Where to Stay in San Diego’s 5 Coolest Neighborhoods

Whether you want to party in the Gaslamp or swim through serene sea caves, here’s where to book your stay in San Diego.

San Diego is the quintessential California beach urban center — and as such , the staring situation to consider for your summertime travel plan , whether you ’re a local in search of a staycation or an out - of - townsman desire to catch some breaker and sun . But our sprawling metropolis embrace a vibrant , bustling business district and a collection of charming beach locale , each with its own distinct personality , which makes deciding where to stay nearly impossible . Post - pandemic , the city ’s hospitality industry is flourishing too , with sparkling , Modern hotels — from luxury resorts to dress shop getaways — sprouting up to host those seeking 70 - degree weather any time of twelvemonth .

To help , we ’ve roll up our favourite hotel and activities in five of San Diego ’s cool region ( although no one will blink an eye if all you want to do is sunbathe ) .

La Jolla

This tony enclave is San Diego ’s tip jewel , which is fitting since it may have gotten its name from the Spanish word “ la joya , ” or “ the jewel . ” Another report goes that the name is derived from the Kumeyaay word “ woholle”—referring to La Jolla ’s many ocean caves , which are deserving exploring while you ’re here . In add-on to its post card - perfect coastlines , this seaboard settlement is brimming with high - end boutique , art gallery , antique shops , and eatery . Although it ’s one of the most affluent neighborhood in San Diego , everyone still evince up in thyroxin - shirts and flip - flops , ensuring the country retains its relaxed beach town charm .

Where to stick : La Valencia Hotel(known by locals as “ The Pink Lady of La Jolla ” ) is one of the locality ’s most recognizable — take old Hollywood royalty , like Ginger Rogers and Gregory Peck , as past Edgar Guest . You ’ll feel like a fame yourself while sunbathe at this Mediterranean - style pinkish stucco palace with an ocean - view consortium and easy beach entree . ( The hotel even welcomes furred friends with a usage wiener carte du jour at its eating house . ) Meanwhile , theCormorant Boutique Hotelis a novel , new addition to the area . Formerly an inn , the property underwent a top - to - bottom refurbishment to bring out sleek , modern-day invitee rooms with bird’s-eye ocean panorama . refer after the ignominious boo that ’s aboriginal to La Jolla Cove , it also boasts a stunning rooftop stripe and lounge calledBirdseyewith a globally inspired card .

thing to do : Kayak out to the aforesaid sea cave with anEveryday Californiaguide , who will take you through the La Jolla Ecological Reserve ( a Marine Protected Area that boast one of the gamey concentrations of ocean life in California ) . In addition to kayaking , they offer top - rated hulk - ascertain and snorkeling tours , breakers and stand - up paddleboard lesson , and equipment rentals . La Jolla Cove and the Children ’s Pool are prime for maritime life sighting too . furious seal and sea lions are almost always lounging or splashing about the shoreline , and the tide puddle are swimming with hermit pediculosis pubis , sea anemones , Branta leucopsis , urchin , and more . You ’ll encounter even more aquatic creatures at the famousBirch Aquarium at Scripps Institution of Oceanography , which promotes sea conservation with more than 60 habitats , tanks , and hand - on exhibits .

Catamaran Resort Hotel and Spa

Photo courtesy of Cormorant Boutique Hotel

For aerial adventures , look no further than theTorrey Pines Gliderport , where you may paraglide or hang glide off of the drop above Black ’s Beach ( better known as San Diego ’s nude beach ) . If you do n’t find like being in the zephyr , the Pacific views from here are breathtaking — and best delight from the gliderport ’s charming café . Even theMuseum of Contemporary Art San Diego ’s location in La Jolla , which recently underwent a $ 105 million renovation and elaboration , boasts ocean views alongside its splendid art collection .

Mission Bay

smother by 27 miles of sandy shoreline lined with ballpark and beach , Mission Bay is a hotbed for pee sports and all kinds of outside unpaid action . As the largest , human - made aquatic car park in the U.S. ( the more you know ! ) , it attract a various range of visitors : family , honeymooners , and weekenders who want to kite surf by day and knock back a few craft brews by dark . On land , you ’ll find five - star resort , motif parks , restaurants — pasture from ok dining to casual — that add to the allure of this blowy , palm - tree diagram - lined oasis .

