Where To Stay In San Diego – The Best Neighborhoods & Areas (2024)

Southern California has some great cities, and San Diego is one of the most beautiful cities along the West Coast of the United States. With San Diego’s gorgeous beaches, great culture, fantastic food, and rich history, San Diego is one of those cities that can be enjoyed by people of all ages and families too.

Known as the birthplace of California, San Diego was once a Mexican fort that grew its way into the 8th largest city in America. Situated close to the Mexican border, you can feel the influence of its southern neighbor in almost every part of the city. It’s what gives it its charm.

There is no shortage of things to do in San Diego. From catching some rays on the beaches of La Jolla, taking in Balboa Park’s 17 museums, or strolling the boardwalk at Mission Beach, you will find something that interests each member of the family.

Best Areas to Stay in San Diego

San Diego is one of the safest cities in America, and that makes it a little easier for first-time visitors to choose where to stay. There are plenty of places to stay, ranging from hostels for budget travelers, boutique hotels for the more discerning traveler, upscale resorts for those with luxury in mind, luxury resorts, and plenty of vacation rentals. For those seeking historic elegance, consider staying at a luxury collection hotel like The US Grant, which is part of the Marriott Luxury Collection.

Before choosing the area you want to base yourself in, it is best to get oriented with the city. The map of San Diego below will help you get the lay of the land and give you a general idea of where the neighborhoods are. Once you are oriented, Let’s get into the best places to stay in San Diego, California.

1. Coronado

Coronado Island is a great place to stay in San Diego for many reasons. For golf enthusiasts, the nearby Torrey Pines Golf Course offers world-class golfing experiences. The views, beaches, and small-town feel make it a popular spot for visitors. Coronado Beach is ranked one of the top beaches in the US, with white sand, gentle waves, and Pacific Ocean views. The neighborhood is also home to the historic Hotel del Coronado, a Victorian beachfront hotel since 1888.

Besides its natural beauty, Coronado has lots of activities and attractions. You can walk the charming downtown area with its unique shops, art galleries and restaurants. The Coronado Ferry Landing is a convenient and scenic way to get to downtown San Diego, with views of the city skyline along the way. The neighborhood has great bike paths, so you can easily get around on two wheels.

Staying in Coronado is a balance of relaxation and convenience. Close enough to downtown San Diego to enjoy the city’s attractions yet far enough to be a retreat. The neighborhood is walkable, beautiful and friendly so it’s the perfect place for visitors.

Getting There: If you’re driving, you can get to Coronado via the famous San Diego-Coronado Bridge. The bridge connects downtown San Diego to Coronado and has amazing views of the bay. From downtown San Diego take CA-75 South and it will take you right over the bridge and into Coronado. The drive is about 10-15 minutes depending on traffic.

If you’re taking public transit, you can take the Metropolitan Transit System (MTS) bus. From downtown San Diego you can catch the Route 901 bus at the Broadway and Pacific Highway stop. The bus goes over the Coronado Bridge and through the heart of Coronado with several stops along Orange Avenue, the main street in Coronado. The trip takes about 30 minutes.

Best Luxury Hotel in Coronado: Hotel del Coronado

With its historic charm and modern amenities, this iconic hotel has beachfront access, a spa, multiple dining options, and rooms with ocean views. It is a classic.

Best Mid-Range Hotel in Coronado: Coronado Island Marriott Resort & Spa

This hotel features Comfortable accommodations, a full-service spa, outdoor pools, and views of the San Diego skyline.

Best Budget Hotel in Coronado: Glorietta Bay Inn

Stay here is definitely a sweet deal. A charming boutique hotel in a historic mansion with cozy rooms, free breakfast and beach, and local attractions right at your doorstep.

2. La Jolla -Best Place to Stay in San Diego for Beach Lovers

If you were born to be at the beach, you’ll love La Jolla (pronounced the Spanish way, la hoya). This upscale neighborhood is home to many San Diegan celebrities and where Dr. Seuss penned many of his cartoons.

Picture sunny days spent lounging on the wide beach of La Jolla Cove, sandy beach, paddling in a kayak through the La Jolla Caves, browsing through boutiques, dining on fresh Mexican fare, and enjoying a cocktail from a rooftop bar as the sun goes down. This area is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts.

Like most neighborhoods in San Diego, there are a lot of different types of accommodation in La Jolla, but it is mostly known for its luxury hotels.

Getting There: There are a few ways to get to La Jolla. If you choose public transit, then public bus #30 runs from downtown San Diego to La Jolla. Also, remember that the main streets in La Jolla are La Jolla Village Drive, Prospect Street, Avenida de la Playa, and Girard Avenue, so you can get dropped off at the right place.

3. North Park – Hippest Neighborhood in San Diego

North Park is one of downtown San Diego’s most vibrant and diverse neighborhoods, with street art, bars, quirky restaurants, and cultural sites lining the streets. Here, creativity is rewarded, and the locals aren’t afraid to experiment with how they live and work. Many of the bars in North Park feature rooftop bars, offering stunning views and refreshing cocktails.

It’s the type of place that serves beer cocktails, lattes with foam art, and paint pallets as plates. If you are looking for the coolest area to stay in San Diego, this is the neighborhood for you. North Park is within walking distance of many cultural hubs like Balboa Park, the Ray Street Arts District, and the North Park Theater.

This is one of the best places to stay in San Diego if you are looking for the cultural side of the city.

