Do you have any tips for visiting San Diego?

Question

My husband and I may end up moving there, so we were thinking about visiting the area for 5 days in December. What should we check out? We're interested in nightlife, but also other attractions, good places to live downtown, etc. And what hotel should we stay in? (In a good location.)

Answer 1

I had stayed in San Diego for almost 2 months, February & March, earlier this year. I thought it would be a livable area for me. I tried living first with family friends.

I stayed first in National City then in another place nearby. San Diego isnt like San Francisco which you can immediately follow through the map. I was able to go around in San Francisco with a map & ride in buses. In San Diego, even residents of that place for 20 years wouldnt know other places here. They just know their vicinity. I bought 2 maps with me. However, it was the 3rd map which is complete, however, it is too small to be read by the naked eye. You have to have a magnifying lens to appreciate it.

To get yourself organize & see a bird's eyeview of the place. Riding the trolley helped me visualized what the total feature of San Diego is. Ride all trolley rides. There are buses at most trolley stops. Be sure that you park your car in a safe place! The Ralphs over at National City is not a nice place to park. A friend whose car was parked over there had his car windows broken. But this is just a one in a million case.

I prioritized this first as my goal then going to other places of interests as my goal. There are places there which is not accessible to buses. National City is a place where rental is quite lower than other parts of San Diego. A family friend who lives just across Paradise Valley Hospital rents a 2 bedroom apartment worth $700++ a month. It is accessible to buses. The La Jolla area is quite expensive having the UCSD
( University of California-San Diego) over there. I knew a friend who rents there costing him a little over $1,000. My nieces rent over there, approximately $400 per head, it will cheaper, that is is 5 of you will stay together in 1 house. They are students of UCSD.

The San DIEGO must see places are San Diego Zoo, The Sea World, Balboa Park, Coronado ( see one of the tallest bridge there which shows you the spectacular view of the area & the beaches, this bridge had been awarded because of its structure, you can go to Hotel Coronado, which is one of the most beautiful hotel not only in the USA but in the whole world). If you have more time go to Carlsbad & see the flower plantation over there, strawberry fields & Legoland.

Harbor view is a nice area. I had been to the Mariott Hotel & it offers a spectacular view of the area. This would definitely be cheaper than Hotel Coronado. If you want to stay here then you have to asked to be checked in with the beautiful view of the harbor view.

El Centro is an hour's drive from San Diego. The rental is lower here. My cousin is renting a 3 bedroom room with a big background & big living room for only $900.00 This is the only area I had visited which has a 24 hour Walmart. The problem , is that it doesn have the fair weather of San Diego.

Answer 2

Those are all great answers, and good suggestions for things to do in SD.

I think that it's difficult to mix a pleasure trip with a "business" trip (i.e., a trip finding a potential place to live). There are so many other factors to consider when choosing your next place to live, and it's very difficult to get a good sense of a place when you're only there for a few days. So I'd suggest starting off with Internet research on San Diego before seriously considering moving here. Then, the job search is also important. You probably wouldn't want to buy a house and then find a job one and a half hours away...that would be a barbaric commute.

I love living in San Diego, but the price of housing is verrrrry high here, unless you are coming from somewhere like the Bay Area, where the cost of housing is even higher. But it's higher than most places. I think it's worth it, because people in San Diego are friendly, there are lots of restaurants and attractions and a good school (UCSD), great weather, and we're right by the coast - but the cost of living is definitely something to take into consideration before planning a move.

The commute here can be difficult, depending on where your job is located and where you live. It's not as bad as L.A., definitely, but traffic on the 5 during rush hour is horrendous. Anyway, once you have a preliminary idea of where you might want to work, and the types of neighborhoods in San Diego that you are looking for (e.g., family friendly with good schools vs. exciting nightlife vs. close to UCSD), you can narrow down which places you want to visit when choosing your next place to live.

I would suggest just enjoying this trip, taking it slow, doing some more research, and then looking at specific neighborhoods when you have a more targeted list. SD is a very large place, and there might not be much time for sightseeing if you are canvassing the county for good neighborhoods.

Enjoy your trip!

