California, Destinations, Southern California, USA

Where to Stay in San Diego: Best Areas + Hotel Recommendations

Figuring out exactly where to stay in San Diego can be a daunting task, especially if you aren’t familiar with the area. San Diego is huge, and there are a lot of incredible neighborhoods to choose from – which is both a blessing and a curse!

As a San Diego local, I’m here to help you navigate the different areas of San Diego. Let’s talk through the best neighborhoods to stay in based on your itinerary, interests, and travel style. I’ve also included my top hotel recommendations in each area so that you can find your perfect match!

Quick note: this page contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you click on the URL and make a purchase (at no cost to you!). As an affiliate, I only recommend services and products from trusted partners I have thoroughly vetted and can genuinely recommend. Thank you!

Where to Stay in San Diego: A Local’s Guide

Here’s a quick breakdown of the different neighborhoods in San Diego, and what you can expect from each:

Downtown San Diego – ideal for those who want to be in the center of the action, and are planning on spending most of their time at attractions in and around the downtown area. This is not ideal for those seeking a beach vacation!

Coronado Island – fitting for those that want to be close to Downtown San Diego while still being able to spend plenty of time relaxing at the beach. 

Mission Beach & Mission Bay – great for those seeking a budget-friendly accommodation at a beach town near Downtown San Diego. It’s also great for families. 

Pacific Beach – another ideal choice for anyone that wants to stay in a beach town near downtown that has more reasonably-priced accommodations. It’s particularly fitting for those seeking a party vibe. 

La Jolla – a top contender for those looking to stay in an idyllic, upscale beach town that is still relatively close to Downtown San Diego. It’s especially great for luxury travelers (although there are more reasonably priced accommodations, as well!)

North County Beach Towns – a perfect choice for anyone looking to plan a laid-back beach vacation. If you aren’t planning on spending much time in and around Downtown SD (if any!), consider one of these chill beach towns. 

My Top Recommendations

My recommendation would be to book a hotel in La Jolla, Coronado Island, or one of the North County beach towns (with my top choices being Encinitas and Del Mar). These are the areas I’d tell a friend to stay if they were planning a San Diego trip! You’ll find more intel and hotel recommendations below.

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Staying in Downtown San Diego

If you want to be super close to some of San Diego’s most popular attractions (think the zoo, Balboa Park, and the USS Midway), consider staying downtown. It’s also a great option if you want to be in an urban environment and want to experience the city’s nightlife. 

Specifically, I recommend staying in or around Little Italy or the Gaslamp Quarter. These neighborhoods are the hub’s for downtown’s best bars and restaurants, making them excellent home bases.  

Keep in mind that – while it is on the water – Downtown San Diego doesn’t have a beach! If you’re looking for more of a laid-back beach vacation in San Diego, you’re better off booking a hotel in another neighborhood. You can still plan a Downtown San Diego day trip so that you can experience the sights and attractions in the area! 

One major perk is that the San Diego International Airport is conveniently located right outside of downtown! 

If you want to explore all of what Downtown San Diego (& the surrounding area) has to offer, be sure to read through my San Diego weekend getaway guide. This itinerary includes the top attractions and sights in the area – it’s particularly fitting for first-time visitors!

Where to Stay in Downtown San Diego

High-rise buildings in San Diego, with palm trees in front of them
The Little Italy sign
The Star of India ship docked in the San Diego Harbor

Need a car for your San Diego vacation? I recommend booking a car through Expedia. They have listings from major car rental companies so that you can find the best vehicle for your needs (and the best price!).  

Staying in Coronado

I think that Coronado Island is the best area to stay in San Diego for first-time visitors that want to experience the city’s top attractions while still enjoying some chill time at the beach. It is located right across the bay from downtown, so it’s super easy to hop over to the city. 

Of course, Coronado has plenty to offer on its own. You’ll definitely want to spend some time at Coronado Beach, explore the town’s shops and eateries, and take in the view of the downtown skyline from Centennial Park. I also recommend doing a scenic guided bike tour around Coronado! 

Coronado is just a 20 to 25-minute drive from the airport (without traffic). It’s accessible by bridge (which is the most convenient way to get to the island, particularly if you’ll be renting a car in San Diego), but you can also take a ferry from downtown. 

Where to Stay in Coronado 

  • Hotel del Coronado – easily the most iconic hotel on the island, and one of the best beachfront San Diego hotels! This beautiful 4-star property (pictured below) has Old Hollywood roots and is set right on the beach. 
  • 1906 Lodge – a historic 3-star bed and breakfast that is just a 5-minute walk from Coronado Beach. 

If you prefer something more private, there are some great vacation home rentals in Coronado Island. I recommend looking for an option close to Coronado Beach!

