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Figuring out where to stay in San Diego is a challenge I help visitors work through daily. Why? San Diego is spread out, and driving from Coronado Island in the south to Oceanside in the north can take an hour without traffic. Along the way, you’ll pass many great places to base a vacation.
We have tons of San Diego hotel reviews published, so this post will focus on popular San Diego neighborhoods that tourists tend to choose. This is to help visitors understand where they are located and which traveler types choose them.
At the end of the day, there’s really no bad choice, but I’m going to rank each area based on where our clients like to stay and, of course, my deep knowledge of living in San Diego. If you’re still stuck after reading this, let me know, and we can help.
Top Places By Activity or Feature
And now, let’s get into why you’d stay in each neighborhood.
1. Coronado Island
Learn more: Coronado Island Travel Guide
Located south of downtown, Coronado Island is famous for its stunning beaches, regarded as some of the best in the nation.
Coronado works for travelers who would like a beach vacation and to mostly explore downtown attractions and Balboa Park/San Diego Zoo, with a day trip to La Jolla or North County (LEGOLAND California and San Diego Zoo Safari Park) mixed in.
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Getting there: Coronado is most commonly accessible by driving over the Coronado Bridge or taking the ferry from downtown San Diego. The drive from the airport takes about 20 minutes (without traffic).
Where to Stay on Coronado Island
Many small Coronado hotels and motels exist, but most people ask me about these two larger resorts.
Hotel del Coronado
This San Diego icon is our best full-service beachfront resort. It’s historic, haunted, popular, busy, fun, and the hotel I book visitors into most. It’s an excellent choice for people who want easy beach access (and perhaps even a Del Margarita served to your chair in the sand). There are three parts to the resort: 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 with beautiful rooms and villas within the larger hotel and booked separately. A major renovation is nearly complete (what’s left doesn’t impact the guest experience).
LJM Perks:
Loews Coronado Bay Resort
Loews Coronado Bay Resort is about 4 miles south of Coronado along Silver Strand Beach. This resort prices well because it is somewhat isolated. People tend to stay here when the Hotel del Coronado is out of their budget. Guests have access to two beach types: an ocean beach and a small bay beach. The latter is waveless but doesn’t have the draw (the sand can be muddy here, and it doesn’t feel swimmable when I look at it) that the ocean beach does.
The resort offers a shuttle to downtown Coronado and tons of onsite activities (water sports, beach yoga, and family movies). It’s also pet-friendly and popular for a low-key family trip.
Activity Information:
Coronado Hotel Guides:
2. Downtown San Diego
Learn more: Downtown San Diego Travel Guide
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 and nightlife within walking distance of your hotel.
One important thing to note is that while one can enjoy water views galore over the San Diego Bay, there are no beaches in Downtown. Beachgoers drive or ferry to Coronado or hop in the car to Ocean Beach, La Jolla, or Pacific Beach.
Parking rates at even budget hotels can be high. 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.
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Getting there: From the airport, it should take 5-10 minutes to reach a downtown hotel, depending on how many traffic lights you hit.
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
Pendry San Diego is a high-end boutique hotel in San Diego’s Gaslamp Quarter with a fun rooftop bar and outdoor pool deck with cabanas, a social club (guests skip the queue), fantastic urban coastal California decor, and great restaurants. This lifestyle and entertainment hub attracts a broad demographic from families to retirees. I really like going to the spa here and we stay here when going to concerts and baseball games at Petco Park (a few blocks away). Book a Virtuoso rate online.
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THE US GRANT, a Luxury Collection Hotel San Diego
The US Grant is an iconic Marriott Luxury Collection hotel that was built by the son of President Ulysses S. Grant over 100 years ago. Rooms have chic modern art and comfortable, contemporary decor that blends a bit of new with a grand tradition. Note that there isn’t a pool, and spa treatments are in-room. Book a Virtuoso rate online (their rates can be confusing, so feel free to email me).
LJM Perks:
Manchester Grand Hyatt
Manchester Grand Hyatt is popular with World of Hyatt members, convention center attendees, and families looking for a (usually) reasonably priced 4-star hotel in downtown. It is a huge hotel with something like 2000 rooms so you have to be comfortable with that, but they do have a good location above Seaport Village and even a Club Level. It’s also walkable to USS Midway Museum.
