A beach at sunset in La Jolla, San Diego

Where To Stay in San Diego

By Stuart Bak

Sunny San Diego is made up of a series of neighborhood villages, each with its own distinct personality and stacks of different things to see and do. But where to stay in this often bewildering landscape of canyons, mesas and golden California sands? Surfers and divers could do worse than La Jolla, with its easy access to rolling waves and underwater kelp forests. Bringing the kids? You’ll love the laid back family vibe of Ocean Beach and Coronado. If you’re just looking for some of that legendary San Diego nightlife, that’d be the Gaslamp Quarter and hip nearby neighborhoods of Hillcrest and North Park.

Still not sure? Read on for our mini guide to where to stay in San Diego.

Best for First Timers

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San Diego’s atmospheric Old Town is an intoxicating hybrid of Mexican, Spanish and American culture. Here, in the birthplace of California, first timers can truly immerse themselves in the city’s heritage. It’s a place where palm-lined streets are crammed with colorful shops and restaurants inside restored adobe buildings and there are more fab museums, galleries and – gulp – haunted houses than you can shake a very large stick at. Visit the notorious Whaley House Museum, once described by LIFE magazine as ‘the most haunted house in America’ and scare yourself silly on one of their spooky evening tours – if you dare.

The nearby Old Town San Diego State National Park contains many more original and reconstructed 19th-century buildings including the old courthouse and restored Cosmopolitan Hotel. It’s a real slice of the Old West, with regular living history demonstrations and a colorful Mexican market housing independent boutiques, artisan souvenirs and, of course, plenty of lip-smackingly authentic taquerias. All of which makes the Old Town a fantastic choice for first-time visitors to San Diego. Couple that with easy access to Downtown, Mission Bay and historic Mission Valley, home to the Insta-perfect Mission San Diego de Alcalá (the sugar-white 18th-century church that gives the region its name), and you have all the ingredients for the perfect introduction to America’s Finest City.

Best for Seeing it All

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Perched on the San Diego Bay, the Downtown neighborhood is the location for you if it’s fine restaurants, the best nightlife and easy access to the city’s bucket-list attractions that float your boat. Head to the waterfront Embarcadero for sport fishing, seal-spotting, sensational seafood and sweeping sunset views of Coronado, and get your fix of pizza and pasta in Little Italy, with its cobbled piazza, ornate tiled fountain and traditional trattorias. Sample some of San Diego’s famously excellent craft beers in the Gaslamp Quarter’s atmospheric dive bars or shake it up with rooftop cocktails and live music here in the city’s nightlife mecca.

If you’re planning on seeing the Padres in action or spending a lot of time in Balboa Park (and let’s face it, why wouldn’t you?) Downtown is the place to stay. The Padres’ huge home stadium also puts on major concerts and has hosted such household names as Taylor Swift and Paul McCartney in recent years. Balboa Park is San Diego’s vast green lung. Walkable from Downtown, it also happens to contain some of the city’s biggest attractions, including – deep breath – San Diego Zoo, the Fleet Museum of Science, a Japanese Friendship Garden, the San Diego Museum of Art and an old-fashioned carousel. And that barely scratches the surface. Sun worshippers take note: while San Diego Bay is renowned for its views across the water it is less esteemed for its beaches. Because, well, there aren’t any. Fear not though: Ocean Beach, La Jolla and Pacific Beach are within your grasp thanks to Downtown’s proliferation of cabs and other easy transport links.

Best for Families and Beach Lovers

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Sunny days that number well above the national average, a laid back SoCal vibe and some of the best beaches on the West Coast make San Diego a great choice for family vacations. South of the San Diego River, hippy-dippy Ocean Beach has a lovely community vibe. It’s packed with cute taquerias and boho boutiques and there’s a weekly market with live music and great street food. Not to mention that all-important stretch of sun-kissed California sand, where surfers ride the gently rolling waves, pelicans dive-bomb the herring-rich waters for their dinner and kids hunt for crabs and anemones in exposed tide pools beneath the epic, 600-meter Ocean Beach Pier. There’s even a dedicated dog beach here where your four-legged friends can frolic happily in the surf and sand with their doggo pals. Head over the river to Mission Bay for SeaWorld San Diego, where there are enough thrill rides and sea creatures to keep even the most jaded teen entertained for a day or more.

