Where To Stay in San Diego [5 BEST Neighborhoods!]

San Diego is that rare jewel of a city that offers an abundance of fascinating history, a buzzing nightlife scene, top-notch food and a killer coastline for you beach-bums.

But San Diego really is a large city, we’re talking colossal! Due to its sprawling layout, it can be confusing to figure out exactly where to stay in San Diego. You don’t want to spend your vacation stuck in infamous Californian traffic!

That’s why our travel experts have pieced together a concise guide to help you decide where to stay in San Diego, based on what you want from your vacation.

We break down Boston by neighborhood to help you plan the best possible vacation.

Whether you’re coming to the southern California gem for the beach, the Mexican food, the nightlife, or to impress the kids – you’ll be able to find a hotel that’s perfect for you. Here are our top picks for where to stay in San Diego.

Quick Tips – Where to Stay in San Diego

Where to Stay in San Diego

Looking for a specific place to stay? These are our highest recommendations for places to stay in San Diego.

Best Air BnB in San Diego – Michael’s Air BnB

There’s no Air BnB in San Diego quite like Michael’s extraordinary treehouse. After all, the treehouse features a wondrous tropical garden, relaxing outdoor spaces and even an outdoor shower. 

From the patio, you’ll get a fantastic city view that will remind you that you’re in the downtown area, and not in a tropical jungle.

What’s more, several San Diego attractions are a short stroll away, including the Gaslamp District and Little Italy.

 

Best Budget Hotel in San Diego – Urban Boutique Hotel San Diego

This 3-star hotel ticks all the boxes. It’s centrally located in Downtown San Diego, furnished to a high standard with all the essential amenities and has lovely staff on hand 24/7. They offer bicycle rental and there’s a trolley station a few minutes walk away. Breakfast is included.

 

Best Mid-Range Hotel in San Diego – Staypineapple at Hotel Z

This über cool hotel has so much character – guests love the ‘pineapple’ theme in the rooms and its jazzy exterior certainly turns the heads of passersby! The staff are helpful and available 24/7. Valet parking and bicycle rental services are available. Breakfast can be added to the room rate.

 

Not yet booked? Take a look at our favorite hotels in San Diego!

Best Luxury Hotel in San Diego – Omni San Diego Hotel

This 4-star hotel has luxurious bedrooms and spacious bathrooms, curated with style and taste. The Downtown hotel has plenty of entrainment for its guests including an outdoor swimming pool, spa and wellness centre, gym, restaurant and a casino on the premises! They offer a babysitting service and tour desk.

 

San Diego Neighborhood Guide

San Diego really is a huge city. It’s the second-largest city in California and the eighth-largest in the United States – home to over 1.4 million residents. The magic lies in its ability to maintain a laid-back, almost small-town vibe. It’s certainly escaped the hustle and bustle you’d expect from such an epic-sized city!

Lingering on the border with Mexico, the city is rampant with Mexican restaurants and Latino spirit (we’re not just talking about tequila). San Diego is also very proud of its Spanish heritage, which makes the city architecture so picturesque-pretty. There’s also Italian influence. In general, San Diego is extremely multi-cultural – one of the most diverse cities in the world. Its mild climate year-round certainly appeals to expats and travelers alike!

So, exactly where to stay in San Diego?

Old Town is endearingly touristic but does have so much to see and explore, so we think it’s perfect for first-time visitors. It’s western neighbor, Ocean Beach, is a hippie beach resort popular with the alternative crowd and those seeking budget accommodation.

The Gaslamp Quarter, in Downtown San Diego, is bubbling with nightlife – party animals should check in here. Its western neighbor, Little Italy, is a cool little ‘hood with Italian spirit and lots of interesting daytime pursuits.

Families are spoilt for choice as San Diego is great for kids, but we recommend the peninsula neighborhood of Coronado due to the excellent beach and family-friendly accommodation found here.

Interested in San Diego? Read up on the history of San Diego!

