Where to stay in San Diego is a question I help people answer every day. It comes up because the county is spread out, and your base determines how much time you spend in the car, what you can walk to, and how much beach time you actually get.
I have helped thousands of clients book San Diego hotels, and I’ve learned that while there are dozens of cool places to visit (like Point Loma or Little Italy), there are eight areas that give travelers the vacation headquarters feel they’re looking for.
I call them destination neighborhoods, and that’s what this guide focuses on.
Looking for Specific Hotels?
This guide focuses on the best neighborhoods to stay in. If you need help comparing hotels and resorts by location or travel style. See my full guide to San Diego hotels.
Top Places By Activity or Feature
And now, let’s get into why you’d stay in each neighborhood.
1. Coronado Island
Just across the bay from Downtown San Diego, Coronado Island is famous for its stunning beaches and relaxed, walkable village feel. It’s home to the iconic Hotel del Coronado, along with a small collection of boutique and budget-friendly hotels.
Coronado is a good fit for travelers who want a beach-focused stay with easy access to Downtown attractions, Balboa Park, and San Diego Zoo, with a day trip to La Jolla or North County (including LEGOLAND California and San Diego Zoo Safari Park) mixed in.
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Getting There
Most people get to Coronado by driving over the Coronado Bridge from Downtown San Diego. Without traffic, the drive from the airport usually takes about 20 minutes.
Another option is the Coronado Ferry, a 7-minute scenic boat ride between the island and Downtown’s Embarcadero. However, you may need to Uber or walk to your hotel from the Ferry Landing.
What to Know
Hotel del Coronado’s five neighborhoods cover a wide range of price points and accommodation types, but staying elsewhere doesn’t mean missing out. The island also has lodging at all price points, including several well-reviewed boutique, historic, and vacation-rental-style properties directly across the street from The Del and within easy walking distance of the same beach.
You don’t need to stay at The Del to enjoy it. Dining reservations, activities, and even pool day passes are available to non-guests, which makes off-site stays a viable option for many travelers.
Seasonality matters in Coronado. Major events and peak travel periods—especially summer and the Fourth of July—can cause even modest hotels to price like luxury properties elsewhere, so timing has a big impact on value.
Ocean swimming conditions can occasionally be affected by regional water quality issues, particularly after heavy rains. When this happens, the beach remains open, and most visitors still enjoy beach walks, wide sand, and resort amenities.
Travelers who want guaranteed daily ocean swimming may prefer La Jolla or other northern beach areas. (Silver Strand State Beach near Loews is more frequently impacted than the beaches near The Del.)
Where to Stay on Coronado Island
There are many small hotels and motels in Coronado, but most people ask me about these two.
Hotel del Coronado
This San Diego icon is our best full-service beachfront resort, and the hotel I book visitors into most often. There are three parts: the main resort of Hotel del Coronado, Beach Village at The Del, and Shore House at The Del.
The latter two are private luxury hotels within the larger resort, with beautiful rooms and villas, and are booked separately. The major renovation is complete.
The Bower Coronado
This new boutique hotel is quickly becoming a client favorite. It’s chic, across the street from The Del, with a quieter atmosphere and sometimes better pricing.
Activity Information:
More Coronado Hotel Guides:
2. Downtown San Diego
Downtown San Diego is the most convenient place to stay if you want a walkable, city-based trip with restaurants, bars, and major attractions right outside your hotel. It’s ideal for travelers who prefer an urban stay over a resort experience and want to make the most of a short visit without renting a car.
From Downtown, you can easily explore the Gaslamp Quarter, Little Italy, and the waterfront, including attractions like the USS Midway Museum, Seaport Village, and Petco Park. Balboa Park, the San Diego Zoo, and ocean beaches are a quick Uber ride away.
Downtown works well for a broad mix of travelers—solo visitors, couples, friend groups, and families—especially for long weekends, Padres games, conventions, or Zoo-focused trips. It’s also popular with business travelers thanks to the Convention Center, which adds energy (and higher hotel demand) during major events.
As the heart of the city, Downtown San Diego offers incredible convenience and urban fun. This is where to stay in San Diego when you want the city’s best restaurants, rooftop bars, and nightlife within walking distance of your hotel. I stay down there, too, sometimes just for fun.
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Getting There
From the airport, it should take 5-10 minutes to reach a Downtown hotel by car, depending on how many traffic lights you hit. Ride shares and taxis are easy to find and available everywhere.