Across the bay, Coronado’s landmark hotel is a tourist attraction in itself. The Hotel del Coronado is a San Diego institution (haunted, of course) that has been hosting US presidents, household-name celebs (you’ve heard of Marilyn Monroe and Sly Stallone, right?) and royalty since the 19th Century. Its turrets are even said to have inspired resident writer L. Frank Baum’s Emerald City in The Wonderful Wizard of Oz. Families build sandcastles along the fine stretch of golden sand in front of ‘The Del’, go paddle-boarding in the lagoon and gorge on firepit s’mores at sunset.

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Around 12 miles north of Downtown San Diego, La Jolla is an absolute playground for outdoor types. Set in pine-scented hills along seven miles of coastline, it scratches your surfing, sunbathing, sea-swimming and seal-spotting itches all in one go. Here’s where you can find native harbor seals basking in their dozens at Children’s Pool; spot dolphins and migrating whales from high in the bluffs of wildflower-rich Torrey Pines Nature Reserve; and scuba-dive among the green tendrils of La Jolla Cove’s vast kelp forests. Or get your sea-critter fix at the Scripps Aquarium where you can meet leopard sharks, loggerhead sea turtles and a giant Pacific octopus without even getting wet! La Jolla also boasts fine dining and boutique shopping galore in its village, a world-class clifftop golf course and some of the best outdoor art in the city. It’s also well-placed for day trips to family favorites just north of the city, including LEGOLAND California and the sprawling 1,800-acre San Diego Zoo Safari Park.

Best for Hip Young Things

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Hip with a dollop of history might be the best way of describing Hillcrest and North Park, the alluring uptown neighborhoods that hug the north end of Balboa Park. Hillcrest is the heart of San Diego’s thriving LGBTQ+ community, its streets brimming with lively gay bars and cool brunch spots. Perhaps unsurprisingly, Hillcrest also provides the hub for the annual Pride festival. Each July, thousands of revelers from around the globe descend on its leafy avenues, here for the legendary Parade, huge music festival in Balboa Park and – in some cases at least – the 5k fun run.

Like its neighbor North Park, Hillcrest is famed for its fine 1920s Crafstmen’s houses – simple dwellings that date to the 1920s Arts and Crafts movement – as well as being one of the jewels in San Diego’s craft ale crown thanks to the likes of the Hillcrest Brewing Company, self-styled ‘first gay brewery in the world’.

North Park’s charming jumble of colorful street art, microbreweries and 1920s style earned it a place in Forbes’ 2012 list of America’s finest hipster ‘hoods, in which it was praised for its creativity and cultural diversity. And you don’t have to wander far in this art lovin’ beer drinkers’ paradise to see what they mean. There’s around a dozen local microbreweries within two or three blocks around University Avenue and 30th. Look out for the Belching Beaver Brewery, right next to the famously Instagrammable Greetings from San Diego mural, and the Fall Brewing Company, with their excellent hazy IPAs and beloved Humpty Dumpty mascot.