Interior of the Hotel Del Coronado. There is wood paneling on the ceiling and wood columns, and a floral blue and yellow carpet.
The orange tiled roof of Hotel del Coronado, with palm trees on either side.

Staying in Mission Beach and Mission Bay

One of the most popular beach towns near downtown is Mission Beach. Like Coronado, this is a great destination for those who want the convenience of being close to downtown while still being able to spend lots of time at the beach. 

Mission Beach (and Mission Bay, which is just inland from the strand) is much more low-key and laid-back than Coronado, which means you’ll find more budget-friendly hotel and accommodation options. There are plenty of great casual eateries and bars up and down the strand, as well. 

Another big draw of this area is that you have easy access to beaches on both the ocean side and the bay side of the strand. The beaches in Mission Bay have calmer water, making them popular places for families with young kids, as well as those wanting to enjoy water sports (such as snorkeling and kayaking). 

Meanwhile, the actual beach of Mission Beach is incredibly spacious (it spans over two miles!), and you can enjoy long walks down the Mission Beach Boardwalk. 

In addition to the beaches, a very popular spot in Mission Beach is Belmont Park – an oceanside amusement park. 

Bonus: Mission Beach is just about a 20-minute drive from the airport! 

Where to Stay in Mission Beach and Mission Bay 

There are also a ton of incredible vacation rentals in Mission Beach that are just steps from the water (on both sides of the strand!). 

Staying in Pacific Beach

Pacific Beach is just north of Mission Beach, and offers a similar laid-back beach town atmosphere. There are plenty of chill eateries and bars, as well as miles of sprawling beach space. 

However, one thing to keep in mind is that it’s a popular destination for college students and young adults – which means Pacific Beach has more of a party atmosphere. If that’s not quite your vibe, you can still find quieter pockets of the neighborhood (particularly in the northern section, closer to Bird Rock). 

Like Mission Beach, Pacific Beach also offers better deals on hotels and accommodations compared to nearby La Jolla (which we’ll cover in a moment) and Coronado.  

Where to Stay in Pacific Beach

  • Tower23 Hotel – a centrally located, modern 4-star hotel that is on the beach and right by Pacific Beach’s Crystal Pier. 
  • Pacific Terrace Hotel – a 4-star hotel right on the beach that is just a few blocks north of the pier. 
  • Ocean Park Inn – a 3-star beachfront hotel that is just south of the pier and within walking distance of great bars and restaurants. 

Just like with Mission Beach, you can also find an abundance of amazing vacation rentals in Pacific Beach – including many that are just a short walk from the beach!

Staying in La Jolla 

La Jolla is a beautiful upscale coastal town, and one of the most popular places to visit in San Diego (if you decide not to stay here, it’s definitely still worth going to La Jolla for a day trip!). It boasts picturesque beaches and incredible dining and shopping. 

Most of the main attractions and sights in La Jolla are situated in the Village of La Jolla – a cute and walkable downtown area. There are some excellent hotels and accommodations in and just outside of this neighborhood, all of which are great choices if you want to be able to minimize your time in the car. 

If you don’t mind having to drive into town, there are also incredible hotels, resorts, and other accommodations in the greater La Jolla area. This includes options in La Jolla Shores, a neighborhood just north of the Village that has a cute main strip and a super spacious beach, as well as the quieter Torrey Pines area (which is north of La Jolla Shores). 

Where to Stay in La Jolla

There are also plenty of excellent options for vacation rentals in La Jolla. I recommend being in (or within walking distance of) either the Village of La Jolla or La Jolla Shores. 

Exterior of La Valencia Hotel in La Jolla. The building is light pink, and there is a palm tree in front.
A sea cave in La Jolla

Staying in North County Beach Towns (Del Mar, Encinitas, Carlsbad, & Oceanside)

If your priority is having a laid-back San Diego beach vacation, I recommend basing yourself in one of the North County San Diego beach towns. Del Mar, Encinitas, Carlsbad, and Oceanside are your best options.  

This is a particularly fitting choice for anyone who isn’t planning on spending much time in or around Downtown San Diego, and instead is looking to spend the majority of their time relaxing at the beach and/or their resort. You’ll find a range of hotels in these areas, from luxury properties to boutique hotels. 

Here’s a quick breakdown of each of these towns, as well as where to stay. 

Where to Stay in Del Mar

Del Mar is a picturesque upscale beach town. It is one of the best neighborhoods to stay in San Diego if you like the idea of La Jolla but want something less touristy. Plus, it’s only about a 20-minute drive away, so you can still go visit La Jolla during your trip!