Answer 3

I would arrange to stay at a hotel in the Hotel Circle area. That way, you're not too far away from everything there is to see in San Diego. As you've already mentioned, definitely stop by the San Diego Zoo, Sea World, Balboa Park (plenty of museums and plays at the Old Globe Theater), Old Town (home of the haunted Whaley House), and perhaps a stroll down the Gaslamp District in downtown San Diego. If the weather allows, don't forget a day at the beach. You got Mission Beach, Pacific Beach, and La Jolla. Nightlife - If you're downtown, On Broadway, Deco's, Ole Madrid, Onyx, Aubergines, and E Street Alley are nice places to go clubbing. If you're not into worry about dressing up, Pacific Beach has plenty of dive bars and places to hang out. Pacific Beach Bar & Grill, Tavern, Typhoon, and Johnny V's are among the more popular hangouts.

Answer 4

I'd agree with pretty much everything people have already said. If you can afford it, stay at the Hotel del Coronado, or for a hotel smack in the Gaslamp district, the Horton Grand Hotel is quaint, cute, and has (sort of) reasonable rates (check in early and ask to see the room -- each room is different and it does matter where it's located).

Although housing prices are outrageous here, there has been a lot of overbuilding in central San Diego and prices are coming down. Shop around and you may be able to get a better price than you were expecting.

Answer 5

Gas-lamp area of downtown is a blast,,, Tons of good to great restaurants... Dancing is fun at rock bottom or Moose Mcgillacuddy's, just to name a few... Seaport village isn't far from the Gas Lamp area you'll have to have a horse drawn carriage ride starting at sea port village... Old town is a good spot to visit, eat, shop... Sea World is a very San Diego like attraction as is the zoo at Balboa Park... Spanish village and the museums... December can have warm days and very cool nights once the sun goes down... little to no moisture to hold in the heat of the day... Belmont Park has a roller coaster... La Jolla and Coronado are the expensive parts of town but fun to explore... I could go on and on... San Diego has a lot to offer,,, Many plays to choose from... Bout an hour, hour and a half north is Disneyland... Enjoy...

Answer 6

Well I used to live there (years). It might be showering a little bit, but unlikely. Rancho Bernardo is an excellent place (that's where I lived.) I'm not so sure about the hotels because I just lived in my house. Escondido is a bit more crowded, but has great malls. Sea World is pretty awesome, but I personally think it would be worth the money only if you had kids to take-they enjoy it the most, but the price may be a little expensive.
Make sure to check out the beach in Mission Bay, (its like connected to Sea World same water area). The Mission Bay beach is small, not crowded, and very clean. Or you could check out Laguna Beach, Dana Point, and others. I've been to a lot of them after living there for 10+ years. Some beaches, however have lots of trash, the water is like brown, and its just a bad beach. I suggest moving to Rancho Bernardo, because if you have kids (or plan to have some) their school district is good. The elementary school is Westwood, and the Middle school is Bernardo Heights. Thats the one I went to. Anyways, I wish you luck!
p.s. Rancho Bernardo isn't downtown. If you want to live in a citycity, then maybe Escondido would work for you.

Answer 7

It's dubbed America's finest city. It's not but close to being perfection.

December is generally cool. There could be rain. But it has spring like weather throughout the year except when the Artic blasts come down the North American continent and hit San Diego. Hopefully not.

Hotel del Coronado if the weather is nice. Also Aviara in Carlsbad is a deluxe hotel.

There are so many nice places to stay. You might want to be in La Jolla downtown.

Good luck moving there, really is one of the best places to live in the US.

Answer 8

got to see the gaslamp are of downtown its the best for night life. seaport village good place to visit and balboa park lots of museums there. The shores along la jolla are very romantic for an evening stroll. so much to see. as for hotel location lots of nice ones in mission valley and its pretty central or the hotel del coronado, old and famous, if you want the best experience. google these spots for pics and info. hope this helps.

Answer 9

The hotels in Hotel Circle are centrally located to visit the different areas of San Diego. However, it is nice to stay on the beach. You should be able to get some good hotel rates in December. Try the online booking sites and then call the hotels directly. Sometimes I get the best rates by calling the hotel.

These San Diego Beach hotels are located directly on the beach. You will not need to walk down the block or catch a shuttle to get to the beach. You can step outside the hotel onto the sandy beach. See panoramic sunsets right from your hotel. Walk hand-in-hand along the beach.