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Woman meditating on a rock at sunset in San Diego
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Relaxing Things to do in San Diego

What could be more soul-soothing than seeing the sun rise from the cliffs on the California coast, watching the world go by from a cute brunch spot or getting up close to some of the most colorful marine life this side of the tropics? Check out our guide to the 10 most relaxing things to do in San Diego. Take a Morning Walk by the Ocean Early morning is by far the best time to get San Diego’s golden beaches all to yourself. Ok, almost all to yourself. Stroll the sands with just fisherman and curious native harbor seals for company, as they vie for the morning catch. Strike out along the wooden pier at Pacific Beach for that perfect sunrise selfie before the crowds arrive, or stroll the deserted bluffs high above La Jolla Shores for sweeping views of the shimmering ocean below. Heck, you could even take your yoga mat along to achieve maximum morning serenity, soothed by the sound of waves breaking gently on the shore. Have Brunch in Ocean Beach Located just south of the river, Ocean Beach is San Diego’s most laidback boho enclave, chock-full of street art, surf boutiques, organic grocery stores, brewery taprooms and tattoo parlors. There are some excellent brunch spots here too, many with outdoor seating that’s perfect for people-watching as locals and vacationers go about their daily business along bustling Newport Avenue. Dishes at the popular Breakfast Republic are inspired by Southern and Tijuana cuisine and include such lip-smacking taste sensations as shrimp and grits with hot sauce and a belly-busting California breakfast burrito. Grab an outside table at The Old Townhouse Restaurant, where buttermilk pancakes and zingy grapefruit juice will start your day right. Visit a Garden Sprawling Balboa Park contains many of the best places to relax in San Diego, not least its formal gardens, of which the Alcazar is among the finest. Wander among ornate fountains, bright blooms and vibrant Moorish tiling, and enjoy the tranquil views from the garden’s shaded pergola, all within view of the striking California Tower. With nearly 200 varieties, the Rose Garden is a riot of scent and color at its peak in late spring, while the neighboring Japanese Friendship Garden’s tranquil koi ponds, tinkling water features, bonsai trees and beautiful spring cherry blossoms are all you need to achieve perfect zen. Spend the Day at Mission Bay With 27 miles of shoreline and 4,600 acres of waterways and beaches to explore, Mission Bay is the largest man-made saltwater bay in the world. Think of a water-based activity and you’re sure to find it here: there’s wakeboarding, paddleboarding, surfing, jet skiing and sailing to name just a few. The beaches here are also ideal for kids, with tranquil waters for little feet to paddle in and oodles of sand to make all their castle-building dreams come true. Pack a picnic and slap on the sunscreen for one of San Diego’s most chilled days out. Explore La Jolla Cove The huge kelp forests off San Diego’s coastline attract all manner of magical marine life. Rent a kayak and paddle gently out to the San Diego-La Jolla Underwater Park, just offshore. On a good day with clear waters, you might spot bright orange Garibaldi (the California State fish, no less) as well as friendly leopard sharks, stingrays and sea turtles swimming underneath your boat. Watch out for seals darting sleekly through the water as you make your way across the bay to the seven secret sea caves, said to have been used by smugglers of alcohol and opium back in the