Getting There: By car – From the I-805: Exit University Avenue. Turn left onto University Avenue. From the I-5: Exit Pershing Drive and continue onto Upas Street. Parking available in a garage on 29th Street. If you prefer public transit Bus #2 stops all throughout 30th Street.

4. Ocean Beach – Where to Stay for Families

Our good friends free-spirited grandfather used to take me to Ocean Beach as a child and wistfully say, “O.B. — where you live happy and free” as soon as we stepped out of our car. Today, the sentiment still rings true. Ocean Beach is a casual neighborhood where alternative lifestyles are not just welcomed but embraced. Nearby Mission Bay offers family-friendly activities such as water sports and beachside adventures.

Walk along the main street past all types of restaurants, boutiques selling tie-dye everything, healing crystal shops, and taco stands. Street art covers formerly bare walls, and the sun usually shines after noon — once the marine layer of fog burns off.

Explore the tide pools, go swimming in the ocean, and walk along the Ocean Beach Pier.

Ocean Beach is accepting of everyone, including pets. If you are looking for where to stay in San Diego with pets, you’ll find that Ocean Beach is just about as accommodating as it gets. Make sure to check out the Ocean Beach Farmers Market. It is full of organic food stalls, and they even put on live music!

Getting to Ocean Beach: By car – From the I-5, to the 8/Sunset Cliffs Boulevard and follow that to Bacon Street. There is free street parking in residential areas of Ocean Beach and metered parking in the main areas. By bus – Bus #35 runs from Old Town (a major public transport hub) to Ocean Beach. Bus #923 runs from downtown San Diego to Ocean Beach.

5. Gaslamp Quarter – Best Neighborhood in San Diego for nightlife

San Diego’s Gaslamp Quarter is a historic neighborhood that never sleeps. If you are looking for where to stay in San Diego and want to be in the heart of downtown, the Gaslamp Quarter is a great choice.

The Gaslamp Quarter, located on San Diego Bay, has an interesting wild western history marked with stories of tavern brawls and shootouts. The quarter was once home to the city’s red-light district, gambling casinos, and 1860s Chinatown. Many residents believe that the ghosts of Gaslamp’s past haunt this neighborhood to this day.

There are almost 100 historic buildings in the Gaslamp Quarter, which makes it an interesting contrast to the rest of downtown San Diego’s modern skyscrapers.

Aside from its rich history, the Gaslamp Quarter has restaurants, bars, and is walking distance to highlights like the San Diego Convention Center, Petco Park, Balboa Theatre, and Horton Plaza.

If you’re up for a bit of light-spirited debauchery and want to stay near many of San Diego’s greatest landmarks, choose the Gaslamp Quarter as your base.

Getting There: By car – The Gaslamp Quarter is in the middle of downtown San Diego and runs along 5th and 6th Avenue. Parking can be hard to find and is very expensive in the Gaslamp Quarter. By trolley – All trolley lines 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 that often have music playing out of a boom box. These are a fun way to get around downtown.

6. Old Town – Best Place to Stay in San Diego for First-Timers

Old Town San Diego is the birthplace of California. As you can guess from the name, it is a historic part of San Diego that was the first Spanish settlement in the early 1800s. Before that, it was an important area for the Kumeyaay Native Americans. Old Town is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Old Town is also conveniently located near SeaWorld San Diego, making it a great base for families.

What makes Old Town so interesting today is that it retained its charm and style of architecture. Many San Diegans believe that Old Town is haunted, with most ghosts residing in the Whaley House.

You can spend your time browsing through museums, visiting the Mission, sampling Mexican food, and listening to live music from a mariachi band. Old Town is perfect for visitors of all ages interested in food, history, folklore, and have a great imagination.

Getting There: By car – Old Town is located in the northern end 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 service Old Town and go throughout most of San Diego. The Green Line trolley also passes through Old Town and stops at the Old Town Transit  Center.

7. Carlsbad

Carlsbad is a great place to stay in San Diego because of its coastal charm, beautiful beaches, family-friendly attractions, and luxury resorts. Known as the “Village by the Sea” Carlsbad is a relaxed environment with lots of activities for all interests. The Carlsbad State Beach is a big draw, with pristine sandy shores, great surf, and beautiful sunsets. The beach is perfect for swimming, sunbathing, or a leisurely walk along the coast.

One of the top attractions in Carlsbad is LEGOLAND California Resort, a theme park that will delight kids and adults with its interactive rides, shows, and massive LEGO displays. If you like nature and flowers, the Carlsbad Flower Fields are a must-see in the spring, with rows and rows of blooming flowers creating a stunning landscape. The neighborhood also has a cute downtown area with boutique shops, gourmet restaurants, and cozy cafes, so it’s a great place to explore and relax.

Best Luxury Hotel In Carlsbad: Park Hyatt Aviara Resort

This resort has spacious rooms, a world-class spa, and an award-winning golf course. The grounds and amenities are top-notch, so you’ll have a memorable and indulgent stay.

Best Mid-Range Hotel In Carlsbad: West Inn & Suites

If you have less of a budget, this is a great choice, with comfortable rooms and a boutique feel. They offer free breakfast, a heated outdoor pool, and easy access to the beach and local attractions.

Best Budget Hotel in Carlsbad: Carlsbad by the Sea Hotel

Looking to save some cash? This hotel is the way to go. This little hotel has cozy rooms, free breakfast and is right near the beach and LEGOLAND so it’s a great value for travelers.

FAQ’s About San Diego Hotels

Our Recommendations