Beach or downtown?

Question

We are a couple in our late 30's from Australia doing a roadtrip around California. We've got two nights in San Diego in early August (arrive Monday leave Wednesday).

We were going to stay at The Pendry in the Gaslamp, but given they are Monday and Tuesday nights I'm rethinking this option.

We're not really interested in sightseeing, rather going to the beach to swim, doing a bit of hiking, and walking around exploring neighborhoods and eating out / going to bars.

Would La Jolla be a better option, or another beach area like Pacific Beach (although I've read that it is a bit more a college crowd)?

Edited: 2 years ago

Answer

Given your interests—swimming at the beach, light hiking, exploring neighborhoods, and enjoying food and bars—choosing the right area to stay in San Diego depends on the balance you want between beach access and nightlife.

Gaslamp / Downtown San Diego: Staying at The Pendry in the Gaslamp Quarter puts you in the heart of the city’s nightlife and dining scene. On Monday and Tuesday nights, the area will be quieter than weekends, but you’ll still have easy access to restaurants, bars, and a walkable urban environment. However, beaches are not within immediate walking distance, so you would need to drive or use a ride share to reach popular beaches like La Jolla or Pacific Beach.

La Jolla: La Jolla is excellent for a more relaxed, scenic stay with a focus on the beach. You can enjoy swimming, kayaking, or snorkeling at La Jolla Shores, and the area has beautiful hiking trails like the Torrey Pines State Reserve nearby. Dining options are upscale and casual, with good seafood, wine bars, and cafes. La Jolla is quieter at night than the Gaslamp, so it’s ideal if you prefer a more low-key evening scene.

Pacific Beach / Mission Beach: These areas offer a younger, more energetic vibe, with bars and casual restaurants along the boardwalk. PB can feel college-heavy, especially during summer, but it also gives you direct beach access and a lively atmosphere. It’s good if you enjoy social beach scenes and don’t mind a busier, sometimes louder environment.

Gaslamp: Central location for nightlife and dining, less convenient for beach activities.
La Jolla: Beautiful beaches, great for swimming and hiking, more relaxed nightlife.
Pacific Beach: Lively, social beach scene, young crowd, casual dining, direct beach access.

For your two-night stay in early August, if your priority is beach time and light hiking with relaxed evenings, La Jolla is likely the best choice. If nightlife and easy access to many restaurants and bars are more important, Gaslamp is still convenient, but you’ll need a car or ride to hit the beaches. Pacific Beach is best if you want to combine beach activities with a younger, lively vibe.

Beach or downtown?

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