Prohibition era. Picnic in Balboa Park There are dozens of great spots to spread out your gingham blanket and unpack your wicker hamper within the 1,200 acres of Balboa Park. Find a wild spot for a quiet, romantic lunch along one of the marked walking trails around the park’s perimeter. Or – if people-watching is more your bag – tuck in to your lunchtime feast on the east or west lawn of the picture-perfect Botanical Building with its peaceful lily pond. Pro-tip: alcohol is allowed here (and in a few other designated areas around the park). But remember to bring your San Diego craft beer in a can and your Californian wine in a box, as glass receptacles are a big no-no. Take a Hike Hiking is a great way to get to know San Diego’s unique topography. The wild canyons and vast nature reserves here provide dozens of great walking opportunities, with many offering staggeringly good views in exchange for very little exertion. Head up to Torrey Pines on the cliffs over La Jolla, where monolithic rock formations, endangered pine trees and panoramic ocean views are the order of the day. If you prefer your hikes a little more challenging, the ruggedly handsome Mission Trails Regional Park offers over 60 miles of pathways across its 7,000 acres, and features Cowles Mountain – the highest point in San Diego – as its centerpiece. The hard-won reward for your epic climb? Dizzying 360-degree panoramas of the city and beyond. Sink a Couple of Beers In case you haven’t heard, San Diego lays reasonable claim to the title of America’s craft beer capital, with dozens of independent breweries to be found strewn throughout its hip neighborhoods, from Ocean Beach to North Park, and everywhere else in between. The high concentration of taprooms around North Park’s University Avenue and 30th Street make it ideal for a bar crawl, where you can sample the full gamut of imaginative local brews, from citrusy IPAs through flavored pale ales to skull-cracking sour beers and chocolatey stouts. Don’t forget the Alka Seltzer for that difficult morning after. Visit an Aquarium High on a La Jolla hilltop, around 12 miles north of Downtown, is where you’ll find the Birch Aquarium, a superb low-key alternative to SeaWorld that’s affiliated to San Diego’s Scripps Institution of Oceanography. Visit the Hall of Fishes, where 60 huge tanks teem with critters that include a rescued loggerhead turtle and an elusive giant Pacific octopus. Be mesmerized by sharks and rays cruising their 13,000-gallon habitat and – for the ultimate in unusual experiences – head to Tidepool Plaza. Here, there’s plenty hands-on fun to be had with lobsters, leopard sharks and more. So far, so normal. But we’ll let you decide whether the sensation of hundreds of tiny cleaner fish nibbling your fingers is really as relaxing as some people claim. Watch a Sunset Nothing says romance and relaxation like watching the California sky glow various shades of purple, orange, red and pink as the sun disappears over the horizon. Grab a chilled bottle of bubbly and head to any one of dozens of perfect vantage points along San Diego’s whopping 70 miles of coastline. Favorite spots include – deep breath – Torrey Pines, the harbor in San Diego Bay, any rooftop bar along the Mission Beach Boardwalk, Pacific Beach’s picture-perfect Crystal Pier and the aptly named Sunset Cliffs south of Ocean Beach. Perfection. Save on relaxing things to do in San Diego Save on admission to San Diego attractions with Go City. Check out @GoCity on Instagram and Facebook for the latest top tips and attraction info.
Stuart Bak
A pumpkin patch in October in San Diego
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San Diego in October