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Activity Information:
Downtown San Diego Hotel Guides:
3. La Jolla
Learn more: La Jolla Travel Guide
Known as “The Jewel” of San Diego, the upscale community of La Jolla is one of the most popular places in San Diego to stay for its beautiful beaches, great food, contemporary art museum, boutiqueshopping, and more. Visitors to San Diego choose one of three La Jolla neighborhoods: The Village, La Jolla Shores, and the Torrey Pines/UC San Diego area.
La Jolla Shores: Choose this neighborhood for hotels nestled on one of the best beaches in town. Our underwater park enables water sports like surf lessons, SUP, kayak tours, diving and snorkeling tours.
Village of La Jolla: This San Diego neighborhood has many of San Diego’s best shops and restaurants within walking distance of each other. The beaches in The Village are on the small side for sunbathers, but our famous seals and sea lions do not disappoint, nor do the sunsets and winter tide pooling. La Jolla Cove is also located here.
Torrey Pines: Golfers, couples, families, and parents of UC San Diego children choose this area, which also has easy freeway access. The famous Torrey Pines golf course and Torrey Pines State Park are located here. It’s quiet, but without shops and many restaurants to walk to. La Jolla Shores is the closest beach. You’d need to drive there but if staying at The Lodge at Torrey Pines, the complimentary concierge cars transport guests within 5 miles of the hotel.
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Getting there: Driving from the San Diego Airport to La Jolla Village takes about 25 minutes. La Jolla Shores and Torrey Pines hotels have easier access to the freeway, which shaves a bit off of that drive.
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
This, in my opinion, is the very best La Jolla hotel. The Lodge is a California craftsman-style boutique hotel adjacent to Torrey Pines Golf Course (yes, they can help get you a tee time) and on a bluff overlooking the ocean. Service is excellent, as is the onsite restaurant, A.R. Valentien. They also have complimentary concierge cars that chauffeur guests within a 5-mile radius. The Virtuoso rate comes with a slight discount (you must create a Virtuoso account and be logged in to see it), breakfast for two, and other amenities. Book a Virtuoso rate online.
LJM Perks:
La Valencia La Jolla
La Jolla’s best option in the Village is the Mediterranean-style La Valencia Hotel, located on Prospect Street, the Rodeo Drive of San Diego. The hotel has rooms and villas. The latter are a bit more nicely appointed and quiet (I think the best rooms in the hotel are the King Ocean Villa and King Ocean Villa Suite). How best to book varies, but I think it’s wise to check rates and reviews online in addition to the hotel’s own website for promotions.
La Jolla Beach and Tennis Club
One of the most unique places to stay in all of San Diego is the La Jolla Beach and Tennis Club. It’s a members-only club with 99 accommodations. Guests can use club amenities like the heated pool, tennis courts, and 9-hole pitch-and-putt golf course. They also have one of the only remaining private beaches in the state, with food and drink service to the sand. It’s a very casual atmosphere and a place that families return to annually. Rooms are steps from the sand, and it’s excellent for large families and multigenerational travel. Check rates and reviews.
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La Jolla Hotel Guides:
4. Carlsbad
LEGOLAND California calls Carlsbad home, as do a handful of fantastic luxury hotels, which makes this location the answer to where to stay in San Diego for many families. The beaches here are quieter and still very good. This part of town can be good value for money when it comes to hotels.
It’s in North County San Diego, and while many people use it as a base for an entire San Diego vacation, there can be traffic during rush hour on the I-5 freeway to downtown attractions.
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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.
Where to Stay in Carlsbad
As mentioned above, Carlsbad hotels provide excellent value compared to others in town.
Four Seasons Residence Club Aviara, North San Diego
I love this hotel, and it’s one of my top picks for luxury travelers to San Diego. It’s a quiet, residence-style resort located next door to the Park Hyatt and Aviara golf course. The one- and two-bedroom residences are perfect for extended stays and larger families. And, you’ll get five-star Four Seasons service and food, too. I also have special amenities to add to reservations here. Request a Preferred Partner rate.
LJM Perks:
Park Hyatt Aviara Resort and Spa
This is another hotel that prices well due to its location and amenities. Suites here usually price only slightly higher than rooms (relative to most hotels). Highlights include golf, game room, pools, and the spa. Connecting rooms can be guaranteed. Book a Virtuoso rate (with outstanding benefits).