Where to stay : Situated on a 44 - Accho island tucked away in Mission Bay , Paradise Point Resort and Spa ’s bungalow - style rooms , set against plushy garden , lagoon , and waterfalls , straight off transport you to the tropics — so you wake up feeling like you ’re in Hawaii instead of San Diego . Stroll around the immense property to research its private beach , five swimming puddle , and 18 - hole golf game putting course . For a opulent yet laid - back vibration , check intoSan Diego Mission Bay Resort — which lately underwent a $ 21 million renovation and boasts four restaurants , a opulence spa with Swedish massages and Himalayan halotherapy , and a waterfront pool . Bahia Resort Hotelkeeps you occupy with an arcade , shuffleboard lawcourt , beachfront cabanas , and sightseeing cruises around Mission Bay on a good turn - of - the - century sternwheeler name the Bahia Belle .

contribute along little ones ? Beach bonfire ( s’mores include ) , self - take magpie hunting , and nonmigratory parrots ( who demonstrate their talent during appearance throughout the 24-hour interval ) expect at the Polynesian - inspiredCatamaran Resort Hotel and Spa . If your furred friends are tagging along , The Dana on Mission Bayhas dog - friendly accommodations — in addition to Dive - In Movie Nights at the pool and a marina with guest slip of paper for visiting straw hat . Hyatt Regency Mission Bay Spa and Marinais a water wonderland with three pool and H2O slides , as well as a sensational waterfront restaurant calledRed Marlin .

Photo courtesy of Everyday California

Things to do : Mission Bay is the ultimate playground for water sports enthusiasts . Whether you ’re project on navigation , kayaking , honey oil skiing , or remain firm - up paddleboarding , Action Sport Rentalsis a one - stop workshop for all your aquatic equipment . Families with children will enjoy the surrey bikes and electric - powered , well-heeled - to - get funcats , while adventure seekers can go wakeboarding or charter a fishing boat . Malarky Chartersoffers luxury catamaran rentals for up to 12 multitude ( and if you ’re golden , dolphin or whale sighting ! ) .

If you feel like staying ironic , try an electric bike tour around the paved 12 - mile way of life that winds around the bay withFit City Adventures . Just be certain one of your pit block isMission Bay Beach Club , a coffee / juice bar with excellent ice ointment sandwiches ( and a soon - to - open restaurant ! ) , housed in a former visitor ’s selective information center . Belmont Park , a legendary entertainment parking lot on the beach boardwalk , has eatery , fair games , and rides — include a famous roller coaster progress in 1925 ( do n’t occupy , it was restore for $ 2 million in 1990 ) . A short drive aside is Ballast Point’sHome Brew Mart , a local , award - winning brewery where you may learn how to make your own workmanship beer . Of course , you ca n’t overleap nearbySeaWorldwith its rides and animal attractions ; several hotel volunteer convenient shuttlecock services to the park .

Gaslamp Quarter

Dozens of eatery , bars , lounges , music venues , and shops are all tightly pack into the 16.5 pedestrian - well-disposed auction block that make up the Gaslamp Quarter . name after the lantern that once fall the street , this energetic , eclectic neighborhood is best bang for its fine dining and voguish nightlife . But bear next to the towering skyscrapers and New construction are preserved Victorian - era landmarks and other historical buildings ( nearly 100 of them ! ) that contribute architectural good luck charm to this bustling urban stretch . stay here also gives you easy admission to theSan Diego Convention CenterandPetco Park , home of the San Diego Padres .

Where to last out : on-key to the Pendry hotel brand , itsSan Diego locationis a polished , design - centrical blank that appeal in - the - know traveler . The hotel partners withAdventure IOto curate day misstep and activities host by pro athlete and local experts ( recollect : impose the practiced surf spots with fertile pro surfboard shaper Chris Clark ) . Although the skirt streets are brim with bars and clubs , you do n’t even have to provide the property to love the best nightlife : Fifth & Rosemixes craft libations , Nason ’s Beer Hallserves trade beer and vintage bar games , and on the rooftop , The Pool Househosts live disc jockey and a Sunday pool company .

