San Diego is an underrated and overlooked city. It has a rich history, a thriving food scene, and some of the best beaches in the state of California.
But San Diego is a big city and not all of its neighborhoods are of interest to travellers. Which is exactly why we wrote this insider’s guide for where to stay in San Diego.
This guide was written by travelers, for travelers. It lists the five best neighborhoods in San Diego and breaks them down by interest.
So no matter what you’re looking for, you’ll be able to find an area that suits your needs.
Whether you want to party all night long, visit the top tourist spots, or simply lounge on the beach – you’ve come to the right place!
Here is our guide for where to stay in San Diego, California.
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- Top 3 Recommendations For Where to Stay in San Diego
- San Diego Neighborhood Guide – Places to Stay in San Diego
- 5 Best Neighborhoods to Stay in San Diego
- FAQs about Finding a Place to Stay in San Diego
- What To Pack For San Diego
- Don’t Forget Travel Insurance for San Diego
- Final Thoughts on Where to Stay in San Diego
- Buy Us a Coffee!
Looking for a specific place to stay? These are the best recommendations for places to stay in San Diego. The city is one of the best places to visit in the USA.
Whatever your budget there are plenty of different options to check out. Whether you’re backpacking the USA or on a luxury vacay, I’ve got you covered!
Romantic Private Casita | Best Airbnb in San Diego
Located in the heart of Old Town is this little cottage home. Besides the excellent location this home has, there is a hot tub you can dip your feet in after a long day exploring the beaches. And in the morning, enjoy your cup of joe in the peaceful courtyard. It is simple but quaint, and you can’t beat the location! It’s just footsteps away from the trolly and impeccable cafes you have to try. This is the best vacation rental in San Diego for its location.
ITH Zoo Hostel San Diego | Best Hostel in San Diego
A hop, skips and a jump from Old Town is the ITH Zoo Hostel. This great property is close to San Diego attractions, including San Diego Zoo, as well as bars, restaurants and shops. It has colourful rooms and bright décor. Guests can enjoy breakfast and pizza almost every day of the week!
ITH Zoo Hostel San Diego is the best hostel in San Diego so I know you’ll love it!
The Inn at Sunset Cliffs | Best Hotel in San Diego
The Inn at Sunset Cliffs is our pick for the best hotel in San Diego. It has an outdoor heated pool, spacious rooms and an on-site golf course. Every room has its own kitchenette, a luxurious bathroom, and a myriad of modern amenities.
Old Town
Old Town is an area of San Diego that marks the birthplace of the state of California. It is the site of the first Spanish settlement in the early-1800s and today still retains much of its historic charms and architecture.
Gaslamp Quarter
The Gaslamp Quarter is one of the oldest neighbourhoods in central San Diego. It was once home to the red light district as well as seedy casinos and untamed saloons.
Downtown
For an incredible night on the town, there’s no better neighbourhood than Downtown San Diego. The heart, soul and centre of the city, Downtown San Diego is packed with great restaurants, lively bars, thriving clubs and cosy cafes.
North Park
North Park is far and away one of the coolest neighborhoods in the city. Famous for its laid-back atmosphere and vibrant street art, North Park is packed with hip hangouts and quirky cafes.
Ocean Beach
Ocean Beach is a fun and funky neighbourhood located outside the city centre. This casual borough boasts a retro flair and is where you can find a great selection of unique shops, restaurants, cafes and crowds.
Located in southern California, San Diego is a busy and bustling city that sits right on the coast of the Pacific Ocean. It has a laid-back and relaxed atmosphere, and a reputation for sun, surf and sand.
Visiting San Diego is a special experience: it has a rich history, diverse culture, and plenty of activities and attractions to entertain curious travellers.
This massive city is home to approximately 1.4 million people who are spread out over 965 square kilometres. It is divided into more than 100 neighborhoods, each catering to different interests, ages, styles and budgets.
The Gaslamp Quarter and Downtown: These two vibrant districts sit at the centre of San Diego and are where you’ll find a great variety of bars, restaurants, clubs and shops. They are well connected, close to the water, and boast a great selection of budget hostels.
