Where is the best area to stay in San Diego?
The best area to stay in San Diego is in the heart of the city, in the Gaslamp Quarter. This area has a host of great amenities such as restaurants, cafes and bars, along with some great hotels. You’ll be within walking distance of attractions like the USS Midway Museum and Petco Park with its ballpark and stadium. Public buses run from the Gaslamp area to the San Diego Zoo and Balboa Park, as well as La Jolla Cove, a popular place to see seals. Boat tours and cruises leave from the nearby marina.
Sandy palm fringed beaches, great parks and sun-drenched days out – it’s not hard to see why San Diego is so popular. Art galleries, museums and gardens are plentiful in this Californian city. Stroll through the enormous Balboa Park and visit the renowned San Diego Zoo. Or, why not take the kids to world famous attractions like Legoland or SeaWorld? If that’s not enough, there’s paddle boarding, kayaking and surfing at the many beaches surrounding the city. At night, you’ll find great Mexican cuisine and fresh seafood in the city’s restaurants and a thriving nightlife at the vibrant Gaslamp Quarter.
This downtown neighborhood of San Diego close to the City Convention Center has made a name for itself for its vibrant nightlife. Visitors will find plenty of clubs and bars that attract a young crowd, so it is the best area to stay for visitors who enjoy a night on the town. More sedate activities include the Spreckels and Balboa Theaters offering music as well as comedy and drama. The restaurants include both independents and national chain alternatives. Horton Plaza Park is a great place to relax by day before the night activities with shopping alternatives to satisfy everyone.
Around Gaslamp quarter, the downtown area has many activities on offer. The central place to go here is the Horton Plaza, a massive outdoor shopping complex featuring restaurants, shops and cafes as well as a great nightlife scene. The further away from the Gaslamp quarter, the cheaper hotels become, but prices are quite steep because of the central nature of the location. This is a perfect area for all kinds of holidays as there are family friendly activities including a Children’s Museum, as well as fun bars and clubs for younger travellers. The area is charming with its Victorian architectural styles and there is always plenty to see and do here.
This is a very budget friendly area with cheaper hotels available. The location is still fantastic and has easy access to the main city centre. The upscale Fashion Valley mall will delight shopaholics and there are plenty of walking tracks to get out and enjoy the sunshine.
For the younger crowds looking for a party destination, this is the place. Staying fit and active while on holiday is easy here with stunning water side paved tracks perfect for walking, jogging or skating. Surfing is a lot of fun here for beginners through to experienced surfers. Belmont Park has amazing carnival rides and a 100-year old roller coaster called the Giant Dipper. Staying here is affordable and fun and there are hotels and hostels to cater for a range of budgets.
North of the downtown area, this is one of the city’s most visited neighbourhoods. The parklands offer beautiful garden spaces which make for a perfect atmosphere for an afternoon stroll or family picnic. This is also where the San Diego Zoo is which houses nearly 4,000 animals. Other attractions include the Old Globe Theatre and popular San Diego museums. Accommodation here is comfortable and affordable. Even if you don’t stay in this area, you will certainly pay it a visit while in San Diego.
South of downtown, this is the home of Hispanic culture and community which creates a vibrant multicultural atmosphere. There are plenty of authentic Mexican eateries and a flourishing arts scene in Chicano Park. Staying here will be an excellent cultural immersion experience and a unique way to spend a holiday in San Diego.
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