What to Know Before Choosing Downtown San Diego
Downtown San Diego hotels do not have direct beach access, even though many offer water views. The water is San Diego Bay, not the ocean. The closest beach is Ocean Beach, or you can ferry or drive to Coronado, which many people do anyway to explore the island and The Del.
Parking is expensive, even at budget hotels. Plan accordingly or research nearby paid lots that allow overnight parking. If you’re visiting San Diego with young kids and need a bathtub, check bathroom descriptions. Many guest rooms and suites Downtown are shower-only.
Like most large cities, Downtown San Diego has areas outside the main tourist corridors that feel less polished. Visitors are generally most comfortable staying in well-traveled areas such as the Gaslamp Quarter, Little Italy, and the waterfront.
Where to Stay in Downtown San Diego
When you want to stay in the heart of nightlife or near the airport, there are some pretty fantastic options.
Pendry San Diego
I highly recommend this luxury boutique hotel and lifestyle hub in the Gaslamp Quarter with its five restaurants, spa, social pool deck, excellent urban coastal California decor, and service.
THE US GRANT, a Luxury Collection Hotel
This historic Marriott property was built by the son of President Ulysses S. Grant over 100 years ago. No spa or pool, but it’s akin to a big-city luxury hotel and prices well.
Manchester Grand Hyatt
The bayfront twin-tower high-rise has 1,600 rooms, some resort-like amenities, a (busy) club lounge, and well-priced suites for families.
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More Downtown San Diego Hotel Guides:
3. La Jolla
Known as “The Jewel” of San Diego, the upscale community of La Jolla is one of the most popular places to stay in San Diego for its beautiful beaches, Pacific Ocean views, water sports, great food, a contemporary art museum, and boutique shopping.
It appeals to travelers who want a coastal experience that feels refined and walkable in parts rather than urban or nightlife-driven.
The Three Popular La Jolla Areas
La Jolla is not one single neighborhood. Travelers tend to stay in three main, very safe areas, each offering a different experience.
La Jolla Shores
Best for beach access, casual beachfront hotels, and water activities. This is one of San Diego’s best sandy beaches and a hub for surf lessons, kayaking, snorkeling, diving, and stand-up paddleboarding in the San Diego–La Jolla Underwater Park. It has a relaxed, family-friendly feel and fewer shops and restaurants than The Village.
The Village of La Jolla
Best for dining, shopping, and coastal scenery. The Village, La Jolla’s downtown, is walkable and popular for upscale restaurants, boutiques, La Jolla Cove, and iconic sunset views. Beaches here are smaller and more scenic than practical for all-day sunbathing, but our famous seals and sea lions, winter tide pooling, and coastal walks are highlights.
Torrey Pines
Best for golf, quiet stays, and freeway access. This area appeals to golfers who want to play Torrey Pines, couples, and families visiting UC San Diego. It is quieter and residential, with limited walkable dining and shopping options. Guests typically drive to La Jolla Shores or The Village for beach time and restaurants.
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Getting There
The Village of La Jolla is about 25 minutes from San Diego International Airport by Car. La Jolla Shores and Torrey Pines hotels are closer to the freeway, which shaves a bit off that drive.
What to Know Before Choosing La Jolla
La Jolla looks compact on a map, but moving between areas often requires driving, even for short distances. People still stay here without a car, but you need to be okay with using rideshares to get between neighborhoods (or extremely long walks).
La Jolla is quieter in the evenings, even in The Village, which many travelers prefer. Those looking for nightlife or a high-energy scene choose Downtown San Diego or Pacific Beach.
Where to Stay in La Jolla
Remember the neighborhoods I highlighted above? Here’s a great hotel in each one!
The Lodge at Torrey Pines
In my opinion, this is the very best La Jolla hotel. It’s a California craftsman-style boutique hotel adjacent to Torrey Pines Golf Course (yes, they can help get you a tee time), on a bluff overlooking the ocean.
La Valencia Hotel
It’s a Mediterranean-style boutique hotel with ocean views and the best option in The Village, located on Prospect Street, San Diego’s Rodeo Drive.
La Jolla Beach and Tennis Club
It’s a members-only club with 99 accommodations, many of which are beachfront (a stone’s throw to the sand). It’s low-key with a private beach where you can beach BBQ and have adult beverages. Popular with families and multigenerational trips.