LJM Perks:
Omni La Costa Resort and Spa
Omni La Costa is popular for staycations as well as vacations. Kids tend to love the splash pad area, kids’ club and pools while adults enjoy the award-winning spa and golf. It’s a four-star property with large villas (up to three bedrooms) for larger families and extended stays. Rooms need an upgrade, however. They often have sale rates on Omni’s website, but check rates and reviews to see what is best.
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Carlsbad Hotel Guides:
5. Oceanside
Oceanside is having a moment. In fact, I didn’t even have it in this post for some time, but now it’s more than deserved. A lot of our clients prefer stay in Oceanside now, thanks to two incredible new Hyatt beach hotels and the various excellent restaurants popping up around the beach area.
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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.
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 can have signing privileges at both hotels and can use the facilities at both hotels, which is a nice perk.
Both hotels participate in the Hyatt Prive VIP program which means we can book you in with extra perks like a $100 hotel credit, daily breakfast for two, and an upgrade at time of booking (subject to availability). Request rates here.
The Seabird Ocean Resort
I love this hotel, and it’s one of my top picks for luxury travelers to San Diego. It’s a quiet, residence-style resort located next door to the Park Hyatt and Aviara golf course. The one- and two-bedroom residences are perfect for extended stays and larger families. And, you’ll get five-star Four Seasons service and food, too. I also have special amenities to add to reservations here. Request a Preferred Partner rate.
LJM Perks:
Mission Pacific Hotel
We like Mission Pacific Hotel for couples and singles. It’s the more adult-centric of the two properties so if you’re traveling with kids, we’ll direct you to The Seabird Resort. Valle, an outstanding Michelin-star Baja-style restaurant, is located here as is the Top Gun House (now a pie shop). The pool turns into a 21+ social spot with cocktails and a DJ after sunset.
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Oceanside Hotel Guides:
6. Del Mar
Del Mar’s fairgrounds and racetrack make it a top choice for summer vacations. The beach here is fantastic (parking for it is definitely not), as are the restaurants and shops.
It is one of our more affluent communities, but it’s not large which means that hotel options are slim. You can stay west of the freeway near the beach or on the east side at one of the top luxury resorts in the nation.
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Getting there: The drive takes about 25 minutes from the San Diego International Airport. The Solana Beach Amtrak train station is about 5 minutes away, a good option for SoCal residents. However, getting in and out of the beach area of Del Mar is notoriously difficult during the San Diego Fair and summer horseracing season.
Where to Stay in Del Mar
Two of our most popular booked hotels are in Oceanside. The Seabird Resort and Mission Pacific Hotel are sister Hyatt properties so guests can have signing privileges at both hotels and can use the facilities at both hotels, which is a nice perk.
Both hotels participate in the Hyatt Prive VIP program which means we can book you in with extra perks like a $100 hotel credit, daily breakfast for two, and an upgrade at time of booking (subject to availability). Request rates here.
Fairmont Grand Del Mar
This luxury hotel’s East Del Mar location avoids some of the traffic issues that Village hotels have. It’s located on the Los Penasquitos Canyon Preserve, which means guests have access to lots of trails for hiking and biking. The resort offers golf, tennis, a full-service spa, lots of family programming, an onsite equestrian center, a kids’ club, heated pools, and more. Book a Virtuoso rate online. (Tip: Input only the number of adults to get the correct rate. If traveling with kids, put their ages in the special requests at time of booking and I’ll add them to the room.)
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L’Auberge Del Mar
L’Auberge Del Mar is a boutique hotel designed to feel like a private coastal estate located across the street from the beach at 15th street (popular with families), in the heart of Del Mar Village. Other highlights include ocean views from the pool and the spa. Book a Virtuoso rate online.
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Del Mar Hotel Guides:
7. Mission Bay and Mission Beach
Mission Bay is a human-made bay popular for water sports and waveless beaches. It’s also popular with people visiting our theme parks — SeaWorld San Diego is located here.
When choosing a hotel on Mission Bay, it’s important to note how far it is to walk or drive to Mission Beach. Some Mission Bay hotels require driving around the bay to the beach, which can take 10-15 minutes. Then, you’re stuck having to park a car at the beach (definitely take an Uber during the summer).
