click on the map to see all available accommodation in this area
Accommodation in La Jolla – Click on the map to see all available accommodation in this area

Why is this a recommended area to stay in San Diego:

  • Exclusive area
  • Birch Aquarium
  • Close to the beach
  • UCSD
  • Great area for sightseeing
  • Restaurants and stores

6. Hillcrest

This area, located south of San Diego, is popular with the LGBT community, which gives the district a very welcoming energy.

Hillcrest, with streets full of shops, is located near Balboa Park, North Park and South Park.

Hillcrest is one of the best areas to stay in San Diego because of its variety of restaurants, cafes, bars, clubs, vintage and fashion stores.

By staying in Hillcrest, you can take long walks through the picturesque district, as its streets are pedestrian-friendly. In addition, if you plan to visit in July, you can enjoy the biggest event San Diego: The annual gay pride parade.

Hillcrest has bus connections to Downtown San Diego, as well as Mission Valley tram stops.

Another event that takes place in this area is the CityFest, a festival full of street food, live entertainment and craft beer.

Best areas to stay in San Diego, California - Hillcrest
Best areas to stay in San Diego, California – Hillcrest
Accommodation in Hillcrest - Click on the map to see all available accommodation in this area
Accommodation in Hillcrest – Click on the map to see all available accommodation in this area

Why is this a recommended area to stay in San Diego:

  • LGBT-Friendly
  • Bars, cafes and restaurants
  • Festivals and events

Best Location in San Diego – Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best area to stay in San Diego for sightseeing?

Downtown San Diego is the best place to stay in the city for a first visit or sightseeing, in general. In Downtown, you’ll find attractions like the San Diego Zoo and the gorgeous Balboa Park. This area also has the best transport connections.

But, if you want to visit SeaWorld, you should stay in Mission Beach.

What is the best area to stay in San Diego with kids?

If you’re traveling to San Diego with kids, it may be in your best interest to stay near SeaWorld. By remaining close to the park, you’ll enjoy early shows and spend less time and money on public transport.

Downtown is also a good place to stay in San Diego for family trips because it is close to the zoo.

What’s the best area to stay in San Diego near the beach?

If you wonder where to stay near the beach in San Diego, look no further than La Jolla. The beach in La Jolla is beautiful, and the area is still close to most of the city’s attractions.

For a couple’s getaway, you could try staying in the stunning and romantic Coronado.

What’s the best area to stay in San Diego to visit SeaWorld?

SeaWorld is in Mission Bay, so that’s the part of San Diego where you should stay to visit the park. Mission Bay has many accommodation options very close to SeaWorld.

What is the best location in San Diego for nightlife?

The best clubs and bars in San Diego are in Gaslamp Quarter, which is part of the Downtown area. The venues in Gaslamp Quarter range from dance clubs to bars with live music and taverns.

Where to stay in San Diego without a car?

Downtown is the recommended area to stay in San Diego without a car. The district has great transport connections, so you’ll be able to move around the city easily. This area also gathers a lot of attractions by itself.

What is the best area in San Diego for LGBT travelers?

Hillcrest is the city’s gay neighborhood and, as such, the best area to stay in San Diego for LGBT visitors.

In Hillcrest, you’ll find LGBT bars, clubs, stores, restaurants, and accommodation. This area also hosts San Diego’s Pride every year.

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