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More La Jolla Hotel Guides:
4. Carlsbad
Carlsbad is the best place to stay in San Diego for LEGOLAND-focused family trips and travelers who want more space, quieter beaches, and better value than coastal areas farther south. It’s home to LEGOLAND California and several excellent family-friendly and luxury resorts, making it a practical base for North County stays.
This area works well for families who are comfortable driving and don’t need quick access to Downtown attractions. Beaches here are less crowded and more low-key, and hotel rates are often lower than in La Jolla or Del Mar especially outside peak summer dates.
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Getting There
It takes about 35 minutes to get to Aviara and La Costa from the San Diego International Airport without traffic. Plan at least an hour or more if traveling during rush hour. Traffic along I-5 can impact day trips to Downtown San Diego, especially on weekdays. We have a car service to recommend if you want to skip a rental car.
What to Know
Carlsbad works best when it’s the primary destination, not just a place to sleep. Thanks to its strong resort lineup and proximity to LEGOLAND California, many families base their entire trip here, mixing resort time, theme park visits, beaches, and North County attractions, with only occasional trips south to Balboa Park or Downtown. Traffic between North County and Downtown can be heavy during rush hour, which is why Carlsbad is most enjoyable when you’re not commuting daily.
Carlsbad resorts are not beachfront. Most are located east of I-5, so beach visits require a short drive. Local concierge teams often recommend heading slightly south to Moonlight Beach for a classic Southern California beach day. Travelers who want to walk straight from their hotel onto the sand typically prefer La Jolla or Coronado instead.
Where to Stay in Carlsbad
Some of our best resorts are located here.
Four Seasons Residence Club Aviara
It’s a quiet, residence-style luxury resort located next door to the Park Hyatt and Aviara golf course. The one- and two-bedroom luxury residences and rooms are perfect for extended stays and larger families.
Park Hyatt Aviara
Highlights include golf, a game room, a pool with waterslides, and the Miraval Spa. Connecting rooms can be guaranteed for us.
Omni La Costa
A more moderately-priced resort with golf, spa, a staffed kids’ club, and fun family pools. Villas and suites are popular with families.
Activity Information:
More Carlsbad Hotel Guides:
5. Oceanside
Oceanside has become one of the most appealing places to stay in San Diego for travelers who want a beach town with energy, not a polished resort enclave. Two standout Hyatt beachfront hotels have reshaped the oceanfront, which is why many of our clients now choose Oceanside over more traditional coastal bases.
Beyond the beach, Oceanside has a strong local identity, an active arts scene, and one of North County’s more interesting food lineups, including several Michelin-recognized restaurants. With near-year-round sunshine and one of the longest wooden piers on the West Coast, it feels like a real Southern California beach town—busy, a little eclectic, and driven as much by locals as visitors.
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Getting There
It takes about 45 minutes to get to the Oceanside Pier area from the San Diego International Airport without traffic. However, it’s actually easy to take the train (Coaster commuter rail) from Downtown to Oceanside because there’s a train station right near the two Hyatt hotels in the beach area.
What to Know
Amtrak and COASTER trains run directly through Oceanside’s downtown core, where many hotels are located. This means some properties experience train noise, especially at night. Light sleepers should consider booking ocean-facing rooms or bringing earplugs.
At the same time, Oceanside’s station (located near the pier) makes it one of the easiest coastal areas in San Diego to visit without a car. Travelers who are comfortable using rail can walk to hotels and easily reach other beach towns, Downtown San Diego, or even Anaheim and Los Angeles by train.
Where to Stay in Oceanside
Two of our most popular booked hotels are in Oceanside. The Seabird Resort and Mission Pacific Hotel are sister Hyatt properties, so guests have signing privileges at both hotels.
The Seabird Ocean Resort & Spa
This is the family-friendly choice between the two, with a nice ocean-view pool deck, a spa, and kids’ activities.
Mission Pacific Hotel
Mission Pacific Hotel skews more adult than its sister property, with a lively evening pool scene (21+ after sunset), Michelin-starred dining at Valle, and the Top Gun House.
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6. Del Mar
Del Mar is one of San Diego’s most refined coastal communities, known for excellent beaches, standout dining, and a relaxed, upscale village atmosphere. In summer, the town revolves around its fairgrounds and historic racetrack, with the San Diego County Fair and horse racing season adding energy (and crowds) from Memorial Day through Labor Day.