San Diego’s 5 Best Neighborhoods to Stay in:

Let’s take a look in detail at the best neighborhoods in San Diego.

Neighborhood #1 - Old Town

(Where to stay in San Diego the first time)

Old Town is the destination for history buffs. The birthplace of California is also the first Spanish settlement in California, dating back to the early-1800s. You can see the Spanish roots of the neighborhood in its buildings.

The neighbourhood is east of Ocean Beach and north of Downtown. Old Town is also very well-connected to other parts of San Diego, with its own trolley stop and road links, traffic permitting.

It’s amicably touristic with a Wild West vibe and you San Diego first-timers will be spoilt for choice on how to spend your time!

Top things to do in Old Town:

• Explore the nine square blocks that form the State Historic Park
• Go with the flow and enjoy some of the more touristic restaurants – you’re on vacation and the portions are huge, tasty and satisfying!
• Tour the reconstructed 1853 adobe house and restored convent in Old Town Market
• Spook yourself out at the haunted Whaley House
• In fact, why not take the San Diego Ghost Tours Haunted Pub Crawl? Ran by Spooks and Spirits, even skeptics will find the tales interesting!
• Sample some of the many Mexican menus in town, we recommend Casa Guadalajara and Casa de Reyes
• Have a crafty pint at Craft Wine and Beer
• Enjoy the novelty factor of the Old Town Saloon, modelled on a cowboy bar
• Wander along the trails of Presidio Park and check out the historic monuments
• Visit the Junipero Serra Museum to learn about the founder of Old Town

Love to tan? Check out the 15 best beaches in San Diego!

Where to Stay in Old Town

Best Air BnB in Old Town – Erik’s Air BnB

Be mesmerized by the views of San Diego Bay and the city from this sophisticated getaway. This Air BnB features a contemporary design with sleek furniture and neutral gray accents. 

Even better, it has an outdoor area for dining and a host of amenities. And, it offers quick access to the Balboa Park, San Diego Zoo and the business district.

 

Best Budget Hotel in Old Town – Old Town Western Inn

Less than 20 minutes’ stroll from Old Town Transit Center, this hotel provides guests with an ideal base when in San Diego. Rooms are air-conditioned, come with tea and coffee making facilities and a Wi-Fi connection is included free of charge. Bathrooms include a bathtub to soak in.

 

Let’s make this simple. These are the best hotels in Downtown San Diego!

Best Mid-Range Hotel in Old Town – Cosmopolitan Hotel San Diego

The Victorian-built Cosmopolitan Hotel has 10 historic rooms that are filled with all the necessities to ensure an enjoyable stay. Many of the rooms have a private balcony and pretty views. Guests love the comfy beds and the helpful staff at this friendly hotel with a small-town vibe.

 

Short on time? One of these tours in San Diego is the best way to see the most!

Best Luxury Hotel in Old Town – Best Western Plus Hacienda Hotel Old Town

Comfort, style and entertainment value go hand in hand at this hotel. There is an outdoor pool for guests to enjoy plus a jacuzzi, in-house day spa and a golf course. The hotel has a Mexican restaurant on the premises and it is particularly popular with families to stay.

 

Need a little more convincing? These day trips from San Diego will help you make up your mind!

Neighborhood #2 - Ocean Beach

(Where to stay in San Diego on a budget)

Northwest of the heart of San Diego is Ocean Beach. This laid-back beachside neighbourhood radiates hippy vibes and happy times. Surfers, skaters and sunseekers flock here to catch the surf and level up the suntan on ‘OB’.

You’ll find some quirky, funky hotels in Ocean Beach at a budget-friendly rate. There’s plenty going on to keep you entertained including yoga studios and coastal walks. You can spend the cash you save on accommodation on some delicious seaside food! Gelato, anyone?

Ocean Beach is a short drive to visit the other parts of San Diego unless you decide to be a beach bum all vacation (which is totally fine!).