North Park: Travel north and you’ll arrive in trendy North Park. One of the hippest neighborhoods in the city, North Park has bright street art, quirky cafes, and chic local boutiques.
Old Town & Ocean Beach: Head west and you’ll pass through historic Old Town before arriving in fun and funky Ocean Beach. A short drive to famous tourist attractions, both of these neighborhoods have unique vibes, great restaurants, and plenty to see and do.
Still not sure where to stay in San Diego? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered!
Want to save money on accommodation?
We got you. For reals.
5 Best Neighborhoods to Stay in San Diego
Let’s take a look, in more detail, at the five best neighborhoods in San Diego. All of them have great things to do in San Diego but each is a little different from the other. So be sure to pick the neighborhood that’s right for you.
1. Old Town – Best Place to Stay in San Diego for First-Timers
Old Town is an area of San Diego that marks the birthplace of the state of California. It is the site of the first Spanish settlement in the early 1800s and today still retains much of its historic charms and architecture.
San Diego’s Old Town is packed with tourist attractions and activities. It is well connected to other parts of San Diego and is our pick for where to stay if you’re visiting for the first time.
One of the neighborhood’s top attractions is Old Town San Diego Historic Park. Not only is it a stunning expanse of verdant land, but within its borders, you’ll find a myriad of historic structures.
Romantic Private Casita | Best Airbnb in Old Town
Located in the heart of Old Town is this little cottage home. Besides the excellent location this home has, there is a hot tub you can dip your feet in after a long day exploring the insane beaches in San Diego. And in the morning, enjoy your cup of joe in the peaceful courtyard. It is simple but quaint, and you can’t beat the location! It’s just footsteps away from the trolly and impeccable cafes you have to try.
ITH Zoo Hostel San Diego | Best Hostel in Old Town
A hop, skips and a jump from Old Town is the ITH Zoo Hostel. This great property is close to San Diego attractions, including San Diego Zoo, as well as bars, restaurants and shops. It has colourful rooms and bright décor. Guests can enjoy breakfast and pizza almost every day of the week!
The Pearl Hotel San Diego | Best Hotel in Old Town
The Pearl Hotel is a charming and modern three-star hotel. It is conveniently located in San Diego and is close to many of the city’s top tourist attractions. This hotel has a fantastic bar, a wonderful dining room, and a fabulous outdoor swimming pool. It has 23 comfortable and well-equipped rooms.
The Dana on Mission Bay | Best Hotel in Old Town
Modern and luxurious, The Dana on Mission Bay is a stunning place to stay in San Diego. This three-star hotel is ideally situated near the Mission Bay and Old Town neighborhoods. It has comfortable and spacious rooms, contemporary amenities and a myriad of wellness features, including a swimming pool, Jacuzzi and gym.
Things to See and Do in Old Town
- Visit the Junipero Serra Museum to see exhibits and displays on the life and history of Old Town.
- Wander throughout San Diego Historic Park.
- See the San Diego Courthouse, which dates back to the early 19th century.
- Catch an American football game at Qualcomm Stadium.
- Watch a live performance at the Theatre in Old Town.
- Enjoy incredible Mexican fare at Casa De Reyes.
- Pack a picnic and enjoy a relaxing day in Presidio Park.
- Visit the Whaley House Museum, which is rumoured to be the most haunted house in America.
2. Gaslamp Quarter – Best Place to Stay in San Diego on a Budget
The Gaslamp Quarter is one of the oldest neighborhoods in central San Diego. It was once home to the red light district as well as seedy casinos and untamed saloons.
In the 1970s and 80s, the area underwent redevelopment, and today, it is one of the most exciting parts of the city. Thanks to the 100 restored Victorian-era buildings, it still retains much of its original charm.
The Gaslamp Quarter is also where you’ll find a great selection of affordable accommodations. With everything from backpacker hostels to boutique hotels, this area of the city is packed with options for every budget.
Luxury Urban Oasis | Best Airbnb in Gaslamp Quarter
A hop skip and a jump away from Gaslamp is this beautiful loft that also happens to be centrally located, where you have easy access to cafes and the convention centre. With a brand new bed to sleep on for couples and single travellers alike, but just in case you have more accompanying you on your travels, this space accommodates up to 6 people. Cool off in this loft after walking around the blazing city of San Diego. That’s right, good ol’A/C!