Mission Beach is the ocean beach on the west side of the bay. Our seaside amusement park, Belmont Park, is here, as is the start of a fun beach boardwalk to bike, rollerskate, and walk down to Pacific Beach. You’ll pass many homes, bars, restaurants, and vendors along the way.
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Getting there: The ride from San Diego Airport takes just over 15 minutes.
Where to Stay in Mission Beach/Mission Bay
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.
Hyatt Regency Mission Bay Spa and Marina
This hotel juts out into Mission Bay, so rooms have views of the Pacific Ocean, Mission Beach, or the downtown San Diego skyline. The lagoon-style pool is popular with families as it has a waterslide and plenty of seating. It’s also possible to walk to Mission Beach from here in about 10 minutes or so. The full-service marina offers opportunities for sport fishing in addition to kayaks, jet skis, sailboats, and more.
LJM Perks:
San Diego Mission Bay Resort
San Diego Mission Bay Resort has convenient freeway access and is located on Mission Bay. Some rooms have fire pits, and the onsite store sells s’mores kits (highly recommended). The pool area is nice as are the tennis courts (locals pay for memberships here). An activities center provides SUP, aqua cycle, and kayak rentals for bay fun. It’s a nice family resort but can be busy. Check rates and reviews online.
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Mission Bay/Beach Hotel Guides:
8. Pacific Beach
This neighborhood just south of La Jolla and north of Mission Beach is where many young professionals and college students live. This means that while there are very good casual restaurants and bars, it can have a spring break atmosphere at times.
Despite this, families do stay here because the beach is nice, and the hotel’s prices are lower than in La Jolla, Coronado, and other beach cities. The north side of Pacific Beach at Law Street caters more to families (it’s also where many La Jollans like us go to the beach and surf camp).
Families might find Pacific Beach a touch quirky. I like walking on the boardwalk, the restaurants, and going to the beach here, but I have a tough time recommending the area as a base for a family vacation. Luxury travelers should avoid Pacific Beach.
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Getting there: By car, it takes about 20 minutes from the San Diego Airport.
Where to Stay in Pacific 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.
The Catamaran
The bayfront Catamaran Resort Hotel & Spa offers the broadest range of activities of any Mission Bay hotel. It’s located on the Pacific Beach side of the bay and is just a few blocks from the ocean beach, too. It’s a very family-friendly three-star property with ducks, exotic birds, and turtles that kids love, summer luaus and movies on the beach and a great seafood restaurant (Oceana). I also like the spa, too. On the resort, you are shielded from the less family-friendly aspects of Pacific Beach. Check rates and reviews.
Pacific Terrace Inn
If you’re looking for the nicest possible option in Pacific Beach, this is probably it. It’s an AAA Four-Diamond beachfront property located on the more northern Pacific Beach side (a bit closer to Law Street, where we like to go the beach). It’s a boutique property with a modest pool and no restaurant (though they do offer breakfast), but with excellent service and nice rooms with a classy sort of Tommy Bahama-style decor. Check rates and reviews.
Tower23
Tower23 is a beachfront, chic, modern, upscale boutique hotel for the young at heart. I’ve had plenty of readers be thrilled here for girls’ getaways, couples weekends, and more. The rooms have a bright coastal palette with epic views. The hotel’s JRDN restaurant is popular, especially at sunset. We like to eat and have drinks there. Check rates and reviews.
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FAQs About Where to Stay in San Diego
I understand it’s difficult to decide where the best place to stay in San Diego is for your budget, travel style, and itinerary because, in my opinion, there is no one right answer.
Here are some of the most frequently asked questions that land in my inbox to help.
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 across our 70 miles of coastline and even 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 that you could spend 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 have to 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 because they want easy access to major sights and the airport or 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 just love it.
What is the main area of San Diego?
The main area of San Diego is Downtown San Diego, 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 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?
We get this question A LOT. It’s a tough one to answer because each area is very different.
What about Imperial Beach?
I would not choose Imperial Beach due to the ocean closing for swimming thanks to sewage from the Tijuana River. The sandy beach remains open for walking.
Which San Diego neighborhood do you prefer to stay in?
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