Hotel choices are limited, which helps preserve Del Mar’s low-key feel. Most visitors stay either west of I-5, close to the beach and village, or east of the freeway at one of the area’s top luxury resorts, trading walkability for privacy and resort amenities.
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Getting There
Del Mar is about 25 minutes from San Diego International Airport without traffic. The Solana Beach Amtrak and COASTER train station is about five minutes away, a good option for SoCal residents.
What to Know
Del Mar’s appeal lies in its small scale and exclusivity, but that also means fewer hotel choices and higher seasonal pricing. During summer events, rates rise sharply, and hotels sell out well in advance.
Outside of peak season, Del Mar feels quieter and more residential, making it a popular choice for travelers who value location, dining, and beach access over resort amenities or nightlife.
Getting in and out of the beach area is notoriously difficult during the fair and summer horse racing season. And it can be that way during rush hour.
Where to Stay in Del Mar
The two places we book most in Del Mar are very different. One is beachfront and boutique, while the other is an inland resort. Both are fantastic.
Fairmont Grand Del Mar
Located just east of Del Mar, this luxury resort in the Los Peñasquitos Canyon Preserve has family-friendly programming (kids club, equestrian center), adults-only rooms, three-Michelin-star dining, golf, and an award-winning spa.
L’Auberge Del Mar
It’s a boutique hotel designed to feel like a private coastal estate located across the street from a family-friendly beach, in the heart of Del Mar Village. Our clients love the spa and on-site dining.
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More Del Mar Hotel Guides:
7. Mission Bay and Mission Beach
This area serves as a nice middle ground for families and watersports enthusiasts. You get more for your money at the resorts here, plus it’s fun! There are some things you need to know about the location before you book.
Mission Bay or Mission Beach—What’s The Difference?
Mission Bay
Best for waveless beaches, water sports, and families visiting SeaWorld San Diego. Many hotels sit directly on this human-made bay, but some require a 10-15-minute drive to reach the ocean at Mission Beach, which can be a hassle during summer when parking is limited.
Mission Beach
Best for a casual oceanfront stay with a classic Southern California boardwalk vibe. It’s on the ocean-facing side of the bay, home to Belmont Park, volleyball courts, and a beachfront boardwalk that runs north to Pacific Beach. It’s lined with vacation homes, a couple of eclectic beach hotels, casual dining, and bars.
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Getting There
Mission Bay and Mission Beach are about 15–20 minutes from San Diego International Airport by car, depending on traffic. Rideshares are usually easier than trying to park near the beach in the summer.
What to Know
Your hotel or resort’s location matters here, so before you book, I recommend looking at its location on a map. Check the driving or walking distance to the beach if ocean beach access is important to you. Some Mission Bay hotels aren’t really walkable to much other than parks along the bay.
I do like South Mission Beach, where most vacation rentals are, for families. However, residents typically do not let their older kids walk alone at night in the Belmont Park area.
Where to Stay in Mission Bay & Mission Beach
The two hotels here definitely have a chain hotel/corporate vibe, but they are family-friendly, 3-4 stars and I have no problem staycationing at either one.
San Diego Mission Bay Resort
It’s a family-friendly bayfront resort with easy freeway access (some noise from it), pool, tennis courts, bay activities like kayaking and SUP, and fun touches such as fire-pit rooms and s’mores kits, though it can feel busy during peak periods.
Hyatt Regency Mission Bay
Rooms have views of the Pacific Ocean, Mission Beach, or the Downtown San Diego skyline. The lagoon-style pool with waterslides is popular with families. Walk to the ocean in about 20 minutes.
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More Mission Bay/Beach Hotel Guides:
8. Pacific Beach
Pacific Beach sits between La Jolla and Mission Beach and has a younger, more social energy driven by local college students and young professionals. It’s known for casual dining, beach bars, and an active nightlife scene, which can give parts of the neighborhood a spring-break feel, especially on weekends and in summer.
That said, Pacific Beach does work for some families and budget-conscious travelers thanks to its wide beach and generally lower hotel prices than La Jolla. It’s best for travelers who are comfortable with a lively environment and prioritize value and beach access over quiet or polish.
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Getting There
Pacific Beach is about 20 minutes from San Diego International Airport by car, depending on traffic.
What to Know
Pacific Beach can feel quirky and energetic (sometimes gritty), especially during weekends, holidays, and peak travel seasons. The north end of the beach near Law Street tends to attract more local families, while areas closer to the pier are livelier and louder.