Clear blue skies, sultry Santa Ana breezes and relatively low hotel rates make fall one of the best times to visit San Diego. Days remain warm and sunny well into October and, with kids back in school, beaches and major attractions become far less crowded. This is also the season for major events such as the Ocean beach Oktoberfest and La Jolla Art & Wine Festival. Not to mention those spook-tacular San Diego Halloween celebrations. Here’s what you can expect on a trip to San Diego in October. Things to do in San Diego in October October temperatures in San Diego have been known to hit highs of around 75°F, meaning that perfect SoCal tan you’ve been dreaming of is still well within reach. You’ll still find plenty of sunseekers lounging on golden sands from Ocean Beach to La Jolla at this time of year. And, with the summer throngs gone, even the notoriously crowded Pacific Beach suddenly becomes way more appealing, with its picturesque long wooden pier and reassuring lifeguard presence to complete the Baywatch vibe. It’s a great time to explore the many attractions of the three-mile oceanfront boardwalk that stretches from Pacific to Mission Beach and beyond. Strap on some rollerblades and join locals as they whiz to and fro clutching takeaway iced lattes. Ride Belmont Park’s hair-raising Giant Dipper, a charming century-old wooden rollercoaster that’s much safer than it sounds. Weather taken a surprise turn for the worse? Retreat to the trendy taprooms around palm-lined Garnet and Grand avenues to sample some of San Diego’s famous craft ales. Or make for the huge indoor pool at Plunge San Diego; this water-based fun-fest has a floating obstacle course and retractable roof. Kids Go Free in San Diego in October! October in San Diego is when kids go free at major attractions, as well as eating for free at some restaurants, in this month-long citywide extravaganza. The roster of attractions is impressive and includes many of the biggest hitters in (and out of) town, such as San Diego Zoo, SeaWorld, LEGOLAND and several Balboa Park museums. SeaWorld San Diego in Mission Bay is a thrill-a-minute with high-octane theme park rides and awesome wildlife shows. Kids love to scare themselves silly on the utterly terrifying Electric Eel, the city’s highest and fastest rollercoaster, while toddlers are catered for by the rather more sedate experiences in the Sesame Street Bay of Play, where soft play, spinning teacups and storytime with beloved characters including Big Bird and Elmo are the order of the day. And then there’s the main event: 19 aquariums teeming with sealife from reef sharks to hawksbill turtles. The touch pools at Explorer's Reef are a kid-friendly highlight with (harmless) bamboo sharks and rays, plus shoals of tiny cleaner fish eager to nibble your fingers. You only need to pay for the adults so why not take the chance while kids can get in for free in October? As the days start to cool in the second half of October, so the Autumn Festival at San Diego Zoo Safari Park kicks off. Seasonal weekend activities at this vast wildlife reserve in the San Pasqual Valley include live bluegrass music, a haystack maze and a floating lantern ceremony in the lagoon. There’s even pumpkin-flavored beer for grown-ups! Surf’s Up! While San Diego’s waters remain just about balmy enough for a quick dip in October, you’ll probably want to don a wetsuit to stop your teeth chattering if you plan to spend any significant time in the big briny. Intrepid divers and snorkelers will find much to enjoy in the huge underwater kelp forests off La Jolla Cove and Point Loma, where a smorgasbord of sea critters awaits. Expect to see California spiny lobsters, moray eels, blue sharks and inquisitive native harbor seals. October also promises some of San Diego’s best surfing conditions, with swells and barrels off the La Jolla coast and beneath Sunset Cliffs luring surfers to town in their droves. Novices can rent boards and practice their moves at Tourmaline Surfing Park, a sheltered cove beneath La Jolla’s bluffs that’s accessed down a palm-lined track through the canyon. As well as novice surfers, the slow-rolling waves also attract keen windsurfers and kiteboarders when the wind’s up. Events in San Diego in October Revelers are in for the absolute time of their lives in October, as San Diego’s party season gets into full swing. Head to the historic Gaslamp Quarter to take advantage of bar patios and rooftop cocktails while evenings are still warm enough for sitting outside (but bring a jumper or light jacket, just in case). And don your dirndls and lederhosen for the Ocean Beach Oktoberfest where, for a couple of glorious days, you can gorge yourself on German beers, San Diego craft brews and some of the best wurst in town. The somewhat more refined La Jolla Art & Wine Festival also hits town in October, bringing fine art, even finer wines, music, entertainment and fab family fun to the colorful streets of this pretty seaside village. You don’t have to be a connoisseur to enjoy this one: the mix variety of paintings, sculptures, jewelry, ceramics, woodwork and more means there’s something for everyone. Those who favor grain over grape won’t go thirsty either, with plenty of alternative tipples available from local craft breweries and distilleries. Last but by no means least, San Diego’s Halloween celebrations rate right up there with the spookiest in California. Kiddie rides, corn mazes, pumpkin carving and perfectly Instagrammable pumpkin patches are the order of the day at ranches across the county, while attractions including Whaley House (America’s most haunted, no less) and Balboa Park offer bone-chilling ghost tours for fright-loving grown-ups. Even the Birch Aquarium at Scripps gets involved, with a kelp maze, slimy sea creatures and opportunities for kids to dress up. Throw on a plain white sheet with inexpertly cut eyeholes or go the whole nine yards and showcase your extravagant Exorcist-themed costume, complete with rotating head, on a bar crawl of North Park’s many taprooms, which will be festooned with cobwebs and scary decorations on the big day. And if that isn’t enough, there’s even a Great Pumpkin Beer Festival in the Gaslamp Quarter, where those with a taste for the gourd stuff will surely be in clover. Save on things to do in San Diego in October Save on admission to San Diego attractions with Go City. Check out @GoCity on Instagram and Facebook for the latest top tips and attraction info.
Stuart Bak

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