Traveling with a 5 year old

Question

Hi, I’m traveling to San Diego with my 5 year old son at the end of February. Haven’t found a hotel in San Diego with good reviews. Gaslamp quarter seems to be too noisy due to night life, I want to avoid poor areas w/homeless and people w/substance abuse. Which area or hotels would you recommend? 3 nights only.

Answer

For a short family trip to San Diego with a 5-year-old, safety, convenience, and family-friendly amenities are key considerations. The Gaslamp Quarter, as you noted, is lively at night and may not be ideal with a young child due to noise and pedestrian traffic. There are several other neighborhoods that offer a safer and more relaxed environment while still providing good access to San Diego’s main attractions.

Recommended areas to consider:

La Jolla: An upscale coastal area with beautiful beaches, parks, and safe streets. Hotels and resorts here are generally family-friendly and have pools. Attractions include La Jolla Cove, tide pools, and kid-friendly walking paths. It’s quieter and very suitable for a 5-year-old.
Mission Bay / Pacific Beach: Close to the beach and family-friendly attractions like Belmont Park amusement area. There are mid-range hotels and vacation rentals that cater to families. This area is lively during the day but quieter at night compared to Gaslamp.
Mission Hills / Hillcrest: These neighborhoods are central, safe, and quieter than downtown. They are close to Balboa Park, San Diego Zoo, and other attractions, making it easy to drive or Uber to points of interest. Some boutique hotels and Airbnbs are available in these areas.
Coronado: A short drive or ferry from downtown San Diego, Coronado is very safe, has beautiful beaches, and family-friendly hotels. The Hotel del Coronado is iconic and has a large pool, beach access, and kid-friendly amenities.

Family-friendly hotel recommendations for 3 nights:

Hotel del Coronado: Large resort with beach access, pools, and kid-friendly activities. Ideal for families and very safe.
La Jolla Shores Hotel: Small beachfront hotel with great views, safe location, and access to kid-friendly beaches.
Catamaran Resort Hotel and Spa (Mission Bay): Family-friendly, pool, direct beach access, and quiet in the evenings.
Pacific Terrace Hotel (Pacific Beach): Oceanfront, safe, clean, and close to family attractions like Belmont Park.

Other considerations:

For a 3-night stay, proximity to attractions you want to visit—like the San Diego Zoo, SeaWorld, or beaches—may outweigh being right downtown.
Booking early in popular areas like La Jolla or Coronado is recommended for February, as winter can still be busy with family travelers.
Parking and car rental: If you plan to drive, most hotels in these neighborhoods have parking. Otherwise, Uber/Lyft can be used but some areas are less dense in public transport.

Summary: For a short, family-focused stay with a young child, Coronado or La Jolla are ideal for safety and beach access, while Mission Bay offers a balance of activities and family-friendly hotels. Avoid Gaslamp Quarter for overnight stays due to nightlife noise and higher foot traffic.

Traveling with a 5 year old

More San Diego Travel Questions

The attractions mentioned in this question

Popular Destinations

Popular Travel Questions