The Embarcadero is a great choice for families staying in San Diego, while most other parts of downtown are better for adult getaways. You’ll find mostly 4-star and 5-star hotels in the Gaslamp District, smaller boutique hotels in Little Italy, and high-rise chain hotels in the Embarcadero. It is quite easy to forgo a rental car (and the hefty nightly parking fee) and simply walk, trolley, or Uber around. A convenient locale, Downtown is just a few minutes from the airport and a great option for anyone interested in visiting Balboa Park, attending a Padres game, and venturing out for nightlife and top dining. The northern end of downtown features another historic district, Little Italy, with some of the best cafés and restaurants in the city. It’s at the heart of local transport networks and encompasses the Embarcadero, with attractions along the Marina and Seaport Village, and the historic Gaslamp Quarter, San Diego’s nightlife hub.
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Rent bikes at The Bike Revolution or Stay Classy.ĭowntown San Diego is the commercial heart of the city and is the best overall place to be based for sightseeing rather than beachcombing. San Diego is a big cycling city, with miles of bike trails and lanes. The separately managed Coaster light-rail links Downtown San Diego to all the main destinations along the North County coast. The Blue Line connects Downtown with the Mexican border at San Ysidro, across from Tijuana.
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The Green Line is the most useful for visitors, linking Old Town with Little Italy, Downtown San Diego, and the Gaslamp Quarter. The San Diego Trolley light rail is part of the system (fares are also $2.50), with three lines. Though a car is the most convenient way to travel around the region, San Diego’s Metropolitan Transit System offers a decent alternative, with buses fanning out from Downtown and Old Town to cover many neighborhoods. It’s easy to find great accommodations ranging from budget to luxury in most areas of San Diego.
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Likewise, best hotels in San Diego are not clustered in any one neighborhood. North of San Diego are the beach towns of Oceanside, Del Mar, and Carlsbad, home of great surfing, a historic horse racing track, and Legoland. Coronado and La Jolla offer a more upscale experience with luxury hotels, high-end restaurants, and designer shopping. Beach areas including Pacific Beach, Ocean Beach, and Mission Beach offer quintessential Pacific Ocean views and a laid-back vibe. Downtown San Diego sits on the San Diego Bay and includes Little Italy, the Embarcadero, and the Gaslamp Quarter with beautiful Balboa Park and the zoo close by. While there is no single “best” neighborhood to stay in, Downtown and the beach neighborhoods offer the most for travelers.
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If you are looking for a great Southern California city with plenty of sun, sand, and some of the best tacos outside of Mexico, San Diego is a perfect choice. San Diego is a city of neighborhoods that are steeped in history and culture. The city averages more than 344 days a year that are hotter than 15☌ (60☏), making it an excellent vacation destination anytime. The Best Areas to Stay in San Diegoīlessed by year-round warmth and sunny skies, San Diego is best known for its fun beaches, major attractions such as the San Diego Zoo, a burgeoning culinary scene, and a mind-blowing array of craft breweries (over 150 at last count). View of Downtown San Diego with sailboats anchored in the bay as seen from the Coronado Bridge.