That said, we eat out in PB quite a bit because the dining scene has much improved. You can have a cheap breakfast burrito at Kono’s or a Michelin-recognized seafood dinner and everything in between.
Where to Stay in Pacific Beach
I am asked about whether families should stay in PB all the time. Maybe, but only stay at these two hotels with kids, which also appeal to couples and solo travelers.
Catamaran Resort Hotel
A relaxed Polynesian-inspired bayfront resort with pools, on-site water activities, resident birds and turtles, a great spa, and easy access to Mission Bay.
Pacific Terrace Inn
Rooms have views of the Pacific Ocean, Mission Beach, or the downtown San Diego skyline. The lagoon-style pool with waterslides is popular with families. Walk to the ocean in about 20 minutes.
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More Pacific Beach Hotel Guides:
FAQs About Where to Stay in San Diego
I understand it’s challenging to decide where the best place to stay in San Diego is for your budget, travel style, and itinerary because there is no single right answer.
Here are some of the most frequently asked questions that land in my inbox about the best neighborhoods that may also help you.
What is the best part of San Diego to stay in?
Coronado Island delivers what most people are looking for in a San Diego vacation because of the beach resorts, easy access to Downtown, casual dining, water sports, history, and a myriad of things to do. Our clients ask for it the most. However, the real answer is, “it depends.”
You will be able to find the best place to stay in San Diego for you, from our 70 miles of coastline to some inland hotels and resorts, based on your budget, travel style, and itinerary. It just takes some research, which we have done for you in this post.
How many days in San Diego is enough?
Three days is recommended to give you enough time to visit at least one theme park, have a beach day, and perhaps a leisure day spent in museums, visiting other areas, eating out, or taking a day trip.
However, we do have people come down for Friday–Sunday stays all the time, and they can cram in a good amount. They might spend the morning through the mid-late afternoon at a theme park or sightseeing, and end the day at the beach (or vice versa). We also have clients who stay a week or longer.
Is it worth it to stay in La Jolla?
Yes, because staying in La Jolla doesn’t break the bank! We have casual (usually) reasonably priced family beach hotels, luxury hotels, moderately-priced boutique hotels, and nice budget hotels. Get the details from my list of La Jolla hotels.
Where should I stay in San Diego for the first time?
In our experience, most first-time visitors choose Downtown San Diego or Coronado for easy access to major sights and the airport, or for a big beach resort. First-time travelers with families often choose Del Mar, La Jolla, or Carlsbad because of the hotels.
What is the nicest part of San Diego?
According to many real estate agents, La Jolla is the most coveted part of San Diego. Yes, I live here, but I agree. We have some of San Diego’s best restaurants and boutique shopping, gorgeous beaches, water sports, spectacular views, and a relaxed vibe (for an affluent community). I love it.
What is the main area of San Diego?
The main area of San Diego is Downtown, including Little Italy and the historic Gaslamp Quarter. You will not run out of fun things to do, and there are a lot of places to stay at all price points. It’s also very close to Balboa Park and the San Diego Zoo.
Is staying in Coronado worth it?
Yes. If your budget permits and you find a hotel you like, it’s worth staying in Coronado. Most people will choose Hotel del Coronado first because of its beachfront location.
But there are other really great places to stay, such as boutique hotels 1906 Lodge, Hotel Marisol, and others. Another huge draw of Coronado is that many restaurants and shops are within walking distance of these hotels. It is the part of San Diego that our clients prefer the most.
Should I stay in Coronado or La Jolla?
It depends on the kind of trip you want. Choose Coronado if you’re looking for a classic beachfront stay with a resort feel, a wide sandy beach, and an easygoing, walkable atmosphere centered around Hotel del Coronado. Choose La Jolla if you want dramatic coastal scenery, more dining choices, boutique shopping, access to water sports, and are comfortable driving between beaches and neighborhoods.
What about Imperial Beach?
Do not choose Imperial Beach because the ocean is closed for swimming due to sewage from the Tijuana River. The sandy beach remains open for walking, but you still need to be mindful of what you are stepping on.
Is Old Town a good place to stay in San Diego?
For most tourists, no. Old Town is best when you need a budget hotel within walking distance to the state park or Amtrak station. It otherwise lacks the beach access, and San Diego feel that most people are looking for.
Which San Diego neighborhood do you prefer to stay in?
Katie Dillon
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