Top things to do in Ocean Beach:

• Walk the 600m Ocean Beach Pier and reward yourself with fish and chips whilst you lap up the views from its cafe
• Watch the sunset at the aptly named Sunset Cliffs
• Hit the surf – Ocean Beach Surf & Skate Shop will teach you the basics!
• Shop for veggies, fruits and other fresh local produce at the OB Farmers Market
• Kit yourself out tie-dye from the boutiques on and around Newport Avenue
• Look for crabs and other crustaceans in the Ocean Beach Tidepools
• If you’ve got a dog, bring him along – OB is very dog-friendly. If not, get broody at the OB Dog Park
• Check out the street art around the neighborhood as you sip a fresh fruit juice
• Improve your Chaturanga at Indie Yoga
• Go on a Sushi and Mexican restaurant crawl 

Where to Stay in Ocean Beach

Best Air BnB in Ocean Beach – Joanie’s Air BnB

Need a break from your hustle bustle city life? Then, you’ll love this lovely cottage in Ocean Beach. 

This Air BnB is just a few steps from the wondrous sandy shore, making it a pleasant place to relax after a day of sightseeing in San Diego. Here, you can listen to the waves crashing or unwind and soak up the beachy laid-back ambiance of this white and blue cottage.

 

Best Budget Hotel in Ocean Beach – USA Hostels Ocean Beach

This 3-star accommodation includes dorm rooms and private bedrooms, making it an ideal base for budget travelers or those looking to mingle. The hostel has been recently refurbished and offers a 24-hour reception, free Wi-Fi and luggage storage. Breakfast is included and there is a communal kitchen.

 

Do you have an open schedule? Figure out the best things to do in San Diego before you visit!

Best Mid-Range Hotel in Ocean Beach – Ocean Beach Hotel San Diego

This contemporary beach-side hotel provides 55 air-conditioned rooms equipped with all the essentials to ensure a comfortable stay. They are fitted with a refrigerator, TV with cable channels and some rooms have scenic views. The hotel offers bicycle rental and there is BBQ area available for guest use.

 

Best Luxury Hotel in Ocean Beach – The Inn at Sunset Cliffs

Boasting soaring ocean views and an outdoor, heated pool with a terrace for sunbathing make this hotel ideal for a beachside break. There is also a beauty centre and golf course on-site. Rooms come with a spa bath, TV, refrigerator and kitchenette. Opt for a room with a view.

 

Like good weather? These are the best times to visit San Diego!

Neighborhood #3 - Gaslamp Quarter

(Best area to stay in San Diego for nightlife)

If its evocative sounding name doesn’t lure you in, perhaps its raging nightlife will!

In Downtown San Diego, the Gaslamp Quarter is one of the oldest neighbourhoods in town. With its elegant Victorian-era buildings you’d never guess that this is the former red-light district! The area has cleaned up its act and is now a key destination for eating, shopping and more PC nightlife.

Alight with a whole entity of different types of bars and clubs, the Gaslamp Quarter is perfect for party animals. There are plenty of hostels here for budget travelers or those looking to be sociable, as well as upscale hotels.

Top things to do in Gaslamp Quarter:

• Grill your own steak at the Gaslamp Strip Club
• Paws for a break and make a new fluffy friend at the Cat Cafe
• Dance the night away at OMNIA Nightclub
• See what’s on at the restored 1924 Balboa Theater or neighbouring Spreckels Theater
• Catch some rays in the Gaslamp Quarter Park
• Follow the leader on the San Diego Club Crawl
• Recover from a wilder night with pub grub, live music and stand-up comedy at the Tipsy Crow
• Feel fashionable as you sip a cocktail at Side Bar
• Tuck into Sushi, Mexican, Italian, Brazilian – in fact, name any cuisine and you’ll find it among this neighborhood! 
• Explore the neighboring heart of Downtown San Diego, which rubs shoulders with the Gaslamp Quarter
• Dip into old books or the latest must-read at the colossal San Diego Central Library

Where to Stay in Gaslamp Quarter

Best Air BnB in Gaslamp Quarter – Sharp’s BnB

A stay at this Air BnB in San Diego can be rather beneficial for you in many ways. For one, it has a convenient and ideal location with instant access to museums, the Bay, the Zoo, and Balboa Park. 