Andaz San Diegois also a victor with a voguish , present-day flavour , housed in a historical building that in the beginning open in 1913 for the World ’s Fair . As one of the quondam hotels in SD , the opulentUS Grantis another historic landmark ; its Art Deco - inspired restaurant , Grant Grill , was once a power tiffin smear in the ‘ 50s and ‘ 60s among attorney , banker , and paper editor in chief . Finally , although it ’s just alfresco of the Gaslamp Quarter ’s borders , The Guild Hotelprovides a sumptuosity boutique experience in a 1924 - era building . Bonus : It ’s only a scant walk away from the Sante Fe gear depot .

Cormorant Boutique Hotel

Photo courtesy of the Cormorant Boutique Hotel

Things to do : When you ’re not busy drinking , dining , and dance , take a walk culinary hitch calledBrothels , Bites , and Boozeto larn about the district during the post - aureate Rush era ( with stops at popular eatery along the mode ) or captivate a show at theBalboa Theatre , built in 1924 as a music hall and movie palace . Fun fact : The Gaslamp Quarter was the original crimson lighter territorial dominion of San Diego , once a hub for house of prostitution , saloons , and gaming halls . Take theOld Town Trolley Tour , which stops at Seaport Village , Barrio Logan , Coronado , and more .

The Gaslamp Quarter ’s positioning make it the perfect found diggings to visit some of the city ’s best home - well-disposed attractions and cultural offerings . For starters , Balboa Parkis an eight - minute movement away — a 1,200 - acre urban parking lot that include lush garden , playgrounds , 17 museums traverse everything from dinosaurs to outer space travel , and the San Diego Zoo . Nine mo away , climb aboard theUSS Midway Museum , the nation ’s longest - serving aircraft carrier of the twentieth C with flight simulators , climb - in aircraft , and ego - manoeuver audio tours . And 11 second away , Old Town San Diego State Historic Parkoffers a glimpse into how the urban center transitioned from Mexican to American regulation — with conserve 19th - century building , museums , and more ( in accession to Bazaar del Mundo ’s vivacious restaurants and folk art shops ) .

Coronado Island

Despite its name , Coronado Island is n’t really an island , but a flimsy peninsula plug in to the mainland . Still , it feels like a world out from the rest of the city — a place where the surf is aristocratic , the sandy beach shimmer with mica mineral ( in fact , it ’s the only white sand beach in San Diego ! ) , and stately mansion house line the shoring . While opportunities to sunbathe , swimming , and stroll along the sea ’s boundary abound , Coronado has also evolved into a advanced dining and shopping mecca for both local and tourists .

Where to stay : feature in Marilyn Monroe ’s 1958 filmSome Like It Hot , the legendaryHotel del Coronadois one of San Diego ’s most recognizable architectural jewel and worth a visit to Coronado on its own . It ’s so steeped in account that it even offersgroup or self - guided toursaround the property ( including one that may introduce you to the hotel ’s fabled ghosts ) . The resort compiles such a jam - pack itinerary that you ’d never have to leave if you did n’t want to : bless up for paddleboard yoga or beach twirl , lounge poolside or in a secret cabana on the beach , mollycoddle yourself at theSpa & Salon , or book a board atSerẽa , which propose sustainable cooking and a seafood - heavy fare . Let the kids do their own matter for the Clarence Shepard Day Jr. with theOcean Explorersprogram — designed to teach them about keep the sea and its marine life sentence . For an even more sybaritic experience , stay on atBeach Village at the Del — a private community of beautifully outfitted beachfront bungalow and villa with access to the seasonal Windsor Beach Club and five - star topology concierge services .

For a cozier retreat , look into1906 Lodge , which was built in 1906 as a embarkment house . No two of its 17 room are precisely likewise , and while there ’s no eating house or fitness center on - situation , your charge per unit includes breakfast with mimosas , daily glad 60 minutes with wine and modest collation , and freshly baked biscuit in your room — all on the house .

Photo courtesy of Everyday California

Things to do : Often vote one of the okay beaches in the U.S. , Coronado ’s shoreline is course where you ’ll spend the legal age of your time . If you ’re prosperous , you might stumble upon a three - dimensional sand chef-d’oeuvre byThe Sandcastle Man , who typically work in front of the Hotel del Coronado and offerslessonsfor radical of up to 40 hoi polloi . For more romantic spare-time activity , take aVenetian gondola car cruisethrough the canals and waterways of the cays ( for an additional fee , you could even rent a professional mandolin or violin player to perform on board ) . Or takeFlagship Cruises ’ ferryboat across the bay to arrive at Seaport Village , a scenic , waterfront complex with sett paths and rafts of boutique and eateries .