While Del Mar is smaller than La Jolla, there are excellent shops, restaurants, and bars, and the town is cute and walkable. Del Mar’s beaches are also beautiful! 

If you are thinking of staying in Del Mar, here are the top hotel options: 

  • L’Auberge Del Mar – an elegant 4-star hotel in the heart of town that overlooks the beach. 
  • Wave Crest Resort – a centrally located 3-star hotel that is a short walk from the beach and the best shops and restaurants in town.  
  • Del Mar Beach Hotel – a charming 2-star hotel that is just steps from the beach and a less than 10-minute walk from town. 

There are great vacation house rentals in Del Mar, as well! I recommend staying as close to Camino Del Mar (the main road that goes through town) as possible. If you find a home closer to Highway 5, you’ll have to drive down into town and to the beach. Parking in the area can be hard to find (particularly in the summer and on holiday weekends), so it’s best to avoid having to drive if you can! 

A grassy park in front of a beach in Del Mar
A storefront in Del Mar with an American flag and Christmas wreath
Train tracks on a coastal cliff in front of the ocean in Del Mar

Where to Stay in Encinitas

Encinitas is my favorite town in north county. It’s a beautiful coastal village with a lively hippie surfer vibe.  

Despite being fairly small, there are still plenty of things to do in Encinitas. This includes shopping and dining on the 101, visiting the peaceful Self-Realization Fellowship Meditation Garden, and of course, hanging out at the beach. 

One thing to note is that Encinitas has a more local vibe, which means there aren’t a ton of hotel options! 

That said, there are a few gems – as well as lots of vacation home rentals. If you do decide to book a vacation home, I recommend looking for options around the 101 (so that you’ll be within walking distance of all the best shops and restaurants in town), or just north of Encinitas in the neighborhood of Leucadia. 

Here are some hotels to consider: 

  • Inn at Moonlight Beach – a charming boutique hotel with a beautifully landscaped property that is within walking distance of the beach and the downtown area. 
  • Alila Marea Beach Resort – a new, stunning 4-star resort set on a cliff that overlooks the ocean. It’s just about a 10-minute drive north of the main downtown area of Encinitas. 
  • Moonlight Beach Motel – a quaint, well-rated motel that is just two blocks from the beach and within walking distance of town.
A view of the coast from above at the Meditation Garden. The ocean is on the right, and there are cacti and green shrubbery on the left.
The Encinitas Sign over Highway 101, which has Christmas wreaths on either side.
The view of the coastline from a viewpoint in Encinitas. The ocean is to the left, and there is a building on the coastal cliff on the right.

Where to Stay in Carlsbad

Carlsbad offers beautiful beaches and a lively and safe downtown area (called Carlsbad Village) with excellent restaurants, bars, and shops. There are also tons of great hotels and resorts in the heart of town and in the greater Carlsbad area. 

This all makes Carlsbad the perfect destination for a nice beach getaway. It’s also particularly popular for families. 

One thing to keep in mind is that, compared to the other three North County towns mentioned, Carlsbad is one of the more popular destinations for tourists. This is largely because there is so much to do in Carlsbad – in addition to the beaches and walkable town, it’s home to Legoland, The Flower Fields, great museums, and more. 

If you want a more local feel, I recommend considering one of the other three towns instead. You can always do a day trip to Carlsbad if you want to check it out! 

Here are some great hotel options in Carlsbad:

There are also tons of vacation rentals in Carlsbad. I recommend staying within walking distance of Carlsbad Village to minimize your time in the car!

A walking path alongside Carlsbad Boulevard. Carlsbad State Beach is on the left, and there are palm trees lining the road.
A blue and white sign that says "Carlsbad" over a busy intersection in town.

Where to Stay in Oceanside

Oceanside is a casual beach town that has had a bit of a renaissance over the past few years. Trendy eateries have been opening up, as well as some new hotels. Of course, the biggest draw is the spacious beach. 

There are a variety of hotels in the area, from boutique spots to resorts. There are also some excellent options for budget-friendly travellers – Oceanside is one of the more reasonably priced destinations of the North County beach towns. 

Keep in mind that Oceanside is on the northernmost edge of San Diego County, which means it’s about a 40-minute drive from Downtown San Diego and the airport (without traffic!). 

Here are some great hotels in Oceanside to consider for your trip: 

Here are additional San Diego travel guides to help you plan the perfect vacation: 

Posted In: California, Destinations, Southern California, USA

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Kyra is the founder of Sea to Sequoia, a site she launched in 2020. As a type A traveler who loves to extensively research destinations to create the perfect vacation itinerary, she’s here to help readers so that their travel planning process is as easy as possible. In addition to running this site, she is a professional content writer in the wellness and skincare spaces, and also works as an actress.

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