Gaslamp Hostel | Best Hostel in Gaslamp Quarter
Gaslamp Hostel is located at the heart of the Gaslamp Quarter as the name suggests! It boasts a fun environment with period features and an outdoor dining area. At this hostel, guests can enjoy a variety of group activities, free breakfast and discounted bike rentals. This is our choice of where to stay in the Gaslamp Quarter.
Hard Rock Hotel San Diego | Best Hotel in Gaslamp Quarter
A great location, stylish décor, and a lavish rooftop pool are just a few of the reasons we love this hotel. Located in the heart of downtown, this hotel is close to popular tourist attractions, bars and restaurants. It has large rooms, modern amenities, and an on-site sauna and Jacuzzi.
Ramada Gaslamp/Convention Center | Best Hotel in Gaslamp Quarter
Classic and comfortable, the Ramada Gaslamp/Convention Centre is a great base for your time in the city. It is close to iconic landmarks and tourist attractions as well as shopping, restaurants and bars. This hotel has 99 unique rooms, each outfitted with cable/satellite TVs and private bathrooms. There is also an on-site lounge and restaurant. It may not have rooms with private hot tubs, but it’s still relaxing and luxurious.
Things to See and Do in Gaslamp Quarter
- Visit the U.S.S. Midway, an aircraft carrier-turned-museum that offers tours hosted by veterans.
- Enjoy a few drinks at Karl Strauss.
- Catch a Padres baseball game at Petco Park.
- Sip a glass of wine at Vin de Syrah.
- Sink your teeth into a succulent burger at Searsucker.
- Browse the stacks at the San Diego Central Library.
- Enjoy a relaxing afternoon of people watching in Gaslamp Quarter Park, a small square with good views.
- Dine on delicious and filling dishes at barleymash.
3. Downtown – Best Place to Stay in San Diego for Nightlife
For an incredible night on the town, there’s no better neighborhood than Downtown San Diego. The heart, soul and centre of the city, Downtown San Diego is packed with great restaurants, lively bars, thriving clubs and cosy cafes. No matter your style, budget or taste in music, there’s a great nightlife option for every traveller Downtown.
For an unforgettable night out, head to the Onyx Room. This club plays good music, pours great drinks and has a vibrant dancefloor and atmosphere.
If you’re looking for something a little bit quieter, visit Waterfront. One of the oldest drinking holes in San Diego, this is where you can enjoy a night of good drinks and great conversation.
Downtown San Diego Condo | Best Airbnb in Downtown
This home is both historic and elegant with a canvas atmosphere everywhere you look. This rental gives you a heavenly experience like a home away from home above the city. Besides the fact that while staying here, you will feel like royalty this home sits right next to many restaurants, bars, with the best nightlife! It’s ideal for travellers that want to spend most of the time out exploring and getting to know the local pubs. With room for 4, it’s a great spot for families, small groups and couples.
HI San Diego – Downtown | Best Hostel in Downtown
Free breakfast, a great location and comfortable rooms are just a few of the reasons we love this hostel. It is centrally located in Downtown San Diego and is just steps away from the city’s best bars, shops and restaurants. It has a full kitchen, free linens, and a game room with billiards and arcade games.
Best Western Cabrillo Garden Inn | Best Hotel in Downtown
The Best Western Cabrillo Garden is ideally located at the heart of San Diego. It is close to popular tourist attractions and is within walking distance of San Diego’s best pubs, clubs and eateries. This hotel boasts a sun deck, free wifi and a large terrace. The rooms have coffee machines, refrigerators and air-conditioning.
Best Western Plus Bayside Inn | Best Hotel in Downtown
Located in Little Italy, the Best Western Plus Bayside Inn is our pick for where to stay in Downtown San Diego. Not only is it close to the city’s most popular eateries, cafes, bars and shops, but it has amazing views of the harbour. This hotel boasts a relaxing Jacuzzi, a fitness centre and a stunning swimming pool.