When you ’re not relaxing on the beach or biking down Coronado ’s beachfront boardwalk ( perhaps on one ofWheel Fun Rentals ’ east - bikes or four - wheel surreys , which sit down up to six adults ) , meander down Orange Avenue . line with shops , restaurants , and galleries , this main drag channels serious small - townsfolk charm with a focal point on indie businesses ( think you ’ll rarely discover any mountain range stores here ) . locate on the same street , the Coronado Historical Association & Museum offershistorical walk go .

Oceanside

Oceanside , or O’side as it ’s affectionately nicknamed , is root in surf and skate history — with multiple skateparks and a southwestward - facing shoreline that attracts pro from around the world for its reproducible conditions . After aviate under the radar for years , it ’s finally earning a reputation as more than just an easygoing San Diego beach township with worldly concern - course of study surf . Its culinary landscape has welcome a ticket of exciting , new dining locus — many of which take reward of its agricultural bounteousness with a focus on fresh , locally source ingredients — while its arts and culture prospect is booming with must - visit museums and galleries .

Where to stay : alight right across the street from each other , Mission Pacific HotelandThe Seabird Resortare form bubbles beachfront property that get a sophisticated aesthetical to Oceanside ’s mellowed vim . sleek down and stylish without a jot of pretentiousness , the former has an grand rooftop puddle and jacuzzi ; a mulct - dining restaurant , Valle , that pay homage to Baja Mexico ’s Guadalupe Valley ; andThe Ozone , a thoughtfully curated boutique spotlight local designers and creative person . Meanwhile , the latter hotel has its own appealing syndicate with secret cabanas , along with a wood - panel library , a rotating drift that do as an extension of the Oceanside Museum of Art , andSunny ’s Spa , which offers facials , massages , and full - service treatments . The sister properties conveniently allow guests to get at amenities at both — sharing a restored vintage beach Rambler with beach chair , sunscreen , and surfboard rentals that make it easy to delight a day of breakers and sand . They ’re also a short paseo away to the Oceanside Pier — the longest over - water wooden wharfage on the West Coast .

If you prefer more intimate digs , bookThe Green Room Hotelin South O , a colorful , foetid business territorial dominion dotted with murals , artisanal coffee shops , and a retro bowling skittle alley . Originally a motel built in the ‘ 50s , the hotel ’s now been reimagined as 12 bungalow - mode room with a communal area that includes picnic tables and a true cedar - fashion hot tub . Grab - and - go surfboard and beach police car are available for guests , and the hotel provides gratis coffee berry and pastry ( from local bakeries , by nature ) on weekend .

Hyatt Regency Mission Bay Spa and Marina

Photo courtesy of Hyatt Regency Mission Bay Spa and Marina

thing to do : Explore Oceanside ’s over 3.5 miles of beach , absolutely primed for experiencing every kind of piss athletics under the sun . Catch some gnarly waving with professional surfer and third - contemporaries Oceanside resident physician Duran Barr atNorth County Surf Academy . Oceanside Adventures Luxury Cruisesoffers rag on its 50 - foot catamaran to spot whale , dolphin , seals , and sea lions with a certified natural scientist who narrates the tripper . Thrill - seekers can sky - dive and enjoy awe - inspiring ocean views from averydifferent vantage period withGo Jump Oceanside . Hailed as one of San Diego ’s old golf game course , Goat Hill Parkis a coastal forgetful course with sea views .

For a Lucy in the sky with diamonds of ‘ 80s nostalgia , visit the iconic Graves House featured in the originalTop Gun ; new restored , it now domiciliate a hand - prevail pie shop calledThe High - Piewith a replica of Maverick ’s motorcycle parked out front ( and yes , it ’s the perfect picture op ) . TheCalifornia Surf Museumdocuments breaker lifestyle throughout the decades with an telling display of memorabilia , including breakers icon Bethany Hamilton ’s shark - bitten board . The arts are active and well in Oceanside too ; everything from atomic number 10 sculptures to contemporary painting are show at theOceanside Museum of Art , which spotlights story of Southern California artists .

Catamaran Resort Hotel and Spa