Moreover, it has a plethora of incredible amenities, including a Roku television, which gives access to thousands of movies, shows, music and entertainment.

 

Best Budget Hotel in Gaslamp Quarter – HI – San Diego Downtown Hostel

For those looking to party with new pals, this hostel is a great accommodation option. In addition to dorm rooms, the hostel has private bedrooms with en suite bathrooms. There is a games room, a 24-hour reception and the hostel provides breakfast each day. There is a shared kitchen.

 

Best Mid-Range Hotel in Gaslamp Quarter – Horton Grand Hotel

This historic 3-star hotel features elegant rooms all stylishly designed. Some of which have fireplaces. There is free wireless internet access in all areas. The hotel has a large outdoor courtyard where guests can eat and unwind with a drink from the property’s bar before exploring the nearby nightlife.

 

Best Luxury Hotel in Gaslamp Quarter – Pendry San Diego

This 5-star hotel comes with an outdoor pool with stunning views across the city roofs. There is a 24-hour reception and valet parking. Rooms are luxuriously designed and you can request views or opt for a suite with kitchen facilities or living quarters. Enjoy breakfast served each morning.

 

Neighborhood #4 - Little Italy

(Coolest place to stay in San Diego)

Little Italy is a sub-district of San Diego’s Downtown neighborhood. Nestled on the banks of San Diego Bay, this port-neighborhood has a rich heritage of tuna fishing.

As you can gather, Little Italy is also the proud home of generations of Italian families, which can only mean one thing – it’s brimming with delicious Italian food!

Besides pasta, Little Italy is overflowing with craft beer brewpubs, boutique hotels, art galleries and patio cafes. This charismatically cool spot will honestly transport you to the coast of Italy!

Top things to do in Little Italy:

• Clamber aboard historic ships and submarines at the Maritime Museum
• Take a picnic to the Waterfront Park
• Pair espresso with gelato at Caffe Italia
• Enjoy happy hour food and brews at the Waterfront Bar and Grill
• Explore the ‘Jewel of Little Italy’ – the architectural gem of Our Lady of the Rosary Church
• Get your art fix at the  Museum of Contemporary Art and Adelman Fine Art galleries
• Splash out on organic local fruits and veggies at the Saturday Farmer’s Market
• Visit the Piazza Basilone which honours John Basilone for his service with the US Marine Corps
• People watch, read a book or eat gelato in the amphitheater of Amici Park
• Explore the Firefighters Museum and see firefighting apparatus from the last century
• Eat as much Italian food as you can get your hands on! Check out Davanti Enoteca and Mona Lisa Italian Foods and go from there!
• Scoff European pastries and cakes at Frost Me Cafe

Where to Stay in Little Italy

Best Air BnB in Little Italy – Stephanie and Nathan’s Air BnB 

Searching for a room with a view? Why not book a stay at this urban treehouse in Little Italy? Not only does it have enthralling views, but it also has amazing sunsets to die for. Plus, it has a Bohemian vibe, thanks to a mixture of contemporary decors and furniture. 

Of course, it has all the conveniences to make your stay a pleasurable one, from bathroom essentials to WiFi access.

 

Best Budget Hotel in Little Italy – Found Hotel San Diego

In the heart of Little Italy, this hotel offers dorm rooms and private rooms for travelers on a budget or those looking to be more social. There are ample living quarters to relax in including an outdoor terrace and BBQ area. Private rooms and small studios with kitchenettes are available.

 

Best Mid-Range Hotel in Little Italy – La Pensione Hotel

This boutique hotel features 68 contemporary air-conditioned rooms filled with all the necessities to ensure a comfortable stay including free Wi-Fi. Each room has a spacious private bathroom. There is an Italian restaurant within the property plus as a fitness centre, so you can work the pizza off!