Things to See and Do in Downtown
- Climb to the top of the Hyatt and enjoy spectacular sights as you sip delicious cocktails.
- Enjoy great cocktails in an urbane setting at The Noble Experiment.
- Choose from a wide selection of local and international beers at Monkey Paw Pub & Brewery.
- Sip cocktails at Prohibition San Diego, a super-secret speakeasy.
- Down a pint at the Dubliner, an authentic Irish pub in the heart of San Diego.
- Marvel at the incredible views from the Nolan, a stunning rooftop bar and lounge.
- Have a drink and enjoy the atmosphere at Cuban Cigar Factory.
- Dance the night away at the Onyx Room.
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Get Yours Here Read Our Review4. North Park – The coolest neighborhood in San Diego
North Park is far and away one of the coolest neighborhoods in the city. Famous for its laid-back atmosphere and vibrant street art, North Park is packed with hip hangouts and quirky cafes.
A haven for foodies, North Park is home to a wide range of incredible restaurants. Whether you’re craving tacos, sushi, American fare or seafood, your taste buds are sure to be pleased in this part of the city.
Are you a culture vulture? Look no further. North Park is located within walking distance of the North Park Theatre, Balboa Park, and the Ray Street Arts District.
Garden View Studio | Best Airbnb in North Park
Stay right on the edge of Balboa Park a few minutes from the zoo and downtown district this home is placed in a prime location for all the San Diego attractions. Get cosy on the couch and relax or head out into the beautiful leafy garden for some alfresco dining. Have to work while travelling? No problem, there’s a private desk for your convenience!
Berkshire Motor Hotel | Best Budget Accommodations in North Park
The Berkshire Motel Hotel is your best option for budget accommodations in trendy North Park. This comfortable and quaint three-star motel hotel is centrally located. It is close to boutiques, bars and San Diego’s best nightlife. This is my favorite of all the motels in San Diego: clean rooms, comfortable beds, and free wifi throughout.
The Lafayette Hotel Swim Club & Bungalows | Best Hotel in North Park
A central location, relaxed rooms, and plenty of features – it’s no wonder the Lafayette Hotel is our pick for where to stay in North Park. This great three-star hotel has a wide selection of wellness features, including a swimming pool, a fitness centre, and an outdoor terrace.
Things to See and Do in North Park
- Eat fresh and delicious tacos at City Tacos.
- Satisfy your sweet tooth at Hammond’s Gourmet Ice Cream.
- Wander through Balboa Park, where you’ll find more than 16 museums, performing arts venues, gardens, trails and beyond.
- Take a self-guided pub and food crawl along 30th Street.
- See incredible works of art by local artists and creatives in the Ray Street Art District.
- Enjoy a night of craft beer and old arcade games at Coin-Op Game Room,
- Down a pint at the hip and casual True North Tavern.
- Sample a variety of different dishes at Chop Suey.
5. Ocean Beach – Best Place to Stay in San Diego for Families
Ocean Beach is a fun and funky neighborhood located outside the city centre. This casual borough boasts a retro flair and is where you can find a great selection of unique shops, restaurants, cafes and crowds. With vibrant street art and quirky characters, there’s plenty to keep you occupied in Ocean Beach.
Our pick for where to stay for families, Ocean Beach is well-connected to some of San Diego’s most famous attractions. It is located just a short drive from Belmont Park, Sunset Cliffs and Ocean Beach Pier.
Fancy a little sun, surf and sand on your vacation? Ocean Beach is home to a number of seaside locales perfect for relaxing, swimming and playing in the sand.
Ocean front condo | Best Airbnb in Ocean Beach
Within footsteps to the sand, this Instagram worthy home is the best deal around, you can’t beat the location for the price point. It’s oceanfront and spacious for the whole family. Plus, it’s walking distance to restaurants, microbreweries, and all the shopping your heart desires. You’ll love the bright and clean home in the mornings with the sun shining through to get you up and productive for the day ahead!