Coronado Island
Coronado Island is a beautiful beach community located just south of downtown San Diego. The island is surrounded by Glorietta Bay on one side and the Pacific Ocean on the other. You can access the island via the San Diego-Coronado Bay Bridge or use the ferry service from downtown San Diego.

1. Hotel Del Coronado is the crown jewel on Coronado Island. The historic San Diego beach hotel was built in 1888. The luxurious Victorian atmosphere of the Hotel Del Coronado creates the ideal setting for a romantic getaway that is unsurpassed. You will enjoy every amenity you can think of. They have several swimming pools including one that is reserved for adults only where you can rent a private cabana and enjoy a poolside massage.




La Jolla
La Jolla is an upscale beach community located north of downtown San Diego. It is known for its panoramic ocean views, beautiful bluffs overlooking the waters, unique shopping, and fine dining.

2. Sea Lodge at La Jolla Shores is located on La Jolla Shores Beach in La Jolla. You can sunbathe on the beach, relax by the pool, unwind in the Jacuzzi, or enjoy a bonfire on the beach. You might want to take a romantic stroll down the palm-tree-lined boardwalk from this San Diego beach hotel to the Scripps Pier. Whatever you do, the fresh ocean breezes and panoramic views will set the mood for romance. One of the most romantic restaurants in San Diego, The Marine Room, is located on the premises. Dine with the ocean waves just inches from the window.



Mission Bay
Mission Bay Park is a magnificent park with numerous resorts, water activites and restaurants. You can enjoy miles of biking trails and the miles of beaches along with beautiful views of Mission Bay.

3. Hilton San Diego Resort Enjoy the fireworks display over Sea World from this resort on Mission Bay. This San Diego beach hotel has a variety of watersports available right at the hotel dock including jet skis, sailboats, and motorboats.

4. Hyatt Regency Islandia You can wake up to the sounds of sea lions on the docks or watch the fireworks over Sea World from the balcony of your room. This hotel is currently undergoing a major renovation. Ask when you make reservations how this might affect your stay.

5. Paradise Point Resort This is a beautifully landscaped 44 acre island on Mission Bay. The rooms are single level bungalow-style buildings in a tropical setting. This is known as a family resort, but they do have an adult only swimming pool. Get a room facing the bay. It's more romantic and more private.


Pacific Beach
Pacific Beach is an informal beach community blessed with gorgeous sandy beaches. You can also have fun shopping at PB's unique boutique shops and dining at the more than hundred and fifty restaurants and cafes. Enjoy dancing, live music, and laid-back beach bars. Or walk, skate, or bicycle on the path that follows the beach.

6. Best Western Blue Sea Lodge is located on the sand at San Diego's popular Pacific Beach. This a great location with lots of activities within walking distance. This San Diego beach hotel offers many rooms with ocean views.

7. Catamaran Resort The beach in front of the hotel is along the shores of Mission Bay, but a short walk across the street takes you to Pacific Beach along the ocean shore. One of the nice features of this hotel is nightly trips back and forth across the bay on the Bahia Belle, a historic sternwheeler. Listen to live music, sip drinks, and enjoy being on the bay. This is complimentary for guests of the resort.

8. Crystal Pier is a unique San Diego beach hotel located on the historic Crystal Pier which was built in 1927. The hotel is actually built on the pier, letting you sleep over the ocean waves. There are not a lot of hotel services, but you are right in the center of action at Pacific Beach.

9. Pacific Terrace is a boutique hotel located right on the beach. Most rooms enjoy ocean views. You can swim in the pool or relax in the jacuzzi overlooking the ocean. Open the gate and stroll down the boardwalk or out onto the beach. This hotel has a complimentary breakfast as well as an evening wine hour. They pamper you at this hotel with wonderful service, which includes leaving chocolates when they turn down your bed.


These are the best San Diego Beach Hotels. San Diego has many fabulous hotels, but most of them are not located on the beach. If you are looking for a hotel on the beach, these are the best you will find. Check around for the best prices because there are some great deals to be found.

Answer 10

Seaworld, Balboa park. Loved that town but it was so overcrowded I had to move when I got out of the navy. Easy day trips to TJ for shopping. Lots to do in the area.