 

Best Luxury Hotel in Little Italy – Homewood Suites by Hilton San Diego Downtown/Bayside

This 4-star hotel features an outdoor pool with plenty of seating to soak up the Californian sunshine. There is a fitness centre and a bar which has some games including a foosball table. Rooms are contemporary and designed with the comfort of guests in mind. Valet parking is available.

 

Neighborhood #5 - Coronado

(Best neighborhood in San Diego for families)

Across the San Diego Bay from Downtown San Diego is the peninsula of Coronado. Coronado is noted for its Mediterranean and Spanish style villas, sandy stretches of beach and its island vibes. It’s certainly an exotic place to stay in San Diego!

Coronado combines a stylish, urban neighborhood with easy access to the outdoors. It’s hip, pretty and chilled – and many of the resorts and hotels are geared up to receive families.

You can travel by car over the San Diego – Coronado Bridge or along the Silver Strand Boulevard back to the mainland. Save time (and the planet) by using the water taxi service.

Top things to do in Coronado:

• Spend lazy days on the white sand of Coronado Beach. Waves are mild, so it’s very safe for little nippers
• Catch some waves – Coronado Surfing Academy can help any beginners find your feet!
• Get some family snaps at the Coronado Bridge Viewpoint
• Hire some bicycles and explore the whole peninsula
• Shop at the boutiques of delightfully fragrant sounding Orange Avenue
• Explore the rock pools which are revealed at low tide and look for crabs
• At low tide, try spot the sunken SS Monte Carlo – it drifted ashore and due to its shady onboard activities, nobody ever claimed it!
• Eat European pastries at Tartine and delicious ice cream at Moo Time
• Catch the latest flick at the Village Theater
• Hire a kayak or paddleboard from Seaforth Boat Rentals and explore the bay! Charter a yacht if you’re feeling more flush

Where to Stay in Coronado

Best Air BnB in Coronado – Natalia’s Air BnB

With an oceanfront location and stunning views, Natalia’s Air BnB is, no doubt, a serene haven for anyone visiting San Diego. Add in a bunch of essential amenities, and you’ve got the perfect recipe for a memorable oceanfront getaway in San Diego. 

As a bonus, it’s spotlessly clean and simply comfortable.

 

Best Budget Hotel in Coronado – El Rancho Motel Coronado

This comfortable motel comes with complimentary wireless internet, as well as a 24-hour reception and an express check-in and check-out feature. Most rooms have basic kitchen facilities, and others have kitchenettes. There is a terrace for guests to relax on and plan their days exploring the area.

 

Best Mid-Range Hotel in Coronado – El Cordova

This recently refurbished, family-friendly inn has 40 rooms, making it an intimate vacation resort. There is a swimming pool and BBQ/picnic area. All rooms feature air-conditioning and some come with kitchen facilities. The hotel has bicycles available for guests to rent and the reception is 24-hour.

 

Best Luxury Hotel in Coronado – Hotel del Coronado Curio Collection by Hilton

This historic and luxurious 5-star resort comes with an outdoor pool, a sauna and even its own private beach. Made for families – the hotel provides family-friendly amenities, with room layouts and services for families of any size. There is also a kids club and babysitting/child services. 

 

Final thoughts on where to stay in San Diego

San Diego is a city that caters to every taste. You have the city and beach in one big, sun-drenched package. Pick and choose between museums, exploring the outdoors or eating your way through European-infused streets.

To recap our travel guide, Little Italy is our top choice for where to stay in San Diego. This bayside neighborhood offers beautiful views, charming hotels and lots of chilled places to grab a bite or kick back with a drink. Its the perfect spot to bask in culture and good times, and the rest of Downtown San Diego is within walking or cycling distance.

Our top pick for the best hotel overall in San Diego is the La Pensione Hotel. This boutique hotel is impeccably designed with all you need to enjoy your south California vacation, and the Little Italy location is spot-on for exploring Downtown San Diego.

You seriously won’t find a better place to stay in San Diego!

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