Samesun Ocean Beach | Best Hostel in Ocean Beach
Located at the heart of Ocean Beach, this hostel is surrounded by restaurants, bars and shops. It is a short walk from the beach and is very close to top tourist attractions. This hostel hosts a number of fun group activities each week, including yoga classes, bonfires and pub crawls. It also offers a free breakfast every morning.
Ocean Villa Inn | Best Hotel in Ocean Beach
The Ocean Villa Inn is a fantastic three-star hotel in Ocean Beach. It is conveniently located for exploring the neighborhood and is close to top San Diego attractions. This hotel has 46 air-conditioned rooms, a fitness club, an outdoor swimming pool, and a number of other great features.
The Inn at Sunset Cliffs | Best Hotel in Ocean Beach
The Inn at Sunset Cliffs is a wonderful three-star hotel – and our recommendation for where to stay in Ocean Beach. It has an outdoor heated pool, spacious rooms and even a golf course. Every room has its own kitchenette, a luxurious bathroom, and a myriad of modern amenities.
Things to See and Do in Ocean Beach
- Shop for fruits, vegetables, sweets and treats at the Ocean Beach Farmers Market.
- Take a walk along the more than 600 meters long OB Pier, one of the most famous places to visit in San Diego.
- Spot crustaceans and sea anemones in the Ocean Beach Tidepools.
- Visit Newport Avenue Beach where you can paddle out into the waves and try to hang ten.
- Take a walk along the Sunset Cliffs and watch the sun dip below the horizon.
- Build sandcastles and play in the sand at Voltaire Street Beach.
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Hide Yo’ Money!FAQs about Finding a Place to Stay in San Diego
Here’s what people usually ask us about the areas of San Diego and where to stay.
What To Pack For San Diego
Pants, socks, underwear, soap?! Take it from me, packing for a hostel stay is not always quite as straightforward as it seems. Working out what to bring and what to leave at home is an art I have perfected over many years.
Ear Plugs
Snoring dorm-mates can ruin your nights rest and seriously damage the hostel experience. This is why I always travel with a pack of decent ear plugs.
Hanging Laundry Bag
Trust us, this is an absolute game changer. Super compact, a hanging mesh laundry bag stops your dirty clothes from stinking, you don’t know how much you need one of these… so just get it, thank us later.
Sea To Summit Micro Towel
Hostel towels are scummy and take forever to dry. Microfibre towels dry quickly, are compact, lightweight, and can be used as a blanket or yoga mat if need be.
Monopoly Deal
Forget about Poker! Monopoly Deal is the single best travel card game that we have ever played. Works with 2-5 players and guarantees happy days.
Grayl Geopress Water Bottle
Always travel with a water bottle! They save you money and reduce your plastic footprint on our planet. The Grayl Geopress acts as a purifier AND temperature regulator. Boom!
Check out my definitive Hotel Packing list for even more top packing tips!
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance for San Diego
You can’t always prepare for everything. But if you have good travel insurance, you’re off to a good start!
ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing.
They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.
SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!
Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.
Final Thoughts on Where to Stay in San Diego
San Diego is a great city with so much to offer travellers. From a rich and storied history to a diverse culture and exciting food scene, it is certainly worth your time and hard-earned travel dollars!
If you’re still not sure where to stay in San Diego, we’ll quickly recap our top picks.
For cost-conscious travellers, we recommend HI San Diego – Downtown. Not only is it located at the centre of the city, but it has modern amenities and free breakfast. It’s also an incredibly social hostel that hosts planned outings and fun activities each day.
The Inn at Sunset Cliffs is also a great choice for your time in San Diego. It’s comfortable and contemporary and well-situated for visiting San Diego’s top attractions.
Have we missed anything? Let us know in the comments below.
- Check out our ultimate guide backpacking around San Diego.
- Figured out where you wanna stay? Now it’s time to pick the perfect hostel in San Diego.
- Or… maybe you want to check out some Airbnbs in San Diego instead.
- Next up you’re gonna need to know all the best places to visit in San Diego to plan your trip.
- Planning out an itinerary for San Diego is a great way to maximise your time.
- Save yourself hassle and money and get an international sim card for USA.
- Swing by our super epic backpacking packing list to prep for your trip.
Buy Us a Coffee!
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